I get asked to do different top ten lists often – ones for people with dietetic restrictions, one for specific types of noodles, etc. The return of the Japan list should satisfy those who have wanted it to return. The problem with the Japan list is that Japanese varieties often come and go very quickly like the seasons; they are to be enjoyed and then remembered. Hopefully you’ll be able to find most of these, but if not it is because of this reason. This list is comprised of my ten favorite varieties from Japan out of my reviews up to number 4,400. If you’re in Japan and have varieties you think I should try or are a manufacturer there, please contact me. With that, here is The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Japanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Japanese Instant Noodles Of All time 2023 Edition
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The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Japanese Instant Noodles Of All time 2023 Edition
#10: Higashimaru Seafood Sara Udon
This is truly unique. Sara udon starts off and a crunchy noodle. A saucy mixture with meat and vegetables is poured over. As the meal ensues, you go from the crunchy texture to a soft one. It’s really quite good and I highly recommend this textural experience. Original review
#9: Marutai Kumamoto Tonkotsu Ramen
Floury noodles have a gauge and chew like no other – just right. Broth is as thick and luxurious as can be, with a spicy hint and garlic notes dancing in the pork flavor. Beautiful! Original review | Get it here
#8: Nissin Gyoretsu-no-Dekiru-Mise-no-Ramen (Shrimp Tantanmen)
Talk about amazing. Now, on most of these bowls, you’ll notice I’ve added my own garnishes. I don’t count them in my reviewing – everything is reviewed prior to any additions I make. This is one where I’ve added nothing and just look at it! This one had very good noodles to start off. The broth was a very thick prawn infused decadent flavor spectacle. Then there’s the little crunchy topping and the other garnish they provide and this is just amazing stuff. Original review
#7: Marutai Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
The noodles came out just right – nice firmness and chew with that groovy flouriness Hakata ramen noodle have. The broth is luxuriant – nice and thick with a rich pork flavor and garlic taste. Just top notch tonkotsu. Original review | Get it here
#6: Itsuki Kumamoto Red Spicy Ramen
A wonderful straight noodle is married to a lush and flavorful tonkotsu. The oil sets it off – very flavorful with just the right spiciness. Original review | Get it here
#5: Myojo HYBRID X Scallop x Chicken NOODLEVOICE Rich Scallop Soba
The noodles are quite nicely hydrated. The have a sturdy chew and good quality – very good there. Broth is definitely a marriage of chicken and scallop and works well. I particularly likes the aroma of the hot broth as it filled my nose. The chashu was tasty, but as always there’s never enough. Included bits of onion were quite good – all around a nice premium bowl. Original review
#4: Seven&I Premium/Myojo Ryu Shanghai Spicy Miso Ramen
This was a colossal bowl, worthy of song and tribute. The noodle is absolutely gorgeously – perfect gauge and chew and hydrated to a T. The broth, when augmented with a little stir of that reddish blob in the middle, becomes nice and spicy and gives incalculable benefit to the base red miso broth. The little sachet f seaweed gives everything another layer of flavor. This is pretty epic stuff – the narutomaki and chashu were on point, and menma is ubiquitous. Original review
#3: Nishiyama Seimen Miso Ramen
Noodles are just exquisite – perfect tooth. Broth has a nice and rich miso flavor and a great oiliness. Excellent! Original review
#2: Peyoung Kyushu Tonkotsu Yakisoba
The one minute cooking time was perfect. Noodle is light and thin. Included garnish and sauce were just perfect – a nice creamy tonkotsu flavor which I thoroughly enjoyed. Best Peyoung variety I’ve tried. Original review
#1: Ippudo Karaka Spicy Ramen
Noodle is thin with a great tooth – really nice. The broth is super tasty and downright yummy. Spiciness is a nice inclusion and not violent. The little mound of flavor is just like pure food lover candy – if you like Lao Gan Ma, this is something completely different – but you’ll want to evangelize it to your friends. Just awesome. Original review
Special Announcements
The Ramen Rater Recipe Experiments
Ever thought of what you can make when instant noodles are an ingredient? Well, if not I have. A lot. I started with making breads last year – even breads with flour make from fried noodles that were ground into a fine powder. Logically, the next step was pizza – everyone likes pizza, right? Finally, I’ve done a few different ice creams. Check the Special Features section to see all of these experiments!
Definitive Guides
This year, I’ve decided to do a special series called Definitive Guides. Recipes, trivia, history, and more on some of the most loved and fascinating varieties of instant noodles around the world! So far, I’ve got one on Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun, and Indomie’s Mi Goreng and Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice! Very recently, I released a Definitive Guide To Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup. Future guides will include MAMA Tom Yum, and more. My plan is do feature one or two products from each country.
Ramen Junkies
Ramen Junkies is a Facebook group devoted to the love of instant noodles. People share their recipes, thoughts, ideas and humor Join the conversation today – over 70,000 members strong!
A Petition To Benefit Those In Need
For the last few years, a thought has been bouncing around in my head. Why is there a spot to donate a dollar to elections on tax returns? I think that little spot can be better by donating a dollar or some set amount to Veterans who are living in poverty. At the end of tax season, the donations can go to all who qualify. I think that would be a good thing. I started a petition to do this, and if you’re in the USA, you can sign it here and please feel free to share it around! Thanks!
The Ramen Rater App For Android
The Ramen Rater App for Android has been given a whole new look and functionality. You can scan bar codes to see reviews I’ve done while at the store, peruse the top ten lists, and do simple searches. It’s really great – even a dark mode! Best of all it’s free and currently ad-free.
