I was approached by Maruchan recently asking if I’d like to review a couple additions to their Yakisoba Japanese Homestyle Noodles range. I’ve been reviewing them here and there for years, and thought since I have samples of their current range, why not go and do a special guide to the current varieties and ones that no longer exist. So, we’ll start with the current varieties and then go backwards after that to now discontinued varieties. Each one will have a link to the full review. I sent some questions to Maruchan regarding the initial release of these varieties and other things, but never got a reply. If I do, I’ll include these in this guide. Let’s check out all the Yakisoba varieties!
The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Maruchan Yakisoba
Current Range
Chicken
When you have a range of instant noodle products, chances are there’s going to be a chicken variety, and here is no different. Has that standard salty chicken flavor and a little garnish. Original review | Get it on Amazon | Company website
Cheddar Cheese
This one is interesting. Kind of like macaroni and cheese, however we have a long, almost egg noodle style flat vehicle for a cheese sauce. Original review | Get it on Amazon | Company website
Spicy Chicken
It’s exactly what you think it will be. A spicy chicken flavor noodle; not Korean style spicy levels, but a bump of heat to the standard chicken flavor. Original review | Get it on Amazon | Company website
Teriyaki Beef
I’m going to say this is a favorite. A sweet teriyaki flavor alongside decent noodles. I think this is probably the most popular – but I could be wrong. Original review | Get it on Amazon | Company website
Teriyaki Chicken
A different take on teriyaki – this time instead of beef, centering on chicken. Original review | Get it on Amazon | Company website
Korean BBQ
This one is interesting. I’ve gone to make Korean BBQ places and generally you wouldn’t find the standard sweet, savory sauce on noodles. But here the flavor works along with the noodle and is pretty accurate. Original review | Get it on Amazon | Company website
Fire Yakisoba
This one was interesting. It’s a nod to the spicy craze in instant noodles of our time. I will say it isn’t so hot that it’ll peel off the roof of your mouth, though. Original review | Get it on Amazon | Company website
Orange Chicken
This is indeed a new one, introduced summer 2024. Note in the title below that they’ve switched from Japanese Homestyle Noodles to Stir Fry Style Noodles. Has an orange chicken flavor to it, as advertised. Original review | Get it on Amazon | Company website
Chili Cheese
Of the two new additions to the range during summer 2024, this is my more favored of the two. It’s got that flat, broad noodle as the Cheddar does, along with a chili cheese flavor which is as expected and very tasty. Original review | Get it on Amazon | Company website
Retired Flavors
Beef Taco
This one was my 1000th review from way back! Original review
Jalapeno Cheddar
You’ll note once again when we’re talking cheese, they use a flat noodle. It’s Cheesy, It’s Easy! Original review
Four Cheese
Another flat noodle cheese version. Original review
Spicy Vegetable
I don’t even remember doing this one – wonder if it was Vegetarian friendly. Original review
Savory Soy Sauce
This is one without the cheese and utilizing the flatter noodle. Original review
Tomato & Basil
This one doesn’t use the flat noodle. What kind of seems interesting to me is that they don’t have a variety with the classic Japanese yakisoba flavor. Original review
With Shrimp
I certainly like shrimp. So very long ago! Original review
Roast Chicken
I think everyone likes chicken unless you’re Vegetarian. Usually roast chicken versions have a little buttery herb flavor added in. Original review
Sweet & Sour Chicken
This one sounds really good – granted I don’t remember it – this was in the low 200’s of my reviews – over a decade ago. Original review
Conclusion
It is no secret I really enjoy yakisoba. What kind of surprises me though is the absence of a traditional yakisoba; the style that tastes like tamarind; tangy; Worcestershire-esque. I think they’d do a good one as they do in Japan with the Gotsumori variety. Regardless, this range we see here is all about American tastes. It has been a staple for work lunches for a while now and after running into them in my reviews over the years, I don’t think they’re going anywhere. I’ll review more and add them here as they come into the world.
