- Not sure which one to choose?
- It turned out spicier than expected.
- I bought it as a souvenir, but it didn't taste like I hoped.
— Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Which one is delicious?" while visiting a souvenir shop in Japan for the first time? It would be a shame to make the wrong choice on such a special trip!
In this article, I’ll share tips on how to choose Japanese instant ramen to match your taste! After reading, picking meals during your trip or finding the perfect souvenir will be much easier. If you want to discover the best ramen on your trip to Japan, be sure to read until the end!
🌟Curious about which cup ramen are the most popular? Check out our blog for the top 10 best-selling cup ramen in Japan!
Table of Contents
- What types of Japanese instant ramen are there? Key points for choosing
- The best instant ramen to buy while traveling! Recommendations for every situation
- Downsides of buying instant ramen while traveling & how to solve them
- Try it before your trip! Popular instant ramen available online
- Summary & Recommended Purchase
1. What types of Japanese instant ramen are there? Key points for choosing
Japanese instant ramen comes in a wide variety, but it can be broadly categorized into four types: classic, regional, premium, and extra spicy & unique. Knowing which genre suits your taste will help you pick a delicious ramen without mistakes!
1. Classic: The go-to choice! Popular instant ramen you can't go wrong with
Cup Noodles, Sapporo Ichiban, and other household staples in Japan fall into this category. With well-balanced flavors like light soy sauce and rich miso, these instant ramen options let you easily enjoy the taste of Japan.
2. Regional: Authentic ramen flavors from across Japan
From Sapporo miso and Hakata tonkotsu to Asahikawa shoyu, these instant ramen varieties replicate famous local styles. Perfect for those who want to experience the flavors of Japan or dive deeper into its ramen culture.
3. Premium: Just like a specialty ramen shop! High-quality gourmet options
Fresh noodle-style ramen and ones with authentic soup packs offer a level of quality that hardly feels instant. Add toppings like green onions or corn to make it taste even more like a real ramen shop experience at home.
4. Extra Spicy & Unique: Bold, adventurous ramen for thrill-seekers
From Mouko Tanmen to Peyang Goku-Gekikara, Japan has a lineup of ultra-spicy ramen and unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. If you love intense heat or want to try something new and exciting, this category is for you!
💡Not sure which ramen to try? Check out BIG EAST, your go-to online shop for Japanese food and snacks! From classic flavors like shoyu, miso, and tonkotsu to rare, regional exclusives, we’ve got it all.
2. The best instant ramen to buy while traveling! Recommendations for every situatio
Japanese instant ramen comes in so many varieties that it can be hard to choose the right one. To help you out, here are some top recommendations based on different travel situations!
1. Want a quick and easy meal at your hotel? Just add hot water!
Nissin Cup Noodles and Donbei Kitsune Udon are perfect for busy travel days since all you need to do is add hot water. They make for a light meal or even a convenient snack when you’re feeling a little hungry.
2. Looking for authentic flavor? Try packet ramen with soup
If you're staying at a hotel or Airbnb with a kitchen, Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen or Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen are great choices. Their rich, flavorful broth becomes even better with a few extra toppings, making them taste like ramen from a specialty shop.
3. Bringing back souvenirs? Go for regional instant ramen
Local varieties like Sapporo Miso Ramen or Hakodate Shio Ramen make the perfect souvenir. Bringing them home lets you relive your travel memories and share the taste of Japan with family and friends.
4. Want something exciting or spicy? Challenge yourself with bold flavors!
For spice lovers, Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto and Peyang Goku-Gekikara are popular choices. If you’re in the mood for something different, check out unique ramen flavors like cheese or seafood!
3. Downsides of buying instant ramen while traveling & how to solve them
When trying to buy instant ramen at a supermarket during your trip, you might run into unexpected issues. But don’t worry—knowing the solutions in advance will help you enjoy your ramen hassle-free!
1. Too many options to choose from
Japanese supermarkets are packed with a huge variety of instant ramen, making it hard to decide which one to buy. Checking online in advance can help you make a smoother purchase.
2. The packaging is all in Japanese
If the flavor and cooking instructions are written entirely in Japanese, you might end up picking something different from what you expected. Online stores provide detailed descriptions, so you can confidently choose the right one.
3. Bulky packaging & risk of breaking
Packet and cup ramen take up more space than you’d expect, and they can get crushed in your suitcase. To avoid any regrets, ordering online lets you enjoy your ramen as soon as you get home.
To make your trip stress-free and ensure you get your favorite ramen, checking in advance & buying online is the best way to go!
That’s where BIG EAST, your go-to store for Japanese food and snacks, comes in! Browse popular cup ramen in advance and make sure you don’t miss out.
4. Try it before your trip! Popular instant ramen available online
With so many varieties of Japanese instant ramen, it can be hard to choose the right one. By ordering online before your trip, you can find your favorite flavor in advance—no mistakes!
1. Enjoy classic flavors with the Sapporo Ichiban series
A long-selling favorite in Japanese households, this series offers three well-balanced flavors: miso, shoyu (soy sauce), and shio (salt).
2. For regional ramen, try Sapporo Miso or Hakata Tonkotsu
These local ramen varieties recreate the authentic taste of famous ramen shops, making them perfect souvenirs. Trying them before your trip can also help you decide which restaurants to visit!
3. For extra spicy & unique flavors, challenge Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto or Peyang Goku-Gekikara
These intensely spicy ramen options are a must-try for heat lovers. Ordering online beforehand lets you test your spice tolerance and find the right level for you.
Online stores make it easy to check the meaning of Japanese packaging before purchasing, so you can confidently choose the best ramen. Find your favorite flavor before your trip and enjoy the ultimate ramen experience!
At BIG EAST, your go-to store for Japanese food and snacks, you'll find everything from classic cup ramen to rare regional exclusives. Try them before your trip and discover your favorite flavor!
5. Summary & Recommended Purchase
With so many varieties of Japanese instant ramen, choosing the right one during your trip can be surprisingly difficult. By trying them online in advance, you can find your favorite flavor and avoid any mistakes!
If you want to spend less time deciding at the supermarket and save space in your suitcase, buying from an online store is the way to go.
From classic Sapporo Ichiban to regional specialties, premium options, and extra-spicy varieties, trying popular instant ramen in advance will help you confidently choose the best ones during your trip.
"I want to try it before my trip and make sure I enjoy the best ramen!"
If that sounds like you, check out BIG EAST, your go-to store for Japanese food and snacks, right now!
