A lot of people come to Japan just to experience the wonderful flavors of Japanese ramen. Nowadays, it is not necessary to travel to Japan to enjoy the best Japanese ramen. These are the top 10 best Japanese instant ramen ever and some reliable sources to get them. Let's see what they are!
Top Varieties of Japanese instant ramen
Japan is very famous for instant ramen, blending tradition with convenience. Here’s a list of some top varieties of the best Japanese instant ramen.
Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen
Shio Ramen is the best Japanese instant ramen. It is one item sold under the Sapporo Ichiban brand. When it was first introduced, the flavor of salty ramen was less well-known. It is credited for making salty ramen more well-known.
It has firm, springy noodles that have been kneaded with yam powder to enhance their subtle saltiness. People usually enjoy it with a little salt. For an even more delicious taste, you should add the accompanying sesame seeds.
Nissin Chicken Ramen
Chicken Ramen debuted in 1958. It was advertised as ramen that could be enjoyed by "just adding hot water for two minutes." The flavor of chicken broth in Chicken Ramen is simple and aromatic.
The noodles are pre-seasoned and blend in well with the hot water. This makes it a quick and hassle-free supper option.
Chicken Ramen has two egg pockets: one for the yolk and one for the whites. This clever design allows you to drop your egg neatly in the center without it leaking into the noodles.
The broth itself has a salty flavor that subdues when paired with the eggs. Therefore, this ramen is a delightful Japanese comfort dish and a filling snack.
Maruchan Seimen Shoyu Ramen
Maruchan Seimen Shoyu Ramen is one of the best Japanese instant ramen. This ramen offers a rich and umami-packed taste.
Unlike many other types of instant ramen, Maruchan Seimen uses non-fried noodles. This innovation elevates the instant ramen experience.
Maruchan Seimen Shoyu Ramen is a good idea for people who appreciate the simplicity and depth of traditional shoyu ramen.
Nissin Raoh Tonkotsu Ramen
Nissin Raoh Tonkotsu Ramen is a top choice for instant ramen lovers. It offers an exceptional taste experience. It is famous for its creamy and savory pork bone broth in a convenient package.
Besides, the noodles in this packaged ramen are air-dried. This method gives them a firm, fresh texture and becomes an ideal option for quick meals or satisfying cravings.
Itsuki Foods Kumamoto Mokkosu Tonkotsu Ramen
Itsuki Foods Kumamoto Mokkosu Tonkotsu Ramen is also on the list of best Japanese instant ramen. It is renowned for having a true Kumamoto flavor from a creamy tonkotsu broth and garlic oil.
The noodles have the ideal ratio of chewiness to smoothness. This type of ramen is a must-try for ramen lovers. The reason is it has a unique regional twist and the ability to bring a taste of Japan's culinary heritage into your own home.
Ichiran Ramen
Ichiran Ramen is famous for its customizable flavor. This instant ramen has a silky pork foundation and is rich in umami. Every bite is delightful because the noodles are expertly made to go with the rich and silky broth.
Each pack includes its signature spicy red seasoning. Thanks to this, you may customize the level of heat to your preference.
Ichiran Ramen captures the authentic dining experience of their restaurants.
This makes it a popular choice for ramen lovers who are seeking premium quality and taste.
Hikari Menraku Ramen: White and Creamy Tonkotsu
Hikari Menraku Ramen is popular for its White and Creamy Tonkotsu flavor. This instant ramen offers a velvety, pork-based broth that is rich in umami.
The noodles are perfectly crafted to complement the smooth and flavorful broth, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
Overall, Hikari Menraku Ramen has a balance of authenticity and convenience. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a comforting and indulgent ramen experience at home.
Sumire miso ramen
Many Japanese people consider Sumire Miso Ramen as the best Japanese packaged ramen. It is renowned for its rich and hearty miso-based broth.
The soup is thick and savory. Garlic and ginger help to enhance this deep umami flavor.
The noodles are designed to hold up perfectly against the robust broth. With traditional ramen toppings like corn and green onions, Sumire Miso Ramen provides a hearty and genuine taste of northern Japanese cuisine.
Tokushima Ramen
Tokushima Ramen is inspired by the regional specialty of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island. This ramen has a unique soy sauce-based broth with rich undertones of pork bone.
Thanks to this, Tokushima Ramen creates a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that sets it apart.
The noodles are thin and firm to complement the bold broth beautifully. Tokushima Ramen is often served with stir-fried pork, a raw egg, and green onions. Its distinctive taste makes it a favorite choice for ramen enthusiasts.
Sapporo Rich Miso Ramen
Sapporo Rich Miso Ramen is one of the best Japanese instant ramen. This ramen has a deep miso-based soup with an umami-packed flavor.
The broth is often combined with a slight sweetness. This feature helps to balance the saltiness and create perfect harmony.
Where to purchase Japanese instant ramen?
We can buy the best Japanese instant noodles from local stores and online marketplaces.
These options offer convenience, a broad range of products, and often competitive prices for authentic Japanese instant ramen.
Local stores
Many local Asian grocery stores sell a wide variety of the best Japanese instant noodles brands. You also can buy Japanese ramen from specialty grocery stores.
In big cities, specialty stores usually offer premium Japanese instant ramen, such as Nissin, Maruchan, and Ichiran.
Finally, large retail chains are good places for purchasing Japanese ramen. Some references for you to get the best Japanese instant ramen are Costco, Walmart, and Target.
Best online marketplaces
Online marketplaces are ideal for a wider selection of the best Japanese packaged ramen and the convenience of shopping from home no matter where you are.
Amazon Japan is a popular online marketplace. It offers a vast selection of authentic Japanese instant ramen.
Read more: How to Order from Amazon Japan: Guide to Easy Shopping
Rakuten is also a popular Japanese online marketplace that provides various brands and regional specialties of instant ramen, often at competitive prices.
Find out more: How to Buy from the Rakuten Shopping Site from Abroad
Overall, foreign buyers can buy the best Japanese packaged ramen from these sites. However, you should double-check with the sellers on these platforms about their ability to ship internationally.
If they do not, you can use a proxy buying service like Japan Flow to help you order from them.
How to buy Japanese instant ramen from Japan
Now, you have the list of the best Japanese instant ramen. You will taste their wonderful flavor as long as you buy authentic Japanese ramen. This is the popular way for overseas buyers to buy Japanese ramen.
Step 1: Go to the website you want to purchase
Access the website you want to buy the best Japanese packaged ramen via Google Chrome. This browser will help to translate the website content into English if you need it.
Step 2: Search for items
Then, use the search box and category to find your beloved Japanese packaged ramen.
Step 3: Check product details
Click to go to the product pages. On this page, you will see all the information about that type of Japanese packaged ramen. Now, make sure that is what you want to buy.
Step 4: Copy and paste item links
You should copy and paste the product page's URL into the request form. Then click "Create a buy request" to complete it.
Step 5: Complete your order with Japan flow
The approval of the form will take two working days. The initial payment, which includes the service charge and the item's cost, must then be made.
We will purchase the Japanese ramen for you as soon as the initial cost is fully paid. The order will arrive at our warehouse within three days.
After that, you'll get a notification and can choose to request packaging. Then, the shipping fee is covered. This second payment must be made by you.
After payment has been received, we will ship the best Japanese packaged ramen to you.
Here, we've presented the top 10 best Japanese instant ramen that are very beloved by many Japanese people. You can buy them from local stores and especially from online marketplaces if you are outside of Japan. Try the best Japanese ramen out if you can, and experience their unique and pleasant flavors. Japan Flow is here to help you.