Ichiran Ramen introduces cup noodles designed to replicate restaurant's flavours

A Hakata Ramen at Tokyo, Japan.

Ichiran Hakata Ramen from Tokyo, Japan. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Japan’s Ichiran Ramen chain has developed their first ever instant cup ramen, which is said to rival the shop’s tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen.

Among so many ramen restaurants in Japan, Ichiran is one of the famous ramen chains, if not the top. It is best known for its unique interior design, where diners sit in “cubicles” and ramen is served from behind a bamboo curtain in each cubicle. Their delicious tonkotsu ramen has attracted long queues at their shops by tourists and locals alike.

Ichiran Ramen's painstakingly developed instant cup noodles.
Ichiran Ramen's painstakingly developed instant cup noodles.

Ichiran already has a packet version of its instant noodles, which is available in Japanese supermarkets like Donki and Yamakawa, which also have online shops. With the introduction of this cup ramen, you have yet another option to savour the same quality of noodles and thick flavours while skipping the queue.

In Ichiran’s promotional video, it is said that custom-made, non-fried noodles are used to recreate the texture and taste of Ichiran’s raw noodles. As for the broth, which is the soul of ramen, there are two sachets — one in powder form and the other in liquid form — to give the rich flavour and aroma.

Ichiran has also included a packet of their secret red sauce, which is specially formulated to suit the cup ramen and harmonises the noodles and broth. The sauce is said to add not just spiciness to the ramen, but also umami and sweetness.

In contrast with the usual cup noodles, Ichiran’s instant cup ramen does not come with any toppings. Ichiran explained in their demonstration video that this is in order for people to enjoy the original flavour of their ramen.

Priced at 490 yen (about S$6), Ichiran’s instant cup ramen will be available in Japan from 15 February. There is no news yet about whether it will be available outside Japan.

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