9 Best Japanese Instant Ramen Noodles

Tested and Approved: The Menraku Authentic Japanese Ramen is the best instant noodle you must try. We love how flavorful it is and easy to make. It’s the best Ramen if you’re looking for an authentic version as you won’t be disappointed with its flavor profile. Another great runner-up is Nissin Demae Ramen Instant Noodle which offers strong flavor and taste at a price range of $28 (Pack of 16 with 4 Each Flavor).

We all love instant noodles as they are tasty, cook fast, and kid-friendly snacks. Japan has a long history of Ramen noodles, and it is famous for various flavors of noodle recipes. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of the best Japanese instant noodles based on their availability and taste. These noodles are easily available at most of the superstores, marts, and online stores. And as for taste, let’s just say you’re in for a treat!

Japanese Cup Noodles vs. American

Japanese Cup Noodles:

Japanese cup noodles are known for their springy texture and are often air-dried that maintains their firmness when cooked. These unique flavors of these noodles range from classic miso and soy sauce to more exotic options like tonkatsu (pork bone) or seafood. The toppings include dehydrated vegetables, meat, and seaweed to improve the overall taste and texture of these noodles.

American Noodles (Instant Ramen):

American instant ramen, on the other hand, consists of precooked, deep-fried noodles that can be made quickly. The broth flavors tend to be simpler and lean towards saltiness. While American instant ramen options have expanded to include various flavors and styles, they often lack the depth and authenticity found in Japanese cup noodles. Toppings in American instant ramen are typically limited to freeze-dried vegetables and sometimes small meat or tofu bits.

If you are looking for an authentic ramen experience with rich, nuanced flavors and are willing to pay a bit more, Japanese cup noodles are the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly meal, American noodles provide a satisfying option.

Menraku Authentic Japanese Ramen

Features & Specs:

• Instant cooking
• Multiple flavors
• Rich taste
• Strong and natural flavors

View at Amazon

If you ever miss the taste of fresh ramen noodles and craving a delight, Menraku Authentic Japanese Noodle is a perfect choice. The perfect blend of spice and flavor keeps you wanting to have more bowls of noodles every time you serve them.

The Menraku Ramen Noodle comes in four flavors: Spicy Miso Tonkotsu, Hot and Spicy, Sichuan-Inspired Spicy Sesame, and Japanese Ramen Spicy Sesame. These flavors are an excellent replacement for a restaurant like Japanese noodles. You can make them while camping or going office as no preparation or cooking is required to serve and eat.

Overall, the flavor is diverse but tasty for every type of noodle offered under the Menraku Ramen Noodle. The miso flavor comes enriched with a blend of several spices and a strong sesame taste. In contrast, the Sichuan flavor is spicier as it combines famous Japanese peppers and miso sauce. While testing, I found the soupless miso and sesame taste rich that kicked the taste buds. Besides, the fried garlic and bold chili flavor also taste great if you want to try something different yet authentic.

The only thing worth noticing about the Menraku noodles is that you can’t prepare them inside the microwave oven. They can catch fire at high temperatures when exposed for more than the recommended time. Therefore, it is best to prepare them using boiling water. It ensures you taste fresh noodles and satisfy your craving with a perfect blend of flavors.

Overall, I loved the taste, texture, and flavor of the Menraku Authentic Japanese Ramen Noodles that offer rich flavor with the right amount of spice that you always crave. The best thing about these noodles is that you can modify the recipe and add ingredients like sliced onions or fried eggs.

You can also buy it at Walmart

Nissin Demae Instant Ramen

Features & Specs:

• Strong flavor
• Irresistible taste
• Instant preparation

View at Amazon

I was looking for something a cut above Top Ramen and Maruchan, so I decided to give Nissin Demae Ramen Instant Noodle a try. It’s best known for its unparalleled aroma among other products on the list. The broth is satisfyingly rich in flavor with perfect consistency, even when adding more water. Another plus is that it is not very salty, which is positive for people with heart issues. And since there’s no spiciness to it, it’s perfect for those who can’t handle the heat.

I love how the texture and flavor of these ramen noodles combine to give extra tasty and seasoned noodles. Adding garlic paste can provide rich flavor and add to the overall taste and depth of the flavor. I added vegetable broth and cream on the top, which improved the taste and added flavor that felt amazing.

One thing that stands out from other noodles is their soft nature, unlike the hard brick-like structure. Besides being tasty to addicting levels, the quantity is enough for serving a hearty dinner if you add vegetables, eggs, or chicken sausage.

I loved the thickness and flavor of Nissin Demae Ramen Noodle compared to traditional options. The reason for its taste is the richness of the flavor, along with the black garlic oil that makes the experience worth every bite. The spiciness is not up to the level to irritate the stomach, and best for people who like to have a less spicy flavor.

You can also buy it at Japanese Taste

Ichiran Instant Ramen

Features & Specs:

• Easy to Make
• Restaurant like taste
• Addictively delicious

View at Amazon

The Ichiran is the best ramen that I have tasted outside Japan. If you like tender and delicious ramen noodles, these are the best ones that you can grab.

You won’t miss out on the taste and presentation of the Tokyo Ramen restaurant when serving these noodles with creative toppings like hard-boiled eggs, minced garlic, or chopped onions; the broth will take your taste buds to the heavens. This is the taste test that has put Ichiran Ramen noodles on top of the Instant Ramen list due to the peculiar flavor. The broth keeps the texture with its terrific taste while the noodles don’t fall apart or feel mushy at any preparation stage.

If you are in a hurry, you can cook for two minutes and let the noodles rest for a few seconds, and they will be ready without further preparation. With the strong flavor and medium spice, you will enjoy every bite of the Ramen.

One thing worth considering is the spiciness of the red chili pepper that comes with the pack. The bag of red chili pepper is not strong enough to give the broth and noodles extra spiciness. Pverall, these Ichiran Instant Ramen are now my favorite pick as they are far better than many other options available while being slightly expensive.

You can also buy it at Walmart

SAPPORO ICHIBAN Ramen

Features & Specs:

• Original flavored soup
• Japanese style noodles
• Transfat-free

View at Amazon

The Sapporo Ichiban Original Ramen Noodle is a hearty meal that’ll leave you feeling satisfied. It’s a unique combination of soy sauce and chicken broth, with the bonus of vegetables, garlic, and a hint of ginger. The soup’s bouncy texture pairs well with the noodles to create a filling meal that is sure to please.

It takes three minutes to prepare the noodles because they are thinner and have a better recipe. I liked the mild and unique taste with the texture better than other brands like Marchuran that offer mushier consistency. In contrast, Sapporo Ichiban is slightly harder in texture and cooks better while being affordable.

The noodles are firm, and the broth has appropriate saltiness. I like to add a scrambled egg and some sambal chili paste for extra flavor. These Sapporo Ichiban noodles have the potential to become a staple for anyone who enjoys eating ramen noodles regularly.

It’s better not to overcook the noodles if you want to maintain their texture and flavor. Eat right away so they don’t become flabby or mushy. Top your Ramen with the above-mentioned ingredients or sliced meat with fried green onions.

I recommend the Sapporo Ichiban Ramen Noodle because it’s light and easy to make. The noodles are delicious on their own, but they become even more delicious with simple additions like chopped cabbage.

You can also buy it at Walmart

Dream Kitchen Cup Ramen

Features & Specs:

• No preparation needed
• Wrapped and sealed
• Various flavors

View at Amazon

The Dream Kitchen CUP Ramen is relatively affordable while providing the same taste as you experience in any restaurant in the USA or Japan. At first, I was surprised at how small they were, but after cooking one up, I realized there were more noodles in this cup than in a typical cup you’d pick up at the grocery store. They’re not spicy at all, but you can add extras like red pepper or hot sauce to make them reach the required level of spiciness. 

In terms of taste, I’ve only tried a few flavors like spicy miso, soy sauce, and curry, but I like them so far. They might not be as strong as you’d get in Japan, but they’re miles ahead compared to anything you can get in the US. I’ve tried other brands of Cup Noodles, but none of them come close to the taste of these.

Instead of coming with a powder to be mixed with water, the sauce and toppings are in separate packages. Pour hot water over the noodles and wait for 3 minutes – it’s that easy! The fork that comes with it is flimsy as it can bend and break easily, but it’s better than nothing when traveling or eating in the office.

My biggest concern about these Dream Kitchen Cup noodles is the amount of sodium packed with them. Although high sodium content is pretty much common in instant noodles, a packet over 1900 mg of sodium is not a healthy choice.

Overall, I liked the variety of Ramen in this pack. My favorites are curry, tonkatsu, and spicy miso. They’re also a bit bouncier than I’m used to, but they don’t get soggy as easily.

You can also buy it at Walmart

SAPPORO ICHIBAN Yakisoba Ramen

Features & Specs:

• Instant Japanese Yakisoba
• Traditional flavor in minutes
• Easy to cook

View at Amazon

Sapporo Ichiban is Japan’s most popular pouch ramen because it delivers delicious, authentic flavors inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine. Other brands can’t get near the deliciousness or authenticity that Sapporo Ichiban offers. Its taste, richness, and seasoning will take you back to the memory lane of eating authentic Japanese Ramen in your childhood.

The chewy, fried noodles are perfectly seasoned with a blend of soy sauce, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a combination of spices. It comes packed with dried seaweed, making the whole recipe delicious and full of color compared to the traditional flavor.

I recommend draining it slightly and only using half a flavor packet for the perfect results. Adding leftover steak and vegetables makes it an even more delicious meal. Be careful not to add too much water when preparing these noodles – unlike soup, they shouldn’t be watery.

I prefer to eat Sapporo Ichiban yakisoba instant ramen, straight out of the frying pan while they’re still hot. If you have leftovers, leave them in the pan and pour some water before reheating them on the stove.

Overall, Sapporo Ichiban is a great choice from the brands of Ramen I taste-tested, and I have to say, it stacks up pretty well! Even though it’s called chow mein, it’s just fancy Ramen. It will hit the spot whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.

You can also buy it at Walmart

Nissin UFO Instant Japanese Sosu Yakisoba

Features & Specs:

• Authentic Yakisoba ramen
• Rich flavored
• Soba derived

View at Amazon

Nissin UFO Instant Japanese Sosu Yakisoba is a far better choice than locally available Yakisoba in the States as the taste and flavors are close to the authentic Yakisoba. I was impressed with the instant soba because it came with minced ginger and nori packets in addition to the noodles, dehydrated veggies, and sauce packets.

There is tough competition between the Sapporo Ichiban brand and Nissin UFO Instant Japanese Sosu Yakisoba as they both provide the taste and flavor you get from the local Yakisoba available in Japan.

Yakisoba sauce is a crave-worthy condiment that hits the sweet, savory, and tangy flavor profiles that most people can’t get enough of – myself included. These noodles are firm and tasty enough that you can eat them in a hurry without having to sit and wait for them to boil.

The flavor is what you would expect, and it is delicious. The cooking instructions are in Japanese, which can be challenging to read. Overall, the Yakisoba ramen noodles are quick to prepare and are the best choice if you want moderately spicy ramen noodles.

You can also buy it at Walmart – J-Grab

Maruchan Seimen Japanese Instant Ramen

Features & Specs:

• Soy sauce flavor soup
• Quick to make
• Excellent packaging

View at Amazon

Maruchan Seimen Japanese Instant Ramen noodles are just as good as the ones served at authentic, local ramen restaurants – if not better. The shoyu flavor is the best, hands down. Add half a hard-boiled egg and some chopped green onions, and you’ll have a delicious meal!

You will love the Maruchan Seimen’s choice of flavors as it comes with tonkotsu, miso, and soy sauce. Every flavor has a different noodle thickness which ultimately adds to the final taste. The Miso flavor is more towards thick noodles, while the tonkotsu flavor offers thin noodles and the soy flavor falls in between miso and tonkotsu. The soy flavor noodle thickness perfectly matches the soy sauce soup as it gives a tasty and flavorful bowl that you can only get at a local ramen restaurant.

The broth is very flavorful, the noodles are cooked perfectly al-dente, and the overall taste is lean and more refined than the average Maruchan ramen. The noodles are also much better than other ramen ones you can find in regular grocery stores. The noodles taste great – they have a fresher taste than those usually fried in palm oil.

I think the Miso version tastes better, but it all comes down to personal preference. You can add some veggies, eggs, or any other Asian-based additives, with as much of the sauce over it as you want. It can make a fantastic snack for your craving for ramen noodles. Overall, these instant noodles taste just like traditional noodles without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen.

You can also buy it at Walmart – Japanese Taste

MARUTAI Kumamoto Tonkotsu Instant Ramen

Features & Specs:

• Easy to cook
• Wonderful flavor
• Rich meaty broth

View at Amazon

My sister recently recommended MARUTAI Kumamoto Tonkotsu Instant Ramen to me, and I was a bit skeptical at first because I had never seen or heard of this brand before. But after cooking it, I was surprised by how good the noodles were. They tasted the same, or even better than a few other ramen noodles I’ve had. The flavor profile was also well-balanced.

MARUTAI Kumamoto Tonkotsu is good – the noodles are great, the broth is tasty, and it’s easy to make. I had two bowls and saved the rest for later. If you’re looking for delicious and authentic-tasting instant ramen, this is one of the best brands you can buy.

Though it is comparatively pricier, MARUTAI Kumamoto Tonkotsu is one of the best Japanese noodles in terms of taste that I have found. The only downside is that the instructions are in Japanese, which can be difficult to understand for other people. Though printed pictures are on the package, I think it would be helpful to have directions in English.

MARUTAI Kumamoto Tonkotsu is a go-to product if you want something better than instant ramen. I recommend dressing it with egg and green onion and grilling some garlic to for an extraordinary taste.

You can also buy it at Walmart – Japanese Taste

Things to Consider While Buying Instant Ramen

Flavor

Instant Ramen flavor is one of the first considerations when buying these for snack time. Various flavors include beef, chicken, hot and spicy, seafood, and more. If you don’t like spicy flavor, Ichiran Instant Ramen is the perfect choice with its balanced spice. SAPPORO ICHIBAN Yakisoba can steal the show for a spicier and more seasoned flavor.

Broth Consistency 

The right amount of broth consistency is important for ramen noodles. They are different from plain noodles, so having broth consistency is crucial for a perfect taste. Menraku Authentic Japanese Ramen is one of my favorites regarding Ramen broth consistency. You can eat it like traditional Japanese Ramen with a broth full of flavors.

Veggies and Extras

Veggies and extras are really important when buying instant ramen noodles. These noodles come with various pre-packed options like seaweed and spices that can improve the overall taste and flavor of the noodles. Nissin Demae Instant Ramen offers a perfect blend of extras, and you can add soft or hard-boiled eggs to make it even more exciting.

How We Tested These Instant Ramen?

To narrow the list of ramen noodles from hundreds of variations and flavors available, I have chosen the best ones with a satisfactory customer experience. From the narrowed list, I taste-tested the ramen noodles over a few days and checked each product for its taste, broth consistency, flavor, spice, and other essential factors to consider when buying the best Japanese instant ramen noodles.

The process took me a few days; I didn’t adjust any parameters like boil time, water, or addition of seasoning other than recommended by the manufacturers. Although it is common to adjust these parameters and add vegetables, boiled eggs, or extra topping to make the result precise and uniform, I followed the instructions on the products listed.

When testing these ramen products, I noted the broth consistency, flavor, and noodle texture. Other important things included looking for add-ins like meat and vegetables. Not only individual parameters, but I also looked at the whole experience, including taste, aroma, and overall presentation, to rate the ramen noodles. All the ramen noodles listed here are the ones that topped the ranking chart and made me feel like I am eating authentic Japanese Ramen from a street restaurant in Tokyo or Okinawa.

Why Trust AHealthyBowl?

At AHealthyBowl, we want to ensure that the products we recommend are of the best quality and performance. We put every product through a series of quality and performance tests and take detailed reports of our findings. If a product doesn’t meet our standards, it doesn’t cut. We only want to recommend products we wholeheartedly believe in, so you can be sure that everything on our list is something we would use ourselves.

Adalynn Ward has extensive experience testing and reviewing different kitchen appliances and products, so she is the perfect person to compile a comprehensive list of the best Japanese Instant Ramen options on the market. In this guide, she has covered everything you need to know about ramen noodles – from how they taste to what factors to consider when making a purchase.