Japan has so many cup noodles that choosing one can be surprisingly difficult. Some are spicy, some are comforting, and others make you wonder how instant noodles can taste this good.
These are six I recommend trying, whether you are browsing a supermarket in Japan or looking for something to enjoy at home.
A quick note: this list includes udon and yakisoba too. They are not all ramen, but they all deserve a place in your instant noodle shopping basket.
A quick noodle break between adventures.
1. Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto — Spicy, but So Good
Look for: 蒙古タンメン中本 辛旨味噌
If you like spicy food, this is one to try. Personally, I think the appeal is that it is spicy but still tastes good. You get that satisfying savoury flavour alongside the heat, rather than just a bowl that burns your mouth.
This cup noodle is inspired by the signature dish at Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto, a Japanese ramen restaurant known for its spicy noodles.
It is a good choice when you want something bold. If you usually avoid spicy food, though, I would start with another option on this list.
Look for it at 7-Eleven in Japan; stock varies by store.
2. Sugakiya — A Taste of Nagoya’s Local Food
Look for: カップSUGAKIYAラーメン
Sugakiya is closely associated with Nagoya and the surrounding region. Its cup ramen recreates the flavour of the Sugakiya restaurant chain, making it a fun way to try a local favourite without visiting a restaurant.
I wanted to include something beyond the usual nationwide names, and Sugakiya is my pick for that.
If you are interested in regional Japanese food, add this to your list. It offers a different starting point from the spicy ramen and familiar classics.
A little taste of Nagoya’s local food culture.If you are travelling around Nagoya, keep an eye out for it in supermarkets.
3. Donbei Kitsune Udon — The Broth I Want to Finish
Look for: 日清のどん兵衛 きつねうどん
This is udon rather than ramen: thicker noodles, a savoury broth and a piece of fried tofu on top.
For me, the soup is the reason to buy it. It is the kind of broth that makes me want to keep sipping after the noodles are gone.
The tofu soaks up the broth, which is another lovely part of eating it. I would choose this when I want something comforting rather than spicy.
Donbei comes in different varieties, so look for kitsune udon for this recommendation. There are also regional versions of the broth.
A comforting bowl with broth that makes me want another sip.
4. Cup Noodle Seafood — A Reliable Favourite
Look for: カップヌードル シーフードヌードル
This is one of those familiar flavours I keep coming back to. To me, it has that same dependable deliciousness I have enjoyed for years.
The seafood-style broth has a savoury richness, and the small toppings make it feel like more than just noodles and soup.
When I cannot decide what to buy, this is an easy choice. It does not need to be the newest or most unusual flavour to be satisfying.
A familiar classic that rarely disappoints me.
For this article, I mean the Japanese Seafood Noodle version. Products sold overseas may differ.
5. Nissin Raoh Shoyu — The Noodles Are Seriously Good
Look for: 日清ラ王 背脂醤油
If noodle texture matters to you, try Raoh.
The Japanese cup version featured here is called Seabura Shoyu. It uses non-fried, medium-thick straight noodles with a rich soy-sauce soup.
But my main reason for recommending it is simple: the noodles are seriously good. Their texture is what makes this one stand out to me.
Raoh also comes in packets. If you want the convenient cup version featured here, check the packaging before buying.
The quality and texture of the noodles is jut amazing!
6. Nissin U.F.O. — Try It if You Have Never Had Yakisoba
Look for: 日清焼そばU.F.O.
If you have never tried Japanese yakisoba, I would love you to try this.
Unlike the soup noodles above, U.F.O. is a sauce-based instant noodle dish. You add hot water to soften the noodles, drain it, then mix in the sauce according to the instructions.
The rich sauce is the main attraction. It is a completely different experience from sipping ramen broth, and a fun addition to your instant noodle shopping.
Freshly cooked yakisoba is another experience again, but this is an easy introduction to the flavour.
A tasty first step into Japanese sauce-style noodles.
Want to Try Japanese-Style Noodles at Home?
You don’t have to wait until your next Japan trip to enjoy a noodle night at home. Here are two options available through Amazon US.
Nissin Cup Noodles Seafood
If seafood-flavored cup noodles caught your eye, check out this six-pack. Check the packaging and product details before ordering, as versions sold outside Japan may differ from the Japanese cup featured above.
Check current price on Amazon →
Nissin RAOH Soy Sauce
This 12-pack is a packet-style ramen option for cooking at home, rather than the Japanese RAOH cup shown above. Choose it if you’d like to try soy sauce-flavored ramen, and add your own toppings to make it a meal.
Check current price on Amazon →
From Cup Noodles to Making Your Own Ramen
Go beyond instant noodles and try making ramen yourself.
A cup of noodles is an easy meal. Making the noodles yourself is a different kind of fun.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and want to try it, this experience combines a ramen-making class with an Akihabara walking tour. You’ll make Jiro-style ramen from scratch, including the noodles, garlic-flavored soup and chashu pork.
Check available dates and prices on KKday →
A Small Cup, a Fun Part of the Trip
Well, a cup of noodles might not be the meal you plan your Japan trip around. But after a long day of walking, there is something satisfying about getting back to your hotel, putting the kettle on and trying the cup you picked up earlier.
You do not always need to chase the newest flavour, either. Sometimes the familiar one is exactly what you feel like eating.
And if you are travelling with someone, choose a different cup each. You can compare a bite or two—and see whether you agree on which one to buy again.
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