Japanese Instant Noodles Worth Trying: 5 Picks from Our Recent Haul

Instant food culture in Japan is genuinely something to appreciate. It goes far beyond convenience — instant noodles are part of daily life here, but also a go-to for emergency food supplies after a disaster, a quick and easy outdoor meal, and a beloved gift to send relatives living abroad. They travel well, taste great, and remind people of home.

The variety is almost overwhelming. There are so many types of instant ramen on the market right now that it’s hard to keep count. Tourists visiting Japan often pick them up as souvenirs, and the lineup changes depending on where you shop — regional supermarkets carry local specialties you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are five instant noodles from our recent haul — some long-time favourites, some first-time finds.

Sugakiya Miso Nikomi Udon

Sugakiya is a Nagoya institution — a beloved local chain that’s been serving miso nikomi udon for decades. This instant version brings that same soul-food energy home. The flat-cut noodles cling beautifully to a rich miso broth that somehow manages to feel light at the same time.

One thing to note: the cook time is six minutes, which is on the longer side for instant noodles. But honestly, that’s just enough time to prep toppings. While the noodles are going, I throw in green onion, aburaage (fried tofu), small pieces of chicken thigh, and an egg added toward the end so it comes out soft and jammy. By the time everything’s in the pot, the six minutes have already passed.

Myojo Charumera Shoyu

Charumera is one of those brands that’s just always been there. The soy sauce broth is light, clean, and easy to love — the kind of flavor that doesn’t ask much of you and delivers every time. It’s hard to imagine anyone disliking it.

The portion of noodles is on the smaller side, which actually works in its favor if you like loading your bowl with extras. Vegetables, a soft-boiled egg, whatever’s in the fridge. The scallop-based dashi is present but subtle enough that even people who aren’t big on seafood flavors won’t notice it.

Nissin Yakisoba

Nissin Foods is one of Japan’s biggest food companies, and this yakisoba is a staple in our house — my husband always makes sure we have some in stock. The noodles are thick and satisfyingly chewy, and the powdered sauce brings smokiness, richness, and just the right amount of spice.

You can also control the texture by adjusting the water — less for firmer noodles, more for something softer. Either way, it pairs incredibly well with a cold beer. One of those simple combinations that just works.

Higashimaru Okinawa Pork Ramen

This one surprised me. The base is a firm katsuobushi (bonito) dashi — very Japanese, very comforting — and the noodles are thin and curly with Okinawan agu pork extract actually mixed into them. That’s a lot going on for an instant noodle, and it delivers.

Cook time is 90 seconds, which feels almost unfairly fast given how good it tastes. If you have pickled ginger or any fresh garnish on hand, add it — it pulls the flavors together and keeps the broth from feeling heavy.

Higashimaru Kagoshima Black Pork Ramen

This one was sitting right next to the Okinawa version at the supermarket. I stood there for a while trying to choose between them, then just bought both. That’s the thing about regional instant noodles in Japan — they show up occasionally at local supermarkets, and if you don’t grab them when you see them, you might not get another chance.

The broth here is a mild tonkotsu with a hint of sweetness and a savory depth from charred green onion. Despite the “pork” branding, it’s not heavy or overpowering at all — something kids and people who usually avoid rich broths might actually enjoy. The thin, firm noodles have black pork lard worked into them and cook in 90 seconds, coming out glossy and perfectly matched to the soup.

A quiet, easy bowl. I liked it.

Find Your Favorite

The lineup changes depending on where you shop, so it’s always worth checking the instant noodle aisle wherever you are in Japan. Whether you’re visiting, stocking up, or just looking for something new to try — there’s a good chance your new favorite is already sitting on a shelf somewhere waiting for you.