Instant ramen is popular all over the world for being something tasty you can easily eat at home. Here, I will introduce the instant noodle recipe arrangements recommended by foreign residents, based on previously published articles!
Korean Recipe: Cheese helps to achieve mild and delicious spiciness!
Similar to Japan, Korea is one of the countries where instant noodles are a national food. The instant ramen sold in Korea seems to be much spicier than that of Japan, which is typical for other foods in that country. Cheese is also popular there.
"When eating ramen, be sure to include kimchi and cheese - it's way better with the cheese!" (Korean man, 20s)
"Eggs, seaweed, and cheese are indispensable. Not only fiery but also rich, it gives a strong spiciness!" (Korean female, 20s)
Add cheese to make spicy ramen a bit milder. The rich aroma is also appetizing. Kimchi, in my opinion, is a good addition because it is the same fermented food cohort as cheese. Finish the dish off with batch noodles so you can taste both the spiciness and richness of the food.
Taiwanese Recipe: Crispy texture is a custom!? Cucumber is added to the bowls
Ramen and vegetables are a combination that are fundamental to the dish, but in other countries, vegetables not used in Japan were included in the dish.
“Cucumber. My mother put it in, so I started to use it. I want Japanese people to try it because it is delicious. It has a good texture.” (Taiwanese woman, 20s)
“Tsumire [minced fish]-like dumplings. It's big in Taiwan” (Taiwanese woman, 20s)
Just put it in a pot, pop in tsumire, and add veggies. It is perfect with lightly salted ramen!
Western Recipe: Eat Meat!
When you want to eat something with substance, it's definitely meat.
"I often make miso-flavored instant noodles. I add plenty of meat on the ramen." (British man, 60s)
"After all, meat is indispensable. I want to add as much to ramen when I can!" (American man, 30s)
Char siu is the royal road, but pork belly can be added to really enhance the meal. By adding meat, you can improve the richness of the soup. If it's too rich, you may want to add onions and sprouts. There is no doubt that you will be full on this meal.
Many Japanese cup noodles have a mild taste and a Japanese style
Here are some Japanese instant noodles that have surprised foreigners. First, let's talk about the taste.
"Japanese instant ramen has various flavors such as seafood soup and chicken soup, but most of them are mild." (Chinese woman, 20s)
"There aren't many Western-style instant noodles in Japan" (New Caledonian man, 20s)
"Japanese instant noodles have a lot of Japanese taste. I tried curry noodles for the first time in Japan." (Korean man, 20s)
Japanese instant noodles mainly have Japanese flavors such as soy sauce and pork bones. Of course, there are Western-style instant noodles such as spaghetti. However, there are many Japanese-centric flavors such as mentaiko and Napolitan, and the impression that there are still few instant Western dishes is very small.
It seems that there are many seasonings such as yakisoba that you don't see overseas, and there are even travelers who want to take souvenirs back to their own countries. Some people purchase local instant noodles at travel destinations, aiming for the flavor of each region.
Japanese cup noodles are not enough for foreigners who like spicy food
"I love all Japanese instant noodles, but I don't can't really find spicy ramen." (Korean man, 20s)
"I love spicy food, but Japan doesn't seem to have much spicy ramen." (Italian woman, 20s)
Japanese instant noodles are high-quality, cheap, and delicious! Compared to overseas, there are few spicy ramen varieties in Japan, and many foreigners feel that the taste is mild. Many people in the world like spicy foods, including Koreans, and there was an opinion that it is challenging to find spicy foods in Japan.
Recently, even in Japan, hot and spicy foods are becoming popular. It is being integrated into ramen, causing a "spice boom," but Japanese instant noodles are not so hot compared to the spiciness overseas! This was also an opinion.
Japanese cup noodles come in various sizes
There were many opinions regarding sizes.
"Sometimes, there are small packs of instant noodles, but when do you eat them? I was surprised because the serving size was too small." (Chinese woman, 20s)
There are increasingly more types of mini-sized instant noodles. There are many kinds of convenience stores, from cup noodles to just pouring hot water in a bowl. Many people did not understand why there was that mini size, but as a Japanese, when I was hungry and bought something like a rice ball, I found that this was the perfect size to eat as a side dish.
Mini sizes are uncommon overseas. Actually, it is a versatile size that is convenient and can be used in various situations.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Umeda Store
Shopping Malls
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Take Home the Essence of Japan with YUBUNE Fragrances from Tokyo
-
Nature with Art: Explore 'teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces' in Ibaraki
-
Visiting Japan in November: The Best Things to Do and Reasons to Visit
by: James Davies
-
Celebrate 25 Years of Nikko's UNESCO Sites: 2 Limited-Time Plans to Explore Buddhism and the Samurai Spirit
-
What's Changing for Japan Travel in 2025? Updates on Tax-Free Shopping, Pre-Clearance, and More
-
Experience the Vibrant Autumn Blooms at Hitachi Seaside Park: Kochia and Cosmos Now in Full Color
-
Hoshinoya Kyoto: This Incredible Japanese Hotel Welcomes You By Boat on a Sakura-Filled River
-
Japan's Seicoma Convenience Store Is Amazing! Top 5 Exclusive and Weird Japanese Snacks
-
Meat dishes in Tokyo
-
Kamaishi Japan: Kamaishi Unosumai Recovery Stadium and Sightseeing Spots in Japan’s Rugby Town
-
We Asked Fans of Japan Why Shibuya Is the Best Place To Stay in Tokyo!
by: Chiemi Matsumura
-
5 Popular Things to do in Umeda - Osaka's Central Area!
by: WESTPLAN
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks