Instant noodles usually require boiling water, but these new cups come with a surprising warning: Do not use hot water.

Instead, pour in chilled water straight from the refrigerator and wait five minutes. The result is a refreshingly cold bowl of noodles with a smooth, satisfyingly firm texture, with no hot water or ice required.

The secret is Nissin’s patented Cold Rehydrate manufacturing method, which allows the specially developed noodles to soften properly in cold water. Apparently, this was no quick summer experiment either. The product took five full years to develop.

The Spicy Kimchi (冷しカップヌードル ピリ辛キムチ味) version combines a chicken-based soup with the tangy heat of kimchi. Toppings include Nissin’s famous mystery meat, kimchi, egg, green onions, and sesame seeds.

For something lighter, Chicken Salt Lemon (冷しカップヌードル 鶏塩レモン味) blends chicken, bonito, and dried sardine flavors with a refreshing lemon aroma. It comes topped with steamed chicken, egg, green onions, and red bell pepper.

Both varieties use the same cold-water-ready noodles, designed to remain springy and silky even without heat.

Hiyashi Cup Noodles will go on sale across Japan from July 20 and should be available at major convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retailers while supplies last.

Cup Noodles products are also available at Don Quijote stores across Japan. Planning to stock up on Japanese snacks and souvenirs? Check out the special LIVE JAPAN deal below for extra savings on eligible purchases.

For 55 years, Cup Noodles has trained generations of hungry customers to reach for the kettle. This summer, Nissin is flipping the script completely.

Whether you go for spicy kimchi or zesty chicken lemon, these unusual cold noodles could become one of Japan’s most talked-about convenience store finds of the season. Just remember the one rule that goes against everything you know about instant ramen: step away from the boiling water.