Part of the Maruchan instant noodle lineup by Toyo Suisan is Midori no Tanuki Tensoba, soba (buckwheat) noodles topped with tempura. Its hearty broth is has just the right amount of saltiness to it and is made with soy sauce, and sugar. As the tempura soaks up the broth, it becomes chewy and takes ond the flavor of the broth. Japanese people often eat soba noodles during the New Year, so if you go to a supermarket in Japan in late December, you’re bound to see store shelves stocked with Midori no Tanuki Tensoba.

When it comes to instant Yakisoba, UFO is often the first brand that Japanese people gravitate towards. Peel back the paper lid on a package of Nissin Food’s Yakisoba UFO and you’ll see that there’s already freeze dried cabbage on top of the flash fried noodles. The process of making instant yakisoba is a bit different that other instant noodles. First, boiling water is used to cook the noodles, then discarded through vents in the packaging (watch out for the steam!). After the water has been drained, add the packet of yakisoba sauce, and you’re done!

The chewy texture of the noodles is satisfying and goes along perfectly with the bold sauce, crisp cabbage, and bits of pork. Transform your yakisoba into a dish that you can take the next level by adding dried nori (seaweed) flakes, and pickled and grated ginger. Don’t forget to top with an egg for an extra kick!

There are two popular brands of instant yakisoba in Japan: UFO by Nissin Foods and Ippei Chan Yatai no Yakisoba by Myojo Foods. While you might be inclined to think that they are the same, try them and you’ll see that they are indeed different. First, Ippen Chan no Yatai no Yakisoba has thinner noodles and perhaps are not as firm as those by Nissin Foods. You’ll also notice that Ippei Chan no Yatai no Yakisoba also comes with 3 tiny packets of mayonnaise, yakisoba sauce, and dried toppings. Mix it all together and you get an enticing smell and a bold flavor, making Ippei Chan no Yatai no Yakisoba a favorite in Japan.

There’s plenty of variety when it comes Nissin Foods’ Donbei lineup, but there’s something about the clean taste of these soba noodles and broth seasoned with duck fat and aromatic green onions. It’s just as good as soba served in a restaurant, so if you've ever wanted to try kamo dashi soba, this is the next best thing!

One thing that makes Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles different from other kinds of instant noodles on the market is that the seasonings and toppings, typically packaging in tiny packets, are waiting for you to just add boiling water! Peel back the lid of the Curry flavored Cup Noodles, and you’re greeted with the fragrant scent of spices, and there are bits of pork and potato as well. The noodles are coated with curry seasoning - but don’t let the spices intimidate you. While bold and flavorful, these instant curry noodles are not spicy at all, making them a favorite in Japan.

With a soup stock made from dried and simmered fish, Akaii Kitsune Udon is just as popular as Midori no Tanuki Tensoba, another Toyo Suisan creation. Akai Kitsune udon consists of flat udon noodles, dried scrambled egg pieces and a large piece of fried tofu (believed to be the fox's favorite food). The taste of Akai Kitsune Udon has remained unchanged since it hit the market, making it one of Japan’s traditional flavors.

Donbei Tenpura Soba adds a slightly spicy dried seasoning known as “shichimi” to season its soy sauce broth, resulting in a flavorful taste with just a hint of spice that expands as you eat. Add the dried tempura once your noodles have cooked and let them soak up the spicy soup. The harmony of the rich soup, tempura, and soba noodles is the reason why Donbei Tenpura Soba frequently finds its way into Japan’s shopping baskets.

A hearty seafood stock and rich blend of flavors puts Nissin Foods Seafood Flavor Cup Noodles in the top 3. The clear broth is pleasantly seasoned and accented by bites of crab, squid, cabbage, and scrambled egg. This is one cup of instant noodles that is sure to become your favorite.

Warm up over a bowl of and its fresh soup stock made from soy sauce, kelp and simmered fish. Gradually add the packet of shichimi seasonings for spice that balances out the hint to sweetness in the stock. Unlike other versions of instant kitsune udon, Donbei Kitsune Udon noodles are wide, thick and flat, creating a firm texture that is fun to chew. The slightly sweet fried tofu is made from 100% soybeans and produced using the traditional methods of making tofu. Try one bowl of Donbei Kitsune Udon and you’ll see why it’s a favorite of Japanese, young and old.

Taking the top spot on our list is the Original flavor of Cup Noodle by Nissin Foods. Just as with other Cup Noodle flavors, this one is filled to the brim with noodles and toppings. There’s dried pieces of Nissin Foods’ tasty “mystery meat,” scrambled egg pieces, green onions, and plenty of shrimp, too! It’s all brought together by a seasoned soy sauce stock with a distinctly Japanese taste that is sure to be your favorite!

When you’re in Japan, mix things up by skipping dinner at a restaurant and try a few of these instant noodles instead. These are the top sellers at Keio Store, but you’re bound to find them nearly anywhere. Just add boiling water and enjoy one of Japan’s most unique foods.

*The above prices do not include sales tax.
*The data used for this article is accurate as of March 2018.
*Product availability may vary.
*Prices may vary by Keio Store branch, seasonal promotions, etc.

Written By: Zhang Jia Qi