Recommended by Ito Yokado: Japan's top 10 most delicious instant noodles from convenience stores

▲The 10 most delicious instant noodles you must buy when visiting Japan.

Reported by You t
ru / Special Feature

When traveling in Japan, many people choose instant noodles from Japanese convenience stores as souvenirs. However, with dozens of options available, which ones are the "most delicious"? ETtoday Eastday Travel Cloud asked Ito Yokado in Japan to recommend the country’s "top 10 most delicious instant noodles" from convenience stores, supplemented by taste tests by reporters and editors, compiled here for travelers’ reference.

1. Yamachiku Green Chili Flavor

▲The noodles are bright green and stand out visually. The soup is thick and rich in flavor. The broth has a strong umami depth, and the noodles themselves have a slightly salty taste.


2. Ippudo Spicy Miso

▲It may look simple, but the taste is not ordinary. The broth has a deep miso base with plenty of chili oil and garlic, giving it a spicy kick. It’s also quite flavorful even if you don’t add extra spice. Not recommended for those who can't handle spice.


3. Ippudo Akamaru Shinshu Flavor

▲The broth is red and eye-catching. The noodles are curly and paired with menma (bamboo shoots) and chopped green onions. It differs from regular miso flavor—its taste is richer and has a slightly spicy nuance.


4. CUP NOODLE Blue Shark Fin Flavor

▲The broth is rich and savory, and the first sip may remind you of shark fin soup. However, it also has a hint of umami that resembles shark fin. The broth tastes light yet deeply flavored, much like abalone soup.


5. CUP NOODLE Red Soft-Shelled Turtle Flavor

▲It also has a fishy aroma, and the texture is thick like a Chinese-style stewed noodle soup.


6. Mongolian Soup Noodles Nakamoto

▲It uses a rich lamb-based broth. One of its highlights is the thin noodles. It has a Chinese flavor and includes a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, minced meat, and mushrooms.


7. Miso Wonton Soup

▲The broth is full-bodied and aromatic, not overly greasy, and has a smooth mouthfeel reminiscent of Chinese soup dumplings. The wontons are juicy, and the overall taste is very satisfying.


8. Rabokki Spicy Ramen

▲It gives off a "deliciously spicy" vibe. The ramen is topped with chicken and eggs. The noodles use a chewy type commonly used in stir-fried dishes. The eggs are marinated in soy sauce and have a savory yolk. The chicken is tender and flavorful.

 
9. Yakisoba Bento

▲It smells slightly of black vinegar but tastes sweet. It comes with toppings like pressed tofu and vegetables, offering a rich variety of textures.

10. Ippin Salt Flavor Yakisoba

▲This is a newly released salt-flavored yakisoba, served with black pepper and Japanese mayo. It’s not too greasy, has a subtle milky flavor, and is surprisingly delicious.