Your Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Instant Nissin Cup Noodles

Get to know all the varieties of Nissin Cup Noodles

Nissin Cup Noodles, the world's first cup noodles created in Japan, are renowned worldwide. In Japan, there are flavors that hold a special place as timeless classics. Delve into the world of Nissin Cup Noodles as we explore some of the most beloved products.

Soy Sauce Flavor

Featuring staple ingredients like shrimp, eggs, and minced pork, along with noodles known for their distinctive slippery texture, the soy sauce flavor stands out as the most popular among the various available varieties.

Seafood Flavor

Nissin Cup Noodles' Seafood Flavor features a rich white broth packed with ingredients like squid, crab-flavored kamaboko (fish cake,) scrambled egg, cabbage, and onions. This flavor is highly popular around the world, and makes for a sought-after souvenir from Japan.

Curry Flavor

The mild curry flavor complements the sweetness of the vegetables, striking a perfect balance between richness and spiciness. The thick consistency of the broth also matches perfectly with the firm noodles. Packed with sizable potato chunks, it's a must-try for curry lovers.

The Donbei Series

Nissin Foods' cup noodles go beyond ramen, featuring other noodle varieties like udon and soba. A standout recommendation is the Donbei Series.

Its rich dipping sauce uses bonito dashi, a broth made from dried bonito flakes. Read on for more information on some of the most popular options from the Donbei Series.

Donbei Kitsune Udon

Nissin's Donbei Kitsune Udon stands out with its main feature—the thick abura-age (deep fried tofu) crafted from whole soybeans. The dashi broth, created from soy sauce and bonito flakes, soaks into the abura-age, unfolding its flavor after one bite.

Donbei Tempura Soba

Unlike regular cup noodles where all the ingredients are pre-mixed in, the Tempura Soba option comes with a separate disc of tempura.

You can place it on your noodles after they are cooked and savor its crispy texture, just like you would at a regular soba noodle restaurant.

Donbei Tokumori Kakiage Tempura Udon

This tempura udon from Nissin is topped with a large tempura disc, featuring a thick layer of batter packed with plenty of onions. Enjoyed with a bonito sauce, the dish is exceptionally hearty.

The noodles, known for their unique chewy texture and the smoothness distinctive to Donbei, add an extra layer of satisfaction to the meal.

Donbei Beef Udon

For meat-lovers, the Beef Udon is a must-try. The juicy beef strips, combined with the slightly sweet broth, perfectly complements the smooth and chewy texture of the udon noodles.

Topped with green onions and kelp sprouts, this option is sure to satisfy with its hearty portion.

Donbei Curry Udon

If you're a fan of Nissin's Curry Cup Noodles, Donbei's Curry Udon is not to be missed. Featuring smooth and chewy udon noodles, this option comes with a double soup blend of bonito and kombu (dried brown seaweed,) infused with beef essence. The result is a curry udon with a rich and spicy flavor that's sure to captivate your taste buds.

Places to buy Nissin Cup Noodles

Nissin Cup Noodles stands out as one of the most renowned cup noodle manufacturers in Japan. Their products are consistently in high demand, with a presence in convenience stores, supermarkets, drug stores, and various outlets.

Looking for more souvenirs to bring back from Japan? Head to WAmazing Shop and choose from a wide range of duty-free products.

Make your own cup noodles at the CupNoodles Museum Yokohama

The CupNoodles Museum Yokohama offers a hands-on experience, showcasing the inventive spirit of Ando Momofuku, the founder of Nissin Foods Corporation and the creator of Chicken Ramen, the world's first instant ramen.

Visitors have the unique opportunity to craft their own personalized cup noodles by choosing their preferred soup and ingredients, and choosing the design and decorations of the cup.

CupNoodles Museum Yokohama
Address: 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: 8-min walk from Minatomirai Station (Minatomirai Line)
Official website: https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/yokohama/

Discover Japan’s Nissin Cup Noodles

Above, we've highlighted some of the most popular Nissin Foods products in Japan. Explore not only the classic offerings, but also the innovative new flavors and noodle options like the Donbei series.

These products, known for their convenience and deliciousness, make excellent souvenirs from Japan. Enjoy the experience of comparing different flavors and finding your personal favorite.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

*Regarding products that contain processed meat, like cup noodles, please check your country’s legal regulations before making a purchase, as some nations prohibit the import of such items.