In Japan, there are numerous ramen restaurants that have received a Michelin Guide star rating.
And at 7-Eleven Japan stores, 7 and I Holdings released a premium Michele Star rated instant ramen ala processed. It’s important to emphasize, the Michelin star is not the product but the restaurant that the product is based from.
It’s also important that one should not expect processed instant ramen to be the same as what one would eat at a restaurant. But I will say, it’s way better than the instant ramen you were raised on.
The question I know some of you are asking is how do these ramen from Maruchan and Nissin rate?
They are slightly a bit more expensive than your normal versions but many people are ordering outside of Japan via eBay, Amazon or an online shop, where the bulk of the cost goes to shipping overseas and handling (to make sure the ramen is not crushed during delivery).
I decided to try the two more popular Michelin Guide Starred brands available at 7-Eleven, Maruchan’s Tsuta and Nissin’s Nakiryu.
First, let’s look at Ramen Tsuta’s offering. Driven by his ambitious desire to create truly original flavors, Chef Onishi Yuki sought to redefine the classic Ramen experience; without any artificial components or MSG. Taking creative inspiration from premium, natural ingredients, he created the World’s First Michelin-starred Ramen eatery – Tsuta.
If anything, this is the most popular and the one you will find most offered online.
Nissin’s Nakiriyu is based in Toshima ward and have been award the Michelin star for several years now and is famous for its dan dan noodles.
When you open both, they come with their sauce/soup/oil, veggies and meats. (Btw, the one I received expires on April 2020, and it’s November 2019, so the sellers do make sure they don’t send anything expired).
As for the ramen, this is how it looks. Smaller than US Cup Noodle. But it’s interesting once you start incorporating the oil/soup. With the Tsuta, you can smell the soy sauce and seafood smell, while with Nakiryu, the soup has a peanut (Thai food/peanut butter) taste with a spicy kick.
And now to pour the condiments before mixing….
And now it’s time to mix it…
And now it’s time to taste it!
The Ramen Tsuta is actually very delicious as the soy sauce soup is evident, but surprised of the vegetables and meat included. Everything tasted so good and I can see why this is the most popular of the five.
The Nakiryu is delicious with a kick. Creamy like Hakata ramen, but as mentioned, the oil or soup had a nutty taste to it and the other package delivered a red oil that gives it its kick.
Two entirely different types of instant ramen, both bursting with flavors that I never expected from instant ramen.
Overall, I definitely recommend trying these ramen. Granted, just remember, you are going to have to pay more to get these from Japan as shipping expenses, especially that quick including handling includes that cost. But I purchased from a reputable seller from ebay (well-packaged and received it less than a week of ordering from Japan) and I do recommend giving these a try!
