5 Best-Selling Japanese Instant Cup Noodles

Japanese ramen has widely spread in many countries, popularised in the past ten years. 

Considering that, instant noodles may be the stuff without which ramen addicts in the world can’t live.

I love instant cup noodles too. I tend to try out newly released instant ramen because I’m fond of new things. 

I usually stock up on several instant noodles in my room, from newly released cup ramen to long-selling yakisoba noodles.

5 Best Japanese Instant Cup Noodles

If you too love instant cup noodles and are interested in Japanese ones, there are standard products you should try, which are listed below.

The following five items are best-sellers with a top market share in Japan, and if you are a Japanese cup ramen beginner, I recommend trying them first.

Nissin Cup Noodle Shoyu Flavor

First off, Nissin Cup Noodle Shoyu, known as the world’s first cup ramen, boasts the number one market share in Japan.

This instant noodle soup features a simple but addicting soy sauce flavor that you will never get tired of.

In fact, its repeat-purchase percentage is high, about 40 percent. 

Maruchan Akai Kitsune Instant Udon

The instant udon bowl, Maruchan Akai Kitsuke, ranks second in Japan’s instant cup noodles market share. Its repeat-purchase percentage is also high, about 42%.

The fact shows that when Japanese people think of instant udon noodles, many bring this to mind.

Maruchan Akai Kitsune comes with a soy sauce-based dashi-rich broth featuring a big Aburaage (油揚げ) deep-fried tofu topping.

Nissin Cup Noodle Seafood Flavor

Nissin Cup Noodle Seafood ranks third in the market share. This instant ramen consists of thin, soft noodles served in a light yet umami-packed seafood broth.

The garnish includes fish cake, cabbage, seasoned eggs, squid bits, and green onions.

Because of the good-old taste, this noodle soup has been a favorite of all generations for a long time.

Maruchan Midori no Tanuki Instant Soba

The instant soba bowl, Maruchan Midori no Tanuki, ranks fourth in the market share.

This noodle soup also has a soy sauce-based dashi-rich broth, characterized by its biggish Tempura topping.

Maruchan Midori no Tanuki is one of Japan’s best and most loved instant soba noodles and never lets cup noodle lovers down.

Myojo Ippeichan Instant Yakisoba

Myojo Ippeichan Yomise no Yakisoba is one of the most popular instant yakisoba noodles ranking 12th in the market share of instant noodles in Japan.

This instant yakisoba comes with a packet of mustard mayonnaise, which gives the noodles the right amount of kick, making them a delight.