We all have something we're excited and passionate about in life. Right?!
For me, it is ramen. But when I first moved to North America, it was quite challenging.
Don't you just hate spending US$20 on a ramen meal?
I cannot afford to eat ramen out as frequent as I did when I was in Japan.
Four years ago, my mom sent me Nissin Raoh and Maruchan Seimen from Ibaraki, Japan (my hometown) to my apartment, it was a surprising moment since these noodles tasted like real handmade raw ramen noodles.
Sure, you don't get toppings from these packages, but still, I can continue my ramen adventures using these instant noodles. (Yippee!)
Four years ago, my mom sent me Nissin Raoh and Maruchan Seimen from Ibaraki, Japan (my hometown) to my apartment, it was a surprising moment since these noodles tasted like real handmade raw ramen noodles.
Sure, you don't get toppings from these packages, but still, I can continue my ramen adventures using these instant noodles. (Yippee!)
I have learned how to make a lot of ramen toppings like how to make chashu and ajitama.
Today, I want to introduce to you:
Today, I want to introduce to you:
Nissin Raoh Ramen Noodle Soup Tonkotsu Flavor
This noodle is sold by Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd. which was founded in 1948 in Osaka. This Raoh Tonkotsu flavor was released in 2013. (Quite new!)
Let's jump right in...
Simple packaging foreshadows the simple clear broth you'll be enjoying soon.
In Japanese, "Raoh" translates to Ramen King
Thin noodles inside - Extremely thin and hard noodles.
Noodles are surprisingly thin like somen!
The round noodle pack keeps the noodle compact.
Whole wheat flour is used for these noodles
Each individual pack comes with two packs of flavouring:
Powdered soup (in yellow packet)
Seasoning oil (in green packet)
1. Prepare 450 mL (15.2 oz, about 2 cups) of water.
2. In a small pot, bring water to a boil.
3. Put noodles into the pot and boil it for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
4. Put soup powder, flavered oil into a ramen bowl
5. Pour only the hot water into the ramen bowl from the pot and mix them.
6. Put the noodles into the bowl.
ENJOY!
This soup noodles are similar to Hakata ramen which are characterized by thin, straight noodles and thick soup. I feel like the creators tried to reproduce Hakata ramen for home dining.
Now, let's take a look at the different components of these noodles.
Broth ★★★★★
First of all, this tonkotsu soup is little less thicker than I expected.
However, it is quite well-rounded in terms of richness and creaminess, and it has a great amount of umami.
This outstanding flavor of soup is garlicky and milky. It has a great balance of umami, oil, flavor, and thickness.
For being instant noodles, there is a surprising depth of flavor to the broth. This is definitely a real Japanese tonkotsu-style broth which is milky white.
For being instant noodles, there is a surprising depth of flavor to the broth. This is definitely a real Japanese tonkotsu-style broth which is milky white.
It tastes similar to restaurant tonkotsu ramen.
It is delicious as it is. You don't need add any flavor into it like chili or garlic powder.
It is delicious as it is. You don't need add any flavor into it like chili or garlic powder.
Think I'm exaggerating?
You've got to get your hands on a pack and try it for yourself!
You've got to get your hands on a pack and try it for yourself!
Noodles ★★★★★
Check this out: thin straight noodles
The best part about this?
Boiling time is shorter than usual instant noodles since the noodles are quite thin.
That's right, you can experience authentic Hakata ramen with these noodles.
That's right, you can experience authentic Hakata ramen with these noodles.
I find the noodles are much more like somen in terms of thickness.
These noodles have an excellent texture. They are quite chewy, and they go well with the soup, but do not take too long to eat. It will become soggy easily compared to thicker noodles.
They are non-fried noodles and whole wheat flour is used for these noodles, so these noodles are healthier than other instant noodles, in comparison.
I could not believe my tastebuds, they taste like raw noodles at a tonkotsu ramen restaurant!
Compared to thick noodles, thin noodles have a higher surface area to volume ratio, so the soup can seep through and cover thin noodles better.
These noodles have an excellent texture. They are quite chewy, and they go well with the soup, but do not take too long to eat. It will become soggy easily compared to thicker noodles.
They are non-fried noodles and whole wheat flour is used for these noodles, so these noodles are healthier than other instant noodles, in comparison.
I could not believe my tastebuds, they taste like raw noodles at a tonkotsu ramen restaurant!
Compared to thick noodles, thin noodles have a higher surface area to volume ratio, so the soup can seep through and cover thin noodles better.
For thick noodles, in order to create an optimal surface area to volume ratio, chefs make the noodles wavy so the soup can coat all the noodles evenly. You don't need to do this for thin noodles, so thin noodles are straight. Theres a smoothness in your mouth when you eat thin and straight noodles.
Since the package says "Extremely thin and hard noodles", follow the instruction and boil it for 1 minute and 30 seconds. You will be able to experience the real taste and texture of Hakata ramen.
Toppings ★☆☆☆☆
Oddly enough, the packet doesn't come with any toppings.
But one thing's for sure, these traditional toppings below will go well with Raoh's tonkotsu flavor.
You will have a serious mind-blowing punch to your tastebuds.
Traditional Japanese Toppings:
Traditional Japanese Toppings:
Green onion
Sesame
Ginger
Benishoga (Ginger)
Takana
Other Options:
Chicken
Ham
Pork
Cabbage
Carrot
Bean sprout
Shiitake mushrooms
Sriracha
Flavored oil:
There is a lot of tonkotsu flavor from the oil packet.
If you like a lighter flavor, adjust the amount of oil used.
Smell ★★★★★
The aroma is very appetizing and makes you want you to continue eating more ramen. The smell lingers for an hour in the kitchen after cooking and it will make your family jealous (and want a bite of your ramen)!
Some people might think the smell of the oil packet is intense, but it is worth trying. It adds a depth to the flavour of the soup and makes the soup much more enjoyable.
Some people might think the smell of the oil packet is intense, but it is worth trying. It adds a depth to the flavour of the soup and makes the soup much more enjoyable.
My Thoughts Overall ★★★★★
If you cannot go to a tonkotsu ramen restaurant, but you really want to eat tonkotsu ramen, you will be really happy with Raoh’s tonkotsu flavoured ramen. The flavour explosion in this small packet will blow you away. It has a unique deliciousness unlike any other instant ramen.
It is very addictive.
The tonkotsu flavor and the great quality of the noodles will make this your new favourite instant ramen. I would recommend this to anyone.
Still not convinced?
Imagine eating thin and good textured noodles covered with a lot of tonkotsu umami flavor. It is so rich and filling.
Imagine eating thin and good textured noodles covered with a lot of tonkotsu umami flavor. It is so rich and filling.
If you have eaten Raoh "Tonkotsu" flavor, you are eligible enough to talk about tonkotsu ramen as a tonkotsu ramen expert.
(The package sold in North America may look a little different than the one from Japan)
I thoroughly enjoy having Roah's tonkotsu instant ramen, but I find the price quite high in North America!
They are quite hard to find, so please share in the comments below if you have seen this at your local supermarket!
Nutrition Facts (from the packaging)
Calorie 323
Protein 8.3g
Fat 7g
Carbs 56g
Natrium 2300mg
Sodium 5.8g
Calcium 293mg
Vitamin B1 0.17mg
Vitamin B2 0.26mg
I didn’t know that. Thanks for commenting and sharing, Chris!
Walmart carries them
Hello Judy,
Thanks for your comment!
I’m sorry to hear that. From what country are you searching for this?
You can usually find it at Japanese supermarkets.
If none are available, they are also sometimes found in Chinese or Korean supermarkets.
You can also check out Amazon, the Raoh series are sometimes listed there although not all flavours are available.
Been searching for weeks and can not find this ramen!!!
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