When I want to take the easy way out for dinner, I choose instant noodles.
I’m not the only one, am I?
Today, I want to share with you, my review of this instant noodle:
Sapporo Ichiban Ramen, Original (3.5oz)
Founded in 1953, "Sapporo Ichiban" is a brand name of instant ramen noodles created by Sanyo Foods and was first known as Fujiseimen.
The president of Sanyo Foods, Takeshi Ida decided to change the brand name of the noodles to "Sapporo Ichiban" in 1961 because he was impressed by the taste of Sapporo ramen when he traveled in Hokkaido.
In Japanese, Sapporo Ichiban (サッポロ一番) literally translates into “Sapporo Number One”
This “original-flavor” ramen has a mild soy sauce flavor, and debuted in stores outside of Japan in 1966. At that time, this ramen can be found in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and Hong Kong.
Let's get started...
5 individual packs inside each value pack set!
Each individual noodle packet looks like this!
The net weight of each package is 3.5oz
Let's take a peek inside!
What do we have here?
Cross-section noodles!
Each individual noodle package comes with a packet of soup base.
Cooking Directions (from the package):
1. In a small pot, bring 2 cups (500ml) of water to a boil.
2. Add noodles (break them up into smaller pieces, if desired).
3. Cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in soup base packet.
DONE!
Now, you know about the history of this ramen brand and how to cook the noodles!
Broth ★★★★☆
To begin, this mild soy sauce flavor is actually closer to original fresh shoyu ramen than other instant ramen brands.
The seasoning packets contain a lot of flavors and nice aroma. The flavor is deep for instant noodles, and not just salty.
It costs a little more than other brands but once you taste this ramen, you will understand how different they are.
It is totally worth paying a little more.
It has similar taste to oriental-flavored maruchan ramen. Some people may think this ramen is a little high in sodium content. If you find it a little salty, use 2/3 of the packet. Keep in mind, any less and you will potentially lose the flavour.
Noodles ★★★☆☆
Unlike other inexpensive grocery store instant noodles, they don't get soggy and soft quickly. However, don't wait too long, it will become sad-looking noodles.
These noodles are tasty even if you don't boil it. In Japan, I often ate uncooked dried instant noodles as a kid for snack time.
These noodles are tasty even if you don't boil it. In Japan, I often ate uncooked dried instant noodles as a kid for snack time.
This time, I didn't make the broth and noodles separately. However, I usually like to drain the noodles after boiling it and then running it in a quick cold bath. I like to make the broth in a separate pot and then add the noodles back into it at the end as this allows extra oil and salt content to be removed from the noodles.
Toppings ☆☆☆☆☆
Sadly, there were no toppings included with this ramen.
Of course, I don’t expect a freeze-dried ajitama or chashu with my instant ramen, but I usually like to have some chopped up green onions or other garnishes with my instant ramen.
The ramen is tasty by itself. However, additional toppings will make it a great meal!
There are some toppings that I recommend to go with your Sapporo Ichiban original-flavor ramen noodles.
They will make your noodles look like a high-quality meal that others would never think came from an instant noodle package!
Vegetable Options
Vegetable Options
Chopped onion
Chopped green onions
Small meat balls
Seafood Options
Shrimp
Sea scallops
Nothing tickles your fancy? Take a look at a few more options here!
My Thoughts Overall ★★★☆☆
My favourite part of this ramen was its broth. I think a lot of effort went into the creation of the broth. For ready-made soup coming out of a seasoning packet, I think the broth was very fragrant but not overly salty.
I also liked the texture of the noodles, and the best part was it did not get soggy quickly. When I pulled the noodles out of the package, there was a bit of a glossy-looking sheen on it. I would have loved it more if there was a decrease in the oil content of these noodles.
I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t a packet of simple toppings that came with the noodles. In my opinion, a small detail like this really gives your ramen noodle a pop of colour.
Overall though, I enjoyed this ramen and it would definitely be an option for when I am feeling lazy.
Life is fast-paced and busy, so many of us juggle work/school-life balance and sometimes thinking of what to cook or what to eat for dinner is a bothersome task.
Luckily, there is the Sapporo Ichiban Original flavor!
It is the perfect option for a quick and easy meal or even snack. It is not the healthiest option, but you can save time cooking, but still have something satisfying.
You can also turn these noodles into a healthier meal by adding more veggies and/or protein, if desired.
Nutrition Facts (from the packaging)
Serving Size 1 package
Serving Per Container 1
Serving Per Container 1
Calories 460
Total Fat 19g
Saturated Fats 9g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0g
Sodium 1820mg
Total Carbohydrate 62g
Dietary Fibers 4g
Sugars 0g
Protein 10g
Vitamin D 0%
Calcium 2%
Iron 10%
Potassium 4%
Total Fat 19g
Saturated Fats 9g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0g
Sodium 1820mg
Total Carbohydrate 62g
Dietary Fibers 4g
Sugars 0g
Protein 10g
Vitamin D 0%
Calcium 2%
Iron 10%
Potassium 4%
Hello Sheri,
We’re so glad to know that you also enjoy this classic instant ramen!
Thanks for leaving us a comment!
Thank you so much for finally letting everyone know how good Sapporo Ichiban is. I am half Korean and I have loved this for…ok I will age myself…for decades. We would have to go to the only Asian store in Portland Oregon. My parents would include a box of this. Sometimes when my sister and me would sell them during finals. They didn’t even have ramen in the stores. Thank you again and keep on slurping.
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