Sapporo Ichiban Shio Flavor Review: This Ramen Will Become Your Next Favorite

August 19, 2022

Are you tired of spending $18+ for a bowl of ramen at your local restaurant?

I know the feeling.

For me, ramen is something I can eat at a restaurant in Japan for around $8. I have even eaten ramen at a restaurant (in the countryside) for $3!

When I was a college student, there were five ramen shops around my apartment, so I frequently went to them. In Japan, ramen is considered a fast food. It is kind of like going to McDonalds or Burger King.

But after going to North America, I felt eating ramen at restaurants is considered more “high-end” than in Japan.

I wanted to eat ramen frequently, but couldn’t justify spending $18+ per visit.

So, what did you do?

You can cook and arrange instant noodles in the comfort of your home, for a fraction of the price.

Just imagine, you can make your ideal bowl of ramen at home.

I have introduced a few common ramen topping recipes for all you home cooks out there. Some traditional favourites are chashu and ajitama (ramen egg)

Today, I will be introducing:

Sapporo Ichiban Shio Flavor

I have liked this flavour since I was a child. I will have to admit, I have a craving for it once in awhile.

Sapporo Ichiban is a brand name that Sanyo Foods has which was founded as Fujiseimen in 1953.

Believe it or not, this company, ironically, doesn't have any its office or factory in Sapporo.

Fact is:

The president of Sanyo Foods, Takeshi Ida named the noodles brand name Sapporo Ichiban in 1961 because he was impressed by the taste of Sapporo ramen when he traveled in Hokkaido.

Did you know that?

This shio flavor debuted in stores in 1971.

Each value pack comes with 5 individually wrapped packets.

The suggested serving on the packaging looks delicious.
Can't wait to try these noodles.

Each package includes noodles, a soup base packet, and a sesame seeds packet.

Square noodles come in each individually-wrapped pack.

Unlike the Roah series, these do not have brown grainy specks on them.
Which means, they are not made from whole wheat flour.

Smooth noodles - characteristics of fried noodles.

This package has two flavor packets. One is a soup base...

... the other is roasted cut sesame seeds.
Including the sesame seeds gives the noodles a nice touch.

Cooking Directions (from the package):

1. In a small pot, bring 2 cups (500ml) of water to a boil.

2. Add noodles, breaking up if desired.

3. Cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Remove from heat. Stir in soup base packet.

5. Put sesame seeds on top of the noodles.

Optional: Try adding an egg, vegetables, and meat as desired.

ENJOY!

Broth ★★★★★

This is a quality broth with an authentic shio flavor. I would recommend this Sapporo Ichiban shio flavor to anyone who likes the taste of authentic shio ramen flavor. It has a very rich taste.

Let me delve deeper:

The broth has a very fragrant roast chicken taste. Unlike other brands, it has a better and more natural taste than other typical grocery store ramen.

For me, it is not overly salty, like how some people may think. However, if you are sensitive to salt, I would recommend only adding half of two thirds of the seasoning.

Noodles ★★★★☆

These noodles are probably one of the best brand of instant ramen out there. It has a good soft and chewy texture.

Best part? They don't get soggy as fast.

Why?

Because they are heavy and dense, and they have a nice bounce to it.

Toppings ★★★☆☆

The sesame seeds are a nice addition. By themselves, they are good.

But wait...

There are some toppings that I want to recommend, which will make your Sapporo Ichiban Noodles taste even better.

Protein Options
Chashu

Ajitama

Chicken

Beef

Vegetable Options
Bean sprouts

Mushrooms
Green onions

Carrots
Cabbage

Flavour Enhancers
Red pepper paste

Sesame oil

My Thoughts Overall ★★★★☆

In truth, Sapporo Ichiban delivers a good quality shio ramen experience.

Actually, it is very difficult to find good shio ramen.

Do you know why?

Because it is very difficult to make it since it is very simple.

There are many good shoyu and miso flavored instant noodles out there.

But I feel specifically, the shio flavor market is monopolized by Sapporo Ichiban.

Think about this for a moment having good shio ramen for your dinner with your favorite ramen toppings.

Now, you want some, don’t you?

Nutrition Facts (from the packaging)
Serving Size 1 package
Serving Per Container 1
Calories 480
Total Fat 23g
Saturated Fats 10g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0g
Sodium 2,090mg
Total Carbohydrate 59g
Dietary Fibers 4g
Sugars 0g
Protein 10g
Vitamin D 0%
Calcium 5%
Iron 24%

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