How to Choose Soy Sauce Ramen: A Buyer’s Guide

Craving a warm, comforting meal that's ready in a flash? Soy sauce ramen, or shoyu ramen, is the perfect solution, combining simplicity with rich flavour. Whether you're a busy student, a young professional looking for comfort after a long day, or simply a fan of Asian cuisine, it can be tough to navigate the jungle of options out there.

This guide is here to shed some light. Our mission at Joybuy is to give you the keys to making the right choice, with clear, objective information, free from marketing jargon. The idea is to help you find the product that truly matches your tastes and needs. Together, let's break down the key criteria and review some of the gems available on the market.

Tips for Choosing Your Soy Noodle Soup

Before you make your choice, here are the key points to consider to find THE perfect pack of instant soy sauce noodles for you.

1. The Broth Profile: Classic or Rich?

The secret to great ramen lies in its broth. Shoyu ramen is known for its clear, soy sauce-based broth. However, there are some notable variations:

• Classic: A light, salty, and umami-rich broth, often made with a chicken or vegetable base. This is the traditional flavour of Tokyo-style Japanese ramen.
• Rich and Complex: Some broths are enhanced with fats (like pork back fat, seabura), flavoured oils, or seafood extracts. The result? A deeper flavour and a creamier texture.

2. The Origin: Japanese Ramen or Korean Ramen?

While ramen originated in Japan, Korean ramen (or ramyeon) has carved out its own unique identity.

• Japanese: The focus is on balance and the subtlety of umami. Flavours often revolve around soy sauce, dashi (fish-based broth), and pork or chicken aromas.
• Korean: It often features bolder flavours, with pronounced sweet and savoury notes, sometimes kicked up with a touch of chilli or garlic.

3. The Format: Pack or Cup?

The format directly impacts how and when you'll eat it:

• Pack: Perfect for preparing at home. It requires a saucepan but gives you complete freedom to add your own toppings (vegetables, egg, meat, etc.).
• Cup (Bowl): The ultimate on-the-go solution. Just add hot water, wait, and it's ready! Ideal for the office, while travelling, or when using a kitchen isn't an option.

Recommended Soy Sauce Ramen Picks

Here is our selection of products that perfectly illustrate the diversity of soy sauce ramen.

NISSIN Instant Demae Noodles Bag Tokyo Soy 100g

Why we love it: This all-time classic from Nissin is THE benchmark for an authentic Tokyo ramen taste. A reliable choice that never disappoints.

Highlights:

• Authentic flavour: A tasty and well-balanced soy noodle soup broth, true to Japanese tradition.
• Great noodle texture: The wheat noodles maintain a pleasant texture after cooking.
• Ready in a flash: Ready in 3 minutes flat on the stove.

Who is it for? For those new to the world of instant ramen or anyone looking for a reliable, classic, and comforting option. It's also the perfect base to customise with your favourite toppings.

Nissin Raoh Cup Noodle Seabura Soy Sauce Instant Noodles 113g

Why we love it: Nissin's Raoh line promises a restaurant-quality experience. This version stands out with its rich broth, elevated by seabura (pork back fat), which gives it an exceptional depth of flavour.

Highlights:

• Indulgent broth: The pork fat adds a creaminess and intense umami that coats the palate.
• Premium-quality noodles: Their texture is stunningly close to that of fresh noodles.
• Ultra-convenient bowl format: All the quality of a premium ramen in a take-anywhere format.

Who is it for? For foodies looking for a more complex and intense flavour experience, without leaving home or the office. An excellent choice for fans of bold broths.

KOREAN FOOD STYLE Ramen Noodles Soy Caramel Flavour 170g

Why we love it: This Korean ramen thinks outside the box with its unique pairing of soy sauce and caramel notes. A sweet and savoury approach that clearly sets it apart from its Japanese cousins.

Highlights:

• Unique flavour: The sweet and savoury balance between the soy and caramel is surprisingly delicious.
• Ultra-fast preparation: The noodles are pre-cooked, which makes preparation even simpler.
• A Korean twist: An excellent opportunity to explore another side of ramen culture.

Who is it for? For the curious and adventurous palates who love unconventional flavours. If you're a fan of sweet and savoury dishes like bulgogi or teriyaki chicken, go for it!

Looking for Other Options?

Our selection focuses on soy sauce ramen, but the world of Asian noodles is vast. If these products aren't exactly what you're looking for, or if you're curious to discover other flavours (miso, tonkotsu, spicy, etc.), feel free to explore our full catalogue.

? Discover our full range of soy noodles to find the flavour that's right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between shoyu ramen and the other main types of ramen?

Shoyu (soy sauce) is one of the four main types of ramen broths. The others are:

• Shio (salt): A clear, light broth where salt is the main seasoning.
• Miso (fermented soybean paste): A more opaque, rich, and complex broth with a characteristic nutty taste.
• Tonkotsu (pork bone): A very rich, creamy, and milky broth made by simmering pork bones for many hours.

How can you upgrade your instant soy sauce noodles?

It couldn't be easier! Consider adding:

• A soft-boiled or fried egg.
• Chopped spring onions or chives.
• A few spinach leaves or some pak choi.
• Bamboo shoots (menma) or mushrooms.
• A sheet of nori seaweed.
• Toasted sesame seeds.

Is it easy to buy Japanese or Korean ramen online?

Yes, buying ramen online is incredibly easy these days. You have access to a huge selection of brands and flavours, including imported gems you can't find in your local supermarket. It's the perfect way to discover authentic tastes and to stock up on your favourite noodles.