Noodle Journey Episode 47: Nissin Cup Noodle Original

I’m wrapping up the current lineup of Nissin’s Global Favorites with the Cup Noodle Original flavor, the third and final variety in this US-made series. While the name suggests this is the same recipe that launched Cup Noodle in Japan in 1971, it’s actually more of an homage. This version features an American-made version of that recipe, which contains salty soy broth with dehydrated shrimp, egg, and what Nissin affectionately calls “mystery meat.” Some fans online have claimed it doesn’t taste like the original they remember, which might be due to the glaring “No Added MSG” label. That decision seems geared toward appeasing American shoppers who still think it’s 1987 and MSG is something to fear.

This one proved harder to find locally for me than the Seafood and Curry cups. I had to order a six-pack on Amazon for $12.99, but individual cups should be available at Walmart, Asian grocery stores, or other retailers for $1.50–$2.50. Sodium clocks in at 1550mg, which is 67% of your daily allowance. Inside the cup are generous chunks of dried shrimp, egg yolk, and the same freeze-dried “mystery meat” I enjoyed in the Curry flavor. Nissin now officially uses the term “mystery meat” to describe these seasoned pork-soy-vegetable cubes, which fans nicknamed years ago. I prepare the cup in the microwave as instructed and give everything a thorough stir before diving in.

Noodles:
Classic Cup Noodle fare. Slightly chewy, a little thin, and just fine. They’re not offensive, not exciting, just there to carry the broth and ingredients.
• 5/10

Spiciness:
Completely mild. No chili, no heat, nothing.
• 0/10

Overall:
The best part of this cup is the toppings. The shrimp rehydrate well and stay firm with a solid shrimpy bite. The mystery meat delivers that mild pork sausage-like flavor with a hint of fat, and while the egg yolk pieces don’t taste like much, they add texture. Unfortunately, the broth falls short for me. It’s mostly just salty soy with a faint hint of sesame oil, onion, and shrimp. After the flavor-packed Curry and Seafood varieties, this comes off as disappointingly basic. There’s no nuance, no complexity, just salt and light umami. Some MSG would have helped this tremendously. Without the shrimp and meat, this would be a forgettable 5. With them, it rises up to something I would mildly recommend if you’re willing to overlook the basic broth.
• 6/10

Notes since filming:

It’s funny; even though I wasn’t terribly impressed by the flavor in this, there’s something compelling about it that makes me want to buy it every now and then. A little sprinkle of MSG and some Ramen Bae does wonders for this flavor.