Noodle Journey Episode 59: Marutai Kagoshima Kurobuta Tonkotsu Ramen

This is the final installment in my Marutai “Local Series” marathon, and we’re wrapping things up with a bold, pork-forward broth inspired by the Kagoshima prefecture. Known for its use of kurobuta black pork (meaning the breed of pig, not the color of the meat), this variety incorporates pork extract specifically labeled as coming from Kagoshima pigs, along with the distinctive addition of charred green onion. That charred scallion note is a key part of this ramen’s identity, lending a mild caramelized depth that sets it apart from typical tonkotsu profiles. It’s seems to be a popular choice online, which makes sense considering the flavor profile.

Inside the pack, you get two servings of straight, air-dried noodles with separate soup powder and seasoning oil. The broth includes pork, chicken, and scallop extracts, with vegetable powder high on the ingredient list and charred green onion as a featured component. The sodium content is high, clocking in at 2086mg per serving. It’s widely available online at retailers like YamiBuy, Meccha Japan (bowl version), and Amazon, and you might even spot it at your local Asian market.

Noodles:

The medium-thickness straight noodles are consistently excellent across Marutai’s product line, with a firm, chewy bite that is probably as close to restaurant quality as dried instant ramen can get.
• 10/10

Spiciness:

There’s no spice here at all. This one is entirely approachable for those avoiding heat.
• 0/10

Overall:

The broth leans lighter in body than some other tonkotsu options, with a smooth milky texture and subtle depth. It’s anchored by the rich pork extract and uplifted by a generous helping of sweet, roasted scallion notes that give it a unique flavor balance. It’s definitely scorched but it’s caramelized in flavor, not burnt. There’s even a faint sweetness, maybe that vegetable extract I spied in the ingredients. A terrific finish to the series, and one of the most distinct bowls in the bunch.
• 10/10