Noodle Journey Episode 79: Ramen Talk Tonkotsu Ramen

Ramen Talk continues to impress with its premium, shelf-stable ramen kits that go beyond the typical instant noodle experience. This time, I’m digging into their Tonkotsu Ramen, which comes with a pretty wild inclusion: a full slice of pork belly. I’ve reviewed some heavy hitters in the tonkotsu category before, so I’m eager to see how this one stacks up against the likes of Marutai, Myojo, and even Ichiran.

As with all Ramen Talk products, this sells for around $7 per pack from their website or as part of a variety bundle. Some Asian grocery stores carry it too. If you’re near Philly, check out a place called S. Mart. The preparation process involves boiling the soup base and pork in a separate pot, and then assembling the rest. Everything about this setup aims for a restaurant-like experience at home.

Noodles:
These are the same sun-dried wheat noodles from the Tom Yum variety, with a firm, chewy texture and excellent body. They’re not quite Hakata-style in that they lack that telltale raw flour finish and ultra-thin gauge, but that’s not a knock. These noodles are still a perfect score.
• 10/10

Spiciness:
There’s no heat in this one, which is what you’d expect from a traditional tonkotsu.
• 0/10

Overall:
The broth is fine, but not outstanding. There’s a clear pork and soy base with subtle notes of onion, garlic, and ginger, but I found the flavor to be a bit muted, even when prepared exactly as instructed. It lacks the richness and depth I was hoping for out of a premium tonkotsu. The miso-glazed bamboo shoots are solid texturally, though the miso flavor doesn’t come through much. As for the chashu? It’s a nice idea, and it looks cool, but the flavor and texture don’t hold up. It’s underseasoned and slightly gritty, with none of the marinated richness you’d get from homemade or restaurant versions. Still, there’s something cool about seeing a slice of pork in an instant ramen kit in the US. Ultimately, this one earns points for presentation and convenience, but doesn’t quite deliver on the flavor.
• 7/10