Noodle Journey Episode 185: Marutai Shijimi Clam Soy Sauce Ramen

I’m closing out this year’s Marutai marathon with one of the more unusual flavors I’ve come across from the brand: Marutai Shijimi Clam Soy Sauce Ramen. This one immediately caught my attention, not just because I love clams, but because Marutai is positioning this as a nutritionally dense ramen built around shijimi clams, which are often associated with vitamins and restorative broths in Japan. I’ve reviewed seafood-forward ramen before, but this is one of the few where clams are clearly meant to be the star rather than a background note.

Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 185: Marutai Shijimi Clam Soy Sauce Ramen

I picked this up a couple months ago from Japanese Snacks Republic for around $5 as part of a larger import order. This is a single-serving pack, which does make it feel expensive compared to many other Marutai products, especially those that include two full servings. Still, this is not a widely exported variety, and it is very much positioned as a specialty item rather than a staple pack due to the ingredients and purported health benefits.

Sodium for the entire serving comes in at approximately 2300mg, which is high, even if the vitamin content is meant to offset that somewhat. Inside the pack is a single serving of Marutai’s three-minute straight noodles and a powdered broth packet. The broth includes soy sauce, pork and chicken extract, vegetable powder, roasted sesame seeds, clams, fish sauce, green onion, and powdered bamboo shoots. Notably absent is a seasoning oil packet, which is unusual for Marutai.

Noodles:
These are Marutai’s typical straight ramen noodles, and they came out exactly as expected. They cook evenly, retain an excellent chew, and have that springy texture that consistently sets Marutai apart from most instant ramen brands.
• 10/10

Spiciness:
There is no heat here at all.
• 0/10

Overall:
This broth delivers a very obvious clam presence right from the aroma. The soy sauce base is mellow, and it blends with a mix of seafood and meat umami that feels complementary. The clam flavor is slightly funky in a way that will absolutely appeal to seafood fans, especially anyone who enjoys clam chowder, clam pasta, or shellfish-forward broths. Sesame notes come through as well, helping round out the flavor and prevent it from feeling thin despite the lack of any oil. That said, the absence of a seasoning oil is noticeable. The broth does not have the same richness or mouthfeel that many other Marutai varieties deliver, and the toppings are minimal. There are green onions and sesame seeds, but nothing substantial enough to justify the price on their own. While the vitamin content and unique flavor profile make this an interesting product, it still feels like something is missing when compared to other premium Marutai releases. Even with those minor caveats, this is a very flavorful and distinctive ramen. It will not be for everyone, but for anyone who enjoys clams, soy sauce-based broths, and seafood-forward Japanese flavors, it is well worth seeking out at least once.
• 9/10