Noodle Journey Episode 39: Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen (US Version)

I’m trying the third Nissin Raoh variety in my lineup: Soy Sauce flavor. After loving the Miso and re-evaluating the noodles in the Tonkotsu version, I’m optimistic about this one. It’s a chilly autumn day, which makes this a perfect time to dig into a shoyu broth. Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce is still my reigning favorite in this category, with Sapporo Ichiban’s original flavor as a longtime staple, so this has stiff competition.

This pack runs $2–3 depending on where you shop and is available in many grocery stores and online, including my local Wegmans. Sodium hits a whopping 2400mg, or 105% of your daily intake, which is typical for soy sauce broths but still worth mentioning for those of you with sodium issues. Inside is the signature Raoh noodle block and a liquid soup packet. The packet includes soy sauce, ginger, unspecified spices, and most interestingly, powdered fermented bamboo shoots – likely reminiscent of menma.

Noodles:
These are the same noodles as the other Raoh varieties, and I stand by my updated 9 out of 10 score. They’re thick, chewy, and have a premium texture, almost like spaghetti in shape and spring. I do wonder if these are slightly rounder than the ones in the Miso version, which seemed flatter, but either way, they’re excellent.
• 9/10

Spiciness:
There’s no heat here at all. This is a straight soy broth with no chili components.
• 0/10

Overall:
This broth is way better than the soy sauce soups I used to avoid. It’s rich, salty, and umami-forward without being one-note. The ginger is noticeable, and there’s an onion flavor present even though it’s not listed (probably part of the ambiguous “spices”). A bit of oil adds richness, and the soy sauce is bold and full-bodied. It’s comforting and well-rounded, and while it’s a relatively simple mix of soy sauce, oil, and spices, it really packs a lot of flavor. The only thing holding it back is the lack of garnishes, just like its predecessors. There’s not a single vegetable in here, which is disappointing given the price and overall quality. Even bargain brands toss in a few dried bits. Without that, it loses just a touch of dimension. Still, this is an excellent shoyu option with a deeply satisfying broth.
• 9/10

Compared to Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce, I give the edge to Maruchan by just half a point. Its broth is ever-so-slightly more complex to me, and its noodles ever-so-slightly better. But this is still a strong contender and worth picking up if it’s more accessible or affordable in your area.