Noodle Journey Episode 48: Marutai Hakata Soy Sauce Tonkotsu Ramen

From the city of Nagahama, this regional specialty ramen kicks off a series of reviews covering Marutai’s entire “Local Series” lineup. Nagahama is part of the Hakata district in Fukuoka, a region famous for its straight noodles and rich tonkotsu broth. This specific variety layers a soy sauce component onto the traditional pork bone base, creating a hybrid shoyu-tonkotsu style that still adheres to the Hakata tradition. Despite being a premium import, it’s widely available in the US at retailers like Amazon and YamiBuy, often priced between $4 to $8 for a two-serving pack.

The ingredient list reveals the usual suspects for a deeply savory broth: pork fat, chicken extract, fish-based umami enhancers, soy sauce, and even a dash of scallop extract. Nutritionally, this one is has quite a hit of sodium; each serving contains a hefty 2,320mg, so beware. It comes with a straight noodle bundle, soup base packet, and oil packet, and also includes green onion and sesame seed garnishes. This is not vegetarian-friendly.

Noodles: These Hakata-style noodles are thin, floury, and quick-cooking (only a couple minutes) and they absolutely nail the tonkotsu standard. The texture is springy and firm, delivering a satisfying chew. Perfect score, without any reservations.
• 10/10

Spiciness: No chili presence here whatsoever.
• 0/10

Overall: This is a thick, rich pork bone broth that leans into salt and umami in the best way. The soy sauce base adds depth while notes of onion, sesame, garlic, and ginger round it out beautifully. The consistency is what really seals the deal. It looks and feels as close to a true restaurant-quality tonkotsu broth as I’ve ever come across, with just the right level of oiliness and body. At half the price of Ichiran and with double the servings, it completely outclasses its more famous competitor. This is easily the best tonkotsu instant noodle reviewed so far.
• 10/10

If this first entry is any indication, the rest of the Marutai lineup could be legendary. Let’s see how they stack up in the reviews ahead.

Notes since filming:

And so it began. My love affair with Maruati ramen was sealed after my first bite of this. They’re such a consistent company, and I’ve loved everything I’ve tried of theirs. I learned during this review marathon that I prefer all of their other more specialized tonkotsu flavors to this one, but this Hakata shoyu tonkotsu is still an eye-opening experience if you can find it.