Noodle Journey Episode 49: Marutai Nagasaki Agodashi Soy Sauce Ramen

This Nagasaki specialty ramen from Marutai stands out in their “Local Series” as the only seafood-forward entry. It’s based on a regional shoyu broth that features agodashi, or charcoal-grilled flying fish broth, which adds a sweet and smoky dimension to the flavor. This bowl aims to deliver a lighter take on soy sauce ramen with a seafood-driven twist that’s still accessible even to non-fish fanatics.

Like the rest of the series, this is widely available online at places like YamiBuy and Amazon for $4–$8 per pack, each containing two servings. Sodium content clocks in around 2,170mg per serving. Inside the package are medium-gauge, straight, non-fried noodles, a soup base, and an aromatic oil packet. The ingredient list is a complex blend of chicken and pork extracts paired with tuna, cuttlefish, and flying fish, with visible sesame seeds floating in the finished broth. A printed disclaimer notes that small undissolved lumps may appear in the soup due to the real fish content, and that’s exactly what you want in something like this.

Noodles: These are slightly thicker than what came with the Hakata variety, with a 3-minute cook time and a perfectly firm, chewy bite. They lack the floury finish of the thinner Hakata-style noodles but still deliver an excellent texture.
• 10/10

Spiciness: No heat at all in this one.
• 0/10

Overall: This is a uniquely delicious bowl, but you must love fishy flavors to appreciate it. The broth is lighter than it looks, with sweet soy, roasted onion, sesame, and a soft fishy note that reminds me a bit of sardine. It’s smoky, but not overly so, and the seafood character is balanced and elegant, not overwhelming. If you can’t stand fish, this won’t convert you, but if you’re even mildly into seafood broths, this is outstanding. The noodles pair beautifully with the broth and make this a standout in the series.
• 10/10

Next up is another regional favorite as the Marutai series continues, and if this one’s any indication, we’re in for a strong run.