Noodle Journey Episode 55: Marutai Kurume Tonkotsu Ramen

Marutai’s Kurume Tonkotsu Ramen takes us to the city of Kurume, considered the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. The regional style is known for its rich, greasy pork bone broth that some may find overwhelmin, but for those who enjoy an unapologetically fatty, deeply porky soup, it’s a style worth seeking out. Kurume broth typically features pork bones, soy sauce, onion, and ginger, with a finishing layer of seasoning oil for extra depth. This particular variety is easily identified by its pinkish packaging and is widely available online and in Asian grocery stores, usually retailing for $4 to $8 per pack (which contains two servings).

The broth is labeled as containing 5,750 mg of salt equivalent, which translates to 2,263 mg of sodium per serving, which is high, but par for the course with this product line. Inside the pack are two bundles of medium-gauge, three-minute noodles along with two seasoning sachets and two oil packets. The soup base includes pork extract, sesame, and green onion, while the oil packet contains a layer of pork fat and a subtle touch of garlic aroma. Once prepared, the bowl presents a shimmering layer of oil on the surface with visible sesame seeds and chopped green onion.

Noodles:

These noodles are on par with the rest of the Marutai lineup. They cook up with a chewy, satisfying bite and a medium thickness that holds up well in the rich broth.
• 10/10

Spiciness:

There’s no heat to speak of here. A perfect choice for those who enjoy deep flavor without spice.
• 0/10

Overall:

The broth here is bold and unique, with a texture and flavor that sets it apart from other tonkotsu offerings. It’s thick, oily, and intensely pork-forward, close to tasting like a rich pork gravy, but I never found it unpleasantly gamey. There’s a porky depth here that tonkotsu fans will appreciate, amplified by the garlic-infused oil and the slick mouthfeel that comes with the nature of this broth. If you’re looking for something with a tamer pork profile, other Marutai tonkotsu varieties might be a better fit. But if you’re a fan of greasy, hearty ramen with serious pork bone character, this one is a must-try.
• 10/10