Noodle Journey Episode 87: Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen Bowl (US Version)

This episode covers one of the most well-known instant miso ramen products on the market: Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen, in the bowl version. Thanks to a viral TikTok hack that combined this ramen with a raw egg, Kewpie mayo, and garlic, it skyrocketed in internet popularity. But beyond the hype, there’s some legitimate history here too; this was reportedly the very first instant miso ramen, dating back to the 1960s. It took Sanyo Foods three years to develop their proprietary six-miso blend for this flavor, and the end result is a savory, umami-rich bowl that clearly struck a chord with consumers.

As with other Sapporo Ichiban flavors, this is available in both bowl and pack formats. The bowl version usually sells for around $2 and includes a garnish packet, while the pack version is often cheaper and vegan-friendly, with an added togarashi seasoning not found in the bowl. The bowl does contain both milk powder and fish-based dashi, so it’s not vegetarian. It’s widely available online and at most Asian grocers, including places like H Mart. Sodium content is 2,100 mg, which is unsurprising for a miso-based soup.

Noodles:
These are classic Sapporo Ichiban noodles, on the thinner side, but reliable and springy. They hold up well to the broth and are exactly what you expect from the brand.
• 7/10

Spiciness:
There’s no heat in this version at all. If you want spice, you’ll need to buy the pack version with the togarashi or add your own.
• 0/10

Overall:
The broth is salty, but not excessively so, with a deep mildly-fermented umami backbone and a subtle zip from some onion. You get sweetness from the cabbage, a bit of garlic, and a mild, well-balanced miso flavor that leans toward the darker side. The garnish pack contains bok choy, cabbage, carrot, leek, and corn, which is a somewhat unusual combination for miso soup, and I think seaweed might have been a better choice over carrot. Still, everything rehydrated nicely and provides some variety in texture. The fish-derived ingredients doesn’t lend any overt fishiness that I noticed, so even seafood-averse folks should be fine. Compared to more premium miso ramen from brands like Maruchan Gold, Nissin Raoh, or Marutai, this one is less complex but incredibly accessible. If you’re looking for an easy, satisfying miso ramen that’s true to its roots, this is a solid option.
• 8/10