This is the Sapporo Ichiban Hakata Junjō Ramen ShinShin Takidashi Tonkotsu, an instant noodle product supervised by the renowned ShinShin ramen chain from Fukuoka Prefecture. ShinShin is celebrated for its distinctive pork bone broth, which differs from traditional Nagahama and Hakata ramen styles. The broth is clear, with a refined umami profile and no cloying heaviness. It is made from primarily Japanese pork bones, Aritadori brand chicken from Saga Prefecture, aromatic Kyūshū vegetables, and mineral-rich groundwater.

Each package included a fried noodle cake, a powdered soup base sachet, and a concentrated paste soup base sachet.

The sachets were emptied into a serving bowl, while the noodles were boiled in 450 mL of water for 90 seconds (recommended for an al dente texture). After cooking, the hot water was poured into the bowl with the sachets to create the broth. The noodles were added last, ensuring they soaked up the freshly prepared soup.

Out of the packet, the concentrated soup paste emitted a pungent aroma of boiled pork bones, reminiscent of the ramen shops on the platforms of Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

Once prepared, the broth transformed, losing its initial funkiness and offering a complex savoury aroma. The soup was a cloudy beige hue. The pork flavours were most pronounced in the oil, which clung well to the noodles. The noodles themselves were thin, straight, and minimally curly, with an excellent al dente yet chewy texture. Sipping the broth revealed its clarity and depth: there was no cloying taste or off-putting odour. Instead, the broth showcased a rich, rounded pork flavour balanced with chicken notes and layered savoury sweetness from garlic, onion, and ginger, rounded off by a touch of soy sauce. The combination delivered a harmonious and satisfying flavour.

The ShinShin-supervised instant noodles stood out for their nuanced broth and impeccably textured noodles, closely mimicking the experience of freshly made ramen from the store.

This Sapporo Ichiban Hakata Junjō Ramen ShinShin Takidashi Tonkotsu contained 96 g (75 g noodles) x 3 packs. It was produced in Japan and received as a gift from family visiting Fukuoka, Japan in 2024.