When you think of Japanese food, sushi, ramen, and tempura may come to mind. But there is another side of Japanese cuisine that is just as iconic in everyday life—cup noodles. Sold in every convenience store, supermarket, and even vending machines, cup noodles are an essential part of modern Japanese culture.
They are more than just a quick meal. Cup noodles in Japan are innovative, affordable, and endlessly diverse. From classic soy sauce ramen to spicy miso and even unique regional flavors, there’s something for every taste. Some varieties are so beloved that travelers buy them as souvenirs to bring home.
This article introduces the Top 10 Japanese Cup Noodles you must try. Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time, studying abroad, or simply curious about instant ramen, these selections will give you a delicious glimpse into Japanese daily life.
Top 10 Japanese Cup Noodles You Must Try
No.1 Nissin Cup Noodle Original
The classic soy sauce-based instant ramen introduced in 1971. This is the product that started Japan’s cup noodle culture and remains the most iconic flavor.
No.1 Nissin Cup Noodle Original (77g × 20)
Price: USD 25.39 (tax included)
≈ USD 1.27 per cup (20 cups set)
| Brand | Nissin |
|---|---|
| Category | Instant Noodles (Soy Sauce) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 77g × 20 cups |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
No.2 Nissin Cup Noodle Seafood
A creamy, savory soup with seafood flavor. Popular in winter and loved for its rich, smooth taste.
No.2 Nissin Cup Noodle Seafood (77g × 20)
Price: USD 24.32 (tax included)
≈ USD 1.22 per cup (20 cups set)
| Brand | Nissin |
|---|---|
| Category | Instant Noodles (Seafood) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 77g × 20 cups |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
No.3 Nissin Cup Noodle Curry
A rich curry-flavored soup with mild spiciness. Hearty and filling, it has been a favorite for decades.
No.3 Nissin Cup Noodle Curry (87g × 20)
Price: USD 24.63 (tax included)
≈ USD 1.23 per cup (20 cups set)
| Brand | Nissin |
|---|---|
| Category | Instant Noodles (Curry) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 87g × 20 cups |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
No.4 Nissin Cup Noodle Chili Tomato
A tangy tomato soup with a spicy kick. Unique among Japanese cup noodles and popular with younger generations.
No.4 Nissin Cup Noodle Chili Tomato (76g × 20)
Price: USD 24.90 (tax included)
≈ USD 1.24 per cup (20 cups set)
| Brand | Nissin |
|---|---|
| Category | Instant Noodles (Chili Tomato) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 76g × 20 cups |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
No.5 Nissin Donbei Kitsune Udon
Thick udon noodles in a soy-based broth, topped with a sweet fried tofu (aburaage). A comfort food classic.
No.5 Nissin Donbei Kitsune Udon (East) (96g × 12)
Price: USD 14.34 (tax included)
≈ USD 1.20 per cup (12 cups set)
| Brand | Nissin |
|---|---|
| Category | Udon (Kitsune) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 96g × 12 cups |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
No.6 Nissin Donbei Tempura Soba
Buckwheat soba noodles in hot dashi soup with a crunchy tempura topping. Especially popular during New Year season.
No.8 Nissin Donbei Tempura Soba (East) (100g × 12)
Price: USD 14.34 (tax included)
≈ USD 1.20 per cup (12 cups set)
| Brand | Nissin |
|---|---|
| Category | Soba (Tempura) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 100g × 12 cups |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
No.7 Peyoung Yakisoba
A dry noodle dish flavored with sweet and savory yakisoba sauce. Comes with seasoning and pickled ginger.
No.7 Peyoung Sauce Yakisoba (120g × 18)
Price: USD 31.69 (tax included)
≈ USD 1.76 per pack (18 packs set)
| Brand | Maruka Shokuhin (Peyoung) |
|---|---|
| Category | Instant Yakisoba (Sauce) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 120g × 18 packs |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
No.8 UFO Yakisoba
Another famous instant fried noodle, thicker and chewier than Peyoung, with a strong savory sauce.
No.9 Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O. Large (167g × 12)
Price: USD 20.37 (tax included)
≈ USD 1.70 per pack (12 packs set)
| Brand | Nissin |
|---|---|
| Category | Instant Yakisoba |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 167g × 12 packs |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
No.9 Maruchan Seimen Cup Shoyu
A premium-style cup noodle with soup and noodles designed to taste closer to authentic ramen. Soy sauce flavor is the most popular.
No.10 Maruchan Seimen Cup Shoyu (119g × 12)
Price: USD 24.89 (tax included)
≈ USD 2.07 per cup (12 cups set)
| Brand | Toyo Suisan (Maruchan) |
|---|---|
| Category | Instant Ramen (Soy Sauce) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 119g × 12 cups |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
No.10 Ichiran Instant Tonkotsu Ramen (Cup Version)
Based on the famous Ichiran ramen chain, this cup noodle recreates its signature tonkotsu (pork bone) broth in instant form.
Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen Cup (138g × 3)
Price: USD 17.92 (tax included)
≈ USD 17.92 per bag (3 cups set)
| Brand | Ichiran |
|---|---|
| Category | Instant Tonkotsu Ramen (Cup) |
| Origin | Japan |
| Pack | 138g × 3 cups |
| Listing | Amazon.co.jp |
| Shipping | Ships from Japan ※ International shipping may be expensive |
Conclusion
Japanese cup noodles are more than just a quick meal—they are a cultural icon that blends convenience, flavor, and innovation. From rich tonkotsu ramen to spicy curry and creative local specialties, each cup represents a unique aspect of Japan’s culinary diversity.
Whether you are traveling in Japan or ordering online, these top 10 cup noodles are a perfect way to experience authentic Japanese flavors from the comfort of your home. Just remember: availability may vary, and shipping costs can be high if you are purchasing from overseas.
So, grab a cup, add hot water, and enjoy a taste of Japan in minutes! 🍜