Buying Shoyu Ramen: An Authentic Noodle Soup Guide

The craving for an authentic, warming bowl of Japanese noodle soup can be easily satisfied right at home. Shoyu ramen, one of the classic ramen varieties, is built on a clear broth that gets its characteristic flavour from Japanese soy sauce. However, those looking specifically to buy shoyu ramen will find a wide selection: from traditional soup noodles and convenient cup meals to vegan alternatives.

This guide is here to help you navigate the options. It introduces different types of instant ramen with soy sauce and highlights their unique features to help you make an informed choice.

What to Look for When Choosing Shoyu Ramen

The right product for you depends on your personal preferences and how much preparation time you have. Three key criteria can simplify your decision.

1. Soup or Stir-Fried: The Difference Between Ramen and Yakiudon

When most people think of Japanese noodles, they picture a soup. Classic ramen noodles are served in a broth. However, there's also a popular alternative: yakiudon. These are thick wheat noodles that are stir-fried in a pan with vegetables or meat, rather than served in a soup. The flavour comes from a special yakiudon soy sauce. So, for those who prefer a meal without a lot of broth, yakiudon products could be an interesting option.

2. Preparation Method: Pot or Cup

Time is often a key factor. Traditional instant ramen is prepared in a pot of boiling water, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. For an even faster and more convenient option, perfect for the office or on the go, there are cup noodles shoyu. With these cup meals, you simply pour hot water over the noodles, and they're ready to eat after a short steeping time.

3. Dietary Preferences: Traditional or Vegan

The broth of traditional shoyu ramen often contains animal-based extracts or fats, such as chicken or fish. For those who follow a plant-based diet, there are now specialised vegan ramen options. These products use plant proteins, vegetable extracts, and mushrooms to create a complex and rich umami flavour without any animal ingredients. A quick look at the ingredients list will always provide clarity.

Recommended Shoyu Ramen Products

Here is a curated list of different products that reflect the diversity of authentic Japanese noodles with a soy sauce flavour.

Hikari Miso Restaurant Style Ramen Shoyu Taste 188 g

Why It Stands Out Made in Japan, this product aims to deliver a restaurant-quality experience. The combination of noodles and a rich, powdered soup base with soy sauce powder (2.1%) creates a deep and balanced flavour.

Pros

• Authentic recipe from Japan
• Noodles made from wheat flour (82%) with a great texture
• Quick preparation in a pot in 3-5 minutes

Who It's For Those who want a classic Japanese noodle soup with an authentic flavour profile and prefer pot preparation.

AJINOMOTO Oyakata Ramen Cup Soy Sauce 63g

Why It Stands Out As a cup noodles shoyu, this product is designed for maximum convenience. The broth combines soy sauce powder with chicken extract and a blend of spices for a savoury taste. Preparation only requires hot water.

Pros

• Extremely fast and easy preparation with no cookware needed
• Convenient packaging for on the go or at the office
• Balanced seasoning with a chicken flavour

Who It's For Professionals, students, and anyone looking for a very quick, simple, and warm meal.

Itsuki Ex Itsuki YakiUdon Noodle Soy Sauce 678g 3pc

Why It Stands Out This product offers a clear alternative to soup. It includes thick, pre-cooked udon noodles and a special yakiudon soy sauce for stir-frying. It's ideal for combining with fresh vegetables or other ingredients to create a complete pan-fried meal.

Pros

• Offers a stir-fried noodle alternative to traditional ramen soups
• Thick, soft udon noodles for a pleasant texture
• Convenient pack with three individual servings

Who It's For Novice cooks and fans of stir-fried dishes who want to prepare a quick and authentic Japanese noodle meal.

Kurata Shoyu Vegan Ramen 236g

Why It Stands Out This vegan ramen variety was specially developed without any animal ingredients. The broth is based on traditional soy sauce and is enriched with hydrolysed vegetable protein, garlic oil, and concentrated vegetable extracts (onion, carrot, celery) to achieve a deep umami flavour.

Pros

• Purely plant-based recipe, suitable for a vegan diet
• Complex, rich broth despite the absence of animal products
• Nearly indistinguishable from a traditional shoyu broth

Who It's For Vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking for a plant-based yet flavourful Japanese noodle soup.

Looking for More Options?

The world of Japanese noodles is diverse and offers much more than the products featured here. If you're looking for other flavours or noodle types, you can find an expanded selection of products for your kitchen in our Soy Noodles category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between shoyu and miso ramen?

The main difference lies in the flavour base of the broth. For shoyu ramen, the primary ingredient is Japanese soy sauce (shoyu), which results in a typically clear, brownish, and salty-savoury broth. Miso ramen, on the other hand, uses fermented soybean paste (miso), making the broth cloudier, creamier, and more complex in flavour.

How can you elevate instant ramen?

Instant ramen serves as an excellent base that can easily be upgraded. Popular additions include a soft-boiled egg (Ajitsuke Tamago), fresh spring onions, slices of roasted meat (Chashu) or tofu, bamboo shoots (Menma), corn, or a sheet of nori (dried seaweed).

Is Japanese instant ramen suitable for a vegan diet?

Not always. Many traditional instant ramen broths contain animal-based ingredients like chicken, pork, or fish extracts. However, there are products specifically labelled as vegan, such as the Kurata Shoyu Vegan Ramen, which offer a purely plant-based alternative. It's always wise to check the ingredient list on the packaging.