With the cold weather setting in, it feels like it’s time to start revving up my instant noodle soup reviews again. After all, when it’s chilly outside, a hot bowl of ramen is perfect lunch fodder. So, last week, I tried this Maruchan Akai Kitsune instant udon noodle bowl.
This one is a bit different from most of the reviews on my noodle reviewooodle page because it’s not a packet – it’s a bowl. The principle is basically the same as a cup noodle. Add boiling water, close the lid, wait, stir, eat, burn your mouth, continue to eat.
Who is Maruchan?
This isn’t a brand I’d heard of before and I don’t think they’re as well know in the UK as brands like Nissin who make Demae Ramen although they are a large Japanese-American brand.
From what I can find out, they’re very popular in the USA with their yakisoba, noodle bowls and instant ramen although I don’t think I’ve seen any Maruchan noodles on sale over here apart from the noodle bowl here. They also do something called ‘instant lunch’ with some interesting flavour combos including ‘lime chilli chicken’ and ‘cheddar cheese’ although these are essentially just noodle pots! Will have to keep my eyes peeled next time I’m noodle shopping and see if I can find some to show you all.
Tasting the Akai Kitsune
Akai Kitsune refers to the noodle type and what it comes with. Essentially, a thicker noodle type made with wheat flour, paired with a piece of seasoned fried tofu. For a small bowl, this is a filling and hearty snack because that piece of tofu plumps up with the hot water and becomes a substantial and delicious element of the meal.
The udon rehydrated really nicely and I enjoyed the thicker noodle than you often get in instant ramen packets. The sauce was great – I think soy-based and perhaps with something sweet in there too. The winning element though, has to be that big piece of soft saucy tofu. Each mouthful was full of umami flavour and really brought the bowl alive. There were also some garnish bits in there (the usual green onions) – which added nice pops of flavour.
I added some chopped up and fried pieces of polish sausage (after trying the broth and tofu without) because a) it needed using up and b) I was extra hungry that day. I wouldn’t say that this one needs pimping up with extra ingredients though. Unlike some of the other instant ramen I’ve reviewed, this noodle soup has enough body to stand on its own without needing anything more.
Scores on the doors
- Flavour – 9/10
- Texture – 9/10
- Ease of making – 10/10
Total: 28/30
Buy again? YES – 100% yes.
Want more instant noodles?
See more reviews and decide which instant noodles you’re going to eat next on my Noodle Reviewooodle page!
Dave