r a m e n i a c: how to disappear completely (from store shelves)

how to disappear completely (from store shelves)

by rameniac | 14 Jan 2008

Many of you may have noticed a dearth of top notch instant ramen selections at your local Japanese supermarket. After asking around, I discovered the sordid truth behind this. Japan's ban on U.S. beef has apparently led to a retaliatory embargo on certain meat products from the J-motherland! It hadn't occurred to me before, but my suspicions were confirmed when I checked out the shelves at Mitsuwa Marketplace. None of the available ramen featured chashu or meat toppings! This means all the top-end favorites like Goota and Raoh and shop-signature lines like Kurume Taiho and Kujirakei are certified contraband for the time being. What a disaster.

I'll try to compile a list of the best among the slim pickings on offer these days, but granted, stuff like UFO Yakisoba and Myojo Chukazanmai are reliable standbys in these dire times.

tagged: features •

Comments

I was one of the ones commenting on this recently. Finally an answer, at least. I miss the good instant ramen…

Posted by on 01/14 at 06:17 PM

Can you comment on the refrigerated varieties as well? I find them to be much better than instant.

Posted by on 01/16 at 02:17 PM

The refrigerated/frozen varieties are certainly much better than the current “instant” crop, that’s for sure. At least they approach mediocre restaurant ramen, not bad for reasonably quick prep at home.

Problem is the toppings, though. It was nice to have the vac-sealed stuff, and just dump a packet of negi, shoots, and a decent slice of cha-shu in, ready to go.

Posted by on 01/17 at 01:04 AM

I’ll try to get to some of the “nama” refrigerated ramen in the near future. I have a freezer full of the stuff lol.

Max - yea thanks! I’d noticed the anemic instant ramen selection all year, but your initial comment was what prompted me to start investigating and make a post about it! Here’s hoping the import situation will right itself in the near future…

Posted by rameniac on 01/22 at 12:46 AM

Now I know why I can’t find Raoh anywhere! It all makes sense now.

I’d love to hear what you think of the nama ramen selection we have here these days.

Posted by on 01/23 at 12:35 PM

You have a very nice blog, good post...keep up the good job

Posted by sorina on 01/27 at 02:04 AM

No wonder! Thanks I always wondered why the GooTa Ramen was AWOL...good investigative work, rameniac.

Posted by on 02/06 at 09:58 AM