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I snagged this Kurata Foods Vegan Tomato Spicy ramen along with the regular vegan version at the Winter Fancy Food show. What made this one memorable was that the Japanese chef who created it was there in person. He walked me through the concept directly.
Produced in Japan
What’s in the Package
Inside are two bundles of straight, thin ramen noodles and two sachets of liquid base. Seeing the actual liquid through the plastic was a good sign. It looks much more concentrated than a standard powder.
How Does It Taste
Garlic hits first and it hits strong. That was the first thing both James and I noticed. The tomato comes through at the end of each sip rather than upfront. It was more of a finishing note that softens the garlic intensity. It’s a nice progression.
Despite being labeled spicy James and I both looked for the heat and couldn’t find it. This is a 0 out of 5 on spice. The garlic provides enough intensity that it doesn’t feel like something is missing.
The broth is a 3 out of 5 on viscosity and it thickens as it sits so make sure to eat it promptly. It’s on the saltier side especially toward the end of the bowl. Noodles are straight at a 1 out of 5 on thickness.
How Does It Compare
The natural comparison is the Kurata Foods Vegan Ramen. The original is more mild and comforting. This one is bolder from the garlic and has a more specific flavor identity. If you want more personality go for this one. If you want something milder and more versatile start with the original.
How to Level It Up
Add some fresh basil right before serving. The tomato garlic combination is already pointing in an Italian direction and the basil takes it there completely. Then I would suggest adding enoki mushrooms and cubed tofu.
Final Verdict
The Kurata Foods Vegan Tomato Spicy Ramen is a bold garlic-forward bowl with a pleasant tomato finish. The spicy label doesn’t hold up but the flavor does. Meeting the chef who created it at the Fancy Food Show made this one more memorable. James and I would both reach for this one again.
Tasting Notes
- Spice Level: 0/5
- Broth Viscosity: 3/5
- Noodle Thickness: 1/5
- Noodle Type: Straight
- Topping Suggestions: Basil, Fresh Herbs, Enoki Mushrooms, Cubed Tofu
How do I rate my ramen? Check out the Ramen Rating Guide.
Related Instant Ramen
- Kurata Foods Vegan Ramen
- Ichiran Vegan Ramen
- Samyang Tangle Garlic Oil Pasta
- Omachi Spaghetti Instant Noodles
- Gluten Free Meister Miso Ramen
Where to buy Kurata Foods Vegan Tomato Spicy Ramen
Community Ratings
If you’re looking for instant noodles that taste like high quality, get this one. That broth was heavenly despite being vegan. The noodles were perfect, not too chewy and it withheld the broth so well without getting soggy and unappetizing. I ate mine with rotisserie chicken, carrots and sesame seeds.
