Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Flavor

The first thing you’re going to notice about the Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu is the smell. It’s pretty intense the second you open it. It’s a very funky garlic smell, and I like it.

Produced in Hong Kong by Nissin Foods Co., Ltd.

What’s in the Package

A brick of thin wavy noodles, a soup base packet, and a black garlic oil packet. The oil packet is the best part. It’s what makes this different from a regular tonkotsu instant ramen.

How to Cook Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Flavor

Put the soup base into your serving bowl first. Cook the noodles in 500ml of boiling water for about 3 minutes, then pour the hot cooking water into the bowl to dissolve the soup base, add the noodles, and stir. Finish with the black garlic seasoning oil and serve. Don’t skip the garlic oil. It’s the whole point of this bowl.

How Does It Taste

The second you get this bowl ready you’re hit with a very funky smell. I mean that as a compliment. The taste is strong and garlicky, but it’s not as funky as I expected. The smell is the funkiest part. The broth is a creamy tonkotsu, but it’s not overly creamy.

The noodles are thin, wavy and white. They look like a thinner version of Shin Ramyun noodles. There’s no spice on this one, so it’s a 0/5 on the heat scale.

How Does It Compare

Compared to other tonkotsu instant ramens like Sapporo Ichiban, the big difference here is the black garlic oil. Most instant tonkotsu is all pork and creaminess. This one has that too, plus a strong garlic flavor on top. If you want a plain tonkotsu, this isn’t it. If you want more garlic, this is the one to grab.

How to Level Up Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Flavor

Skip the extra garlic on this one. It already has plenty. Add meat and vegetables instead. Any sliced meat works, like sliced chicken or sliced beef. Thinly sliced pork or chashu is the more traditional pick. Bok choy is good in there too.

Final Verdict

I liked this one a lot. The black garlic oil is what makes it better than most instant tonkotsu. It smells funkier than it tastes, and it’s a good base for whatever meat and veggies you have. If you like garlic, try this one.