Nissin 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 got that deep, roasted garlic funk that you either love or you really love.

Produced in Hong Kong.

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 star of the show and what sets this apart from a standard tonkotsu instant ramen.

How to prepare it

Boil the noodles according to package directions, drain most of the water, then add the soup base and black garlic oil. Stir well 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. Funky here is a total compliment. It’s that deep fermented-style richness that only black garlic can provide. The broth is a creamy tonkotsu at a solid middle-of-the-road consistency, acting as the perfect base for that black garlic punch.

The noodles are thin and wavy, lighter and paler than standard instant ramen, with a texture reminiscent of a thinner version of Shin Ramyun noodles. There’s no spice to speak of on this one since it sits at a 0/5 on the heat scale.

How does it compare

Compared to other tonkotsu instant ramens like Sapporo Ichiban, this one stands apart because of the black garlic oil. Standard tonkotsu instant ramens lean on pork richness and creaminess. This one does that too but then layers in a roasted almost smoky garlic flavor that makes it feel more complex. If you want a straightforward tonkotsu this isn’t it, but if you want something with a little more personality this is the one to reach for.

How to level it up

Skip the fresh garlic on this one since it already has a powerful garlic presence and adding more would be overwhelming. Instead focus on proteins and vegetables. Salami works surprisingly well here, its saltiness playing nicely against the garlic richness. Thinly sliced pork or chashu would be the more traditional pairing. Bok choy adds a fresh crunch that cuts through the heaviness nicely.

Final Verdict

I loved this instant ramen. The black garlic oil elevates this above most instant tonkotsu options and makes it memorable. If you like bold garlic flavor this is a must try.