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If you’ve tried the Tapatio Shrimp or Chicken, you already know what this one tastes like. There’s no real difference between the three. It’s garlic and onion powder, a thin broth and barely any spice.
Produced in Vietnam for Tapatio Foods, LLC.
What’s in the Package
Inside, you’ll find a round block of fried wheat noodles pre-seasoned with a coat of orange original spice powder. It is topped with a loose mixture of dehydrated vegetables, specifically large pieces of green onions and dried red bell pepper.
How to Cook Tapatio Original Ramen Noodle Soup
Hot Water Method
- Open the lid halfway and add the seasoning mix.
- Pour boiling water up to the fill line.
- Close the lid and let it sit for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir well.
Microwave Method
- Remove the lid completely and add the seasoning mix.
- Pour room temperature water up to the fill line.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- Give it a good stir.
How Does It Taste
Garlic and onion powder are the main flavors and there’s nothing else going on underneath. The broth is diluted and the spice is a 1 out of 5. Compared to the Shrimp and Chicken, this one doesn’t even have the little bit of smell those two have. It’s the flattest of the three. No real discernible difference in flavor between this and its counterparts. Just less of what little they have.
How Does It Compare
Within the Tapatio lineup the Original is the most generic. The Carne Asada with Lime is the only variety with a distinct flavor profile and the one worth trying first. The Chicken and Shrimp at least have a little bit of smell to them. The Original has the least going on of the four.
How to Level Up Tapatio Original Ramen Noodle Soup
Add a soft-boiled egg. Shredded smoked pork is good too. Any leftover protein works too.
Final Verdict
The most forgettable of the Tapatio lineup. It’s one-note, with garlic and onion powder, a thin broth and no real heat. Add a soft-boiled egg and smoked pork and it’s better. On its own there’s not much reason to pick this over the Carne Asada.
Tasting Notes
How do I rate my ramen? Check out the Ramen Rating Guide.
Related Instant Ramen
- Tapatio Carne Asada with Lime Ramen Noodle Soup
- Tapatio Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup
- Tapatio Extra Spicy Ramen Noodle Soup
- Tapatio Shrimp Ramen Noodle Soup
- Maruchan Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
Where to buy Tapatio Original Ramen Noodle Soup
Community Ratings
I like this one and it is easy to find around the Midwest. I’ve repurchased a few times, and usually add an egg or two.
It’s a little spicy and sour/vinegary, but it doesn’t have a specific flavor like chicken or beef.
