Butamen" sold by Oyatsu Company

Butamen": A Comparison of All Four Kinds

Butamen" is a mini-sized cup noodle sold by Oyotsu Company. These mini-sized cup noodles have an impressive character of a pig with a loose expression on its face.

This product is often seen in candy stores. According to the official website of Oyatsu Company, a total of four flavors (pork bone broth, soy sauce, curry, and tan salt) are currently on sale. I knew that there were many different flavors available, but come to think of it, I had never had anything other than tonkotsu (pork bone).... I was curious, so I collected all the flavors and compared them.

Butamen" sold by Oyatsu Company
Tonkotsu (pork bone), soy sauce, curry, tan shio

Tonkotsu Flavor

First is the standard "Tonkotsu Flavor". It is richly flavored with the delicious taste of tonkotsu (pork bone).

Butamen Tonkotsu" sold by Oyatsu Company
Not a ton of pork!"

Since the powdered soup is already in the bowl, all you have to do is pour in hot water and wait for 3 minutes. Incidentally, an old lady at a candy store I used to frequent when I was in elementary school recommended that after pouring in the hot water, the lid be closed with a fork held vertically. It's a bit ill-mannered, but it's quite convenient when you try it.

Butamen Tonkotsu" sold by Oyatsu Company

Butamen Tonkotsu" sold by Oyatsu Company
with a snap of one's fork

The pork bone broth "style" flavor spreads slowly. The soup is then mixed with the soft noodles and... yes! This is butamen! The simplicity of the only condiment, sesame seeds, is also nostalgic. Although the quantity of the soup is smaller than that of ordinary cup noodles, the strong saltiness of the soup makes you feel satisfied that you have eaten a cup of noodles. You can feel the satisfaction of "I ate a cup of noodles!

Butamen Tonkotsu" sold by Oyatsu Company

Butamen Tonkotsu" sold by Oyatsu Company
noodles that look as if they are squirming

Soy Sauce

Next is "Shoyu". The aroma of soy sauce makes for an appetizing drink.

Butamen Shoyu Soy Sauce" sold by Oyatsu Company
Delicious soy sauce!

Butamen Shoyu Soy Sauce" sold by Oyatsu Company

Like a slightly diluted "Chi Chi Ramen".... I think this is what Baby Star would taste like if it were blanched in hot water. It seems to have a lighter flavor than tonkotsu (pork bone marrow), but the distinctive oily taste that lingers in the back of your throat when you slurp up the noodles may be a little bothersome.

Butamen Shoyu Soy Sauce" sold by Oyatsu Company
Soft and simple aroma of soy sauce

Butamen Shoyu Soy Sauce" sold by Oyatsu Company

Curry

The third is "Curry. The curry flavor is intensified and the soup is thickened.

Butamen Curry" sold by Oyazuka Company.
Curry goodness!"

Butamen Curry" sold by Oyazuka Company.
Curry aroma

As soon as you open the lid, the spicy aroma wafts over you! The soup is light and not too thick. The curry is sweet so that children can easily eat it. The red grains that can be seen here and there seem to be paprika.

Butamen Curry" sold by Oyazuka Company.
soup with a light broth and no liquid

Butamen Curry" sold by Oyazuka Company.

Tang Shio Flavor

Last but not least is the Tang Shio Flavor. The soup is light, but has a rich, salty tangy flavor.

Butamen Tanshio" sold by Oyatsu Company
"Tang and tete-a-tete, yummy tete-a-tete."

Butamen Tanshio" sold by Oyatsu Company

The spicy taste of the pepper flavor spread quickly, and although the intensity of the flavor was still a concern, the "tangy saltiness" of the dish was more pronounced than expected. It would be delicious with white rice.

Butamen Tanshio" sold by Oyatsu Company
Spicy and addictive.

Butamen Tanshio" sold by Oyatsu Company

What butamen do you recommend?

My personal recommendation is the tan shio. The spicy taste of the pepper that spreads slowly becomes addictive. If you want a simple taste, try soy sauce. If you want a mild sweet taste, try curry.

Butamen" sold by Oyatsu Company

If you stock up on butamen, it will be useful not only as a snack, but also as an evening meal or a snack with drinks. Try out the flavors you are interested in.