I found "Okiko Ramen" in the food section of a grocery store. Attracted by the phrase "Okinawan soul food" written on the pop-up, I decided to buy it and taste it. 4 servings in a bag, priced at 200 yen (tax not included).

Okiko Ramen

Okiko Ramen is a bagged noodle sold by Okinawan company Okiko, which has been on the market since 1966 and is said to be "Okinawa's first instant noodle (quoted from the official Okiko website)," with 2.5 million servings made per month at its peak.


At its peak, 2.5 million servings were produced per month. The product was discontinued in 1998 due to a price war with the influx of products from the mainland, but was reintroduced in 2006 in response to requests for its revival from the Okinawan people. The product was re-released in 2006 in response to requests from residents of the prefecture for its revival, and was redesigned to fit into current mugs.


Okiko recommends eating it in three ways: as it is as a snack, as a soup by pouring boiling water over it, or by simmering it in a pot to make it look like real ramen. It is also said to be delicious crushed up and added to monja.


To give it a try, I decided to try it as is. The noodles are tougher than expected, and you can enjoy the crunchy and crunchy texture. It has a junky taste with a hint of a candy-like flavor, and would be a good snack with alcohol.


Next is ramen. Put the noodles in a mug or bowl, pour in 200 cc of boiling water, wait about 4 minutes, stir well, and voila! The soup has a mild flavor with the aroma of chicken. The noodles have a slightly "wispy" texture that makes you feel nostalgic. Since there is no garnish, you may add green onion or egg if you like!

Oxycollamen Snacks

Also available are "Oki Koramen Snacks" with peanuts. Priced at 130 yen per bag. Like the ramen, it has a cute retro illustration of a boy holding a bowl of rice printed on it♪


Okiko Ramen" looks convenient to keep in your desk drawer for filling up a small stomach or to share with others. It might also make a nice little souvenir from Okinawa. Why not pick one up when you see one?