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.
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).
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.
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!
noodles that look as if they are squirming
Soy Sauce
Next is "Shoyu". The aroma of soy sauce makes for an appetizing drink.
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.
Soft and simple aroma of soy sauce
Curry
The third is "Curry. The curry flavor is intensified and the soup is thickened.
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.
soup with a light broth and no liquid
Tang Shio Flavor
Last but not least is the Tang Shio Flavor. The soup is light, but has a rich, salty tangy flavor.
"Tang and tete-a-tete, yummy tete-a-tete."
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.
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.
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.