Let’s be real, instant udon is never going to be a substitute for the real deal, but Nongshim Udon Tempura gets close enough when you need something quick and comforting. Just add water to the line inside the cup, cover it for a few minutes, stir, and voila! Instant udon, ready to go. If you want to be a little fancy, toss in some fresh chopped spring onions to liven up the flavors. Trust me, it works.
Now, this isn’t technically ramen—it’s udon, a Japanese comfort food—but here’s the twist: it’s made by a Korean company, Nongshim. The thick, chewy udon noodles are wider than your standard instant noodles, which I appreciate. The higher-shouldered design of the bowl also gets a nod from me because it makes it easy to add extra ingredients if you’re feeling adventurous.
Taste and Texture: The Real Deal?
The flavor is where it gets interesting. The Nongshim Udon Tempura packs a savory, salty punch. It’s loaded with fishcakes, seafood, and little tempura pieces, which add some fun texture. The broth has a delicate dashi and sweet mirin flavor, but I find it a bit too muted. If you’re like me and want that flavor intensity, just use a little less water.
But here’s the thing: the noodles themselves are a bit bland. They don’t absorb the broth as well as I’d like, so I find myself relying on the broth to carry most of the flavor. Still, the broth does a decent job—delicate, yes, but also with smoky undertones and a hint of sweetness. No spice here, so if you’re looking for heat, you’ll have to BYO chili flakes.
The seaweed and freeze-dried fish tempura bits are a win, though. They add that seafood richness, even if you only get about 4 or 5 flakes of tempura crumbs in the bowl. Overall, this is a much higher quality noodle experience than your average instant ramen.
The Sodium Situation
Okay, let’s talk sodium. There’s a lot of it—like, a lot. One serving packs a whopping 1,300 mg of sodium, which is a bit ridiculous but not unexpected with instant noodles. If you’re watching your salt intake, maybe just eat the noodles and skip the broth. Or, like me, use half the flavor pack. It still makes a pretty decent broth with way less salt.
Price Tag: Worth It?
These bowls are usually on the pricier side for instant noodles, costing around $18 for a pack of six. For what you’re getting, though, I’d say it’s worth the occasional splurge. The noodles are thicker and chewier than your standard instant fare, and the broth (even if a bit mild for my taste) has a lovely dashi and seaweed vibe that feels much more “premium” than the usual sodium bomb we’re used to with instant noodles.
Final Thoughts
Nongshim Udon Tempura is a solid option if you’re craving something more filling than your typical ramen. It’s non-spicy, so it’s great for those who prefer a milder flavor, and the texture of the udon noodles definitely elevates it above standard instant noodles.
Sure, it’s a bit expensive, and the sodium is intense, but with a few tweaks—like adding fresh veggies or protein and maybe cutting back on the broth—you’ve got yourself a pretty satisfying bowl of comfort.
Verdict: Fancy enough for instant noodles, but could use a bit more punch.
Nutritional Information
| Servings per package: 1 Serving size: 111g | Average quantity per serving | Average quantity per 100g |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 1990kJ | 1780kJ |
| Protein | 8.1g | 7.3g |
| Fat Total | 16g | 14g |
| Saturated | 7.8g | 7.1g |
| Carbohydrate | 74g | 67g |
| Sugar | 5.8g | 5.2g |
| Sodium | 1300mg | 1180mg |
Ingredients
Noodles
Made with wheat flour, potato starch, salt, and vegetable oils (with added antioxidant (307b)). Also includes salt, cuttlefish, fish, shrimp, emulsifiers (475, 322, soy), wheat gluten, mineral salts (501, 452, 500, 399), green tea extract, and coloring (101).
Soup Base
Contains maltodextrin, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (with soy and wheat), soy sauce (with wheat), salt, thickener (414), fish, flavor enhancers (627, 631, 364, 640), coloring (150c), crustaceans, vegetable oil (with soy), sugar, glucose, spices, and seaweed.
Flakes
Includes fish, wheat flour, sweetener (420), starches (from corn, potato, tapioca), vegetable oil, sugar, salt, emulsifier (422), vegetables, and seaweed.
Allergy Information
Contains wheat, soy, crustaceans, and fish. Made in a facility that also handles products with egg, peanuts, milk, tree nuts, and sesame.
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