Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen

Sapporo Ichiban Shio (salt flavor) is the best-value instant ramen in the Japan-origin category and the product that most rewards minimalist preparation: just the broth and noodles, nothing added. Shio ramen is the purest expression of the broth itself — shoyu and miso add their own distinctive flavors; shio relies entirely on the chicken or seafood stock quality. Sapporo Ichiban Shio broth is built on chicken and sea salt with konbu dashi, producing a clarity of flavor that makes the soup feel lighter and more nuanced than heavy tonkotsu or miso versions. The noodles are medium-thin and straight, cooked in 2 minutes. The recommended preparation: a soft-boiled egg, two slices of kamaboko fish cake, and a drizzle of sesame oil post-cooking transforms the base product into something that genuinely competes with casual ramen shops. Price: approximately $0.80 per package — the best value-quality ratio on the list.