Ramen Kit Contents

The ramen kit for May features two exceptional selections: Tonkotsu Ramen from Keika in Kumamoto Prefecture, and Shrimp & Chicken Paitan Ramen supervised by Ko-cho in Kanagawa Prefecture.

KEIKA Tonkotsu Ramen

Keika first opened its doors in 1955 in Kumamoto. Since then, it has become a beloved establishment known for its unique balance of flavors and ingredients, setting the standard for Kumamoto-style tonkotsu ramen.

The soup is made by simmering pork bones and chicken, resulting in a broth that is mild, yet light and refreshing. A signature feature of Kumamoto ramen is the use of "mayu" (black garlic oil), a topping that Keika’s second-generation owner actually invented. Made by frying garlic and other aromatic vegetables in lard, mayu neutralizes the strong odor of tonkotsu and adds an appetizing aroma and depth to the dish. Today, it is a must-have in many Kumamoto ramen shops.

The noodles are thin and straight, offering a firm, clean bite reminiscent of Shimabara somen.

Enjoy the foundational taste of modern Kumamoto ramen at home—with Keika’s authentic tonkotsu broth and the iconic mayu that revolutionized the style.

KO-CHO Paitan Ramen

The second selection is a special collaboration ramen developed under the supervision of Kocho, a renowned restaurant located in Yokohama’s Chinatown, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Kocho is home to world champion chefs from the World Chinese Culinary Competition. Their famous pork buns have sold over 100 million units, and the restaurant is widely celebrated for its entire menu. This particular ramen, however, is not served at the restaurant—it’s an exclusive product developed as a take-home souvenir.

The Shrimp & Chicken Paitan Ramen features a double soup base that beautifully blends the richness of shrimp and the umami of chicken. The base paitan broth is rich in vegetable flavors while still allowing the shrimp and chicken notes to stand out in perfect harmony.

The curly, fine noodles are designed to pair seamlessly with the thick soup, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

This month’s kit brings you the flavor of two historic and iconic culinary names in Japan—right to your kitchen. 

Toppings for Each Ramen

• KEIKA Tonkotsu Ramen
  • Menma (Spicy Seasoned Bamboo Shoot Tips): Take out the required amount from the pouch. Store the remaining in the refrigerator after opening.
  • Dried Vegetables: Before topping the ramen, take out the required amount and soak it in lukewarm water for about 5 minutes to rehydrate. The ideal texture is pleasantly crunchy. Store at room temperature after use.
  • Pickled red ginger: Take out the required amount from the pouch. Store the remaining in the refrigerator after opening.
  • Chili Crunch Condiment: Take out the required amount from the jar. Store the remaining in the refrigerator after opening.
  • Dried Seaweed: T ake out the required amount from the pouch. please store in a dry place.
    
• KO-CHO Paitan Ramen
  • Menma (Spicy Seasoned Bamboo Shoot Tips): Take out the required amount from the pouch. Store the remaining in the refrigerator after opening.
  • Dried Vegetables: Before topping the ramen, take out the required amount and soak it in lukewarm water for about 5 minutes to rehydrate. The ideal texture is pleasantly crunchy. Store at room temperature after use.
  • Chili Crunch Condiment: Take out the required amount from the jar. Store the remaining in the refrigerator after opening.

In addition to the toppings provided, adding fresh ingredients like green onions will make the ramen even more delicious. Enjoy your ramen with your favorite toppings to create a vibrant dish.

How to cocking

• KEIKA Tonkotsu Ramen

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles for about 2 minutes sec (adjust according to your preferred firmness).
2. Dilute the soup with about 270 ml of hot water.
3. Drain the noodles in a colander, shake off the excess water, and place them into the soup.
4. Top it with your favorite ingredients, and it's ready to go.

• KO-CHO Paitan Ramen

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles for about 1 minutes 30 sec (adjust according to your preferred firmness).
2. Dilute the soup with about 270 ml of hot water.
3. Drain the noodles in a colander, shake off the excess water, and place them into the soup.
4. Top it with your favorite ingredients, and it's ready to go.

Adjust the cooking time to enjoy the noodles at your preferred firmness.