Demae Ramen Sesame Oil
Demae Ramen Sesame Oil
The packet that has barely changed since 1968 — a clean soy broth with a sachet of toasted sesame oil you stir in at the very end, which is where all the character comes from. Three minutes, no fuss, and the smell hits the whole kitchen the moment the oil goes in. Imported from Japan.
- Boil the water
Bring 500ml of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Open the packet while you wait and set out the two sachets: the soup base powder and the small sachet of toasted sesame oil.
- Cook the noodles
Add the noodle block to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Stir gently so the block loosens and the strands separate. Three minutes is the whole cooking time here, so keep an eye on it.
- Season off the heat
Take the pot off the heat, then add the soup base powder and stir until it has completely dissolved into the broth. Doing this away from the heat stops the seasoning catching on the bottom of the pot.
- Sesame oil last
Add the sesame oil sachet at the very end and stir it through. This is the step that makes the packet, so do not add it earlier and boil the aroma away. Serve straight away, ideally with a soft egg.
Background
Every packet has a story behind it. Here's where this one comes from, what makes it tick, and why it made the cut for the box.
Nissin was founded by Momofuku Ando in 1958 after he invented the world's first instant noodle, Chicken Ramen. Headquartered in Osaka, the company went on to create Cup Noodle in 1971, changing how the world eats. Today Nissin remains the global leader in instant noodles.
This noodle comes from Japan, a country with a rich and diverse noodle culture that has influenced instant ramen traditions around the world. Each region brings its own distinctive flavours, techniques, and ingredients to the bowl.
A clear, elegant soy sauce-based broth with a deep amber colour. Shoyu ramen is the oldest ramen style in Japan, and the best versions balance the saltiness of soy with a rich underlying stock. The result is a broth that is savoury, clean, and deeply layered.
The noodles in this bowl are crafted to complement the broth style perfectly. The texture, thickness, and cooking time are all calibrated so that the noodles and soup work together as a complete experience rather than separate elements sharing the same bowl.
Demae Iccho launched in 1968 and has been in continuous production ever since, making it one of the longest-running instant noodle brands in Japan. The name roughly translates to 'ready for delivery' and the iconic delivery boy mascot has barely changed in over 50 years.
This is one of those noodles that consistently earns its spot in our lineup. It does not need a gimmick or a viral moment to sell, it just tastes great. The kind of bowl that people order once and then quietly keep reordering. Understated quality at its best.
Topping Suggestions
A few toppings that take this bowl from good to great. Most are already in your kitchen, and every one is optional.

Boiled Egg
A soft-boiled egg brings a creamy richness that complements the noodles perfectly, providing a luscious, slightly savory contrast.

Spring Onions
Spring onions provide a mild oniony bite and a touch of freshness, adding a hint of pungency and color to the dish.

Bok Choy
Bok choy infuses a fresh, slightly bitter green taste and adds a crunchy element that complements the softer noodles.
