Donbei Curry Udon
Donbei Curry Udon
Nissin's Donbei meets curry in a bowl that's fragrant, hearty, and impossible to put down. Bonito flakes, kelp, cumin, and garlic build a curry soup with serious depth, while thick udon noodles soak up every drop. Pair it with a soft-boiled egg and cheese for what might be the ultimate comfort food moment.
- Open and prep
Peel the lid back halfway and take out any sachets sitting inside. Add the seasoning powder into the bowl as directed on the packet. Having everything unpacked and laid out before you pour makes the whole process smoother and quicker.
- Add boiling water
Pour freshly boiled water into the bowl up to the inner line, which is about 390ml (roughly 2 cups). Make sure the water covers all the noodles evenly so they cook through properly. Give it a moment to settle before closing the lid.
- Let it steep
Pop the lid back on and wait for 5 minutes. This is when the noodles soften and the broth develops its full depth of flavour. Resist the urge to peek, the trapped steam does important work making everything come together inside the bowl.
- Stir and serve
Remove the lid and give the bowl a really thorough stir from the bottom up, making sure all the seasoning is mixed through and nothing is stuck to the base. Serve it while it's piping hot and finish with your favourite toppings.
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 thick, fragrant curry broth that blends Japanese curry spices with a savoury stock base. Japanese curry is milder and sweeter than Indian versions, with a velvety consistency that wraps around noodles beautifully and warms you from the inside out.
Thick, chewy udon noodles with a soft, springy bite. Udon is all about texture, and these deliver that satisfying chew that makes the format so comforting. The thicker strands hold up well in broth and soak up the flavour without going mushy or falling apart.
Nissin's Donbei is one of the best-selling instant noodle brands in Japan. The name combines 'don' from donburi (bowl) with 'bei', a play on a common Japanese male name. The brand has been a household staple since 1976 and releases seasonal flavours throughout the year.
Sometimes you want something gentle and comforting rather than bold and spicy. This udon delivers exactly that. The soft, chewy noodles and warm broth make it the perfect low-effort meal for a quiet evening. It is comfort food in its purest form.
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.
Corn
Sweet corn kernels offer a burst of natural sweetness, providing a refreshing and crisp counterbalance to the noodles' savory notes.
Cheese
Cheese melts into a creamy, rich, and savory sauce, adding a decadent and indulgent dimension to the noodles.