Oyatsu Calpas (Pepper) Ramen
Oyatsu Calpas (Pepper) Ramen
The pepper sibling to Acecook's Calpas collaboration — same limited-release Japanese exclusive, but with an added black pepper kick. A unique partnership with Japan's beloved jerky brand that delivers a savoury, peppery broth you genuinely can't find anywhere else. Another Ramen Club first for Australia.
- 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 290ml (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 3 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.
Acecook started in Osaka in 1954 and has since expanded across Asia, with major operations in Vietnam. They are known for bridging Japanese quality standards with Southeast Asian flavours, producing everything from premium Japanese cups to Vietnamese pho.
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 carefully crafted broth that forms the foundation of this bowl. The seasoning builds layers of savoury depth, with each ingredient contributing to a balanced, satisfying soup. Good broth is what separates a forgettable bowl from one you think about the next day.
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.
Shoyu ramen is the oldest style of ramen in Japan, dating back to the early 1900s in Tokyo. The soy sauce-based broth is typically clear, brown, and deeply savoury. It was the default ramen style across Japan before regional variations took off.
This one is hard to get even in Japan, which is part of what makes it special. But the real reason we love it is the flavour. It delivers something you genuinely cannot find on local shelves, and that surprise factor is what our subscribers keep coming back for.
Topping Suggestions
A few toppings that take this bowl from good to great. Most are already in your kitchen, and every one is optional.
Corn
Sweet corn kernels offer a burst of natural sweetness, providing a refreshing and crisp counterbalance to the noodles' savory notes.
Tofu
Fried tofu offers a hearty, nutty taste and a slightly crispy texture, bringing a wholesome, plant-based addition to the noodles.
Chilli Oil
Chilli oil delivers a fiery kick and a deep, smoky heat, adding a spicy dimension that can transform the noodles into a sizzling delight.