Tongarashimen Spicy Tomato with Cheese
Tongarashimen Spicy Tomato with Cheese
Nissin's Tongarashi series pairs a spicy tomato broth with melted cheese for a soup ramen that's tangy, warming, and indulgent. The tomato base adds brightness, the cheese adds richness, and the chilli ties it all together. A creative Japanese cup that tomato and cheese lovers will devour.
- 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 310ml (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.
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 bright, tangy tomato-based broth that breaks from the usual soy and pork tradition. The acidity of the tomato adds freshness, while the savoury base keeps things grounded. It is a lighter, more refreshing alternative that still delivers real depth.
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.
The perfect balance between heat and flavour. It has enough spice to keep things exciting without overwhelming the other ingredients. It is the kind of noodle that satisfies both spice lovers and people who usually play it safe. A crowd pleaser with an edge.
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.
Green Beans
Green beans add a crisp, slightly sweet crunch to instant noodles, providing a fresh and light contrast to the savory noodle base.
Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms offer a delicate, mild mushroom flavor that enhances the overall umami of the dish, with a hint of earthiness.