A Shio Ramen with Great Bang for the Buck
I’m at the age where I try to pay more attention to my health, but when it comes to lunchtime, I sometimes choose cup ramen for its unbeatable convenience.
Over the years, I’ve tried many different kinds, but today I want to introduce one cup ramen that I can truly recommend.
Seven-Eleven’s “Wakame & Clam Broth Shio Ramen” – Features and Reviews
If you’re a fan of Japanese convenience store food, you might already know that Seven-Eleven often releases unique instant ramen. One of their most popular items is the “Wakame Takusan Asari Dashi Shio Ramen” (わかめたくさん あさりだし塩ラーメン), which roughly translates to “Plenty of Wakame, Clam Broth Salt Ramen.”
Features
- Rich Clam-Based Soup
The soup combines the natural umami of clams with a hint of garlic, balanced by the richness of butter. To make it even more flavorful, crab shell powder is added as a hidden ingredient, enhancing the clam taste. - Plenty of Wakame (Seaweed)
As the name suggests, this ramen comes with a generous amount of wakame. Once rehydrated, it almost covers the noodles, giving a fresh ocean aroma and a pleasant chewy texture. - Noodles
Medium-thick fried noodles provide just the right bite, making it filling without being too heavy. - Affordable Price
At around 170 yen (about $1.20), it’s part of the “Ureshii Ne!” (Happy Price) series, offering great value while maintaining quality.
Reviews & Impressions
- Strong Clam Flavor
Many people say the broth has a deep clam taste that goes beyond expectations.- Highly Addictive & Repeat Buyers
Fans often describe it as “like a ramen version of clam garlic pasta” and mention they buy it repeatedly because of its addictive taste.
- Once Limited, Now Standard
Initially released as a limited product, it sold out quickly in many stores. Due to its popularity, it was eventually made a regular item nationwide. - Perfect with Extra Butter
Some people recommend adding a small piece of butter on top. This enhances the richness and turns it into a comforting, indulgent meal. - Light Yet Satisfying
Reviewers point out that it’s not too heavy, making it great for lunch, dinner, or even as a late-night snack. - Good Balance of Calories
With moderate portion size and fewer calories compared to heavier ramen, it pairs nicely with a rice ball (onigiri) without being overwhelming.
Summary
Flavor: Umami-packed clam broth with garlic and butter notes
Toppings: Generous amount of wakame seaweed
Price: Affordable at around 170 yen
Popularity: Strong reviews, repeat buyers, sold out in the past
Best Tip: Add extra butter for a richer taste
This ramen shows how convenience store food in Japan can go beyond “just instant noodles.” If you’re in Japan, it’s definitely worth trying at your nearest Seven-Eleven.
Thanks for reading!
Enjoy your noodle life!