"You know, everyone tells me that it was amazing. But I have no idea what it's like."
After surfing online for some time, I decided to try Kobayashi Seimen (小林正麺). Despite positive reviews here and there, I was still sceptical, so only ordered Rice Ramen Noodle (3 bags) and Miso Soup base (6 bags - why?!) .
It took only a few days to receive the package (love Japanese delivery system!). And ta da-
Look at these beautiful noodles! In the box, there was a nice handwritten card, thanking for ordering for the first time, and had a sample of additional noodle + Salt Soup base. Great customer support, that's what I'm talking about :)
It's pretty simple to cook this - cook noodles for 2.5 ~ 3 minutes in boiling water; dissolve soup base in additional 270 ~ 300ml hot water... and pretty much that's it!
We were too excited to try this and didn't spend too much time preparing toppings... but here they are.
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| Salt Soup |
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| Miso Soup |
I was so impressed with the flavour and texture of noodle, as well as the rich flavour of soup. I thought it was better than some regular cheap (and disgusting) instant noodles out there. With the right topping next time, I think we can have gourmet homemade ramen.
Cost-wise...
Noodles x 3 bags .................. 550 yen
Miso Soup base x 6 bags ..... 480 yen
Noodle + Salt Soup base ...... Free Sample :)
Shipping ............................... 700 yen
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TOTAL ................................ 1,730 yen
*Shipping is free if you order more than 3,000 yen
Obviously, it's more expensive than regular instant noodles, but cheaper than eating out in Ramen restaurant in Tokyo. Soup could be substituted by other readily made ones in regular super market, if we really need to cut cost. (Though 70 yen per bag is not bad at all.)
They have website in English and Chinese, though delivery is probably limited in Japan only. If you are coming to Japan and need gluten free ramen, ask your friend/ colleague to order this for you, so you don't miss out one of the most popular dishes in this country.
