Instant Ichiran Ramen
We have come to know all our lives that instant noodles are cheap. For me, and perhaps others, this was Maruchan or Top Ramen — $.20 — $.25 per square pack. I used to eat these all the time when I was a child because sometimes, there was nothing in the fridge I could make. My siblings and I often ate instant noodles every day and night. It used to anger my mom because of how unhealthy it was (and still is).
We knew it then. We still know it now.
And we don’t care as much. We love instant noodles for their simplicity and the ability to add (egg, scallions, bamboo, sriracha, etc.,) into a bowl.
My relationship with noodles has not declined into my adult years. It is still an unhealthy one.
As a college student, I occasionally used my leftover college funds to get Shin Ramyun (Korean instant ramen), the spicy Samyang original noodles (also Korean instant ramen), and whatever toppings would fulfill my cravings.
During the month of August in 2019, my younger sister went to Japan with her (ex)boyfriend for a couple of weeks. I had requested from her to get a box of the instant Ichiran ramen pack because I had watched some of Mike Chen’s YouTube videos of eating ramen — one of those being Ichiran.
When she came back from Japan, she had bought almost everyone a souvenir of some sort. For me — a koi bookmark and instant Ichiran ramen! I was so happy she bought instant ramen.
It was $35 for a box of ramen and 5 measly packs. The box included 5 servings of dried noodles, tonkotsu broth packets, and chili packets. Nothing special, right? Especially for $35…
My first instinct was to try it plainly with no add-ons onto it. Mmmm! The tonkotsu broth was the richest and lightest I’ve had. The chili added some hint of spice by not so much. By my second, third, and fourth bowl, I had added various other ingredients onto it: boiled egg, sliced mushrooms, scallions, and pieces of chicken.
The very last pack was sent home to my little brother to eat. However, as I found out later, my older brother ended up eating the final pack. Since then, I hadn’t thought of it.
In the past year, I have been working at my full-time job. And as such, like others who earn income, I gained a dangerous ability: purchasing items online.
Just last week, I went over my one-year mark, so I decided to get Ichiran instant ramen. I found a box of 3 (15 packs) for $82.99 through Amazon. My feeble mind thought it was a good deal, so I bought it.
It is still good as I remember it.
Will I get it again? Perhaps. Will it be anytime soon? Probably not.
© Cherish Yang 2022
