Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O. Omori Koi Koi Kankokufu Jajamen / 日清焼そばU.F.O.大盛濃い濃い韓国風ジャージャー麺

Nissin is well known to incorporate international flavors into their products from time to time. Especially Korean flavors are often a target for them, which enjoy a great popularity among Japanese people. This time, they targeted the incredibly popular Jajangmyeon, also known as Jajamen in Japan. The sauce of Jajangmyeon is based on black bean paste, called chunjang in Korean. To be fully correct, the original base dish is a Chinese dish called zhajiangmian, which somehow gained popularity in its Korean version. Somehow similar to how ramen was originally based on Chinese noodle soups, but rose to worldwide fame in its Japanese version.

The UFO instant yakisoba series is the logical candidate in the Nissin portfolio for the adaptation. The name of the product promises an incredibly rich experience (koi koi / 濃い濃い = rich rich) and something that is Korean style (Kankokufu / 韓国風). So let’s go and see if Nissin promised too much or if this instant product keeps the promises.

Content

The square package is filled with deep fried noodles, which adds quite a bit to the calorie count. Under the noodles is a mix of freeze dried vegetables and meat squares. On top of the noodles, you will find the wet sauce package.

*Fully prepared Nissin UFO Jajamen, before mixing it all up.*

Preparation

Open the large lid. Take out the sauce package.
Add hot water and close the large lid.
Wait 5 minutes. Then open small lid with perforated opening. Carefully remove the water through the perforated opening.
Add sauce and mix vigorously.

*Final view of the thoroughly mixed Nissin UFO Jajamen.*

Review

The aroma that fills the air after mixing in the sauce makes you want to dig in immediately. The sauce has a good black bean paste aroma, without being too strong and overpowering. I would describe it as a bit more mild compared to comparable Korean products like chapagetti. I personally did enjoy the balanced flavor that probably hits the palate of Japanese people just right.

The noodles of the Nissin UFO yakisoba are as always a real treat. Bouncy and chewy, they almost make you forget that you are eating an instant ramen product. The deep fried noodles of course come with a hefty calorie price, but they pay it back with an incredible texture.

You almost forget that there is also some pieces of meat and veggie included, since they don’t really shine among the large amount of noodles. So I personally recommend to add some protein by yourself and maybe some veggies that give some crunch, zing or freshness. Green onion, garlic chives or thinly sliced cucumber are classic options that would fit well.

Overall, I really enjoyed the Nissin Jajamen and will consider buying it again, if I feel like this style of noodles and can’t get my hands on the Korean versions in that moment.