A Comprehensive Comparison of Japan’s Classic Cup Yakisoba! Exploring the Unique Charms of Each!

Japanese cup yakisoba isn’t just a convenient meal; its diverse and flavorful variety has earned the love of countless fans. Among them, “Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O.,” “Peyoung Sauce Yakisoba,” and “Ippei-chan Yomise no Yakisoba” are widely known as classic favorites cherished for decades.

Recently, products like “Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O. Pokkun Myeon”, which incorporates international culinary influences, have also been gaining attention.

In this article, Payke team members compare these four products, providing an in-depth look at their unique charms and flavor profiles!

What is Cup Yakisoba?

Cup yakisoba is one of the most popular categories of instant food in Japan. Its history dates back to the 1970s, and since then, it has been loved by many as a quick and delicious meal option.

The greatest appeal of cup yakisoba lies in its convenience and variety. It offers a tasty meal in just a short time, making it a go-to choice for homes, on-the-go situations, or even the office.

Additionally, cup yakisoba has evolved over the years to meet consumer demands, ranging from classic sauce-based flavors to more unique and creative varieties.

Comparison Criteria

For this comparison, we evaluated the following five criteria:

1. Sauce Flavor – The richness, sweetness, acidity, and balance of spices in the sauce.

2. Noodle Texture – The thickness and texture of the noodles.

3. Toppings – The quantity and quality of ingredients, such as cabbage and meat.

4. Portion Size – The level of satisfaction from one serving.

5. Value for Money – Overall satisfaction relative to the price.

Note: These are Payke team’s unique evaluations.

1. Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O.

Nissin’s Yakisoba U.F.O. , which holds the largest market share for yakisoba in Japan, has been a beloved classic cup yakisoba since its launch in 1969.

The dried toppings come pre-mixed with the noodles, and the package includes separate sachets of sauce and seasoning.

1. Sauce Flavor: The sauce is rich and full-bodied, with a perfect balance of subtle spices and sweetness.

2. Noodle Texture: The thick, chewy noodles are a standout feature, providing excellent sauce coverage.
   

3. Toppings: It includes crunchy cabbage and juicy seasoned pork, offering the most premium feel among the yakisoba featured here.
   

4. Portion Size: While the portion is standard, the rich flavor and hearty noodles deliver a satisfying experience.
   

5. Value for Money: At 236 yen (suggested retail price), it’s slightly on the pricier side. However, considering its overall balance and sense of indulgence, it offers excellent value for money.

Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O.

2. Peyoung Sauce Yakisoba

Peyoung Sauce Yakisoba is a long-selling product that represents Japan’s cup yakisoba market. Since its release in 1975, it has maintained its signature flavor—a nostalgic taste that you’ll crave in any situation.

Inside, you’ll find separate packets of sauce, dried toppings, spices, and seasoning.

1. Sauce Flavor: The sauce has a mild sweetness, offering a well-balanced flavor that’s neither too rich nor too light. It also has a touch of acidity, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.

2. Noodle Texture: The medium-thick, curly noodles have a light and airy texture.

3. Toppings: The toppings mainly consist of cabbage and seasoned ground chicken. However, the meat doesn’t stand out much, giving the overall dish a minimalist feel.

4. Portion Size: The overall dish feels lighter, but the noodles are quite substantial, providing a high level of satisfaction.

5. Value for Money: At 214 yen (suggested retail price), this is the most affordable of the products featured, making it an excellent choice in terms of cost-performance.

Peyoung Sauce Yakisoba

3. Ippei-chan Yomise no Yakisoba

The standout feature of Ippei-chan Yomise no Yakisoba is its mustard mayo, which has established a unique position in the world of cup yakisoba.

The dried toppings come pre-mixed with the noodles, and the package includes sauce, spices, and a special mustard mayo.

1. Sauce Flavor: The special sauce is enhanced with spices, giving it depth. Adding the included “special mayonnaise” brings creaminess and richness, expanding the flavor profile.

2. Noodle Texture: The medium-thick noodles are slightly curly, allowing the sauce to cling well.

3. Toppings: The main topping is cabbage, and there are no meat ingredients, giving the dish a minimalist feel.

4. Portion Size: While the size is standard, the addition of mustard mayo creates a sense of richness, providing a satisfying experience.

5. Value for Money: Priced at 236 yen (suggested retail price), it is on the higher end, but the indulgent flavor from the mustard mayo justifies the price, offering good value.

Ippei-chan Yomise no Yakisoba

4. Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O. Pokkun Myeon

Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O. Pokkun Myeon brings a spicy twist to the classic yakisoba by incorporating elements of Korean cuisine. The standout feature is its rich and bold Korean-style sweet and spicy carbonara sauce, offering a unique and exciting flavor profile. 

Inside, you’ll find the rich Korean-style sweet and spicy carbonara sauce, along with a special spicy oil.

1. Sauce Flavor: The sauce has a spicy kick reminiscent of Korean gochujang, with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It’s an irresistible flavor for those who enjoy spicy foods.

2. Noodle Texture: The noodles are thick and chewy, offering a satisfying bite.

3. Toppings: There are no additional toppings, allowing you to fully enjoy the direct flavor of the sauce and noodles.
   

4. Portion Size: While the dish is simple due to the lack of toppings, the thick, chewy noodles and the spiciness provide ample satisfaction, so it doesn’t feel lacking.
   

5. Value for Money: Priced at 236 yen (suggested retail price), it’s slightly on the higher end, but the special and unique flavor makes the price reasonable.

Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O. Pokkun Myeon

Note: These are Payke team’s unique evaluations.

How did you find this article?

This time, we compared four cup yakisoba products from various perspectives. Each one has its own unique appeal, and by choosing the best one for your preferences, you can enjoy a more satisfying meal. We encourage you to try different cup yakisoba options and find your personal favorite!