I tried Nissin's Donbei Katsuobushi no Kiwami Udon/Soba, which uses only bonito flakes as an ingredient and has three times the cost of dashi (broth).
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Nissin Foods' popular cup noodle series, Donbei, ' Nissin Donbei Katsuo Dashi no Kiwami Udon' and ' Nissin Donbei Katsuo Dashi no Kiwami Soba, ' which pursue the deliciousness of dashi (broth), were released on May 25th, 2026 (Monday). Compared to regular Donbei, more than three times the cost was spent on the dashi, and I was curious about what these cup noodles, which are said to bring out the full aroma and umami of bonito broth, would taste like, so I tried them myself.
Nissin Donbei Bonito Broth Udon and Nissin Donbei Bonito Broth Soba (Released May 25) | News Release | Nissin Foods Group
The packaging for 'Nissin Donbei Katsuobushi Dashi Udon' (left) and 'Nissin Donbei Katsuobushi Dashi Soba' (right) looks like this.
First, I'll try Nissin's Donbei Bonito Broth Udon.
The ingredients consist only of fried noodles made from wheat flour, vegetable protein, and soy fiber, a soup containing seafood extract, soy sauce, and bonito flake powder, and bonito flakes as a topping. There are absolutely no unnecessary ingredients.
One serving (86g) contains 342kcal.
When I opened the lid of Nissin's Donbei Katsuobushi no Kiwami Udon about halfway, I found small packets inside: 'Special Katsuobushi Powder' to be added first, 'Rich Katsuobushi Broth (Liquid Soup)' to be added later, and 'Extra Katsuobushi Flakes' to be added later.
Add the special bonito powder first, pour in hot water, and wait for 5 minutes. Keep the rich bonito broth warm on top of the lid.
After 5 minutes, add the rich bonito broth and mix well. Finally, top with extra bonito flakes and it's ready.
The broth of Nissin's Donbei Katsuo Dashi no Kiwami Udon has a thin layer of oil floating on the surface. When you drink it, you get a refreshing taste with the flavor and umami of bonito coming through directly. Even after swallowing the broth, you'll want to savor the deliciousness of the bonito broth.
The chewy udon noodles absorb the flavorful bonito broth well, allowing you to fully enjoy the deliciousness of the soup.
Next up is 'Nissin Donbei Bonito Broth Soba.'
Looking at the ingredients, unlike udon, the fried noodles contain buckwheat flour and bonito flake powder, and the soup also contains fermented seasonings. However, the fact that the topping consists only of bonito flakes is the same.
One 93g serving contains 365kcal.
The container contained small packets of 'special bonito powder' to be added first, 'rich and flavorful bonito broth (liquid soup)' to be added later, and 'extra bonito flakes' to be added later.
Add the special bonito powder first, then add hot water while warming the liquid soup packet, and wait for 3 minutes. Udon noodles take 5 minutes, but soba noodles take 3 minutes.
After 3 minutes, add the rich bonito broth and mix well. Finally, top with extra bonito flakes and it's done.
Upon trying the broth of Nissin's Donbei Bonito Broth Soba, I found that, compared to the udon broth, the soy sauce flavor was more pronounced, resulting in a more complex and rich taste.
The smooth noodles go down easily, and the broth coats them perfectly; of course, they're a fantastic combination.
Nissin Donbei Katsuo Dashi no Kiwami Udon and Nissin Donbei Katsuo Dashi no Kiwami Soba will be available nationwide from Monday, May 25, 2026, with a suggested retail price of 248 yen (excluding tax) for both. At the time of writing, they were also available on Amazon.co.jp, with a 12-pack of Nissin Donbei Katsuo Dashi no Kiwami Udon priced at 2,634 yen (including tax) (approximately 220 yen per serving), and a 12-pack of Nissin Donbei Katsuo Dashi no Kiwami Soba priced at 2,597 yen (including tax) (approximately 216 yen per serving).
Amazon.co.jp: Donbei Katsuo Dashi no Kiwami Udon 86g x 12 packs [Nissin Foods Instant Cup Noodles Cup Udon Box Purchase]: Food, Beverages & Alcohol
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