Here’s another one that was sent to me by Javier over at Box From Japan – thanks! Box From Japan is a subscription service – you can get a box sent to you every month with some great noodles within! This is an interesting one – looks like they’re mentioning a big Dragonball Z contest or something on it. 2.000.000 somethings are referred to… Hmmm… Not only that, this one’s got mochi in it! Mochi is a doughy kind of substance which can surround jellies or ice cream (my favorite). It also apparently goes well in udon! Let’s check it out!

Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains fish. To prepare, add everything to the bowl and add boiling water to fill line. Let sit covered for 5 minutes. Stir and enjoy!

Detail of the lid (click to enlarge).

Detail of the obverse side of the lid (click to enlarge).

The udon block.

A dual sachet of dry ingredients.

The soup base.

Some ito togarashi powder.

The block of mochi.

Bits of tofu and kamaboko amongst other thing from the bowl.

Finished (click to enlarge). Added spring onion, hard boiled egg and kamaboko. The noodles are wide and flat and had a nice chew to them, lighter than round fresh udon, but nice nonetheless. The broth has a bonito taste along with soy and was pleasingly robust. The bits of tofu were great and the included kamaboko was very large and hydrated nicely. The mochi was not included in the bowl when I steeped it, so afterwards I added it – not correct. However, I threw the bowl in the microwave and quickly I got the picture – amazing! Gooey and almost cheeselike in execution. Definitely worth a try. 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901990522991.

Chikara Mochi Noodle, Instant Udon, Pack of 12

A Japanese Maruchan TV commercial.