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Shin Ramyun Toomba Cup Noodles Take Japan by Storm — 1 Million Sold in Just Two Weeks
- MyFreshDash
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 29
TL;DR:
Shin Ramyun Toomba cup noodles took Japan by storm with 1 million sold in two weeks
Nongshim’s latest instant noodle creation, the Shin Ramyun Toomba Cup Noodles, has become a runaway hit in Japan, racking up sales of over 1 million units within just two weeks of launch. The Korean food giant announced the milestone on Wednesday, calling the response “beyond expectations.”
Released last month exclusively through 7-Eleven stores across Japan, the product sparked a buying frenzy that saw shelves wiped clean at numerous locations within days. Nongshim attributed the explosive demand to the product’s distinctive flavor and convenience, factors that resonated strongly with Japanese consumers always on the lookout for novel food experiences.
“We are seeing a phenomenal response, especially given how competitive the instant noodle market is in Japan,” a Nongshim representative said. “The Toomba Cup’s creamy and spicy flavor profile is not something commonly found in Japanese ramen products, which makes it stand out.”
From Viral Recipe to Shelves: The Birth of Shin Ramyun Toomba
The Shin Ramyun Toomba isn’t just a corporate innovation—it’s a product born out of consumer creativity. The concept originated from a viral recipe that first gained attention online in 2016, where Shin Ramyun fans in Korea experimented by mixing the soup-based noodles with milk, cheese, shrimp, and bacon. The result? A rich, creamy, spicy fusion that felt more like a hearty pasta dish than traditional ramyeon.
The recipe gained a cult following, with countless YouTube videos and social media posts showcasing “Toomba” variations. Recognizing its popularity, Nongshim turned this grassroots phenomenon into an official product, launching it first in Korea last year.
Japanese Consumers Are Loving the Creamy Heat
Japanese consumers have echoed the enthusiasm, flooding online forums and review sites with praise. Common highlights include the Toomba’s “addictive combination of rich cream flavor and spicy kick” and its versatility in preparation—whether with boiling water or a microwave.
Many reviewers also applauded the product’s texture, calling it a “perfect balance of smooth noodles and umami-laden sauce.” Given Japan’s deeply entrenched ramen culture, a foreign instant noodle product gaining such traction speaks volumes about how well the Toomba formula bridges culinary tastes.
Nongshim Ramps Up Production and Plans Packet Version Launch
Given the overwhelming demand, Nongshim is now working closely with 7-Eleven Japan to ramp up supply and ensure consistent availability. Stock shortages have been a recurring issue since launch, a problem the company hopes to resolve in the coming weeks.
Encouraged by the Toomba Cup’s success, Nongshim plans to launch a packet version of Shin Ramyun Toomba in Japan later this year. The packet noodles are expected to roll out in specialty imported food retailers like Aeon’s Caferrante and Kaldi Coffee Farm during Q3, with a broader release across national retail chains in Q4.
K-Ramyun’s Global Wave Continues — Get Yours Now
The Shin Ramyun Toomba phenomenon is a testament to how fan-driven recipes and bold flavor innovations are fueling the global K-ramyun boom. From Korea to Japan and soon to Australia, Nongshim’s “creamy heat” recipe is redefining how consumers experience instant noodles.
Curious to taste the hype for yourself? You can explore and order Shin Ramyun Toomba Cup Noodles or grab a Toomba packet version (4-pack) directly from our store.
Also, don’t miss out on browsing our full selection of premium ramen noodles here and discover more exciting flavors!
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FAQ: Shin Ramyun Toomba Cup Noodles Take Japan by Storm
1. What is Shin Ramyun Toomba, exactly?
Shin Ramyun Toomba is a creamy, spicy version of classic Shin Ramyun, inspired by a fan-created recipe that mixes Shin noodles with milk, cheese, shrimp, and bacon. The official cup noodle turns that viral “creamy pasta-style” hack into a convenient, ready-to-eat product.
2. How many Shin Ramyun Toomba cups were sold in Japan?
According to Nongshim, over one million Shin Ramyun Toomba cup noodles were sold in Japan within just two weeks of launch, a huge milestone in a country that already has a very competitive instant noodle market.
3. Why did Shin Ramyun Toomba become so popular in Japan so quickly?
Japanese customers were drawn to the unique combination of rich, creamy sauce and Shin-style spice, which feels different from typical Japanese instant ramen flavors. Limited release through convenience stores, social media buzz, and strong word of mouth all helped create a “must-try” feeling that emptied shelves fast.
4. Where was Shin Ramyun Toomba first launched and sold?
Shin Ramyun Toomba cup noodles were first launched in Japan through a major convenience store chain, making them easy to grab as an impulse buy. The exclusive rollout helped build hype and encouraged people to look for them specifically during their usual convenience store runs.
5. How is Shin Ramyun Toomba different from regular Shin Ramyun?
Regular Shin Ramyun is a classic red, broth-based noodle with a spicy, savory soup. Shin Ramyun Toomba is thicker and creamier, closer to a saucy pasta than a soup, with dairy richness layered over the familiar Shin chili and garlic flavor. The texture and flavor feel more indulgent and fusion-style.
6. How are people in Japan describing the taste and texture?
Many reviewers describe Shin Ramyun Toomba as having an addictive mix of creamy sauce, spicy kick, and chewy noodles. The broth clings to the noodles more like a sauce, with plenty of umami and a smooth mouthfeel that makes it feel special compared to standard cup noodles.
7. What are Nongshim’s future plans for Shin Ramyun Toomba?
Encouraged by the strong response, Nongshim is ramping up production to solve stock shortages and is preparing a packet version of Shin Ramyun Toomba. The plan is to expand availability beyond convenience stores and eventually offer it more widely through grocery and imported food channels.
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