with permission from © Nongshim Japan, Inc. | photo by © grape Japan

We Accepted Shin Ramen’s Spicy Challenge With Its New Gekikara Version

A challenge

One fine morning in late June, a box was delivered to our office.

Inside, we found packages of a new kind of Shin Ramen (Shin Ramyun) which we had never seen before, along with a neatly folded letter written on washi traditional Japanese paper. Of course, we were familiar with Shin Ramen. With their combination of spiciness, flavor and a generous portion of vegetables mixed in, they're great as a snack or a light meal. But this one was different...

We took out the letter and examined the package more carefully. The word gekikara 激辛 (extra spicy) immediately jumped out and grabbed our attention. For those who can't stand too much spice, regular Shin Ramen just hits the spot, but it may leave those who really relish spicy food wanting for more. As it turns out, most of our grape Japan writers tend to be in the latter category, so seeing an Extra Spicy version was exciting!

With permission from © Nongshim Japan Inc. | Photo by ©grape Japan

And then we read the letter and realized it was a challenge! Now this was getting interesting...

With permission from © Nongshim Japan Inc. | Photo by ©grape Japan

Here's what the challenge letter said:

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CHALLENGE

Ever since we developed it in 1986, we've raised Shin Ramen into a brand that has captured the hearts of spice-seekers everywhere and is loved in over 100 countries around the world.

Now, in the first year of the Reiwa Era, Shin Ramen is finally stepping into the arena of Gekikara.

Through our continued pursuit of "real spice," we have created a shining jewel.

With a spice level of 200% and an even deeper umami-rich broth, we bring you a taste you can't even get in Korea, the Japan-exclusive "Shin Ramen Gekikara". Enjoy it!

In Summer 2019, you will become captivated by the spice!
So go ahead and give it your best shot!

June 2019
Nongshim Japan

Challenge accepted!

It just happened to be late morning and lunch time was approaching, so it was perfect timing...

Preparation

We filled the kettle and unwrapped the plastic, getting a better look at the package while we waited for the water to boil.

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The spice package also had the words gekikara on it, and the powdered broth inside did indeed seem to be a shade redder than the regular kind.

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Four minutes later, the moment we were waiting for finally arrived.

As we stirred the noodles, the color of the broth and the aroma wafting up from the cup alerted our senses that this was going to be different...

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Tasting

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WOW! They were not kidding! The flavor of Shin Ramen was richer, and it had a real spicy kick to it.

For people who love spicy food, THIS was a SATISFYING spice level.

At first we were cautious but now, our taste buds tingling, it was hard to resist the urge and we went straight for the broth.

Again, score!

We couldn't help smiling at this point.

Now THAT's what you call a great bowl of instant noodles.

For spice maniacs who can eat peppers whole and go for the most extreme spice level on the menu every time, this won't be a challenge at all. However, for the more common spice lover out there who like things spicier than average, and especially if you like the taste of regular Shin Ramen, then Shin Ramen Gekikara is the noodle you've been waiting for.

Although they don't come with a challenge letter, you'll find Shin Ramen Gekikara in convenience stores all over Japan now in the Big Cup format, and in regular size format from September 2nd, 2019.