Aomori in Northern Japan is famed for its niboshi (dried sardine) ramen.

This instant version properly honors this regional ramen style. It's seasoned with Wadakan shoyu, a soy sauce all the way from Aomori. This soy sauce makes way for smoky niboshi flavors. This comes from not just niboshi dashi (the soup base), but niboshi powder and oil too.

While fish is the star of the show, it overall doesn't feel too fishy. The thin noodles are snappy and toppings include green negi (spring onions), menma (bamboo shoots) and a nice slice of pork.