When people in Hokkaido think of instant yakisoba, one name comes to mind: the Hokkaido-exclusive 'Yakisoba Bento.' But if you're hearing about it for the first time, you might have questions like, "Bento? As in a lunch box?" or "It comes with soup?" We're here to answer the question, "What exactly is Yakisoba Bento?" and we've even taste-tested every flavor currently on the market!

Yakisoba Bento is an instant yakisoba product from Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., famous for its "Maruchan" brand. Affectionately known as "Yaki-Ben," its name comes from its square shape, which resembles a bento (lunch box). It was first released in 1975 and went on sale in Hokkaido the following year in 1976. Today, it's sold exclusively in Hokkaido and is known for its characteristically sweet sauce.

So, what's inside a Yakisoba Bento? Let's take a look together.

Opening the package reveals the noodles, a packet of dried toppings ("kayaku"), the sauce, and one of its most unique features: a soup powder packet and a packet of seasonings ("furikake"). First, you add the "kayaku" to the noodles, pour in hot water up to the inner line, and wait for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, you drain the water, and this is where the soup powder comes in.

You put the soup powder in a mug, pour the hot water from the noodles over it, and voilà—the soup is ready! The biggest appeal of "Yaki-Ben" is that you can enjoy both yakisoba and soup together.

The reason it comes with soup has to do with Hokkaido's harsh, cold climate. Originally, the soup was included as a promotional item for its launch in Hokkaido, and it proved to be a hit. What started as a limited-time offer became a permanent feature. The standard flavor is "Chinese-style soup," but some flavors come with "consommé soup," a fact that even some Hokkaido locals might not know.

From here, we'll introduce our taste-test review of every "Yakisoba Bento" flavor currently available!

First up, the classic. The toppings include small squares of meat and crisp cabbage. The slightly sweet sauce clings perfectly to the wavy noodles, making it incredibly easy to eat! And in between bites, you can take a break with the Chinese-style soup. For the people of Hokkaido, this is the quintessential instant yakisoba flavor that you never get tired of. For those with a bigger appetite, a large size is also available.

Next is the "Rich & Sweet Sauce" flavor. The sauce is slightly thick, and the noodles are a bit thicker than the original, which seems to help the sauce coat them even better. The rich, mellow, and deep sweetness is reminiscent of the yakisoba you'd find at a festival stall. The meat, which is minced instead of cubed like in the original, provides a more realistic texture and umami, giving it a more gourmet feel. We recommend this even for those who don't usually eat instant noodles!

Next up is the Tarako & Butter flavor, with its eye-catching pink packaging. The seasoning packet contains only aonori (green laver), and the toppings include green onions and tarako. The slightly thick noodles are well-coated with a sauce full of tarako. The buttery aroma is fantastic, reminiscent of a Western-style tarako pasta! The accompanying soup is consommé, which pairs perfectly with the noodles.

The Mildly Spicy flavor features a rich, thick sauce with a hint of heat. The aroma of various spices stimulates the appetite. The seasoning packet includes black pepper, adding even more flavor. It's a manageable level of spiciness, making it a good choice even for those who aren't big on spicy food.

Next is the Green Onion & Salt flavor. The moment you open the sauce packet, the fragrant aroma of sesame oil fills the air. The toppings are green onions and sliced meat, and the seasoning packet contains salt, pepper, and sesame seeds. Amidst the refreshing salty taste, the flavors of green onion and garlic dance on your palate, keeping it interesting until the last bite. It would be great to alternate this with the original sauce flavor!

A flavor representing one of Hokkaido's signature dishes: soup curry. The powdered sauce releases the aroma of various spices, whetting your appetite. Although it doesn't come with solid toppings, you can taste the flavor of stewed vegetables like tomatoes in the sauce. This would make a great souvenir for people outside of Hokkaido, offering a unique taste of the region.

Released in February 2023, this is the Seafood flavor. The aroma of seafood and the thick sauce, along with toppings of cabbage and imitation crab meat, match perfectly with the firm noodles. A condensed, Hokkaido-style umami of seafood spreads through your mouth. This has the potential to become a new classic!

Last but not least, the Kitami Yakiniku (Grilled Meat) flavor, supervised by the curling team Loco Solare, based in Kitami. Kitami is famous for its yakiniku, boasting the highest number of yakiniku restaurants per capita in Hokkaido. The toppings are pork and green onions. The perfect amount of meaty richness and the fruity, full-bodied yakiniku-like sauce are a perfect match! It leaves you with the satisfying feeling of having just eaten real yakiniku.

After trying all eight types of Yakisoba Bento, the Domingo team's top recommendation is the "Rich & Sweet Sauce"!

The well-balanced sauce that's not too salty and not too sweet, the slightly thicker noodles that are perfect for catching that sauce, and the minced meat that soaks up the flavor while providing a great texture—it's all fantastic! The numerous subtle improvements elevate it beyond the realm of typical instant yakisoba. I was truly impressed, seeing it as the fruit of the company's tireless efforts and dedication!

The other flavors are also so authentic that you can't just dismiss them as "instant," and the wide variety is a huge part of the appeal. If you spot them at a supermarket, souvenir shop, or Hokkaido products fair, be sure to pick some up and enjoy them at home.

*Article current as of March 23, 2023