A uniquely addictive ramen, "Yama Wasabi Shio Ramen Kai," from Hokkaido's popular convenience store chain, Seicomart, is currently the talk of the town. Rumored on social media and blogs to be "insanely spicy" and "impossible to slurp," is it really that intense? What does it taste like? We decided to find out for ourselves.

Heavily promoted even inside the store

Found in the cup noodle aisle of Seicomart, the "Yama Wasabi Shio Ramen" is affordably priced at 143 yen (excluding tax). The compact container, easy to hold in one hand, prominently features a photo of yama wasabi (Japanese horseradish) and the words "Made with Hokkaido Yama Wasabi." The net weight is 64g (55g of noodles). Opening the lid reveals a packet of powdered soup and other toppings like naruto fish cakes already inside.

A convenient size for home or on the go

Open the lid, and the toppings are already inside

The other packet contains the powdered soup

Adding the powder releases the sharp aroma of yama wasabi...

Simply add the powdered soup, pour in about 280ml of hot water, wait 3 minutes, and it's ready!

Ready! It looks like a normal shio ramen, but...

Lifting the lid of the finished ramen, the sharp, nose-tingling aroma of yama wasabi wafts up. Just blowing on the noodles to cool them down makes the spiciness sting my eyes... this is intense. Taking the first bite, the characteristic sharp spiciness of yama wasabi that shoots straight up your nose hits you instantly! It's so genuinely spicy that even those who can handle heat will be surprised.

The intense spice of the yama wasabi tends to steal the show, but the ramen itself is genuinely delicious

While the spiciness is what everyone talks about, the soup itself is a salt-based broth with a chicken base and the umami of seafood, pairing perfectly with the noodles. You can really taste the deliciousness of the ramen itself. However, be warned: if you slurp the noodles too quickly, the yama wasabi's kick might make you cough... It's best to savor it cautiously at first.

Made with Hokkaido-grown yama wasabi. You can taste its authentic spiciness

There are plenty of chili-based spicy foods in the world, but it's rare to find a product that features yama wasabi so prominently. And the fact that you can enjoy it for the reasonable price of 143 yen is something only Seicomart could offer. If you're someone who thinks, "Half-hearted spiciness is just not enough!" then you have to give this a try.

Combining intense spice with savory deliciousness, the "Yama Wasabi Shio Ramen Kai" offers a stimulating experience from the very first bite. Why not experience that nose-tingling kick for yourself?