Yamasa, Artisanal Tonkotsu Ramen Broth Concentrate, Serves 8 Bowls, No MSG Added, Japanese Tradition, 8oz

Closest Shoyu flavored broth for Ramen noodles you can get on the market

Great ramen soup base...and super convenient. I liked it so much quickly order a bottle of their Tonkotsu base too. The bottle goes a long way.

I bought both shoyu and the tonkatsu flavour. The shoyu is incredibly salty. I usually like my soups and broths a little strong, so I will mix in less water than the recipe calls for, but even when following the recipe *exactly*, the shoyu ends up really salty. So much so I didn't bother drinking my broth after I finished my ramen. The tonkatsu flavour was *not* too salty, so this is obviously just a problem limited to the shoyu flavour.That said, the Tonkatsu flavour is Amazing! I can make it at the default strength and it tastes good, but I can also add less water and it gets stronger without getting super salty or overbearing. It tastes as good as a midling ramen shop tonkatsu ramen. So if you want something to satisfy that craving for Tonkatsu ramen without the expense and hassle of going to your local ramen-ya, this is an excellent choice.After buying both flavours to try them out and see if I like them, I decided to buy a BUNCH of bottles of tonkatsu flavour, and no bottles of Shoyu flavour. I'd advise anybody trying the other flavours to buy a bottle and adjust the water to your liking, and see if you like them, but the flavours are definitely a bit hit and miss, with some excellent options and some flops.

Taste very gooooood!!!! Just add 2 tbsp to a bowl of ramen stock, and turn out a very authentic flavor.

...fry minced garlic, onion, ginger. Add water to boil. Add this. (Add your desired type of noodles if you really want).Add protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp, pork belly, leftover bulgogi, canned tuna, salmon, yada yada yada), add cut up veggies and all sorts of delicious toppings (Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, watercress, cauliflower, mushroom, seaweed, kimchi, corn, pickled radish, fish cakes, some peanuts, edamame, bonito flakes, honestly whatever floats your umami boat). I have sourced these from fresh (veggies, meat), to frozen (veggies, meat), to canned (corn, tomatoes, tuna, spam, etc.), to dry (wakame seaweed, etc.). They are all terrific.Crack an egg and swish or don't swish the yolk. Add a little more salt to taste. ADD SESAME OIL! (or I hear black garlic oil's fantastic too). For those saying it's less flavored, add some chicken bouillon or mushroom powder. Chicken bouillon/mushroom powder should be a staple in your pantry if you're a broth fanatic like me. Add chili powder or your favorite spicy chili crisp (Lao Gan Ma is pretty reliable) for some heat and to change things up.You can buy different sauces/powders to rotate broth flavors. Or mix'em. (I have a tom yum paste and kimchi powder that works out to be much cheaper than this per bowl. There's also shoyu and miso broth bases if you look.)This umami, rich, healthy broth will hit that spot every time. It'll also look gorgeous with the 10 different colors and toppings put into it. Hot, satisfying, filling, and relatively quick and easy after a tiring day's work. You can't mess up the taste (for those like me who can't cook).Now that I think about it, this is like making a personal size hot pot, but much less of a chore of course. I buy some ingredients and have them on hand for at least the rest of the week. Buy frozen or canned depending on your situation. But this is the best way to treat yourself so you have the energy for the next day. I'm writing this only hoping that it'll help another person warm their tummies and their spirit and heart. We've all been there.Yes if you have 10 of the fancier ingredients in one bowl it'll add up. But you can buy smart and start with several. Bulk frozen corn, canned tuna, big frozen bags of chicken thigh or drumsticks, cabbage, frozen cauliflower or broccoli...can be gotten quite cheap and last many bowls of broth later. The thing is, this is healthy and tastes amazing and will absolutely do your body and mind good. Don't go grabbing some quick junk food that will harm your body.

This is sooo good. It really adds to the ramen!

A little bland. I used an extra umami seasoning alongside to give it more flavor.

I do not normally leave reviews, but this concentrate makes tonkatsu ramen broth that is very good. I spent over 20 years traveling monthly to Japan and although it will not beat the broth from most of the better ramen shops there, I have not found an easier way to get authentic tasting broth for home ramen. Until I find something better, I will continue to order it.