BBC Tests Japan’s Viral Cold-Water Cup Noodles

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:41:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

BBC journalist Kyoto tests Japan’s viral cold‑water cup noodles that sold out after a viral online trend – does the cooling snack deliver?

Japan’s instant‑noodle craze has taken a new turn with a cup noodle variant that uses cold water instead of hot broth. The product, which has gone viral on social media and sold out in Japan, promises a cooling snack suitable for hot summer days. BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori sampled the noodles to assess whether the chilled texture lives up to the hype. In taste tests, the noodles delivered a refreshing, light flavor, though some noted that the seasoning was less robust without heat.

BBC Tests Japan’s Viral Cold‑Water Cup Noodles

The BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori stepped into a kitchen in Tokyo to try Japan’s newest instant‑noodle breakout – cup noodles that are made and served with cold water. The product has sold out across the country after a craze sparked by posts on TikTok and Instagram, promising a cooling summer treat‑the beverage of choice for those too hot for hot‑broth ramen.

Unlike regular cup noodles, the cold‑water version comes with a sachet of seasoning that’s meant to dissolve in plain water, creating a mellow, light broth. The idea is that the broth’s subtle aroma and texture will keep hot‑weather eaters refreshed, a clear reversal of the usual “heat‑in‑action” cooking that most instant noodles use.

During the taste test, the noodles felt crisp and required a gentle stir before the flavor began to arrive. The seasoning score was decent, with a subtle umami punch, but the absence of heat left some irritable about its depth compared to the brand‑familiar flavor of instant ramen.

Overall, the cold‑water cup noodles live up to the hype for a cooling snack feel, although they may not satisfy a throat that, like Mori’s, craves a richer broth. If you’re looking for a quick, refreshing bite on an especially hot day, the cold‑water version might be worth giving a try, especially since the brand has already sold out through online channels.