Ramen Review #8: Nissin Demae Ramen: Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Flavour

Frog likes black or used to like black. Many can probably relate to the period in a frog's life where everything seemed so bothersome and black... But now i'm green!

So in today's spotlight: Nissin Demae Ramen Black Garlic Oil flavour. I didn't know it was a thing, but black garlic can refer to two things: Black garlic the plant: allium nigrum, but that is an ornamental plant and I doubt that Nissin would feed people a flower. And then there is black garlic, which is caramelized garlic invented in Korea. Whole garlic bulbs are slowly heated over a course of several weeks to achieve a black colour and a a special taste.Head over to wikipedia for more information.

Inside the pretty black package you will find the usual dried noodles, a soup base packet and a packet with black garlic oil.

The broth itself is slightly porky tasting, but not overwhelmingly so. It has a savory flavour with a hint of sweetness.

The black garlic oil coagulated, which is why it is lying on top of the noodles like a little stick. The oil smells really garlicky but tastes only a little garlicky. It adds just that little special thing that makes the broth special, but I would've enjoyed a bit more garlic flavour. .

I would consider using this flavour as a household staple flavour (if I wasn't so addicted to the sesame flavour). The broth is not too overwhelming and can therefore be combined with practically any topping. The garlic flavour goes well with meats, seafood and vegetables. The only thing I don't like garlic in is egg and if you really crave egg with your noodles, you can also skip the garlic that one time.