Cup Noodle launching “isekai” crossover line featuring flavors from outside instant ramen world

The Japanese food giant Nissin has introduced a new line of Cup Noodles that take you on an "isekai," or alternate world, culinary adventure. Isekai is a Japanese pop culture term for stories where characters are transported to a new realm filled with exciting possibilities. Now, Cup Noodles are making the leap too, with three innovative flavors blending instant noodles with popular food brands from outside the instant ramen world.

The first flavor is a collaboration between the classic Cup Noodle taste and Gindaco, one of Japan's most beloved takoyaki chains. Takoyaki are octopus ball snacks made with ingredients like seaweed powder, pickled ginger, and a sweet sauce. In this isekai crossover, the usual takoyaki pieces are replaced with "octopus-style balls," and the broth gets an extra dashi stock boost. A separate oil packet is included for diners to add to the noodles after cooking, echoing the oil Gindako uses for its takoyaki.

Next up is a fusion of the zesty Curry Cup noodles and Karamucho, Japan's spiciest mass-market crisp potato stick snacks. The already tangy curry broth gets spicier with the addition of chilies and garlic. The mix also includes pieces of chili-spiced potato, mystery meat, and carrots. This flavor feature also includes a packet of simmered seaweed paste for those who prefer a rice-based meal, accompanied by pieces of squid, imitation crab, cabbage, egg, and green onion.

The final flavor in the isekai series is a pairing of Seafood Cup Noodles with Gohan Desu Yo, a brand known for its simmered seaweed. The Seafood Cup Noodle broth gets an oceanic upgrade with extra seaweed, and the dish is finished off with squid, imitation crab, cabbage, egg, and green onion pieces. All three new flavors are priced at 259 yen (approximately US$1.65) and will be available for purchase starting November 9.