A new product is arriving that lets you enjoy “SWICY”—the fusion of “Sweet” and “Spicy” currently trending worldwide. It has been announced that “Shin Ramyun Yakisoba Stir-fried Kimchi Cup” will be released at select convenience stores across Japan starting Monday, April 20, 2026.
This product reflects the latest food trends gaining popularity in the US and Europe. It is an appetizing dish that combines the punchy, spicy-savory flavor of the familiar “Shin Ramyun” with the unique sweetness and acidity of stir-fried kimchi.
The Deep Umami of “Stir-fried Kimchi,” Rooted in Traditional Korean Wisdom
In Korean food culture, kimchi is not only eaten fresh but is also heated and used like a seasoning. Stir-frying or stewing kimchi brings out a unique richness, umami, and a deep sweetness.
For example, “Samgyeopsal” (Korean-style grilled pork belly), which is also popular in Japan, is commonly enjoyed by grilling kimchi on the iron plate along with the pork fat. The new “Shin Ramyun Yakisoba Stir-fried Kimchi Cup” was developed based on this “Stir-fried Kimchi” flavor. The sweet taste of stir-fried kimchi merges with the authentic, stimulating heat of Korean Shin Ramyun to provide a new level of deliciousness.
Key product information is as follows:
- Product Name: Shin Ramyun Yakisoba Stir-fried Kimchi Cup
- Suggested Retail Price: 300 yen ($2.00 USD) including tax (278 yen [$1.85 USD] excluding tax)
- Release Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
- Release Region: Nationwide Japan (Limited to select convenience stores)
- Net Weight: 122g / 4.3 oz (Noodles: 85g / 3.0 oz)
- Spiciness Level: 4.0 (Standard Shin Ramyun is 2.5)
The ingredients (kayaku) include crunchy kimchi flakes and vibrant bok choy. The special sauce coats these ingredients and the thick noodles, creating a “SWICY” flavor where the rich aroma of stir-fried kimchi and the stimulating “spicy-savory” kick linger on the palate.
“Microwave Cooking” to Maximize Noodle Texture
A major feature of this new product is the recommendation of “microwave cooking” in addition to standard hot water preparation. This is a common method in South Korean cup noodle culture. Heating it in the microwave dramatically improves the chewy texture of the noodles and allows them to absorb the sauce significantly better.
The microwave cooking steps are very simple:
- Completely remove the lid and take out the liquid sauce and powder soup packets (no draining required).
- Pour 220ml (approx. 7.4 fl oz) of hot water up to the inner line of the cup.
- Place in the microwave and heat for 2 minutes 40 seconds at 500W, or 2 minutes 30 seconds at 600W.
- After heating, add the sauce and soup, and mix well.
If a microwave is not available, it can be prepared with hot water as usual.
For hot water preparation, peel the lid halfway, pour about 400ml (approx. 13.5 fl oz) of hot water, and wait for 3 minutes. Then, drain the water through the drainage holes on the lid and mix in the sauces—the standard procedure.
What is “SWICY,” the New Trend Thrilling Gen Z?
The keyword for this release, “SWICY,” is a portmanteau of “Sweet” and “Spicy.” In recent years, it has become a major topic in the Western food industry, with a surge in menus adopting this concept in cafes and restaurants.
Data suggests that more than half of Gen Z, who are particularly sensitive to trends, enjoy this flavor profile on a daily basis, establishing it as a new culinary standard. By combining the natural sweetness derived from stir-fried kimchi with the addictive spiciness characteristic of the brand, this new product embodies exactly what the world is looking for.
Halal Certification to Accommodate Diverse Cultures
Shin Ramyun is a global brand sold in over 100 countries, with cumulative sales exceeding 38 billion units. To meet diverse needs around the world, “Shin Ramyun Yakisoba Stir-fried Kimchi Cup” has cleared strict standards and obtained Halal certification.
This allows individuals with dietary restrictions for religious or other reasons to enjoy the latest trending flavors with peace of mind. Efforts are being made to respect food diversity and share the same deliciousness across nationalities and cultures.
SNS Early Experience Campaign to Try Before the Launch
Prior to the April 20 launch, an SNS campaign for the Japanese market will be held. From Monday, March 16, 2026, to Sunday, March 22, 2026, participants can win the new product by following official accounts and performing designated actions.
Campaign Overview:
- Entry Period: March 16, 2026 (Mon) 12:00 PM – March 22, 2026 (Sun) 11:59 PM
- Prize: “Shin Ramyun Yakisoba Stir-fried Kimchi Cup” 2-piece set
- Number of Winners: 120 total (40 each on Instagram, TikTok, and X)
How to Enter on Each SNS:
- Instagram: Follow the https://www.instagram.com/nongshimjapan 🇯🇵 and “Like” the post.
- TikTok: Follow the https://www.tiktok.com/@nongshimjapan 🇯🇵 and “Like” the post.
- X (formerly Twitter): Follow the https://x.com/shinramen_app 🇯🇵 and repost the post.
Conditions include having a public account and being able to receive the prize within Japan.
Summary: Experience Global Trends at Japanese Convenience Stores
This new product recreates the global “SWICY” trend in a cup yakisoba format. The flavor of stir-fried kimchi, where sweetness and spiciness are intricately intertwined, will offer a new and accessible thrill at Japanese convenience stores. Look for “Shin Ramyun Yakisoba Stir-fried Kimchi Cup” in the noodle section of your local store starting April 20!
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