7-Eleven in Japan is launching a must-try bowl for ramen lovers, available exclusively in Hokkaido starting Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The name of this much-anticipated dish is the “Spice-Scented Curry Ramen.” This product was actually a huge hit when it was pre-released in areas like Muroran City in the Iburi region in August 2025, and now it’s finally getting a full rollout across all of Hokkaido.
Hokkaido, Japan’s great northern land, is home to a rich and diverse ramen culture. Many people immediately think of the “Three Great Ramen of Hokkaido”: Sapporo’s Miso Ramen, Asahikawa’s Shoyu (Soy Sauce) Ramen, and Hakodate’s Shio (Salt) Ramen. However, now gaining attention as the next “fourth regional ramen” is, in fact, “Curry Ramen.”
It’s especially popular today in areas such as Tomakomai and Muroran, where many ramen shops offer it as a staple. Its charm lies in the combination of a rich, spicy curry soup and medium-thick, curly noodles that have a powerful presence to match.
“Spice-Scented Curry Ramen”: A Meticulously Crafted Bowl to Warm You Inside and Out
The “Spice-Scented Curry Ramen” released by 7-Eleven has been developed to offer an easy and authentic way to enjoy this local delicacy. It’s crafted to be the perfect “I want to eat this now” meal that will warm and fill you up during Hokkaido’s persistently cold winter.
Product Details
Product Name: Spice-Scented Curry Ramen
Price: 570 yen (615.60 yen including tax)
Release Date: From Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (sequential release)
Sales Area: All of Hokkaido
The Secret to its Authentic Flavor: A Thick and Rich Curry Soup
The soup, the heart of this ramen, is a rich broth based on chicken and pork paitan. Its greatest feature is the addition of onions slowly sautéed until they are a deep, caramelized brown. This process condenses the natural sweetness and umami of the onions, creating a natural thickness (“toromi”) and profound richness (“koku”) in the soup. The appetite-stimulating aroma of the spices and the gentle sweetness of the onions create a perfect balance.
Special Medium-Thick Curly Noodles that Cling to the Soup
Of course, the noodles are made using wheat grown in Hokkaido. The ramen features flavorful medium-thick curly noodles with a firm, satisfying chew. These curls are perfect for catching the thick, rich curry soup, ensuring you get a mouthful of flavor in every bite.
Classic Toppings
The toppings are the classic choices for curry ramen: chashu (braised pork), wakame (seaweed), and green onions. Though simple, they are a perfect match for the rich soup.
There’s More! Other Hokkaido Regional Ramen You Can Enjoy at 7-Eleven
In addition to the “Spice-Scented Curry Ramen,” 7-Eleven also offers other regional ramen from across Hokkaido. All of these are also special items made with Hokkaido-grown wheat.
Sapporo Sumire’s Supervised Rich Miso Ramen
A bowl supervised by “Sapporo Sumire,” a famous shop that represents the Sapporo ramen scene. It features a fragrant, rich soup made with a blend of red and white miso. The smooth, yellow, medium-thick curly noodles are characteristic of Sapporo ramen.
Asahikawa Shoyu Ramen
The charm of Asahikawa ramen lies in its deep shoyu soup, a fusion of meat umami and seafood flavors. The unique, low-hydration curly noodles do an excellent job of absorbing the soup.
Hakodate Shio Ramen with Hakodate Ma-Konbu
This is a shio (salt) ramen with a clear yet elegant taste, featuring the umami of “Ma-Konbu,” a high-grade kelp from Hakodate. It’s paired with flavorful noodles that have been aged to enhance their chewiness.
Kushiro Shoyu Ramen
A shoyu ramen with the aroma of bonito, offering a light yet umami-rich flavor. The supple, thin noodles with their unique texture highlight the distinct character of Kushiro ramen.
This lineup shows how Japanese Konbini are more than just convenient; they respect regional food culture and offer it in the form of high-quality products. When visiting Hokkaido, why not give these authentic regional ramen varieties a try?
Source (Japanese): 【北海道限定】飴色になるまで炒めた玉ねぎを加えたとろみとコクがあるスープ！「スパイス香る カレーラーメン」を発売
Post a Comment