Japanese Convenience Food Review: Maruchan Akai Kitsune Yaki Udon Honest Taste Test　

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If you’re traveling in Japan, you might have noticed that prices have been going up recently.

More people are choosing simple hotel stays or even sleeping in their cars to save money.

And at some point, you probably think:
“I’m a bit hungry… but eating out is expensive.”

That’s exactly where convenience store food comes in.

In this article, I tried some easy-to-find foods from supermarkets and convenience stores and wrote down my honest thoughts.

Everything here is quick, cheap, and easy to try during your trip.

Hope this helps you out!

Now, let’s talk about something almost every Japanese person knows:
Maruchan Akai Kitsune.

If you’ve been in Japan long enough, you’ve probably seen it.
And honestly, most Japanese people have eaten it at least once.

(For the record, I’m actually more of a “Midori no Tanuki” person…)

One thing that became standard over time is the “add tempura later for crunch” style.

But here’s my thing:
I’ve been eating cup noodles my own way for years.

I like my noodles firm.

So I basically start eating almost immediately after pouring hot water.
Not even a minute.

It’s kind of like eating cheap snacks…
or like “barikata” (extra firm) tonkotsu ramen.

I love it.

If you’ve always waited the full time, you should seriously try this once.

You’ll also notice how the texture gradually softens while eating—it’s actually fun.

Anyway… let’s get to the main topic.
Akai Kitsune Yaki Udon

I found this at a supermarket chain called “My Basket” (MyBasket), which is everywhere in Tokyo lately.

Funny thing is, I saw online people saying
“you can’t find it anywhere.”

But when I bought it, it was stacked like crazy at the entrance.

The next day? Almost gone.

Yeah… it’s popular.

Time to Eat

As usual, I go with the firm noodle method.

If you don’t like soft instant noodles, this might change your mind.

Also, if you like crispy takoyaki like Gindaco,
you’ll probably like this style.

If you prefer soft Kansai-style takoyaki… maybe not.

After 1 minute, I drained the water.

Visually, it looks like a mixed noodle dish.

And the taste?

…

Yeah.

It’s basically… Akai Kitsune.

Just without soup.

That’s it.

Honestly, there’s no better way to describe it.

Recommended Toppings

Add mayonnaise + chili powder → very good

Add mustard → surprisingly great

Here’s how I think about it:

Imagine Akai Kitsune as oden (Japanese stew).

If that makes sense, then mustard obviously works.

And it does.

Other idea: yuzu pepper → interesting

“Horinishi spice”… didn’t work for me.

Final Thoughts

To be honest…

Couldn’t you just buy regular Akai Kitsune, drain the soup, and mix the powder?

Yeah… probably.

But still, it’s a fun variation to try once.

And honestly, when you’re traveling and just want something quick and cheap,
this kind of food hits the spot perfectly.