When the summer heat arrives in Japan, many ramen shops introduce a seasonal favorite known as Cold Ramen (Hiyashi Ramen, 冷やしラーメン). Unlike traditional steaming bowls of ramen, this refreshing dish is served with chilled broth, springy noodles, crisp vegetables, and colorful toppings. It delivers all the satisfying flavors of ramen while offering a cool and invigorating dining experience.

Originally popularized in Yamagata Prefecture, Cold Ramen has become a beloved summer specialty throughout Japan. The chilled soy-based broth is light yet full of umami, perfectly complementing fresh vegetables, tender sliced meat, and chewy ramen noodles.

Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a unique Japanese summer recipe, Cold Ramen is both easy to prepare and wonderfully refreshing.

What is Cold Ramen?

Cold Ramen, or Hiyashi Ramen, is a Japanese noodle soup served cold rather than hot. Unlike Hiyashi Chuka, which is dressed with a sauce instead of broth, Cold Ramen features chilled ramen noodles immersed in a flavorful cold soup made from chicken stock, soy sauce, and dashi.

The dish is topped with ingredients such as sliced chicken, ham, cucumber, tomatoes, soft-boiled eggs, seaweed, corn, and green onions, creating a colorful and balanced meal.

The result is a refreshing combination of savory broth, chewy noodles, and crisp vegetables that's perfect for warm weather.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Servings: 2 bowls

Ingredients

For the Chilled Broth

  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup dashi stock
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Ice cubes (optional, for serving)

Noodles

  • 2 servings fresh ramen noodles

Toppings

  • 150 g cooked chicken breast, shredded or sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, julienned
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved
  • 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sweet corn kernels
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Optional Garnishes

  • Pickled ginger
  • Wakame seaweed
  • Bamboo shoots
  • Radish sprouts
  • Lemon wedges
  • Japanese mustard (karashi)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a bowl, combine the chicken stock, dashi, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar.

Mix until the sugar dissolves completely.

Refrigerate the broth for at least 1 hour until thoroughly chilled.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil the ramen noodles according to the package instructions.

Drain immediately.

Rinse the noodles under very cold running water.

Transfer them to an ice bath for 1–2 minutes to stop the cooking process and create a firm, chewy texture.

Drain well.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

Slice the chicken, cucumber, tomato, and green onions.

Halve the soft-boiled eggs.

Cut the nori into thin strips.

Arrange all toppings so they're ready for assembly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the chilled noodles between serving bowls.

Pour the cold broth over the noodles.

Arrange the chicken, cucumber, tomato, eggs, corn, and nori neatly on top.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Add a few ice cubes if desired to keep the broth extra cold.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately while the broth and noodles are well chilled.

Mix gently before eating so every bite is coated with the refreshing broth.

Cooking Tips

  • Chill the broth thoroughly before serving for the most refreshing flavor.
  • Rinse cooked noodles in ice water to improve their texture and prevent sticking.
  • Use homemade dashi for a deeper umami taste.
  • Avoid adding hot toppings, as they will warm the broth.
  • Fresh seasonal vegetables provide the best flavor and crunch.
  • Arrange toppings neatly for a beautiful Japanese-style presentation.

Delicious Variations

Seafood Cold Ramen

Top with chilled shrimp, crab sticks, scallops, or smoked salmon.

Spicy Cold Ramen

Add chili oil, rayu, or a spoonful of spicy miso paste.

Vegetarian Cold Ramen

Use vegetable broth and top with tofu, mushrooms, avocado, and edamame.

Sesame Cold Ramen

Stir toasted sesame paste into the chilled broth for a creamy, nutty flavor.

Citrus Cold Ramen

Add yuzu juice or fresh lemon juice for a bright, refreshing twist.

Beef Cold Ramen

Top with thin slices of chilled roast beef and fresh herbs.

What to Serve with Cold Ramen

  • Japanese Gyoza
  • Edamame
  • Vegetable Tempura
  • Seaweed Salad
  • Inari Sushi
  • Onigiri Rice Balls
  • Pickled Vegetables
  • Iced Green Tea

Storage

Store the broth, noodles, and toppings separately.

Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Do not freeze, as the noodles lose their texture after thawing.

Assemble just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1,400 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cold Ramen the same as Hiyashi Chuka?

No. Cold Ramen is served in a chilled broth, while Hiyashi Chuka is dressed with a tangy soy- and sesame-based sauce rather than soup.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and chill the broth, cook the toppings, and refrigerate them separately. Cook the noodles on the day you plan to serve them for the best texture.

Which broth is best?

A combination of chicken stock and dashi creates a light, savory broth with plenty of umami.

Can I use instant ramen noodles?

Yes. Discard the seasoning packet and use the noodles with the homemade chilled broth.

Why are the noodles rinsed in ice water?

The ice bath stops the cooking process, removes excess starch, and gives the noodles their signature firm and chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

Cold Ramen is one of Japan's most refreshing seasonal dishes, offering all the comfort of traditional ramen in a light and cooling form. The chilled umami-rich broth, springy noodles, crisp vegetables, and colorful toppings come together to create a meal that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Perfect for hot summer days, casual lunches, or elegant entertaining, this homemade Cold Ramen recipe brings a taste of Japanese summer right to your table. Once you've experienced its refreshing balance of flavors and textures, it may become one of your favorite warm-weather noodle dishes.