Is This the Strongest Generic Jiro? Convenience Stores Go Head-to-Head
Drastic change in 5 years! The current state of “Generic Jiro”
With Ramen Jiro at the pinnacle, the ramen inspired by it has become a genre known as “Jiro-style,” “G-style,” or hearty-style, and is now a staple of the ramen scene. As a result, it has become an indispensable item not only at brick-and-mortar ramen shops, but also in the microwave noodle sections of convenience stores. Even without visiting an actual shop, “Generic Jiro,” which can be easily enjoyed at home, has continued to evolve year by year, and it is also interesting to see each major convenience store chain showcasing its own distinct character.
In 2020, FRIDAY Digital released a comparison article tasting “Generic Jiro” from the three major convenience store chains. About five years have passed since then. How has each one evolved? By conducting another tasting comparison, what directions for each company have now become apparent?
【Lawson】Even beginners are hooked! Surprising harmony
◇ “Hearty Rich Pork Ramen” 697 yen (tax included)
Noodles: Flat straight noodles
Noodle firmness: Soft ☆☆★ Firm
Soup: Sweet ☆★☆ Spicy
Toppings: 1 slice of chashu, cabbage, bean sprouts, garlic, black pepper
Calories: 795 kcal
Heating (500W): 6 minutes 30 seconds
It features a milky, emulsified soup with a strong pork-bone flavor. The garlic does not assert itself too strongly, instead providing a well-balanced accent that harmonizes with the soup. The noodles are flat, straight, and on the firm, crunchy side, with slight waviness that allows them to cling well to the soup.
The pork (chashu) is soft pork belly in a generously sized cut. Overall, the punch is somewhat restrained, but that makes it easy to eat even for G-style beginners, while still offering a sense of balance that satisfies fans as well—an impression that feels even more refined than five years ago.
【FamilyMart】An explosion of soy sauce flavor straight from a famous shop
◇ “Ramen-so Rekishi o Kizame Supervised Pork Ramen” 698 yen (tax included)
Noodles: Flat straight noodles
Noodle firmness: Soft ☆★☆ Firm
Soup: Sweet ☆☆★ Spicy
Toppings: 1 slice of chashu, cabbage, bean sprouts, garlic, chili pepper
Calories: 943 kcal
Heating (500W): 6 minutes
A bowl supervised by the popular Osaka-based shop Ramen-so Rekishi o Kizame. The lightly emulsified soup is covered with a layer of liquid fat, delivering a strong soy sauce punch and a salty finish. The noodles are flat, straight, and have a chewy texture that stands up well to the impactful soup. The pork is loin, with a firm bite and solid seasoning, while the garlic provides a moderate aroma, resulting in a well-balanced bowl overall.
The included chili pepper serves as a nice accent, adding a sharp kick that tightens up the whole dish. There are also collaboration products with the popular Tokyo shop Senrigan, and it seems that strengthening the collaboration approach over these five years has paid off.
【7-Eleven】Giant Pork & Back Fat! “Ferocious” Evolution
◇ “Chuka Soba Tomita Supervised Big Pork Ramen Extra Fat” 734 yen (tax included)
Noodles: Flat straight noodles
Noodle firmness: Soft ☆☆★ Firm
Soup: Sweet ☆☆★ Spicy
Toppings: 1 slice of chashu, cabbage, bean sprouts, garlic, back-fat blocks
Calories: 1028 kcal
Heating (500W): 7 minutes 10 seconds
Supervised by Chuka Soba Tomita, a long-time partner of 7-Eleven’s microwave noodles. Over the past five years, the impact of the soup, noodles, and pork has steadily evolved. The soup has developed a deep flavor with emulsification and soy sauce richness. The flat straight noodles retain their rough, chewy texture and seem even firmer.
The giant pork belly slice has a great chew and an outstanding presence. Additionally, the back-fat block topping and garlic each add a punch. In terms of eating satisfaction, flavor impact, and aftertaste, this has evolved toward a more intense, lasting impression.
Is it worth it despite rising prices?
Tasting the “Generic Jiro” from the three major convenience store chains revealed that over the past five years, both the noodles and soup have certainly evolved. Especially the noodles: even after microwaving, all three chains maintain a firm texture without becoming too soft, a testament to corporate effort. Regarding the soup and toppings, each chain has shown originality tailored to their target audience, making it hard to judge superiority—preferences will vary.
On the other hand, prices have increased by 25–40% from around 550 yen five years ago. Considering recent inflation, this is understandable, but for general consumers, a little more effort on the price front would be appreciated!
Furthermore, the past five years have also seen changes in the spread of “Generic Jiro.” In the [second part], we explore the new evolution revealed through a thorough research of convenience stores and supermarkets.
Reporting and writing： Diceke Takahashi