A Regal Plant-Based Ramen Inspired by Japan’s Ancient Princess

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Introducing SAI-MEN: Wasabi Salt Ramen Rooted in Heian-Era Elegance

Japan’s culinary world welcomes a new, soul-refreshing dish with deep historical roots. On June 20, 2025, Meiwa Tourism Corporation officially launched SAI-MEN (斎麺), a plant-based wasabi salt ramen inspired by the ancient imperial princesses known as Saio—who once served as sacred priestesses of the sun goddess Amaterasu.

This elegant and vegan-friendly ramen celebrates Heian-era food culture, locally sourced Mie Prefecture ingredients, and a culinary philosophy that respects both history and diversity in dietary lifestyles.

What Is SAI-MEN?

SAI-MEN (斎麺) is a plant-based ramen co-developed by Mie-based ramen expert Maki Minamino, owner of specialty noodle shop Minamino Shoten. Inspired by the Saio—princesses who resided in Saiku, Meiwa Town, and offered prayers to the gods—the dish uses only ingredients believed to have been consumed in the Heian period (794–1185).

Every element of SAI-MEN—from its unique noodles to its handcrafted broth—is thoughtfully composed to deliver a pure, refreshing, and spiritually uplifting dining experience.

Highlights of SAI-MEN

1. The Noodles – “Bachi” Noodles from Yokkaichi

These flat, chewy noodles are a rare byproduct of the traditional hiyamugi drying process, known as “bachi.” Their distinctive texture evokes the transition from ancient wheat cakes (索餅) to modern Japanese noodles.

Made from: Japanese wheat flour, salt, starch, and plant oil
Vegan-friendly, additive-free

2. The Broth – Mineral-Rich Salt, Aosa Seaweed & Wasabi

The broth blends mineral-rich Iwato sea salt (boiled over firewood at Kamisaki Beach), Mie-grown aosa seaweed, and wasabi oil made by Tsuji Oil in Matsusaka. A dash of perilla oil—used since the Heian era—adds richness.

Free of MSG and chemical additives
No five pungent vegetables (onion, garlic, etc.)
Safe for Oriental Vegans

3. The Ramen Flavor Enhancer – YUDE-CO®

Included with each package is YUDE-CO, a powder that turns the noodle texture into a more ramen-like feel when added to boiling water. It uses 100% natural Inner Mongolian lake salt to replicate the taste of traditional kansui.

This allows diners to enjoy both the refined texture of hiyamugi and the springiness of ramen noodles—all in one dish.

Product Details

Contents: 2 servings (160g noodles, 2 broth packets, 2 YUDE-CO sachets)
Price: Open pricing
Retailers:
Dietary Info: 100% plant-based, MSG-free, no animal products, no five pungent roots
Note: Contains sake (alcohol)

Recommended Ways to Enjoy

Toppings for Vegans: Wasabi greens, myoga (Japanese ginger)
Toppings for Non-Vegans: Lightly poached chicken, white fish, shellfish
Summer Edition: Chill the noodles and serve with iced broth—brings out the wasabi aroma even more
Try Both Textures: One noodle batch with YUDE-CO (ramen-style), one without (hiyamugi-style) for a contrasting experience

Why It Matters

In a time where food is increasingly polarized between indulgence and health, SAI-MEN bridges the gap beautifully. It offers something rare: a soulful, historically rooted, ethically inclusive ramen experience—without sacrificing taste or tradition.

Whether you’re vegan, health-conscious, culturally curious, or just a ramen lover seeking something new—SAI-MEN invites you to taste Japan’s sacred past with every bite.