Cup noodles in Japan are going up market to cash in on a craze for gourmet Ramen, the soup with noodles that has its roots in China but is now prepared in an unquestionably Japanese style.

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Instant ramen makers have teamed up with famous local ramen shops and are developing high-quality brands with tastes the makers claim to be similar to those in the best Ramen shops or bars.

Double the price of regular instant noodles at ¥200-300 (US$1.7-2.5), manufacturers say they are selling well.

Nisshin Food Products Co, which makes Cup Noodle, has sold more than 1 million cases of Goo Ta noodles which has a recipe based on a popular noodle bar’s. The superior brand was launched only late last year. Other noodle companies are now following suit.

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