# Savory-Sweet Ramen Bowls Kourakuen's Soy Sauce-Based Ramen Features Chocolate By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-02-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramen-bowls References: [japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2019/02/09/food/say-love-different-way-kourakuens-chocolate-ramen/) & [otaru-kourakuen](http://www.otaru-kourakuen.com/english/index.html) Ramen bowls tend to be more savory than sweet but this year for Valentine's Day, Japan's Kourakuen is introducing a soy sauce-based chocolate ramen. Rather than featuring chocolate noodles, the dish consists of chocolate chunks and a dark broth. In terms of taste, the dish is said to initially provide a familiar experience that leads with the flavors of ramen noodles and soy, followed by a chocolate aftertaste. Around February 14th, many people will be indulging in all kinds of sweet confections and this special Valentine's Day treat from Kourakuen sets itself apart for those who are looking to try something new, enjoy two favorite foods at the same time and satisfy their sweet tooth even before they get to dessert. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sweet-savory Combos:** Opportunity for restaurants and food companies to experiment with blending contrasting flavors. - **Holiday-themed Menus:** Businesses can create limited-time menus that cater to holiday-specific tastes and preferences. - **Unusual Ingredients:** Innovative food startups can explore new ingredient combinations to create novel flavor profiles. ### Who This Affects Most - **Restaurant:** Restaurants can attract customers with unique menu items that cater to specific holiday themes. - **Food Manufacturing:** Food manufacturers can explore innovative food combinations to come up with trendy packaged food products for consumers. - **Food Startup:** Food startups can leverage unusual food combinations to create novel, tasty and healthy food offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [S'mores-Inspired Dessert Ramens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dessert-ramen.md) - [Ice Cream Ramen Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-cream-volcano.md) - [Sauce-Forward Spicy Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saucy-noods-stirfry-style-noodles.md) - [Sushi Chain Chocolate Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-thunder.md) - [Fried Noodle Confections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onyx-mi-goreng.md) - [Romantic Japanese Snack Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-daythemed1.md) - [Limited-Edition V-Day Snack Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-delights-box.md) - [Nutty Miso Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peanut-miso-ramen-cookie.md) - [Romantic Specialty Candy Gifts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolove-valentines-day.md)