Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With ABC President

#3600: Mamee Shinsegae Habanero Kimchi Jjigae Instant Noodles Soup – Malaysia

Mamee Shinsegae Habanero Kimchi Jjigae Instant Noodles Soup - Malaysia

I thought to myself last night that I should get going on these spicy reviews. Felix at Mamee was so nice to send over a box – twice since there was a kerfuffle with customs the first time. So I resigned myself that today I’d probably be doing a mukbang. But… ...see full post

#3599: Sapporo Ichibam Pokemon Noodle Udon Soy Sauce Flavor – Japan

#3599: Sapporo Ichibam Pokemon Noodle Udon Soy Sauce Flavor - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box. Zenpop is a subscription box service – check em out and use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3598: Nissin Demae Ramen Korean Style Spicy Flavor – Hong Kong

#3598: Nissin Demae Ramen Korean Style Spicy Flavor - Hong Kong

This one is new around these parts but it’s from somewhere completely different. The giveaway here is the omission of the letter u. There’s more though. This one’s made for the United States. It’s not because it has a UPC code vs a 13 digit EAN, though. ...see full post

#3597: Shi Zu Ren Energy Green Sichuan Pepper Instant Vermicelli – China

#3597: Shi Zu Ren Energy Green Sichuan Pepper Instant Vermicelli - China

I’m really bummed as this is the last of the three varieties by Shi Zu Ren I have had the privilege to sample. They’re very different – so many sachets it’s mind boggling too. Just look below! ...see full post

#3596: Sau Tao Trolley Noodle Wonton Soup Flavour – Hong Kong

#3596: Sau Tao Trolley Noodle Wonton Soup Flavour - Hong Kong

Here’s another one from Sau Tao – a trolley noodle! I’m so curious about these… I want to go on a trolley and have noodles; it sounds enjoyable! Let’s give these a try! ...see full post

#3595: Sau Tao Jiangnan Style Noodle Spicy Flavour – Hong Kong

#3595: Sau Tao Jiangnan Style Noodle Spicy Flavour - Hong Kong

Yeah I know – just did a Meet The Manufacturer series with Sau Tao. But they send a ton of different varieties and they’re taking up room in the bedroom so Going to be fitting a couple in every few days until I’ve gone through all of those too I think. It’s spicy time – let’s give these a try! ...see full post

Umai Crate Japanese Ramen Subscription Box – September 2020

Hey look – another Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater! This one came today and we brought it inside set up the lights, shot the video, edited it and boom here it is! Lots of neat stuff in this box! Check it out! Get yours here: http://bit.ly/UmaiCrate
Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for extra discount! ...see full post

#3594: Kimchan Bukkake Mentai Cream Udon – Japan

Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out. ...see full post

#3593: Doll Fried Noodle Chili Sauce Flavour – Hong Kong

#3593: Doll Fried Noodle Chili Sauce Flavour - Hong Kong

Two things about this one. First, this was got on our last trip to Canada which seems like forever ago. We used to visit the wonder of the north about once a month but now the borders are shut tight. Plus, this was one of the very few varieties I got up there that the border agents didn’t confiscate. They confiscated varieties that are now even sold here so that was kind of silly but oh well. ...see full post

#3592: Menraku Tokyo Style “Soup-less” Ramen Rich Soysause – United States

#3592: Menraku Tokyo Style "Soup-less" Ramen Rich Soysause - United States

Herwe’s one that came by way of the guys at www.exoticnoods.com – use the coupon code RAMENRATER15 for a discount! Thanks! Lots of new Menraku varieties pouring out lately… This is a range that is for the US market but made in Japan. So, labeling them US seems logical. Okay – let’s give it a go. ...see full post

Exotic Noods – Ramen Noodles Subscription Box – August 2020

Looking for something a little different? Head over to www.exoticnoods.com! Their subscription boxes are from different countries! Not just Japan, you’ll get to try varieties from around the SE Asian region! Plus, use coupon code RAMENRATER15 for 15% off your order! Here’s what you’ll find inside The August 2020 box. ...see full post

#3591: Lemonilo Naked Ramen Chicken Chow Mein – United States

#3591: Lemonilo Naked Ramen Chicken Chow Mein - United States

This is another one sent over by James of Lakeside, CA – thanks again, buddy! So man… It’s Wednesday at least. So Monday my wife Kit got a dreaded kidney stone so if you know what that is, your know what that is. I’ve never had one, but watching her go through dealing with one before, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Luckily, when I type here it’s generally 100 days down the road that it’s published, so hopefully that stone is long gone. Evil things, these stones… ...see full post

Ramen Express & The Ramen Rater Giveaway! Enter now!

Ramen Express & The Ramen Rater Giveaway! Enter now!

Only a few days left! Ends on Thursday! Check ’em out on Instagram and Facebook!

#3590: Myojo Shio Wantan Ramen – Japan

#3590: Myojo Shio Wantan wonton Ramen - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box. Zenpop is a subscription box service – check em out and use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3589: Yamamoto Seifun Kizami Age Udon – Japan

#3589: Yamamoto Seifun Kizami Age Udon - Japan

Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out. ...see full post

#3703: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Soy Sauce Flavor – United States

#3703: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Soy Sauce Flavor - United States

Following suit with the other major economy pillow pack producer in the United States, Maruchan has retired ‘Oriental flavor’ in favor of soy sauce flavor. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

Spicy Noodle Mukbang – Flood Friday!

Thought I’d share a bunch of recent videos where I slurp up super spicy noodles! Usually by now, I’ve posted the new top ten spicy varieties list m but due to years of pushing by readers and a drought of spare time, the list is going to post later – probably in October. In the meantime, I’m doing a lot of research – what’s the spiciest out there being the question. Check ’em out and don’t forget to subscribe and click the notification bell to stay updated on all the videos I post constantly. Thanks! ...see full post

Re-Review: Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles & Original Flavored Soup – United States

Re-Review: Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles & Original Flavored Soup - United States

This is a kind of rare occurrence. I reviewed this one yesterday. Usually the posts you see here every day are from at least 100 days prior – it’s nice being ahead of the game. But, this being a re-review, it doesn’t get a new review number or anything. I was at the store and thought it would be nice to have something easy to do up and post. ...see full post

#3588: Sapporo Ichiban Sapporo Soup Curry Taste Ramen – Japan

#3588: Sapporo Ichiban Sapporo Soup Curry Taste Ramen - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box. Zenpop is a subscription box service – check em out and use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3587: Baixiang Artificial Spicy Beef Flavor Instant Noodle – China

#3587: Baixiang Artificial Spicy Beef Flavor Instant Noodle - China

I first tried Baixiang noodles a few years ago when I found the little elephant’s brand up in Richmond, BC on one of our early visits before it became a regular thing to do. ...see full post

#3586: Ottogi Kongguksu Ramen – South Korea

#3586: Ottogi Kongguksu Ramen - South Korea

Here’s something I’d not seen before – I know, that’s kind of a redundant statement; I try to review something new every day, so… But this is very different. Often, cold noodle varieties from South Korea pop up, but not usually ones that come with a cold broth – they’re usually broth-free. I think that may have been the longest sentence I’ve ever typed on this blog, so apologies for that. ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition

Here we go again. It always surprises me that I have to put out a new list of these every year. I guess the redeeming fact is that some varieties get to be pushed out of the list, which I’m sure they’re happy about. Anyways, these are my least favorite instant noodle varieties from over 3500 reviews. This list is current as of review #3545. Let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition. ...see full post

#3585: Myojo Chukazanmai Oriental Flavor – United States

#3585: Myojo Chukazanmai Oriental Flavor - United States

This one is from a box from Exotic Noods. Exotic Noods has subscription boxes you can get every month! Use coupon code RAMENRATER15 for 15% off your order! ...see full post

#3584: KORMOSA Kiss My Food Vegetable Noodles – Taiwan

#3584: KORMOSA Kiss My Food Vegetable Noodles - Taiwan

Here’s one Daniel from Exotic Noods brought me back from Taiwan – thanks! This product is produced by Paldo Vina, a Vietnamese branch of Paldo Food of South Korea. It is for sale in Taiwan (formerly called Formosa), and has a South Korean parent company, so KORMOSA is a kind of play on the fusion of companies and distribution. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

Giveaway! Ramen Express + The Ramen Rater T-Shirt & Hat Contest!!!

Hey everyone! I’m excited to announce a new contest with the folks at Ramen Express! By following the contest rules, you can enter to win a t-shirt – and you can do a little extra and if you win a shirt, you’ll win a hat as well! Pretty cool! ...see full post

#3583: Itomen Shoyu Seafood & Vegetables Dashi Ramen – Japan

#3583: Itomen Shoyu Seafood & Vegetables Dashi Ramen - Japan

Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out. ...see full post

Umai Crate Japanese Ramen Subscription Box – August 2020

Umai Crate Japanese Ramen Subscription Box August 2020

Hey look – another Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater! This one came today and we brought it inside set up the lights, shot the video, edited it and boom here it is! Lots of neat stuff in this box! Check it out! Get yours here: http://bit.ly/UmaiCrate
Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for extra discount! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3582: Sau Tao Hot & Sour Flavour Ramen – Hong Kong

Meet The Manufacturer: #3582: Sau Tao Hot & Sour Flavour Ramen - Hong Kong

We come today to the last of this series for now. It’s crazy though – I have so many more varieties I still need to get to that I think I’ll be switching back and forth with them for a bit o time honestly. This one’s hot and sour – let’s give it a try. ...see full post

Momofuku Ando Speaks: The Book I’ve Searched Years For

I’ve been looking for this book for years. Why? Because I not only enjoy instant noodles, I enjoy the history and lore around it. It fascinates me. Some people like comic books, other sports. For me, instant noodles are where it’s at. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3581: Sau Tao Taiwanese Style Sliced Noodle Pepper & Sesame Flavour – Hong Kong

Sau Tao Taiwanese Style Sliced Noodle Pepper & Sesame Flavour - Hong Kong

Still just surprised with all the different varieties. Here’s a nice wide-style noodle from Hong Kong – Let’s cook some up! ...see full post

Great Shirts From www.RUSHORDERTEES.com

I got an email from a guy named Russell over at www.rushordertees.com a few weeks back asking if I’d like a couple of aprons to wear for my show if I’d mention Rush Order Tees. Well, I was happy to do so, but maybe they have t-shirts! So of course they do and so now I’ve got three snazzy new shirts and you can see ’em in the video below as well as being on a lot of my upcoming videos! Thank you so much! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3580: Sau Tao Laksa Flavour Rice Vermicelli – Hong Kong

Meet The Manufacturer: #3580: Sau Tao Laksa Flavour Rice Vermicelli - Hong Kong

There are so many varieties these folks make and I’m glad because this has been one of the most varied Meet The Manufacturer series yet. This is a flavor however I could revisit with a different noodle pairing repeatedly with enjoyment, as well as their Tom Yum Kung. Laksa is a tasty thing! Let’s make this one and see how this pairing goes as we march towards review 4000. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3579: Sau Tao Ho Fan Pork Rib Soup Flavour – Hong Kong

Sau Tao Ho Fan Pork Rib Soup Flavour - Hong Kong

Pork rib flavor, eh? I think I tried this one previously but prepared it incorrectly (hey, it happens – I’m not perfect). By previously I am thinking at least five years if not seven… I think it’s time for a new number and a revisit, don’t you? ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3578: Sau Tao Non-Fried Abalone Noodle – Hong Kong

Meet The Manufacturer: #3578: Sau Tao Non-Fried Abalone Noodle - Hong Kong

I’m still just amazed how many different styles of noodles this company has – they sent so many! This is a unique pack, too. Ten packs, ten sachets. Shall we give it a try? ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3577: Sau Tao E-Fu Noodle Curry Lobster Soup Flavour – Hong Kong

Meet The Manufacturer: #3577: Sau Tao E-Fu Noodle Curry Lobster Soup Flavour - Hong Kong

First things first – this is big. The noodle blocks are physically really big. I’ll let you watch the episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time below so you can understand more fully. But E-Fu – let’s look on Wikipedia for more info – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3576: Sau Tao Pork Bone Flavour Sichuan Noodle – Hong Kong

Meet The Manufacturer: #3576: Sau Tao Pork Bone Flavour Sichuan Noodle - Hong Kong

Time for something porky! I’m curious how this will be – guessing less like a tonkotsu, more like a stewed pork kind of flavor? Guess we shall find out! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3575: Sau Tao Trolley Noodle Beef Soup Flavour – Hong Kong

Meet The Manufacturer: #3575: Sau Tao Trolley Noodle Beef Soup Flavour - Hong Kong

Tis time for beef on the trolley! I never found out anything really as per why these are called trolley noodles, but hopefully will at some point. Let’s give them a try. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3574: Sau Tao Taiwanese Style Sliced Noodle Shallot Oil Flavour – Hong Kong

Meet The Manufacturer: #3574: Sau Tao Taiwanese Style Sliced Noodle Shallot Oil Flavour - Hong Kong

I’ve had a lot of Taiwanese dry noodles in my day, but never any hailing from Hong Kong as far as I can remember. Maybe, but I don’t think so. These noodles are without a broth – they’re from simple ingredients, too. You boil, drain, add in some ingredients, stir and eat. These are also considered mix noodles. Let’s mix it up and see what we get! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3573: Sau Tao QQ Vermicelli Pork & Pickled Mustard Flavour – Hong Kong

Meet The Manufacturer: #3573: Sau Tao QQ Vermicelli Pork & Pickled Mustard Flavour - Hong Kong

QQ is an interesting term when it comes to noodles. Michelin defines it as “QQ is the bounciness associated with fresh handmade fishballs, glutinous rice balls, and certain types of noodles. The term originated from Taiwan, where Q sounds similar to the local word for “chewy”, but it’s evolved to mean a little more than that.” ...see full post