Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

#3452: Paldo Teumsae (9,413SHU) – Japan

#3452: Paldo Teumsae (9,413SHU) - Japan

Okay so recently I reviewed and mukbang-ified the Paldo Teumsae version that was sold in South Korea. This time around it’s the same SHU on the package but most certainly for Japan. Let’s see how i rates! ...see full post

#3451: Nongshim Shin Light Air Dried Noodle Soup – South Korea

#3451: Nongshim Shin Light Air Dried Noodle Soup - South Korea

It’s been quite a while since a new Shin variety came out I think. On the edge of the package it mentions it being ‘Shin Black Class’ but I mean look at the packaging. Clearly, this is Shin White – am I wrong?I’m guessing this is going to be quite different – fried vs non fried noodles are like night and day, and I expect I’m going to like this one to be honest. Let’s find out! ...see full post

#3450: Taihodien Green Chilli Paste Noodles – Taiwan

#3450: Taihodien Green Chilli Paste Noodles - Taiwan

It’s been a while since I had the original Taihodien spicy mala noodles. On those, the noodles themselves were decent but the flavor was just such an onslaught of Sichuan peppercorn. Just too much. This one sounds much different – green Sichuan peppercorn and a lot of other chilli pepper action going on. Hoping to like thing one! Let’s check it out. ...see full post

#3449: LMF Hong Kong Chow Mein Tan Tan Flavor – China

#3449: LMF Hong Kong Chow Mein Tan Tan Flavor - China

Here’s one I got up at Smart’n’Save in Richmond, BC Canada. It’s my favorite noodle store currently that I don’t have to hop on a jet to get to. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

New Hakubaku Fresh Ramen Singles Samples

I’ve tried the Shoyu and Tonkotsu from these folks and I can honestly say it’s among the best I’ve had. From the noodle quality to the broth, they definitely cover all the bases.Now they’ve got single packs of it for sale! Check it out here! ...see full post

#3448: Jongga Real Kimchi Ramen – South Korea

#3448: Jongga Real Kimchi Ramen - South Korea

I reviewed the pack version awhile back and been sitting on this bowl version. Actually I saw the cup version at Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington a few minutes ago right before we got our Christmas tree at Country Farms. Anyways, This one sounds like a good idea today. Let’s give it a try. ...see full post

IWOOT – Great Japanese Ramen Themed Gifts + Coupon Code – Unboxing Time Part 2

I was contacted last month by an outfit called IWOOT in the UK. They have a line of neat ramen related products – like mugs, shirts, posters, etc. They asked if I’d share some of them and I said sure! Here’s the second of two unboxing times showcasing their stuff! By the way, they also ship to the United States! Check out IWOOT and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for 20% off your order! ...see full post

#3447: Itsuki Chinese Lemon Cold Noodle – Japan

#3447: Itsuki Chinese Lemon Cold Noodle - 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 checkout. ...see full post

The Canadian Prison Ramen Burrito

The world has gone bonkers. We’ve got that pesky Coronavirus gnashing it’s teeth, and numerous other oddities making daily life less enjoyable that usual. ...see full post

IWOOT – Great Japanese Ramen Themed Gifts + Coupon Code – Unboxing Time Part 1

I was contacted last month by an outfit called IWOOT in the UK. They have a line of neat ramen related products – like mugs, shirts, posters, etc. They asked if I’d share some of them and I said sure! Here’s the first of two unboxing times showcasing their stuff! By the way, they also ship to the United States! Check out IWOOT and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for 20% off your order! ...see full post

#3446 Prima Taste Singapore Black Pepper Crab Flavoured La Mian – Singapore

Prima Taste Singapore Black Pepper Crab Flavoured La Mian - Singapore

We meet again, black pepper crab! I tried this awhile back as a special pre-release variety, but this is the full-fledged version. Black pepper crab is considered of one of the top dishes of Singapore – here’s a little about it from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#3445: Samurai Ramen – Japan

#3445: Samurai 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

#3444: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Hot-n-Spicy Vegetable Flavor – United States

#3444: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Hot-n-Spicy Vegetable Flavor - United States

Before you start, no. No you can’t. Get this. You can’t. Well, you can, but it’s going to be hard. Actually not that hard if you really want some. Just commit a crime that gets you incarcerated in a facility that has this stuff. That’s the only place you’re buying it – in prisons and jails and detention facilities. Period. ...see full post

#3443: Maruchan Kameda Kakinotane Wasabi Yakisoba – Japan

#3443: Maruchan Kameda Kakinotane Wasabi Yakisoba - 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

#3442: Paldo Mr. Kimchi Stirfried Kimchi Ramen – South Korea

#3442: Paldo Mr. Kimchi Stirfried Kimchi Ramen - South Korea

Kimchi is really great stuff – and it’s not just cabbage. There’s lots of different vegetables that can be kimchi – radish kimchi is my favorite. Now I want some Korean BBQ! Okay, okay – let’s give this one a try. ...see full post

#3441: Myojo Extremely Ramen Noodles Rich Potato Butter Shio – Japan

#3441: Myojo Extremely Ramen Noodles Rich Potato Butter Shio - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! ...see full post

#3440: Nongshim K-Army Stew Style Noodle Soup With Chili Beans – United States

#3540: Nongshim K-Army Stew Style Noodle Soup With Chili Beans - United States

In past years, there were a lot of different varieties of ‘Army Stew’ or Troop Stew’ coming out of South Korea. It’s more commonly known as Budae Jjigae. So, what is it? ...see full post

#3439: Acecook Potato Butter Shio Ramen – Japan

#3439: Acecook Potato Butter Shio Ramen - Japan

This one comes from Zenpop.jp – a subscription box service. If you want to check out their boxes and get one, use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount. ...see full post

#3438: Nissin Cup Noodles Big Extra Spicy Tonkotsu – Hong Kong

#3438: Nissin Cup Noodles Big Extra Spicy Tonkotsu - Hong Kong

I haven’t reviewed something for Hong Kong in a little while and this one was sent by a reader residing over there – thanks again! I remember getting about 56 varieties from Nissin HK when I did the Meet The Manufacturer series – that was pretty intense! Let’s check the temperature on this spicy tonkotsu! ...see full post

#3437: Red Chef Green Tom Yum Soup Noodles [New Formulation Dec-19] – Malaysia

#3512: Red Chef Green Tom Yum Soup Noodles [New Formulation Dec-19] - Malaysia:

This is always something that really humbles me. I review instant noodles, and getting new varieties is always a good thing, albeit difficult oft times. Well, this is a definitely new variety. The former version has been on my The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time list – now I’m curious… Isn’t that good enough? Apparently not! Let’s see what’s different! ...see full post

#3436: Samyang Foods Aloha! Bowl Noodle Soup Kimchi Flavour – South Korea

#3436: Samyang Foods Aloha! Bowl Noodle Soup Kimchi Flavour - South Korea

Here’s the last of the Aloha! bowls. I figured I’d just run through them and then tomorrow a last one from the last box from Samyang. Let’s give this kimchi variety a try. ...see full post

#3435: Nissin Cup Noodle Smoky & Spicy Sio – Japan

#3435: Nissin Cup Noodle Smoky & Spicy Sio - Japan

Here’s one that was in a box from Zenpop. Their monthly boxes feature a slew of varieties from Japan – use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3434: Samyang Foods Aloha! Bowl Noodle Soup Chicken Flavour – South Korea

#3434: Samyang Foods Aloha! Bowl Noodle Soup Chicken Flavour - South Korea

Here’s another one of the Aloha bowls that Samyang sent recently. I’ve always been fascinated by the bowl noodle concept – they end up in convenience stores and gas stations a lot of the time and they’re honestly pretty good. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3433: Base Foods Base Noodles – United States

#3433: Base Foods Base Noodles - United States

Alright so first off, this one won’t be getting a score. It doesn’t come with a seasoning sachet, something required to be scored. However, it’s something I think folks will want to know about. It’s a refrigerated section noodle that is full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. Not only that, it’s really quite tasty I think. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3432: Nissin Eco Style Refill Chikin Ramen – Japan

#3432: Nissin Eco Style Refill Chikin Ramen - Japan

This is one that wad sent to me by a reader named Breeze – thank you again! It’s a refill. So there are cups you can get that are specifically made for these – you just pop this thing into the cup and it fits like a foam cup but it’s reusable, so no need for more foam to be thrown away. Yep. So let’s check it out! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater Diet Update – February 2020

I thought I’d do a quick update as to everything I’ve been doing to attempt to lose weight. Winter has come. Harder to have the ability to get outside – who wants to walk in the pouring rain? Plus, lots of vacation time for kids so stuck at home a lot. Here’s a new video about what I’m doing. plus I did a recipe using a couple ingredients including Hakubaku Udon noodles – it’s pretty quick – not going to say it’s only 5 calories, but it’s super good. ...see full post

Umai Crate Japanese Ramen Subscription Box March 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

#3431: Nissin Raoh Grapefruit Shio Ramen – Japan

#3431: Nissin Raoh Grapefruit Shio Ramen - Japan

I’m getting grapefruit from a Google translation, but it might be yuzu. Got this up in Canada at a rad store called Smart’n’Save – it’s my personal Disneyland I think. They’ve got a lot of varieties I’ve not seen elsewhere – like a specialty shop for snacks, noodles, and treats from Hong Kong and China and Japan. Let’s give this one a try! ...see full post

#3430: Myojo Ippeichan Potato Mayo Yakisoba – Japan

#3430: Myojo Ippeichan Potato Mayo Yakisoba - Japan

Here’s one from a Zenpop box. Zenpop has Japanese subscription boxes and they’re pretty neat – good selections for sure! Use coupon code RAMENRATER at checkout for a discount! ...see full post

#3429: Paldo Bul Jjamppong – South Korea

#3429: Paldo Bul Jjamppong - South Korea

Okay so this is the local South Korean version of this variety. I’ve had it before as an export. Let’s see if it’s any different! ...see full post

#3428: Wu-Mu Mandashi Sakura Shrimp Scallion Oil Noodles – Taiwan

#3428: Wu-Mu Mandashi Sakura Shrimp Scallion Oil Noodles - Taiwan

I found another one of these export Mandashi varieties at the local 99 Ranch Market in Edmonds the other day. Nice to find stuff at the regular haunts. I still think the man on the front is going to strike me if I don’t prepare his noodles correctly! Although I have worked with the Wu-Mu folks before and did a Meet The Manufacturer and they are really very nice people. Anyways, shrimp and scallion? Sounds good! Let’s see if it is! ...see full post

#3427: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Light – South Korea

#3427: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Light - South Korea

Here we have the latest in the long line of Buldak varieties from Samyang Foods. This is Buldak Light – so let me explain. This one has only 375 calories. The noodles are not fried, so all that oil used in frying isn’t present. But not only is it lighter on calories, it’s lighter on heat. It’s 40% less spicy than original Buldak Bokkeummyun clocking in at 2,600SHU compared to the original’s 4,400SHU. ...see full post

#3426: One Culture Foods Taiwanese Beef Noodle – United States

#3426: One Culture Foods Taiwanese Beef Noodle - United States

Okay so this one should be interesting. The last one I had from this company was alright. Taiwanese beef noodle is kind of a big deal over in Taiwan. Curious how this one will be. Let’s find out. ...see full post

#3425: Nissin U.F.O. Chow Mein Noodles Spicy Beef Artificial Flavor – Hong Kong

#3425: Nissin U.F.O. Chow Mein Noodles Spicy Beef Artificial Flavor - Hong Kong

It’s like a parallel universe! Where am I?! WHO CAN EXPLAIN THIS??

Okay so what’s the problem? This is from Hong Kong. It says flavor not flavour. I don’t understand. ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition

This year has been tumultuous for The Ramen Rater – busy and hectic, and so this, the first of many Top Ten Lists slated for release during the year is delayed – sorry about that. There are my absolute favorite varieties, current as of review #3400, of which 383 are South Korean in origin. I also want to mention – don’t wear a track jacket when recording with a lapel mic – it came out awful and worse than the audio that was used from the camera.  All varieties are manufactured in South Korea. If you are a company interested in having your products showcased, please drop me a line. Let’s begin! ...see full post

#3424: Takamori Kosan Butter & Soy Sauce Spaghetti – Japan

#3424: Takamori Kosan Butter & Soy Sauce Spaghetti - Japan

Here’s one that was found in an Umai Crate. Umai Crate is a moonthly subscription box you can get from Japan – lots of cool stuff to try every month! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3423: mi ABC Mi Instan Vegetable Flavour – Indonesia

#3423: mi ABC Mi Instan Vegetable Flavour - Indonesia

They had these in 4 packs up in Canada at the Foodyworld store in Richmond, BC. I’m a sucker for Indonesian varieties I’ve not tried and so here we are. Vegetable flavor is always interesting. Will it be predominantly shiitake, broccoli? Butter? I guess we’ll find out! ...see full post

#3422: Maruchan QTTA Tomato Cheese Cream Ramen – Japan

#3422: Maruchan QTTA Tomato Cheese Cream Ramen - Japan

Found this on in a Zenpop box. Zenpop is a subscription service from Japan – use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! QTTA is pronouced ‘koo-tah’ and means ‘I’m full.’ Let’s see how filling this variety is! ...see full post

Exotic Noods February 2020 Instant Ramen Noodles Subscription Box Unboxing

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 January box. ...see full post

#3421: Samyang Foods Aloha! Bowl Noodle Soup Spicy Beef Flavour – South Korea

#3421: Samyang Foods Aloha! Bowl Noodle Soup Spicy Beef Flavour - South Korea

So this is an export variety from the company that brought you the fire noodle. I’m not exactly sure why the Hawaiian theme, but that’s kind of cool. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post