Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

#2753: Maruchan Tempura Udon

#2753: Maruchan Tempura Udon Japan Crate Umnai Crate https://bit.ly/UmaiCrate

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

#2752: Ve Wong Instant Noodles Braised Beef Flavor

Here’s one I dragged back to the United States from Taiwan. I know I’ve seen close to the same thing here in the USA, but I wanted to see if the non-export version could be better. I have a feeling it will be. Here’s a little info about braising from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2751: Acecook Pork Wantan Men

#2751: Acecook Pork Wantan Men

This variety comes by way of Japan Ramen Box. Japan Ramen Box is a new subscription box outfit with neat varieties to check out! Go visit their website and have a look!  This is wantan men – let’s see what Wikipedia has to say about this variety – ...see full post

#2750: Nissin Cup Noodles Tom Yum Goong Flavour Potato Chips

#2750: Nissin Cup Noodles Tom Yum Goong Flavour Potato Chips

You may recall I reviewed some Nissin Cup Noodles Tom Yum chips a while back – those were from Singapore while these are from Hong Kong. Here’s a little about tom yum from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2749: Maruchan Bariuma Goboten Udon

#2749: Maruchan Bariuma Goboten Udon

I looked around a bit and read that these big things in here are burdock tempura. Should be interesting – if you don’t know about burdock, here’s some info  from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2748: MyKuali Penang Red Tom Yum Goong Noodle (2018 Recipe)

#2845: MyKuali Penang Red Tom Yum Goong Noodle (2018 Recipe)

There have been some big changes over at MyKuali and the recipes of all their flavors are getting a bit of ‘tweaking.’ Many times in the past, MyKuali has changed recipes. I’m very curious to see what they’ve done with this one. The first time I tried it was in 2014 and I really enjoyed it then – it ended up on the 2015 Top Ten – let’s see how this new recipe taste. ...see full post

#2747: Nissin Cup Noodles Kyushu White Flavour (Open Sesame)

#2747: Nissin Cup Noodles Kyushu White Flavour (Open Sesame)

Okay so I’ve reviewed this one in the past, however they’ve changed the recipe. Nissin Singapore sent me samples for review (thank you!) and so I’ve been going through many of these new version cups. ...see full post

#2746: Ve Wong Fried Noodles With Mexican Chili Flavor

#2746: Ve Wong Fried Noodles With Mexican Chili Flavor

This was one I couldn’t leave Taiwan without. I saw this at RT Mart during my trip and passed it up since it was a 4 or 5 pack. But when I saw it again at Carrefour, I realized I’d better snag this one. ...see full post

#2745: Nissin U.F.O. Big Wasabi-Mayo Yakisoba

#2745: Nissin U.F.O. Big Wasabi-Mayo Yakisoba

Another one I picked up at Osaka in the Yaohan Centre up in Richmond, BC. This should prove to be a boatload of yakisoba! So, what’s yakisoba? Here’s what wikipedia has to say on the matter – ...see full post

#2744: Myojo Charumera Non-Fried Tonkotsu Ramen

#2744: Myojo Charumera Non-Fried Tonkotsu Ramen

This one comes by way of Japan Ramen Box. Japan Ramen Box is a new subscription box outfit with neat varieties to check out! Go visit their website and have a look! ...see full post

#2743: Nongshim Korean Clay Pot Ramyun

#2743: Nongshim Korean Clay Pot Ramyun

Here’s one I got up in Canada a few months back. Yeah – lately we go up to Canada almost once a month. It’s fun up there – I’m thinking though we’re going to have to venture outside of just going to Richmond and hitting Vancouver one of these days. ...see full post

#2742: Sapporo Ichiban Akita Kiritanpo Ramen

#2742: Sapporo Ichiban Akita Kiritanpo Ramen

Here’s another one from Zenpop.JP. Zenpop offers a lot of diverse Japanese boxes – lots of assorted things like ramen and also stationary among other things. Here’s what they have to say about this variety – ...see full post

#2741: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle (2018 Recipe)

#2741: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle (2018 Recipe)

This is the instant noodle that started my fascination with Malaysia. About five years ago I got some samples and was just floored. It hit 7th place back then on the top ten spicy list and was a really big deal. Then it hit #1 on the regular top ten list in 2014. The recipe has changed at least three times since it’s original release I think and this might be the fourth iteration of flavor for Penang White Curry from Mykuali. Let’s not delay – let’s give it a try! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2740: Meimen Hot & Sour Noodles Soup

vegan Meet The Manufacturer: #2740: Meimen Hot & Sour Noodles Soup vegan taiwan

Today, we say goodbye to Meimen and their trifecta of instant noodle varieties as we take a look at their hot & sour variety. As I mentioned previously, all three are Vegan-friendly varieties. Let’s dig into this, the final noodle from Meimen for Meet The Manufacturer. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2739: Meimen Noodles With Soy Bean Paste

Vegan Meet The Manufacturer: #2739: Meimen Noodles With Soy Bean Paste Taiwan Vegan

Here’s another one – the second of three varieties from Meimen of Taiwan for this Meet The Manufacturer series. As mentioned previously, all of these are Vegan-friendly. I should also mention – I really like the artwork on these! Let’s take a look at this soy bean paste variety. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2738: Meimen Tomato Noodles Soup

vegan Meet The Manufacturer: #2738: Meimen Tomato Noodles Soup - Taiwan vegan

To start things off, we have a tomato variety from Meimen. Just as a reminder, all of the Meimen products are Vegan. ...see full post

Unboxing Time: Product Samples From Meimen

Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From Meimen

Can’t do a Meet The Manufacturer series without samples! Here they are!

Product Samples From Meimen – Taiwan

Let’s Have Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With Meimen

#2737: Wei Lih Chicken Flavor

#2737: Wei Lih Chicken Flavor - Taiwan the ramen rater

I found this one at RT Mart in Taipei., Taiwan. Okay so RT Mart. It’s big – I mean big. The aisle with instant noodles was probably the largest I’ve seen to date not only lengthwise, but height as well. ...see full post

#2736: Kaset Instant Vermicelli Spicy Seafood Salad Flavour

#2736: Kaset Instant Vermicelli Spicy Seafood Salad Flavour - bean thread thailand the ramen rater

Found this one at the Jason’s Market grocery store in the bottom of the Taipei 101. I thought it looked interesting; first, it’s from Thailand. Second, it’s bean thread. I haven’t reviewed anything with beat thread in a very, very long time! ...see full post

#2735: Myojo Chicken Abalone Flavour

#2735: Myojo Chicken Abalone Flavour

Alrighty so here’s another one of the Myojo varieties I have from Singapore. These are new formulations of longstanding popular varieties. Indeed, they invoke the term ‘yummy’ on this packaging and I will admit that although I rarely use it, it’s an important term. Let’s see if it’s fitting to include it in this one. ...see full post

#2734: Lipton Soup Secrets Extra Noodle Soup Mix With Real Chicken Broth

#2540: Lipton Soup Secrets Extra Noodle Soup Mix With Real Chicken Broth - The Ramen Rater - cup-a-soup

So what we have here is something from the United States I haven’t really delved into much. I reviewed their Cup-A-Soup on review #2544. I thought this was a Cup-A-Soup, however, it’s a Soup Secrets variety. It’s getting cold outside – better eat your soup! Wait I shouldn’t have told you that because it’s a secret… The soup secret. Don’t tell anyone… Let’s have a look. ...see full post

#2733: Jinbo Selection SOul Spicy Noodles

#2733: Jinbo Selection SOul Spicy Noodles

Was emailed in October 2017 by a representative of this company about trying their samples. I thought hey – of course, I’ll try them. I don’t know if I’ve ever turned down samples – the only time I do usually is when there’s a variety that’s just noodles – no flavoring. Although I’ve done reviews of just noodles and just broths that can be mixed and matched though. ...see full post

#2732: Nissin Demae Ramen Korean Spicy Flavour Instant Noodle

#2732: Nissin Demae Ramen Korean Spicy Flavour Instant Noodle

Here’s one that came my way from Nissin Hong Kong – thank you! This looks interesting – a Korean variety from Hong Kong. It seems like Korean varieties are popular throughout southeast Asia – saw quite a few in November 2017 in Taiwan. Anyways, let’s have a look inside and give this Korean spicy one a try! ...see full post

#2731: Nissin Donbei Wasabi Tempura Udon

#2731: Nissin Donbei Wasabi Tempura Udon 日清のどん兵衛 だし天茶うどん

Found this one at Uwajimaya a few months back. We decided to go down to a dim sum restaurant nearby called Ocean Star. It used to be Sun Ya – a place I went to growing up and I hadn’t been back since they changed hands a couple years back. ...see full post

#2730: Little Cook Braised Beef Noodles With Tendon & Meat

#2730: Little Cook Braised Beef Noodles With Tendon & Meat 小廚師牛肉麵母親節禮盒

I received this as a gift from a representative of the Little Cook brand in Taipei, Taiwan at the Taiwan International Food Expo! Thank you very much! She also accepted the third place award from The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Taiwanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2017 Edition – Little Cook Green Curry –  at the awards show. ...see full post

Unboxing Time: The Ramen Rater Spicy Pack By Gourmet Ramen Club

Unboxing Time: The Ramen Rater Spicy Pack By Gourmet Ramen Club

I’m happy to announce that in cooperation with Gourmet Ramen Club, the availability of a new box of noodles! This box has a fiery mix of the hottest of the hot – the spiciest instant noodles in the world! So have a look at the video and get yours today! ...see full post

#2729: Samyang Foods Kimchi Song Song Ramen

#2729: Samyang Foods Kimchi Song Song Ramen ramyun ramyeon spicy buldak stir

Today we have Song Song Kimchi Ramen. These fermented cabbage varieties out of South Korea are among my favorites. I really like the tangy as well as bright, spicy flavors. Kimchi is interesting; it’s cabbage as well as many other ingredients that is allowed to ferment for an amount of time. ...see full post

Unboxing Time: Exotic Noods February Green Box

Unboxing Time: Exotic Noods February Green Box

Another month, another box from Exotic Noods! The Feburary Green Box has a multitude of varieties – all hailing this time from South Korea to coincide with the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Let’s crack it open and have a look at what’s inside! ...see full post

#2728: Vifon Hoang Gia Instant Noodles With Minced Pork

#2728: Vifon Hoang Gia Instant Noodles With Minced Pork Mi Thit Bam Vietnam The Ramen Rater Hen Long Market

We found this one at a place called Hen Long Market up in Surrey, BC on a trip a few months back. Thanks to my friend Ken for telling me about this place! So this one’s from Vietnam and I don’t often have come across Vietnamese varieties like this one. Usually, I see the same thing again and again and this one is definitely different. Let’s have a look at this minced pork variety! ...see full post

#2727: Acecook Ohmori Ika Yakisoba

#2727: Acecook Ohmori Ika Yakisoba

Found this one up in Canada – we’ve been going up there a lot lately and it’s been a nice change of pace. About 2 hours from here to the border and we’ve figured out how to time it for the quickest border crossing by avoiding peak times. LKast time going in it was one car in front of us, leaving was 2 cars in front of it – total wait time was around ten minutes! ...see full post

Unboxing Time: Tapatio Ramen Noodle Bowls

Unboxing Time: Tapatio Ramen Noodle Bowls

Here’s a special one! Got contacted by a company about some fancy new bowls with a familiar flavor. See, I’ve been reviewing instant noodles for a long time, but there was a gap of about 5 years in the middle where I reviewed hot sauces. Tapatio is a popular hot sauce here in the United States – so I’m sure you’ll be excited to see this one! ...see full post

#2726: Wei Lih Chinese Special Spicy Pork Noodle

#2726: Wei Lih Chinese Special Spicy Pork Noodle 台湾 维力中华特餐-麻辣猪肉面

Here’s another one I brought home from Taiwan in November 2017. Thanks again to friends on facebook for helping with the translation. ...see full post

#2725: New Touch Yokohama Sanma Men

#2725: New Touch Yokohama Sanma Men - Japan - zenpop.jp

Here’s another instant ramen bowl from Zenpop. Zenpop offers boxes of ramen among other things from Japan – pretty good stuff and definitely worth checking out! Here’s what they have to say about this variety – ...see full post

Unboxing Time: MYRAMEN Vegan/HALAL/Natural Japanese Ramen

I was recently contacted by a company asking if I’d like to try their noodles. I get a lot of noodles – but I always want to try them all! These noodles were supposed to be Vegan, HALAL certified, 100% natural and a few other tags like no MSG. Pretty impressive! Let’s take a look at this interesting variety. ...see full post

#2724: Vedan Double Bang Thick Pork Broth Noodle

Here’s one I brought back from Taiwan in November 2017. There are four different ones with different illustrations of different expressions – they’re pretty interesting. Now,m there’s scant few characters on this bowl I can read, so I’d like to thank everyone on Facebook for the help in translation! Much appreciated! So double bang – why double bang? Well, there’s two noodle blocks. Bang! Noodles! Bang! Noodles! Makes sense to me. Really excited as this isn’t the first one I brought back from Taiwan I’ve reviewed, but this is the first Taiwanese variety I’ve brought back from Taiwan I’m reviewing – let’s have a look! ...see full post

#2723: No Brand Delicious Ramen

#2723: No Brand Delicious Ramen - South Korea

Here’s one I found at a Carrefour on my trip to Taiwan in November of 2017. Okay, so it says No Brand. I think that’s pretty evident – and it also says Delicious Ramen. That too is nondescript. I searched for the bar code and found nothing from the pack code and very little from the 5 pack code – basically that it is what it is. An eBay seller had it marked as ‘Korean Noodle Ramyun Rameon’ although that’s a little less than what it says in English on the pack already. My thought is that this might just be a store brand but who knows. Ah ha – I just looked it up by the phone number on the package – 080-023-8593 – and it comes up with a lot of Paldo stuff. Perhaps this is by Paldo. Anyways, I’m guessing it’s time to crack this open and look within. ...see full post

#2722: Nissin / Seven & i Premium Santouka From Hawaii Soy Sauce Ramen

snackoo #2722: Nissin / Seven & i Premium Santouka From Hawaii Soy Sauce Ramen snackoo

These came by way of Snackoo – a company that supplies you with great snack boxes, containing all sorts of fascinating things as well as ramen noodles. Why not check them out? ...see full post

#2721: Yumei Instant Spicy Hot Pot

#2721: Yumei Instant Spicy Hot Pot - China

Alright kiddie, hold onto your butts! So we have something here I had to review the day after I got it; not because it was going to expire but because I was a little wary of storing it. Why’s that? Well, first off I got this up in Canada at Osaka Market at Yaohan Centre in Richmond, BC. I’d just returned from my trip to Taiwan, my jet lag now gone (for the most part). I had some leftover Taiwanese currency and the Kingmark Currency Exchange doesn’t charge for exchanging which is nice. I converted it so I could treat my family to some wheel cake and milk tea at a little Taiwanese shop at the centre. ...see full post

#2720: Mr. Noodles Pho Noodle Soup Simulated Beef Flavour

#2720: Mr. Noodles Pho Noodle Soup Simulated Beef Flavour - Canada

Well, here we are. This is one I found at Walmart up in Richmond, BC Canada. I’ve never had a lot of luck finding enjoyment of this brand but always gotten a lot of mail/questions about it. People have asked me many times how they can complain to the company that makes thes. I don’t know exactly why – I think a lot of the time people will store instant noodles and they’ll get banged up or the packs will get opened and after a long time will go bad. But my complaint usually has been that they’ve usually not had very strong flavors and the noodles come out funny when you follow the directions. ...see full post