Category: South Korea

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

So after sampling so many varieties of instant noodles over the years, of course there have been some that I didn’t like. There also were some that are so memorable for how awful they were. After people asked what my least favorites were a few times, I thought I should just make a list of them. I should point out that these are on the list because I couldn’t stand them. I’m pretty sure they are all still in production, and the only reason they would be is that people somewhere find them enjoyable. So who knows – you might have a completely different opinion on these than me, but I found them to be absolutely the worst of the worst. With that, here’s The Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time, 2013 Edition. ...see full post

The Ramen Rater Top Ten Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2013 Edition

After more than a year of pondering and reviewing since the last list, here’s the new top ten instant noodle bowls. This encompasses all instant noodle bowls reviewed up to today, June 15th, 2013. With no further adieu, the top ten instant noodle bowls of all time, 2013 edition. ...see full post

Gol Bim Men Recipe – Paldo Bibim Men with Bai-Top Shell

Today, I’m trying a new recipe sent to me by the folks at Paldo! Summer is right around the corner and this cold noodle dish is great to enjoy during the warmer months of the year. It was first introduced on a South Korean TV show on the KBS network called ‘Happy Together’ (click here to see the video). It uses some ingredients I’ve never heard of before, but I’m sure the folks in South Korea are very familiar with them – Cho Gochujang and Bai-Top Shell. Cho Gochujang is a gochujang infused with vinegar. But what’s bai-top you ask? Sea snails! Never had snails from the sea or otherwise before. Thank you to Moses over at Paldo America for sending me everything to make this! Always excited to try something new. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1031: HoMyeonDang Premium Noodle House Don Ramyun

Today is the last review of the Samyang Foods Meet The Manufacturer spotlight. Rest assured, there will definitely be more of their products reviewed in the future – I only do a maximum of 15 reviews in a row for a company during a Meet The Manufacturer and they sent more than 15, so lots of neat stuff coming! I want to thank Samyang Foods for their samples and everything else – really nice people! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1029: Samyang Foods Nagasaki Crab Jjampong

Most people who are keen on South Korean ramyun have heard of the craze for ‘white broth’ ramyuns. Nagasaki Jjampong was Samyang Foods’ entry into the white broth realm, but they made another variety – Nagasaki Crab Jjampong – that has a milder taste. Let’s check it out. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1025: Samyang Foods Hot Chacharoni

Okay so what’s Hot Chacharoni? Well, its a form of jjajangmyeon. What’s jjajangmyeon? Wheat noodles with a black bean sauce! Pretty much every South Korean instant noodle company has their own take on the popular dish, but this is the only one that I’m aware of that is spicy! Let’s check it out. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1021: Samyang Foods Beef Flavor Ramyun (South Korean Version)

Beef flavor – you might be wondering what the difference between this and Samyang Ramyun is. Well, I think this one’s not as spicy possibly. Also, the key that Samyang Foods sent show this as having added milk. I’ve reviewed the export version before – this has only one packet as opposed to the export having veggies too. Well, let’s give it a try! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1019: Samyang Foods Kimchi Ramyun

Kimchi! I love kimchi – not only is it hot and spicy and crunchy and awesome, it’s purported to be one of the healthiest foods out there. My favorite comes from a store in my area called KS Mart. They make it in the store and it doesn’t taste at all like the varieties that are branded. I’ve tried to get some people I know to try it, but they think it smells bad and are terrified by it; I just don’t understand. Anyways, here’s kimchi ramyun by Samyang Foods. I think the smiling onion and cabbage say it all – but what I wonder; is the onion planning on eating the cabbage with the chopsticks? ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1018: Samyang Foods Ganjjampong

Here’s something new… So this is a ‘stir noodle’ (brothless). I’ve seen Jjajang variations which are stir noodles, but never a spicy seafood one. Basically what you do is cook the noodles and veggies, drain, and then add the liquid and stir, stir, stir. This sounds really interesting! ...see full post

Meet The Manufcturer: Interview With Samyang Foods

#1001: Paldo ДОШИРАК (Dosirac) Beef Flavor

Well my friends, onward we march with the first post-1000 review! This is Dosirac with Cyrillic writing on it. I thought at first this is sold in Russia, but on the back there was a clue. I looked up the url mentioned – it turns out the .MN means Mongolia! Neato! So what’s Dosirac? It translates to ‘lunch box!’ I’ve had many of the versions that are sold in trays, but never have I seen a pack version. Let’s give this a try. ...see full post

#998: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black Cup Rich Spicy Beef Flavor Premium Noodle Soup

Hey look at that! The new Shin Ramyun Black cup! Been wanting to review it since I first saw it. I reviewed the other Shin Ramyun Black cup (which was onion flavored) a while back and really enjoyed it immensely. This one’s being promoted by PSY! Yep – Mr. Gangnam Style himself. Let’s check it out… ...see full post

#989: GS25 Gonghwachun Jjamppong

This was sent to me by Kristina W. of Arizona – thank you! This one was a toughie to decipher so here’s what I found. GS25 is a chain of convenience stores in South Korea. From what I read on the packaging, this is a product made for them by Paldo. There’s a restaurant in Incheon called Gonghwachun – I think that’s what is being referred to here. Gonghwachun is a famous Chinese restaurant and well known for its Jjajangmyeon. Finally, Jjamppong (also jjambong, champong) is a spicy seafood soup. If I’m wrong, please comment! Anyways, on with the review! ...see full post

Donation From South Korea

Kristen W. of Arizona sent me some noodles she got while she was in South Korea!

This is a great little collection of South Korean varieties you can’t easily find here! Ottogi Cheese Ramyun and Spaghetti bowls – been wanting to try them for a while! The two above are Paldo Korea varieties – I think Rabokki and Jjajang. The Nongshim Shin Cup in the lower right is the South Korean version. Thank, Kristen! Soon as they’re made, some The Ramen Rater stickers will be coming your way! ...see full post

#950: Ottogi Kiss Myon Asian Style Instant Noodle Bowl (Cup)

Here’s the first new Ottogi variety I’ve reviewed in a long time! It’s an interesting one, too. This is most definitely a cup, however it says it is a noodle bowl on the packaging – weird! Hoping in 2013 to be able to get with Ottogi and do a Meet The Manufacturer – they’ve got some interesting twists on Korean instant noodles that are really good! Well, let’s give this one a try! ...see full post