Over 5,000 Instant Ramen Noodle Reviews Since 2002
Well, a couple reviews ago I started with how my back was screwed up from doing a lot of work on the weekends setting things up. Well, it still is sore, and today I planned on walking a lot but there were three D’s that kind of ruined that plan… Damn cold, damn windy, damn rainy. So, damn. I walked to the local store and got a couple things including this one to review. I don’t think I’ve reviewed it in a great while, so here it is and here I go.
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box – here’s what they had to say about it – ‘What is this?? Did my Japan box turn into an Italy box? Look again, it’s QTTA Carbonara(men)! Wordplay aside, this is really ramen noodles in the famous Italian sauce. Japan is an island nation with many people not finding many opportunities to travel abroad, which leads to foreign flavors being very interesting. How close is this ramen carbonara to the real thing? You be the judge!’
This is the second variety I’ve found recently. The other was spicy, this one is not. If all goes well, my daughter will get to try this one for lunch – first day of ‘mid winter break’ for the kiddos today.
Was surprised to find this where I did but there it was so I got this and the non-spicy version. Maruchan had a bit of a fanfare about this – that it was bringing back something people were clamoring for. I completely expected their often asked about tomato flavored Ramen Noodle Soup, but this ain’t that which I think really disappointed a lot of folks. Regardless, this sounds interesting so let’s give it a try.
It’s only been a couple of times I’ve been sent instant noodles that are available only if you get in trouble and go to prison. Both times have been from folks who work in correctional institutions and want to remain anonymous, so thank you anonymous donors! This video below will go over four varieties you might have never heard about unless you have been to jail/prison. They have a lot of clear space on them to dissuade folks from trying to hide stuff in them to bring in – drugs, weapons, etc. I’m really excited to receive these and not have to go to prison to try them – I’ve tried contacting Maruchan’s distributor in the past and gotten a firm ‘no’ as to getting samples. ‘You’re saying I have to go to prison to sample the product?’ ‘Yes. We won’t send you any.’ Rude! Well, again thank you to my anonymous friend who sent me these and didn’t make me adopt a life of crime to give them a taste. If you’ve had to be on ice for a period of time and tried these varieties, how did you prepare them? I’ve done prison ramen burritos aplenty, but I kind of want to do something different. Please comment below with the particular variety and what you did with them. On with the video!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box – here’s what they had to say about it – ‘Toyo Suisan delivers a symphony of flavors and ingredients with this duck, bonito based ramen cup. The soba noodles are a perfect transistor for the tingle of the seven spice chili seasoning. But this tingle dances upon not only the elegant fatty duck flavor, but also the umami of shiitake and seaweed. Duck based stock is known to be a healthier alternative in Japan, though we won’t promise any effect in that department… That said, the amount is very satisfying, especially coming in a convenient cup!’
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box – here’s what they had to say about it – ‘Soy and tonkotsu in umami harmony. The QTTA series is beloved in Japan for the warm, satisfying feeling you have after eating it. People let out an “aaaah! That hit the spot!” and continue their day a little more positively than before. Sporting an elegant purple fit, this cup is no trick and all treats, so don’t sleep on it!’
This is a list I come out with every year – what’s different this year is now there’s a new rule: only one product per company. Seems fair to me – and also a way for more things to be seen. I don’t think it’s a bad idea and honestly, I think insofar as this list goes, it won’t be very hard to pull off. Anyways, here we go with The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2024 Edition!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box. Here’s what they had to say about it – ‘We’re entering the celebration season and for Gekimen Wonton noodles, it’s not just new years that’s cause for celebration! It’s the 45th anniversary of this product, so Toyo Suisan is releasing a special version which you are looking at in your box! This special wontonmen is topped with red and white mochi to create a feeling of festivity, as both the colors and mochi represent just this. And we haven’t even mentioned the taste yet! Gekimen is all about young people living passionately, and this bowl embodies this with a hearty stock and honest crunchy and flavorful toppings like green onion, bamboo shoots and Naruto.’
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
You know, this list while very exclusive isn’t one that brings me great joy. I really like instant noodles and the people who produce them, but some varieties just give me real disgust. I just can’t stand them, don’t recommend them, and wish they were different so I would like them. These are the ones I really, really dislike. This list is current as of review #4830. Be sure to check out announcements below – lots of neat stuff going on! With that, allow me to introduce you to The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition.
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount! This was part of a ‘Triple Box’ – three boxes in one! Let’s give this little tonkotsu cup a try!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box -here’s what they had to say about it – ‘This is a delicious cup of chilled Mazesoba.🍜 The noodles have a chewy texture, combined with a flavorful chicken sauce infused with sesame oil and green onions🍗✨ It’s a refreshing and savory dish, perfect for summer.🏖️🍉 冷やし中華 (Hiyashi Chuka) is a popular Japanese summer dish.🌞 It features chilled noodles topped with ingredients like cucumber, ham, and eggs, drizzled with a tangy soy-based sauce. This Toridare Hiyashi takes inspiration from this dish, offering a unique twist with its chicken sauce and sesame oil😊🍽️ Enjoy this delightful, cool meal to beat the heat!👊🌞 ‘
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box. This one came from their ‘triple box’ which didn’t come with any literature. Basically, it’s a bowl of ramen with wantan in there. Usually pretty good – let’s check it out!
This list is coming a bit late this year, but I figure late is definitely better than never. This one’s comprised of varieties made in, and specifically for the US market. Some really tasty stuff here is your backyard if you didn’t know! These are my favorite US varieties out of reviews up to review 4,650 that are currently on the market. Got something I’ve not tried? Hit me up! Anyways, let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Here’s an interesting one from Japan found in a Zenpop box – check out zenpop.jp and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
Here’s an interesting one from Japan found in a Zenpop box – check out zenpop.jp and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
Quite a few years ago, July 8th, 2013 to be precise, I came out with my first The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time. I got the idea from a guy who worked at one of the world’s leading instant noodle companies. He asked ‘you have top tens, why not a bottom ten?’ I weighed the idea carefully. I could really piss off a great deal of people with my list. But what the hell – I do that already with my top tens – people are always disagreeing, and that’s fine. Ten years later, it’s time for my tenth installment of The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles list. These are the worst (in my personal opinion) varieties I’ve ever had – mind you this is out of 4,400 reviews. Definitely not a list anyone wants to be on. What companies like I’m sure is when a product falls off the list and a new one gains my ire. This time it’s a horror show theme, done up with AI. Well, let’s check them all out – and remember, if you like some of these, that’s fine with me – just don’t expect me to eat them with you.
I think this is the last of the varieties that Maruchan sent for the Meet The Manufacturer series. Haven’t had this since it’s initial launch many years ago. These look very much like Maruchan Seimen, a range which is very popular in Japan. So, what’s the different? No pork. Let’s give it a go!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Eventually, I’ll get through everything I want to do for the Maruchan Meet The Manufacturer series – there’s a lot of them to go through and then unite all together. I’m cobbling everything together slowly. I got this one at the Kenmore, Washington Safeway store – your standard American domestic grocery store. In these stores, there are two areas you will commonly find instant noodles. There’s the soup aisle, and the ethnic foods aisle. These are in the soup aisle. They’ve got a few varieties of trays – some Maruchan, and some by a competitor . I think I’ll have to see what other Maruchan ones they’ve got, but thought this might be a good one for the trays. Let’s check it out!
It’s a couple days after Christmas and one of the last reviews of 2022. Obviously, it’s not coming out in 2022, but that’s when I did this up. I used some things I got for Christmas, including leftovers from dinner – let’s give this one a try – I reviewed it quite a while back but figure it’s due another looksie.
This came out of a box from Frank over at 5amRamen! Check out his stuff over at www.instantramen.jp – use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Super premium stuff!
Well, it’s time to revisit a variety that grazes through my mind from time to time. This is creamy chicken and the name delivers. Definitely has been my favorite Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup flavor in the past, but how is it going these days? It’s been since 2018 – so much has happened in the world since those salad days. Let’s give it another go.
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
This came out of a box from Frank over at 5amRamen! Check out his stuff over at www.instantramen.jp – use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Super premium stuff!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
This is a special commemorative packaging for the 45th anniversary of Maruchan in the United States. Want to learn more about this iconic range of Ramen Noodle Soup products? Look no further than my Definitive Guide To Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup! Alright, let’s peel back the wraps and give it a try. Note – the only thing different here as far as I know is the packaging.
Well, look at that. Last time I had this? April 16, 2011! That was review #352. Wow – 4000 reviews later… Let’s try this one out.
Here’s an interesting one from Japan found in a Zenpop box – check out zenpop.jp and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
This one usually comes out earlier than now, but it’s been rather busy. There’s a couple more lists coming, so stay tuned. These are my favorite varieties I’ve samples thus far. This list is current as of my 4,300th review. Hopefully there will be more great new varieties to try during the next year to add to the list. If you’re a company with some varieties I’ve not tried, please by all means drop me a line! With that, I present The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition.
I know, I know – you’ve heard it before. TikTok especially – these ‘great ramen hacks. That’s all crap. What if I told you with a little oil and two eggs you could make the FINEST CHEAP INSTANT NOODLE RECIPE OF ALL TIME? You’re skeptical, I get that. But this bears trying. Plus, it’s very versatile. The original recipe is from my Mom – and it’s what got me started reviewing instant noodles. Anyways, Watch the video. Just do it. Recipe and images below.
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles!
