Category: Other

Meet The Manufacturer: #2497: Nissin Cup Noodles Spicy

Meet The Manufacturer: #2497: Nissin Cup Noodles Spicy - Germany - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Spicy! I like spicy things; it’s pretty obvious I think. This Cup Noodles purports to be spicy and I’m hoping it is! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2496: Nissin Soba Gebratene Nudeln Thai

Meet The Manufacturer: #2496: Nissin Soba Gebratene Nudeln Thai

Here’s the last of the Soba varieties I’ve got here. I’m very curious about Thai; is it tom yum? Is it full of basil? This Soba is short for yakisoba – a little on yakisoba from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2494: Nissin Demae Ramen Korean Kimchi Flavour

Meet The Manufacturer: #2494: Nissin Demae Ramen Korean Kimchi Flavour - Germany - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

I think it only makes sense for cabbage to have some kind of standing in Germany. I mean, sauerkraut is pickled cabbage after all. Never tried kimchi before? Here’s a little information from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2493: Nissin Cup Noodles Curry

Meet The Manufacturer: #2493: Nissin Cup Noodles Curry - Germany - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles kerrie

Ahhh curry! I love curry from everywhere in the world. Indeed, I’ve not met a curry I’ve disliked to be honest. I do like some more than others of course. A German curry… Fascinating! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2492: Nissin Smack Chili

Meet The Manufacturer: #2492: Nissin Smack Chili - Germany - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Many, many years ago, there was a company that made an instant noodle called Smack here in the United States. This is completely unrelated – although great to know the name still is around and in a new form! This one’s supposed to be spicy – let’s find out! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2489: Nissin Cup Noodles Ente (Duck)

Meet The Manufacturer: #2489: Nissin Cup Noodles Ente (Duck) - Germany - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

For years, I’d avoid duck flavor instant noodles. I always thought that they tasted kind of funny – until I actually ate duck. Duck is to me like curry – something really great and above everything else. Indeed, I consider duck to be a kind of exalted food. I’ve had it in Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan – but never European style. Very curious if there will be a difference… Let’s find out! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2488: Nissin Demae Ramen Thai Tom Yum

Meet The Manufacturer: #2488: Nissin Demae Ramen Thai Tom Yum - Germany - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

This isn’t something I expected – a Thai Tom Yum from a German company? Yep! This makes me incredibly curious; will it taste like tom yum? Here’s a little about tom yum from Wikipedia if you’ve never tried – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2486: Nissin Demae Ramen Spicy

Meet The Manufacturer: #2486: Nissin Demae Ramen Spicy - Germany - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

There’s always a spicy. There has to be! Spicy tasting things are popular around the world. But have you ever wondered why? Here’s some info from Wikipedia on spiciness – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2484: Nissin Demae Ramen Tokyo Soy Sauce

Meet The Manufacturer: #2484: Nissin Demae Ramen Tokyo Soy Sauce - The Ramen Rater - Germany - instant noodles

The first variety for this Meet The Manufacturer is Tokyo Soy Sauce. Soy sauce ramen is known in Japan as ‘shoyu.’ Here is some information about shoyu ramen and the other four main varieties of Japan from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2478: Kiki Noodles Scallion Oil & Soy Sauce Flavor Noodle

Meet The Manufacturer: #2478: Kiki Noodles Scallion Oil & Soy Sauce Flavor Noodle - Taiwan - The Ramen Rater - KiKi蔥油拌麵

Today we have the second of the Kiki Noodles products – the scallion oil and soy sauce. Definitely a lighter and more mild taste than a Sichuan peppercorn. These noodles come from Tainan in the south of Taiwan. Here’s some background on the city from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2477: Kiki Noodles Sichuan Spices Flavor Noodle

Meet The Manufacturer: #2477: Kiki Noodles Sichuan Spices Flavor Noodle - Taiwan - The Ramen Rater - KiKi椒麻拌麵

Kiki has two products – this one and a scallion oil variety. Sichuan spicy – that’s an interesting kind of peppery taste. Here’s a little about the pepper from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2476: Samyang Foods Kimchi Stew Ramyun

#2476: Samyang Foods Kimchi Stew Ramyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - 삼양 김치찌개면용기

Here’s one Samyang Foods sent me recently – thank you! It sounds good to me, but I know one person who would not like this. My son Andy really doesn’t like kimchi. Oh yeah – my friend Matt B. doesn’t like it either – in fact, I opened a big jar of it and tried to get him to taste it, but when he smelled it when opened. He recoiled and started yelling. I dunno why; I think its good! Here’s a little about it from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2474: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Noodle Snack Chilli Cheese Flavor

#2474: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Noodle Snack Chilli Cheese Flavor - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodle snack

Last moth I was looking for a specific variety at a local Korean grocery called Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington. Much to my chagrin, they have changed their instant noodle section! It used to be way in the back and kind of lackluster. Now it’s right up front and they’ve got an even better selection than before. That’s where I found this interesting instant noodle snack. ...see full post

#2473: Tokyo Noodle Mini Instant Noodle Mild Curry Flavor

#2473: Tokyo Noodle Mini Instant Noodle Mild Curry Flavor - Japan - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

These came by Way of my sister Sue – thanks! She found them up in Canada – I believe at PriceSmart Foods in Richmond, BC. Been a couple of years since I made the trip north in search of instant noodles for my birthday. The way I look at it, I have to lay off Canada for a little while to let the big stores up there percolate; then they’ll have new stuff I’ve not tried. Well, hopefully. Last time I found a lot of the same stuff from the time before. ...see full post

#2472: Wei Lih GGE Noodle Snack Wheat Crackers Seaweed Flavor

#2472: Wei Lih GGE Wheat Crackers Seaweed Flavor - Taiwan - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Okay so first off, what’s GGE? Well, it stands for Good Good Eat. I’ve reviewed other varieties that were simnply called ‘Everybody Loves Good Good Eat.’ The little girl with the big hair is usually on the packaging (I think she’s the mascot) and usually has a somewhat happy expression, although I have seen her looking wistful or depressed at times. ...see full post

#2470: Myojo Udon Japanese Style Noodles With Soup Base Hot & Sour Flavor

#2470: Myojo Udon Japanese Style Noodles With Soup Base Hot & Sour Flavor - United States - The Ramen Rater - nama

Here’s one that comes by way of a reader named Colin from Massachusetts – thanks again! So I’ve reviewed a slew of these packets of udon in the past. It’s been a while though – don’t know that I’ve ever seen this hot and sour either. Udon is a lot different when it comes to noodles than your standard instant – here’s a little from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2469: KOKA Signature Curry Flavor Instant Noodles

#2469: KOKA Signature Curry Flavor Instant Noodles - Singapore - The Ramen Rater

Here’s one of the packs left over from the Tat Hui Meet The Manufacturer. They sent around 36 kinds and I only do a max of 15 varieties for a Meet The Manufacturer series. I looked at Wikipedia for some words on curry in Singapore, however got this about Malaysia – they’re neighbors so hope that’s alright – ...see full post

#2466: Sau Tao Instant Noodle King Pepper Duck Soup Flavour

#2466: Sau Tao Instant Noodle King Pepper Duck Soup Flavour - Hong Kong - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

This pepper duck variety was sent by Colin from Massachusetts – thanks again! It really took me a long time to warm up to duck. I think honestly the reason being was the fact that I never had the real thing until I went to Asia. Indeed, I’ve had duck in Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan and it’s definitely been a highlight of those trips. It’s got a strong flavor which is definitely one a lot of people might not be familiar with (like myself in the past). I would say that the best term for it is rich. ...see full post

#2463: Nissin Mi Instan Gekikara Ramen Rasa Pedas

#2463: Nissin Mi Instan Gekikara Ramen Rasa Pedas - Indonesia - The Ramen Rater - instant ramen

This is one that Kamran R. of Ramen Regret Rater sent me from Australia – thanks! I believe this is the first variety I will review from Nissin Indonesia. Looks like it will be spicy – rasa pedas means ‘spicy flavor,’ and it has a big angry pepper in the picture on the front of the package. Indeed, Indonesia has a lot of spicy instant noodles on the market – and for the most part I’ve enjoyed them very much. ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2017 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2017 Edition

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2017 Edition is a list of the best bowls I’ve tried of the over 2400 reviews posted to date. Bowls are interesting insofar as they often contain extra things, since there is more room for sachets, spoons, fork, etcetera. As always, I implore instant noodle manufacturers to contact me – I would love to review your products and all it costs is sending some samples and your time! So sit back, grab a bowl, some hot water, peel back the lid, stir – and enjoy! ...see full post

#2461: Fujiwara Hokkaido Hakodate Shio Ramen

#2461: Fujiwara Hokkaido Hakodate Shio Ramen - Japan - The Ramen Rater - instant ramen

Seems like a little while since I did a pack instant ramen from Japan. This is one I found during my trip to Taiwan last November at the Carrefour in Taipei by the Miramar Entertainment Park. I tell you – they had quite an impressive instant noodle aisle – like 4 aisles really. So this one is a shio instant ramen. Here’s a little from Wikipedia about shio – ...see full post

#2459: Nissin Cup Noodles MUG Shoyu & Seafood

#2459: Nissin Cup Noodles MUG Shoyu & Seafood - Japan - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Way, way, way back, I had one of these packs. I bought it at a local Asian grocery and never reviewed it. That was 15 years back and it has been haunting me ever since. ...see full post

#2458: Samyang Foods Sari Ramen

#2545: Samyang Foods Sari Ramen - South Korea - The Ramen Rater -

This one was a surprise. Okay, so one question people ask me from time to time is ‘where can I get the noodles, but not the seasoning?’ Indeed, there actually are many many ways one can do trhis. Here’s yet another. So I’ve had sari ramen in the past as well, however it was with a different name. Sari ramen is (you guessed it) a single pack of instant noodles and no flavoring. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2456: KOKA Signature Spicy Singapore Fried Noodles Instant Noodles

Meet The Manufacturer: #2456: KOKA Signature Spicy Singapore Fried Noodles Instant Noodles - The Ramen Rater - Tat Hui

Today we have something I find interesting. I’ve heard before about the popularity of ‘Singapore Noodles’ in Britain, and that they’re not actually from Singapore. Here’s a little about that from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2453: KOKA Delight Spicy Sesame Instant Non-Fried Noodles

Meet The Manufacturer: #2453: KOKA Delight Spicy Sesame Instant Non-Fried Noodles - Singapore - The Ramen Rater - Tat Hui

I’ve always found that sesame seeds get stuck in my teeth. Yeah, they do. However, I still like them. I think I like pretty much anything sesame – especially sesame oil. I also like spicy things. Sounds like a slam dunk here but I suppose we will have to see. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2451: KOKA Delight Spicy Black Pepper Flavor Instant Non-Fried Noodles

Meet The Manufacturer: #2451: KOKA Delight Spicy Black Pepper Flavor Instant Non-Fried Noodles - Singapore - The Ramen Rater - Tat Hui - instant noodles

Black pepper flavor is popular in Singapore. Indeed, black pepper crab is one of those signature dishes over there. Moreover, it makes sense with it’s location – here’s some on the history of the spice from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2450: KOKA Purple Wheat Noodles Chili & Lime Flavor

Meet The Manufacturer: #2450: KOKA Purple Wheat Noodles Chili & Lime Flavor - Singapore - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Purple – the color of royalty. It’s also the color of eggplants, grape candy and Barney the dinosaur. But these are purple noodles. So how do they get this hue? These noodles have Anthocyanins in them. Indeed, I needed to turn to Wikipedia to learn more – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2447: KOKA Signature Stir-Fry Original Flavor Instant Noodles

Meet The Manufacturer: #2447: KOKA Signature Stir-Fry Original Flavor Instant Noodles- - Singapore - The Ramen Rater - Tat Hui Foods

Today we have stir-fry noodles. Curious about what these are going to be like – sweet? Spicy? Salty? I do like stir-fry, however it’s like a sandwich. You can put all kinds of things in a sandwich. But a grilled cheese is a long way from a Monte Cristo. Singaporean stir-fry noodles sound good though – let’s have a look! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2446: KOKA Creamy Soup With Crushed Noodles Curry Flavor

Meet The Manufacturer: #2446: KOKA Creamy Soup With Crushed Noodles Curry Flavor - Singapore - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Here we have something new. So I usually only review instant noodles, not soups. However, this is a soup with instant noodles. Wait, what?! Yeah that’s what I thought too! I’ve never heard of such a thing – but it doesn’t sound bad. As I have always said, I love seeing innovation and something new. It definitely is a nice surprise when something unique and new crosses my desk and this certainty is that on both accounts. Let’s check out this cup of soup – with crushed noodles! ...see full post

#2438: World O’Noodle Mi Goreng Original Flavour Fried Noodles

#2438: World O'Noodle Mi Goreng Original Flavour Fried Noodles - Indonesia - The Ramen Rater - instant noodle

I found this one during my November 2016 trip to Taiwan. So this was at a Jason’s Market at the bottom of the Taipei 101. Mi Goreng is a very popular stir nodle dish. Mi Goreng instant noodles are most well known from Indonesia, indeed where this one is from. Let’s see what Wikipedia has to say about Mi Goreng – ...see full post

#2434: Happy Cook Old Beijing Fried Bean Sauce Noodle

#2434: Happy Cook Old Beijing Fried Bean Sauce Noodle - Taiwan - The Ramen Rater - Instant Noodle

This is one I brought back with me from Taiwan! Happy Cook is a brand that one of the factories in Taichung makes. ...see full post

#2433: Nissin Cup Noodles Indonesia Mie Goreng

#2433: Nissin Cup Noodles Indonesia Mie Goreng - Indonesia - The Ramen Rater - Instant Noodles

This was sent to me by Ippin, a purveyor of wonderful Japanese items! Thank you again!

Here’s something a little different. So Nissin has a series of Cup Noodles with flavors from around Southeast Asia. Laksa from Singapore, Tom Yum from Thailand and here we have Mie Goreng from Indonesia. I’m very curious how this on will be. Indeed, it looks interesting enough and a decently sized cup. If you don’t know about Mie Goreng, you should! Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about the dish: ...see full post

#2431: Dream Kitchen Udon Japanese Style Fresh Noodle

#2431: Dream Kitchen Udon Japanese Style Fresh Noodle - United States - The Ramen Rater - bowl noodle

Here’s a bowl we found a little while back at Uwajimaya. So udon is definitely different from instant noodles – it’s a lot thicker. Let’s see what Wikipedia has to say about it: ...see full post

#2426: Dr. McDougall’s Vegan Pad Thai Noodle Soup

#2426: Dr. McDougall's Vegan Pad Thai Noodle Soup - United States - The Ramen Rater

Well it’s been quite a while since I’ve reviewed anything by Dr. McDougall’s. Why? Well, the first one I tried was a disappointment. I saw this one recently and thought maybe I should give them another chance. I am not expecting this will be one I like very much though; the two lines in large print immediately contradict eachother: ‘Pad Thai’ and ‘Noodle Soup.’ This just sounds wrong. But hey – maybe this is really good stuff. Let’s give it a look. ...see full post

#2421: Uni-President Baseball Snack Noodle

#2421: Uni-President Baseball Snack Noodle - Taiwan - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Here’s one I picked up at 7-Eleven in Taipei, Taiwan in November of 2016. So snack noodles are popular in Taiwan – very popular! They eat them kind of like westerners eat potato chips (I should note that chips are also popular in Taiwan as well). ...see full post

#2415: Nissin Kitsune Udon Donbei (West)

#2415: Nissin Kitsune Udon Donbei (West) - Japan - The Ramen Rater - instant noodle

I’m happy to say that I got an email from Javier over at Box From Japan telling me that they’re back! They offer s subscription service – instant ramen bowls direct from Japan! You get 4 bowls every month! It’s pretty neat – should go check it out! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2410: Mama Pat’s Lamb Stew Flavor Instant Ramen Noodles

Meet The Manufacturer: #2410: Mama Pat's Lamb Stew Flavor Instant Ramen Noodles - United States - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Today, it’s lamb stew! So I really never have had lamb stew, nor really cooked lamb very often. I thought though I ought to at least make an attempt, and so today I’m going to sous vide up some lamb to go along with the noodles. But as for stew, let’s see what wikipedia has to say: ...see full post

#2407: Just Way Noodles Chuan Wei Spicy Hot Guan-miao Noodles

#2407: Just Way Noodles Chuan Wei Spicy Hot Guan-miao Noodles - Taiwan - The Ramen Rater - instant noodle

This variety comes by way of Colin, a reader from Massachusetts – thank you! It was originally said by Oscar Wilde: ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.’ I have often found this to be true fr the most part. Indeed, why would someone want to imitate exactly what you do unless they want to attain something that you did prior? Well, sometimes it just seems like it takes a bit of a spiral from flattery to pure copying. ...see full post

#2403: Goku-Uma Yakisoba Japanese Style Noodle

#2403: Goku-Uma Yakisoba Japanese Style Noodle - United States - The Ramen Rater - instant noodle

We recently took a trip to Asian Food Grocery in 130th & Aurora and found this one. My wife likes yakisoba a lot and so I like to make it for her. This one has a little interesting thing though. On the sticker, it mentioned ‘This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.’ Wait, what? So I took a look at the ingredients list and found something I’d not seen before – an ingredient called Rebaudioside A. I looked that up and wikipedia had this to say: ...see full post

#2401: Sichuan Baijia Chongqing Noodles Burning Dry Noodles

#2401: Sichuan Baijia Chongqing Noodles Burning Dry Noodles - China - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

I tried the pack version a little while back and really liked it. I’m curious about the bowl – I’m guessing it’ll be exactly the same, but in a bowl. Indeed, it’s got the bonus of portability. So what are Chongqing noodles? Here’s a little about Chongqing from wikipedia: ...see full post