Over 5,000 Instant Ramen Noodle Reviews Since 2002
Back in 2017, I got to try this one. It’s interesting to find here in the states now, and has some differences. I’m guessing it’s still made in Hong Kong, however there are a couple of differences. Back then it was aka tonkotsu flavour – now the ‘u’ is dropped. Sachets look different as well. Today’s my birthday, so I picked three to review that I thought would be fun to do out of my stash. So, the last review, this one, and the next one are ones I’m doing today. Let’s cook it up!
It’s been an interesting go in these past few reviews! A couple trips to less frequented local shops for the local people have yielded a lot of varieties I’ve not seen before as well as those I’ve not reviewed in well over a decade. This one’s a never tried comer from north of here. Let’s give it a go.
Found this over at S*Mart, too. Hot pork bones! Wahoo! I’ve always liked this brand – usually their stuff is pretty decent. I wonder what the versions in China are like… Would like to try them, that’s for sure. Well, let’s try this export version.
Here’s one that came from the now defunct ramen arm of Zenpop. They sent a box as a parting thank you, unfortunately the box only had one variety I’d never reviewed and this was the only one. Let’s give it a try.
This last weekend I redid my desk and mounted my computer underneath it. It went really well, but jacked up my back. Yesterday, I decided to take it easy (well, I didn’t) and walked to another town and got a couple varieties to review. This was one of them. Hopefully it’s enjoyable. We shall see…
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!’
Here’s one that came in a now defunct Zenpop.jp box – here’s what they had to say about it – ‘Pork, a wonderful ramen base with its never-ending richness. But wait, there’s more! Scallops! Fried garlic! Black pepper! Flavor enhancing oil! Yeah, this cup just keeps on giving. The name “Barikata” implies slimmer, harder noodles, a traditional touch unique to real tonkotsu ramen. This is why this cup should only have a 60-second wait in the water before eating. Thanks to the slimmer cylindrical shape you really get the aroma swelling towards you, elevating the experience. 🍜’
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 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!’
Yoko Street reached out to me recently and asked if I’d be interested in sampling their ramen products. They ship fresh and so that sounded interesting. I’ve seen quite a few of these kind of everythig you need setups in past years but it’s been a little while – so of course I was interested. Well, let’s put it together and give some tonkotsu shoyu a try!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box. Here’s what they had to say about it – ‘Here’s a perfect start to the Christmas season: the mouthwatering delight of Yamadai’s New Touch Char Siu Men! Crafted with love and care, these noodles are a symphony of flavor that celebrates the heartiness of homegrown ingredients. Made from 100% domestic wheat, with a dashi of Japanese charm, we bring you “豚骨” (tonkotsu) – a special, velvety broth that’s the soul of every ramen bowl, filled with the love of “国産” (kokusan – domestically produced) pork chashu. These savory slices of chashu are tender, juicy, and slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring that each bite is an adventure in itself. This instant noodle cup also comes with a tantalizing mix of spices, carefully chosen to awaken your taste buds. Unlock the hidden flavors of “だし” (dashi) and “しょうゆ” (shoyu) as you savor the authenticity of Japanese cuisine.’
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 another Miliket variety I found over at HMart recently. I’ve seen a ton of different varieties by this company as of late – it’s an invasion! Nice to see Vietnamese stuff I’ve not yet reviewed. This one is a Phnom Penh styl enoodle – Wikipedia had this to say –
Found another one of these! This time, not at S*Mart but at the Lynnwood, WA HMart – along with quite a few other things. Usually don’t find a lot there but it was a good haul the other day. I also found a pair of ‘chopsticks for kids that my daughter went crazy for and since she accompanied me in the store, I figured why not. Tonkotsu is one she likes as well, so maybe she’ll get this. Let’s give it a try.
“What’s this? What’s this?’ A famous line from the juggernaut critically acclaimed film Max Max: Beyond Thunderdome, uttered inspiringly by Tina Turner. Well, Auntie Entity, I’ll tell you. There are shelf stable fresh noodle from China. Found them at 99 Ranch Market and figured this would be a good one to start with as there are a few different varieties. I have a good feeling about them – let’s cook.
Protein and vitamins and fiber and low sodium and pretty low calories for the size of the serving. Let’s begin.
I tried four varieties of these a little while back and was thoroughly impressed. Now I’ve got three more to try that sound really good! Let’s give em’ a try!
Here’s a cup that came by way of the folks at Nissin Foods in Germany! This is a special collab cup with a German ramen shop. Sounds good! Let’s cook it up.
This one is definitely a trip – so it’s made in Vietnam for the South Korean market. Found it of course at the famed S*Mart – that’s right kids – shop SMart – shop S*Mart! I really don’t think any people in that Korean store have seen Army Of Darkness, but honestly I think they’d get a kick out of it. Anyways, let’s commence.
Fancy new packaging going on here. Mapo century egg with meat paste sounds really quite exquisite – this sounds great – I’m on it!
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!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Another one from James of Lakeside, CA – thanks! He noticed me reviewing the Norita products and that I was curious about more, so he sent this. Let’s see what we have here.
The third and final iteration of the Marutai varieties found at the Bellevue, WA Uwajimaya supermarket. My daughter Mimi picked a couple varieties at 99 Ranch Market that day and one was a tonkotsu. She tried the Kumamoto Marutai and liked it, so she’s going to get to try this one too.
Another one from Pher Engi of Australia – Thank you!! This looks to be a play on Buldak perhaps which usually is nott a good idea. However, you never know. Let’s see how spicy this is.
Here’s another one we found at Uwajimaya a couple weeks ago. Marutai stuff is quite wonderful – especially their Kumamaoto variants. Without further ado!
Found this recently when visiting Uwajimaya in Bellevue, Washington. I went there to get some fish cake – narutomaki and kamaboko- and surprisingly found this. I don’t usually find much there that I’m interested in by way of ramen, but this time was fortuitous. Let’s give it a try.
Here’s one made in China for the US market. It’s got a cat on it – people like those. It’s also got an AI background. I did this review awhile back and continued to use AI for backdrops on the finished images. How’s it going to taste? Let’s find out.
So here’s one I’ve really enjoyed for a long time. Indeed, it has also been in exitence for quite awhile as well. It’s the original variety that was introduced to the South Korean market back in 1963. Initially, it was mistaken as a textile which is kind of funny, but that didn’t last long at all. This is the packaging for export, but it’s the same as what you’ll find in South Korea.
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp snack 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!
Yet another one found at HMart. I’ve seen adverts with these a lot recently – there’s another version as well, but I thought I’d start with this one. These are manufactured by a Chinese company called JML – Jinmailiang.Shall we commence?
The last one of these I tried was really nice – and this should be no different with Mom’s Dry Noodle’s track record to date. But you never know, so let’s check it out.
This came via ZenPlus – a special marketplace where you can get some of the best of Japan easily. Try using coupon code THERAMENRATER at checkout!
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!
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 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!
