This one’s a little different from the last two I tried. The last two at the top mentioned Vietnamese rather than Chinese on the packaging. So far, no good for this company insofar as my reviews. The last two scored very low – rather non-nom – and I’m hoping there’s going to be one that I like as these were pretty expensive. With an open mind, let’s give it another go.
Category: * Stars 0 – 1.0
#4816: Omsom Saucy Noodles Soy Garlic – United States
Time to try another one of these. There’s four varieties. The last one I tried was rather disappointing, so I have high hopes for this one. Will it be good? Let’s find out.
#4814: Twisted Noodles Ramen Soup Chicken Flavor Ramen – United States
Big thanks to James from Lakeside for sending this one over! I think I’ve heard of this brand – kind of curious one here. Who’s making this? It’s made in the US it says – and lists a distributor. Private label? The cup itself is on a design that I’m not familiar with for any co-packer, so kind of weird. Noodle itself looks unfamiliar as well. Hmm. Well,, let’s delve into this chicken cup.
#4812: Yumei Spicy Braised Instant Vermicelli With Pickled Cowpea – United States
Here’s one my lovely wife Kit looked at and said ‘what about this one?’ I’ve found there’s a universal truth in the universe: when she sees one and questions me about it and if I’ve not had it, it’s one I should review. This one’s made in China, let packaged for sale in the United States. So, let’s do so!
#4743: Yamadai Sugomen Wakayama Chuka Soba – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4801: Omsom Saucy Noodles Chili Sesame – United States
Been wanting to try these for a while. We found them at Whole Foods market in Lynnwood, Washington. I’ve tried emailing the company a couple of times, but never received a response. Ah well. These are curious – they really look like Taiwanese dry noodles. Let’s check out this one with more to follow soon.
#4798: Sugakiya Men Dokoro Inosho Kansyu Kara Kara Uo Ramen – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Get ready to spice up your taste buds with the “Spicy fish ramen” (辛辛魚らーめん) supervised by the famous restaurant “Mendokoro Inosho” (麺処井の庄) in Shakujii, Tokyo! This ramen has been causing a stir since its release and has been on the market for a whopping 15 years – that’s some serious longevity for a single cup of noodles! But that’s not all – Sugakiya has upped the flavor ante with a special spicy fish powder and tantalized taste buds with delicious bonito flakes that bring out the full flavor of the soup. With every slurp, you’ll feel like you’re dining at the “Inosho” restaurant and savoring their rich and savory flavors. So why not give your taste buds a wild ride and spice up your day with this irresistible cup of ramen? (It’s quite spicy: if you’re sensitive, add the powder little by little).’
#4780: No. Wang Instant Luo Si Rice Noodles – China
This one came by way of James from Lakeside, California – thanks! I think this one looks interesting, but I think this might be a river snail varietal, which I’m not incredibly fond of. Let’s give it a go.
#4760: Kracie Popin’ Cookin’ Tanoshii Ramen – Japan
This one was for a special occasion – the 2,000th episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time. I thought hey – why not let my wife and daughter have some fun making this one. I figure I’m not going to be doing a great job on this one lol – gooey and gummy stuff sounds frustrating, so I figured I’d leave it to them. They’ve never done an episode together either, so I thought hey – why not? The episode is at the bottom. Let’s check it out!
#4720: Trader Joe’s Garlic Sauce Thai Noodles – United States
Well folks, this is the last of the Trader Joe’s stuff I had. Honestly, these pouch noodles and sauce bowls have been surprisingly decent. The only problem are the bowls – you can’t just cut it up and scan it before you use it – rather irritating for yours truly, however my issues with the bowl itself probably aren’t an issue for 99.99% of those eating this. Let’s see how the garlic one is.
#4718: Bulramen Extra Hot Stir-fried Ramen – South Korea
Well, hmm. I think it’s time for something spicy. It’s early August 2023 and you know – spicy food. It’s funny – the chicken here kind of looks like Terminator with a chili pepper machine gun or something. I should note that this is the first review using my new tool – the RPFD – the ramen packaging flattening device. What’s that? Well, it’s a suction cup shower handle attached to a clear piece od thick Plexiglas which does a great job of flattening packs of instant noodles on the scanner. After over 4,000 reviews and trying different things to aid in scanning problem wrinkly packs, this came to me after using a tablet screen to hold down a metallic pack a few reviews back. You can see the post I did about it here. By the way, while it’s definitely got export info for the US, it’s got it for many countries, so this isn’t specific for the US and so it gets a South Korea label. Let’s try some fire?
#4712: Little Sheep Signature Soup Noodle – China
Man, where did I find this one. Hmm… I think I found it at 99 Ranch Market in Edmonds, Washington, but I could be totally wrong. It looks as Sichuan Baijia is making this one, however they’re making it in Inner Mongolia which I find fascinating. I’m really curious about this one, that’s for sure. Let’s give it a a try!
#4704: Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen Donburi Iseebi Dashi – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4688: Hezhai Sour Soup Noodles – China
This one looks really interesting as you’ll see below with the noodles. Found this at 99 Ranch Market – they’ve had quite a few of this brand and I think I have one more. Time to review…
#4670: Shen Gong Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup – United States
Here’s another one I found at 99 Ranch Market recently. Again, Vietnamese flavor, new Chinese authentic style, and packaged for sale in the United States. It’s almost as if it’s got some kind of flavorful identity crisis! But it sounds interesting so let’s get to it.
#4658: Shen Gong Fried Rice Noodles Artificial Beef Flavor With Chili Oil – United States
I’ve been reviewing instant noodles since 2002, doing episodes of Instant Noodle Recipe Time, The Chocolate Break with my wife, Professional Mukbang, Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater and more. Right now, we’re in a pretty crummy financial situation and hoping that some of the fans will be able to help out. I really loathe asking like this. I’ve set up a GoFundMe. It really is strange – you hear about statistics like ‘this percentage are one paycheck away from financial ruin.’ I love going to the thrift store and finding some trinket on the cheap. Right now, that’s a luxury I can’t even fathom, really. What’s crummy too is the time of the year that this is happening. Holidays plus my daughter’s birthday is a week before Christmas. Ugh. Here’s the link if you can help out.
#4652: That’s Asia Sweet & Sour Sauce With Noodles – United States
Well, here’s this. The last time I tried something from these folks I came up with only one thing to say; that’s not Asia. I’ve an open mind, but guessing I’m in for disappointment. But I’ve got an open mind, dammit! I think chicken should pair rather well with this and I do have chicken. Well, it’s made in Thailand for the Us market. That being send, let’s That’s.
#4557: Nissin BIG Cup Noodles Japanese Cheese Curry – Singapore
This is the third of four varieties which came in a big Cup Noodles bucket from Singapore! The bucket is really quite large which is pretty neat. This one sounds interesting; I do quite enjoy cheese as well as curry – let’s give it a try!
#4509: Cup O’ Crazy Gummy Noodles United States
In December, we went to Party City. They had a new one opened up next to us and so we were getting stuff for our daughter Miriam’s birthday. Well, they had two candy noodle things and this was one of them. A Cup O’ Crazy. That’s pretty weird. It’s got goo, edible chopsticks, and gummy noodles. I really don’t like things like this so much but I have to review it of course. Qho knoqa; it could be masterfully crafted; like a jelly noodle with a sauce that’s made from fine ingredients and chopsticks of sweet coconut powder that melt in your mouth. But I wouldn’t count on it. Let’s commense this, the 4,509th session of my personal congress of noodling.
#4504: Kikkoman Noodle Kit With Sauce Teriyaki Sesame – United States
This is a gluten free product we found at a local store. My wife does the gluten free thing, so making this for her today. It’s currently 23 degrees outside with a wind chill as low at 15. That’s pretty cold for these parts. I’ve got to go to the store to get some stuff, so I’ll probably be talking about how cold it is. Anyways, let’s cook this one up.
#4471: Nissin U.F.O. Korean Hot Chicken Flavour – Singapore
This is definitely a challenge to the popular spicy Korean varieties that are so popular right now. I’m really curious if it will also bring a Singaporean savoriness. Logically, this will be formulated to appeal to Singaporeans; like how we have American Chinese cuisine here, perhaps there’s a Singaporean Korean cuisine there? I don’t know but I think I’ll find out shortly!
#4469: Pran Mr. Noodles Instant Noodles Beef Flavour – Bangladesh
This is one of the waning varieties I found at a store called JD’s Market right between Edmonds and Lynnwood. I end up checking them out usually right around Halloween every year as it’s right next to the Spirit Halloween store. Usually something I’ve not tried in there and this year was great for something new as well. Let’s try this beef instant from Bangladesh.
#4456: Nissin Chicken Ramen Shirunashi Donburi Junkissa no Napolitan – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4432: Annie Chun’s Japanese Style Yakisoba Noodle Bowl – United States
I found this at WinCo Foods in Lynnwood, Washington last weekend. It mentions that this is Vegan friendly. I’m very curious about this; we will see how this goes.
#4417: Pink Rocket For The Lovely Girls Mac & Cheese Rapokki – United States
This is another one of these noodle and tteokbokki varieties – with an exceedingly funny name. Mac and cheese flavor huh? Sounds good – let’s hit it up!
#4411: Nongshim Shin Green Mushroom & Fried Tofu – United States
Big thank you to James from Lakesida, CA for sending these over! This is the second of two new Nongshim Shin varieties recently released. It’s Vegan friendly which appeals to a broader group as time goes on. I’m very curious – I really like their Vgean varieties quite a bit, but generally not a huge fan of mushrooms. So, let’s give it a try and see how it is.
#4388: Kikkoman Noodle Kit With Sauce Black Pepper – United States
Found this one at Uwajimaya too. I’ve tried the spicy garlic before, so figured hey, why not? Let’s give it a go.
#4355: That’s Asia Pad Thai Sauce With Noodles – United States
What’s that? That’s Asia! Never tried anything from this brand before. They’re made in Thailand for the US market. That’s interesting! But is this That’s good? Let’s find out if That’s is.
Cold As Ice: Frozen Ramen – Your Holiday Gift
Today is December 25th, 2022. I thought the perfect gift to all of you nice people that look at my reviews and experiments would be to add a lot of stuff to a plastic bowl and put it outside and let it freeze. So, that’s what I did. It is your holiday gift! For free! You are very welcome! Hope everyone seeing this is having a great holiday season and that it ends soon and that 2023 is lacking a lot of insanity that the previous year contained.
#4342: Simply Asia Sesame Teriyaki Noodle Bowl – United States
Well, simply put, Simply Asia, thus far, things haven’t panned out very well… This is the last of the Simply Asia noodle bowls I’ve got for review, and the last couple were real doozies. Hopefully, this one will break the chain of disappointment! Let’s give it a go.
#4324: Simply Asia Spicy Mongolian Noodle Bowl – United States
The last two days of reviewing have been particularly grueling. The kitchen has been pretty warm even before boiling any water; super humid. Not used to it and it’s really quite uncomfortable. But I will continue on of course. Well, the last one of these I tried was really quite odd and so having gotten three varieties in all, I thought I should trudge onward and do the other two. I’m really quite curious what a spicy Mongolian bowl will taste like. Only one way to find out.
#4322: Maruchan Osobaya san no Curry Nanban Soba – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4314: Simply Asia Spicy Kung Pao Noodle Bowl – United States
I’ve tried quite a few different varieties of domestic microwavable bowls that have been very lackluster; to the point of finding it to be a bit of a no man’s land of endless zero star fare. Yeah – I really didn’t expect that. Well, I’m hoping to find some nice things here – hoping. Let’s see what happens.
#4252: Naked Noodle Japanese Teriyaki – United Kingdom
Here’s one found during the holy hunt for the pumpkin spice noodle of late 2021. This was at Walmart in Bellevue I believe. Let’s check it out!
#4295: Annie Chun’s Thai Style Pad Thai Noodle Bowl – United States
I’ve tried a few of the soup varieties that Annie Chun’s makes, so I thought perhaps I’ll give the ones that are more saucy a shot. Previously, the soupy ones didn’t fare too well. Maybe these are better?
#4284: Lotus Foods Spicy Kimchi Rice Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
Well, hmm. This is the third variety of these I’ll be trying and the first two did very poorly. They both got zero stars. It really bums me out because these folks make some amazing rice products, but I have to say the translation into ramen makes my palate wretch. Hopefully, this one will be better! Third time’s the charm? We shall see.
#4279: Lotus Foods Tom Yum Rice Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
Well, hmm. Last time wasn’t so ultra wonderful. I’m hoping this one is super awesome! Going to use the microwave directions this go-round. Tom Yum is a soup out of Thailand with bright, spicy, and strong flavors. I’m hoping it’s reflected here; time to find out.
#4277: Annie Chun’s Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen Soup Bowl – United States
This sounded interesting enough. Well, hopefully it’s alright. I dunno. I haven’t had all that much luck with this brand lately so we shall see. The last one was a shoyu and really kind of tame/bland. Hoping this will be a nice luxuriant and creamy tonkotsu with a lot of flavor.
#4269: Annie Chun’s Japanese Style Shoyu Ramen Soup Bowl – United States
Lately, I’ve found myself in a slight pickle. I’m low on varieties of review… Well, it’s mainly my fault – I think for over two weeks I’ve been in such a good groove that I’ve been able to do three reviews a day and walk about ten miles per day as well. That’s a lot of unique varieties of noodles… So, I’ve had to resort to finding a bunch in a bit of a hurry. I found this one locally at the grocery store today. In fact, I found five different varieties. Let’s see what this is all about – it sounds a little bit interesting. Guess we’ll see.
#4258: Ocean’s Halo Plant Based Vegan Beef Instant Noodle Soup – United States
I’m hopeful for this one, although my recent sampling of the chicken flavor variety didn’t go so well. Fingers crossed.