Category: * Stars 0 – 1.0

#3871: Panda Signature Ramen Noodle Soup Spicy Shrimp Flavor – United States

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#3871: Panda Signature Ramen Noodle Soup Spicy Shrimp Flavor - United States

Thanks again to the guy in Montana for sending this a little while back. These days, the unboxing video’s comments have provided speculation, xenophobic diatribes, and some weird entertainment. Turns out these are the ramen at Walmart now and Walmart customers are seriously unhappy about it – it’s pretty hardcore if you ask me. Fascinating and entertaining nonetheless. Some of these varieties I’ve liked, some not. I actually saw them this weekend at a Walmart – they had these cups at 37 cents for a single, $1.78 for a six pack. That’s an extremely low price point for six meals. Let’s check this one out. ...see full post

#3827: Lee Kum Kee Hong Kong Style Chow Mein – United States

#3827: Lee Kum Kee Hong Kong Style Chow Mein - United States

They did a big reset at the local Safeway. They redid their produce section which was kinda nice. The also really updated their Asian foods section. Lots of instant noodles there! Then, there’s this. These are $4.99 each. The only reason I got one is because we love this brand’s Korean BBQ sauce. I’m guessing there’s a good chance this will be pretty good. Let’s chek it out and see if it warrants this price tag. ...see full post

#3812: Snapdragon Vietnamese Vegetable Pho – United States

#3812: Snapdragon Vietnamese Vegetable Pho - United States

These came by way of James from Lakeside California and looks like Snapdragon has dressed up their packaging yet again. I will admit I’ve never been exceedingly enthralled with their range, save a couple of varieties. Not only that, I’m rarely enthused about any pho instants I’ve tried. But I’m in the mood so these at least have that going for them. Let’s give them a try! ...see full post

#3785: Panda Signature Ramen Noodle Soup Chili Lime Flavor – United States

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#3861: Panda Signature Ramen Noodle Soup Chili Lime Flavor - United States

This is the second of the Panda Signature variety cup style noodles I’ll be trying today. I must say, the video where I unboxed a ton of varieties a reader in Montana sent me has done really well. Sadly, it’s not because people are excited about the products. They’ve been much maligned by folks who were sad to see their former favorite get replaced by this brand. One thing people have brought up too is the country of origin on these. You see, on the single packs, the closest thing I could find to a country of origin was from the HALAL seal being from Malaysia. People kept saying that they said ‘product of PRC.’ PRC is People’s Republic Of China. Well, this cup says that, so I have visual confirmation that these are manufactured in China. To me, this isn’t a big deal; a LOT of instant noodles are manufactured in China. However, many are incensed by this insofar that the product it replaced was made in the United States. I’m sure some other reasons have led to their anger about this, which I’m not sympathetic to.  But I can see their point on the made in the USA viewpoint. More importantly, they’ve been extremely critical of the flavor of these products being different, and have been downright disgusted by them. I won’t say any have been favorites of mine, but I haven’t found them as a range to be incredibly bad or worth of my bottom ten list. This being said, I have heard that 12 packs of the noodles around around $2 – which is pretty inexpensive. I wouldn’t expect filet mignon at under twenty cents per portion,. Anyways, I was able to contact the company that produces these and they’ve mentioned that they are going to be producing a reformulated version (aka a new recipe). So, I’ll of course try them when they debut and hopefully be able to do an interview with them when that time comes. If you’re wondering that since they’re made in China why the title up top says United States, this product isn’t for sale like this in China and specifically made for Walmart stores here. Let’s check out this one out – sounds tasty enough from the name. ...see full post

#3779: Nissin Togarashi Men Umakara Tomato & Cheese – Japan

#3779: Nissin Togarashi Men Umakara Tomato & Cheese - Japan

Here’s one from a zenpop.jp box! You can get these every month with some neat varieties like this one inside! Use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3764: Wai Wai Quick Instant Noodles Chicken Curry Flavour – Serbia

#3764: Wai Wai Quick Instant Noodles Chicken Curry Flavour - Serbia

What a lovely surprise! I went to JR’s Market over in Lynnwood, WA when we were out getting Halloween costumes for the kids (it’s across the parking lot from the Halloween store) and found this and quite a few more varieties. I figured this was from Nepal as it’s a Chaudhary Group noodle, but after examining this one it’s from CG Europe – from Serbia! So this is another country I’ve not reviewed anything from, which is pretty neat! ...see full post

#3652: Acecook Tamago Shoyu Ramen – Japan

#3652: Acecook Tamago Shoyu Ramen - Japan

Here’s one that came from a Zenpop.jp subscription box. Use the coupon code RAMENRATER at checkout for a discount! ...see full post

#3635: Acecook Fujicco Pure Tororo Konbu Soba – Japan

#3635: Acecook Fujicco Pure Tororo Konbu Soba - Japan

This one comes from Zenpop.jp – a subscription box service. If you want to check out their boxes and get one, use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount. ...see full post

#3543: Micoem Cung Dinh Kool Spaghetti – Vietnam

#3543: Micoem Cung Dinh Kool Spaghetti - Vietnam

A big thank you to Daniel from exoticnoods.com – her recently traveled to Taiwan and brough me back a trove of neat varieties and this is one of them!This is the second I’ve tried from this company. The last one was a delightful salted egg. Now it’s spaghetti. Let’s do this. ...see full post

#3505: Myojo Spicy Yuzu Mazesoba – Japan

#3505: Myojo Spicy Yuzu Mazesoba - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! ...see full post

#3458: Maruchan Chikara Mochi Udon – Japan

#3458: Maruchan Chikara Mochi Udon - Japan

Here we have one from Japan sent by Zenpop. Zenpop does a few different kinds of subscription boxes you can get and they’re pretty neat! Use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount at checkout! ...see full post

#3450: Taihodien Green Chilli Paste Noodles – Taiwan

#3450: Taihodien Green Chilli Paste Noodles - Taiwan

It’s been a while since I had the original Taihodien spicy mala noodles. On those, the noodles themselves were decent but the flavor was just such an onslaught of Sichuan peppercorn. Just too much. This one sounds much different – green Sichuan peppercorn and a lot of other chilli pepper action going on. Hoping to like thing one! Let’s check it out. ...see full post

#3401: Star Anise Foods Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup Bowl Creamy Coconut – United States

#3401: Star Anise Foods Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup Bowl Creamy Coconut - United States

A very long time ago, I tried their pho as part of a Meet The Manufacturer series – a series of one review! I’ve started seeing their products more and more and thought hey look – it’s in Walmrt – I’ll give it a try. So, here we are. I’m curious how it’s going to be – brown rice noodles! Let’s find out. ...see full post

#3400: EDO Pack Kumamoto Flavor Noodles – Hong Kong

#3319: EDO Pack Kumamoto Flavor Noodles - Hong Kong

Another one from Smart’n’Save in Richmond, BC’s Lansdowne Centre. Kumamoto flavor would definitely point towards tonkotsu; not a clue what else it could be. This is a product of Singapore, but labeling definitely makes it clear to me that it’s just for the Hong Kong market. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3381: Nissin Pasta U.F.O. Sabor Alitas Hot – Mexico

#3381: Nissin Pasta U.F.O. Sabor Alitas Hot - Mexico

Alas, we come to the end of the road on the samples from the last box from Nissin MExico. They were all fascinating and different, but this I’m hoping is a case of saving the best for last. Their Intensos Cup Noodles Alitas Hot was sensational, and hoping that same flavor carries over to this one. Let’s find out! By the way – Alitas Hot means ‘hot wings.’ ...see full post

#3378: Yibin Burning Noodle Hot & Spicy – China

#3378: Yibin Burning Noodle Hot & Spicy - China

Well here’s something interesting. A big bowl from China! Burning! Spicy! Hot! Man, I hope this one is good – let’s find out! ...see full post

#3373: Hikari Miso Harusame Noodle Soup Tonkotsu Taste – Japan

#3373: Hikari Miso Harusame Noodle Soup Tonkotsu Taste - Japan

I was perusing the aisle at 99 Ranch Market the other day and saw this hiding towards the bottom shelf. What the heck is this? Well, they’re noodles made from potatoes and green beans with a tonkotsu broth. Not only that, there are three servings and they’re 100 calories each. Sounds like fun – let’s give em a try! ...see full post

#3356: Nasoya GoBowl Teriyaki Japanese Style Noodles – United States

#3356: Nasoya GoBowl Teriyaki Japanese Style Noodles - United States

I was visiting a prominent spot in the local Safeway supermarket which I walk to almost daily. That area would be the endcap where the mung bean sprouts are located. I noticed this and another bowl I hadn’t really noticed before sitting there and though what the heck I’ll give it a try. ...see full post

#3354: Yumei The Lazy Noodle Sichuan Green Pepper Flavor – China

#3954: Yumei The Lazy Noodle Sichuan Green Peeper Flavor - China

Another one I found at that fascination bastian of things Asia in Canada, Smart’n’Save at the Lansdowne Centre mall in Richmond, BC. This is something new to me – green pepper? Sichuan? Hmm… What’s it all about? Let’s fint out. ...see full post

#3350: Nissin Miojo Cremoso Costela Barbecue – Brazil

#3350: Nissin Miojo Cremoso Costela Barbecue - Brazil

I really like it when readers send me a ton of varieties from somewhere I’ve never been able to get them before. This is one of those! I know there’s lots of cups and other brands out of Brazil to try as well. Brazilian varieties have very savory flavors, centering mostly on meat. This one’s barbecued ribs flavor! Let’s check it out. ...see full post

#3347: Nona Lim Spicy Miso Ramen Bowl – United States

#3347: Nona Lim Spicy Miso Ramen Bowl - United States

Here we have the last of the three bowls sent on ice by Nona Lim – thanks again! The first two were pretty good – green curry was great and the dan dan was alright – how will this one be? Let’s give it a spin in the microwave and find out! ...see full post

#3250: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Chicken & Mushroom Flavor – United States

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#3250: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Chicken & Mushroom Flavor - United States

This is an interesting one. Made in China for the US market. I found this one at a Fred Meyer supermarket here in Lynnwood – the last place I’d expect to see something like this. It’s nice to see stores expanding these kinds of things. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3241: Acecook Super Cup Okinawa Island Soba – Japan

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#3149: Acecook Super Cup Okinawa Island Soba - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This super cup contains 1.5 times the normal amount of noodles! Okinawa has a few famous dishes but this one is the most unmistakable for anyone visiting the islands. Yummy chewy noodles in a slightly sweet and spicy dash is perfect for summer.” ...see full post

#3229: Buitoni Yakisoba Gusto Classico – Italy

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#3229: Buitoni Yakisoba Gusto Classico - Italy

One of the very last varieties sent by the Butlers from their trip to Italy – thanks again! Yup – Italian yakisoba! Not something you’d expect, eh? Well here it is and I think we’ll just have to crack it open and take a look – let’s do it! ...see full post

#3217: Bowlfull Beef Flavour Instant Noodle Soup – Canada

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#3217: Bowlfull Beef Flavour Instant Noodle Soup - Canada

Found this at Dollarama, a dollar store up in Canada. A cup of beef. See the little microwave icon on the lower right? We don’t have a microwave currently. Our old one was 20 years old, give or take a year and I though ‘hey – we should get a new one.’ It seemed to be cooking things inconsistently so we went and ordered a new one. It was all screwed up so we returned it last night. Found another one which was really neat! Got it home, lugged it in, opened it up to see this – ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition

It’s that time again – time to run down the worst varieties I’ve ever had. That’s no small task either – this list is current as of review #3180. These are the ten worst ones, in my opinion, leaving a lasting negative impression on my taste buds. With that, I again give you what you want. ...see full post

#3158: Simply Asia Singapore Street Noodles Classic Curry – United States

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#3158: Simply Asia Singapore Street Noodles Classic Curry - United States

So near us we have this interesting grocery store called WinCo Foods. Everything’s pretty cheap there and they’ve got a pretty good selection. Last time when we were in the checkout lane, I noticed these sitting on the sideline. I’ve known some pretty serious people when it comes to Singapore street food and the heritage it portends. Not only that, when it comes to curry, I’m very particular. Could this little box hold within a reason for ex-pats and hawkers to stay home and not bother visiting Singapore again or going to work? Guess I’d better find out! ...see full post

#3133: Myojo Mellow Miso Ramen – Japan

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#3133: Myojo Mellow Miso Ramen - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one -“Mellow and rich miso ramen with noodles which are easy to eat. Great smell of roasted vegetables and special flavor oil will fill your mouth!” ...see full post

#3129: Acecook Super Cup Pringles Sour Cream & Onion Yakisoba – Japan

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#3129: Acecook Super Cup Pringles Sour Cream & Onion Yakisoba - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘To celebrate 50 years in business for the iconic chip brand, and 30 years for Japan’s instant noodle brand Super Cup, they collaborate as Sour Cream & Onion Pringles Yakisoba! A mouthful of soft noodles with the crunch of onion crates a fantastic textural sensation that works to enhance all the punchy flavors.’ ...see full post

#3093: Sichuan Baijia Green Curry Shrimp Flavor Instant Vermicelli – China

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#3093: Sichuan Baijia Green Curry Shrimp Flavor Instant Vermicelli - China

Here’s one I found up in Canada – can’t remember where. Green curry is one of my favorite flavors, however not one that I think I’ve ever seen coming out of China. Sichuan Baijia has been coming out with more and more different varieties – and different little cartoon characters on their packaging. Let’s give this one a try and see how it fares. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3080: Fu Chung Village Dry Noodles With Sauce – Basil & Clam Flavor – Taiwan

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Meet The Manufacturer: #3080: Fu Chung Village Dry Noodles With Sauce - Basil & Clam Flavor - Taiwan

Here we have the second of three varieties from Fu Chung – a basil and clam flavor! Sounds interesting – let’s hit it up! ...see full post

#2972: Bowlfull Vegetable Flavour Instant Noodle Soup

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#2972: Bowlfull Vegetable Flavour Instant Noodle Soup

Oh yeah are you ready? Are you? Man, you’re going to think I’m nuts, but I’m a huge fan of store brand instant noodles. Why? Simple – I love the hunt. I really like to go somewhere and say ‘ah ha – I haven’t tried this one,’ put it in the handbasket and move on. Well a few weeks ago we went to Lansdowne Centre, a neat mall in Richmond, BC. We keep finding different places to visit up there which totally rocks. In the mall, there’s a bunch of store of course. The mall really is kind of a blast from the past – very Canadian and looks like it was built in the 70’s – lots of mirrored things abound. What got us there was that we saw this sign saying ‘Dollarama’ when we’d go up to Richmond every time and I thought ‘hmmm… A Canadian dollar store sounds interesting…’ So we check it out and they had their own store brand. They’re made in China for the chain of Dollarama stores and called Bowlfull. Sounds interesting. Yeah – if it sounds interesting, I’, all in. I don’t care if I like it or not – it’s something new, and that’s what my whole instant noodle journey has been about. Let’s crack open this 25 cent pack of noodles and see how things turn out. ...see full post

#2930: Vedan Wei Wei Premium Korean Spicy Beef Instant Noodle

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#2930: Vedan Wei Wei Premium Korean Spicy Beef Instant Noodle

Here’s another one I received from a University student in Taiwan – thanks again! She’s working on her Master’s thesis and wanted info from me on a few products and what I thought of them – an honor! Let’s check out this variety with a Korean influence. ...see full post

#2914: Itomen Shijimi Clam Shoyu Ramen

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#2914: Itomen Shijimi Clam Shoyu Ramen

This is one that was sent by the Itomen distributor in Taiwan – thank you again! Clam shoyu eh? Sounds interesting – let’s give it a try. ...see full post

#2872: Chongqing Suanlabao Food Co., Ltd. Hot Pot Mala Seasoning & Sesame Oil Package

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#2872: Chongqing Suanlabao Food Co., Ltd. Hot Pot Mala Seasoning & Sesame Oil Package

Hey it’s a self heating hot pot! I got this one at China World on St. Patrick’s Day this year. The weekend before, we drove up to Canada and checked out China World in Richmond, BC. It was amazing – awesome! Got two baskets of noodles. Went tot he front and boom – cash and Canadian debit only. That sucked. So we came back the next weekend! I found about eight different varieties of these hot pots and so here’s the first. I’ve reviewed two others in the past. Let’s open this thing up and see what makes it tick – yeah – it cooks itself! ...see full post

#2867: Nissin Cup Noodles Sesame Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

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#2867: Nissin Cup Noodles Sesame Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

Here’s one of the two new flavors of Nissin Foods’ domestic Cup Noodles range from the United States. I’m very curious about this one and the other (Teriyaki Chicken). Let’s crack it open and have a look around! ...see full post

#2809: Acecook Shrimp Tempura Soba

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#2809: Acecook Shrimp Tempura Soba

Here’s another neat one from Zenpop.JP. Thank you! So Zenpop has all sorts of monthly boxes including ramen boxes. Nine instant ramen in one box for a good price – check ’em out! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This healthy soba is low in sodium and moreover, it contains GABA, which helps lower the blood pressure, reduce the stress, and make you relaxed. Of course, it’s tasty too. Katsuo (bonito) dashi and shrimp adds a delectable flavor to it.’ ...see full post

#2808: Super Super Cup Signature White Curry

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#2808: Super Super Cup Signature White Curry

I was surprised to find this one in Taiwan – had seen it in images online quite a few times before but yeah – Taiwan! I got this at the Hi-Life store at the Nangang Exhibition Center. I really didn’t think Malaysian food would be popular in Taiwan, but actually I went to PappaRich over there – a chain of Malaysian restaurants.  I’m pretty sure nowhere is immune to the White Curry craze! Strong flavors and spicy broth is pretty good anywhere you go. Let’s crack this cup open and look around! ...see full post

#2799: Maruchan Kitsune Soba

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#2799: Maruchan Kitsune Soba

Here’s another neat one from Zenpop.JP. Thank you! So Zenpop has all sorts of monthly boxes including ramen boxes. Nine instant ramen in one box for a good price – check ’em out! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ...see full post

#2749: Maruchan Bariuma Goboten Udon

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#2749: Maruchan Bariuma Goboten Udon

I looked around a bit and read that these big things in here are burdock tempura. Should be interesting – if you don’t know about burdock, here’s some info  from Wikipedia – ...see full post