Category: * Stars 2.1 – 3.0

#3249: Sapporo Ichiban Pirikara Kenchin Udon – Japan

#3249: Sapporo Ichiban Pirikara Kenchin Udon - 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 – ‘Pirikara means little bit spicym and Kenchin refers to a soup dish containing sauteed carrots, burdock root, and various vegetables, The soup is shoyu based kelp, bonito and shiitake mushroom broth, Yawataya Isogoro’s shichimi (7 spice) is one of the most popular shichimi seasonings in Japan, and it has a history of over 270 years in production. This udon introduces you to the special shichimi from Yawataya Isogoro and Kenchin soup. Especially, burdock and shiitake mushrooms in the cup taste delicious, we hope you enjoy this one of a kind udon.’ ...see full post

#3178: Acecook Kelp Broth Shio Ramen – Japan

#3178: Acecook Kelp Broth Shio 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 – ‘This Daikichi series cup noodle is common in Hokkaido. Daikichi means “excellent luck” in Japanese. Why don’t you wish for some good luck in the new year by eating Daikichi cup noodle? Chicken based salty soup with kelp broth and other ingredients such as flower-shaped toasted gluten cakes and fluffy eggs will bring you luck!’ ...see full post

#3168: New Touch Chashu 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 -“Chashu (roast pork slices) makes ramen special, and this bowl of ramen is super-special because it contains three slices of it! The simple and light shoyu soup has a mingled flavor of pork, chicken and stir-fried vegetables. Add a boiled egg and make it beyond special!” ...see full post

#3163: Mom’s Dry Noodle Spicy Hot Pot Noodle – Taiwan

#3163: Mom's Dry Noodle Spicy Hot Pot Noodle - Taiwan

Here’s a fancy new one from Taiwan! Lots of brands with boxed versions these days. You might see my logo on this one – Mom’s Dry Noodle has been on the top ten Taiwan as well as my annual top ten for the last two years! I will say I haven’t tried this one until today though, but given their track record, I’ll bet it’s good stuff! Let’s find out! ...see full post

#3155: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Slow Roast Beef Flavor – United States

#3155: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Slow Roast Beef Flavor - United States

Okay so this one is interesting to me. First, I thought the name Cup Noodles was a Nissin thing? But then I thought Jinmailang was owned by Nissin, but then not anymore? I should note Jinmailang is most definitely a Chinese company, but it’s pretty obvious from the labeling that this is specifically for the United States.  Interesting. Also, the nutrition facts seem a little interesting to me. It’s a pretty big cup – is everything actually doubled in reality? Unsure. Either way, I found this at Fred Meyer, a chain of grocery stores in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho. Was surprised to see this brand there! Anyways, I’ve found a couple varieties there recently I’ve not seen elsewhere. Curious. Let’s check this one out! ...see full post

#3108: Culley’s World’s Hottest Ramen Noodles – New Zealand

#3108: Culley's World's Hottest Ramen Noodles - New Zealand

I got an email from Mr. Cullen a few weeks ago asking if I would be interested in trying his new spicy product. I definitely was – but what really piqued my interest what that this was coming from a company in New Zealand. I haven’t reviews many products from New Zealand and this being one with such a lofty claim really was interesting to me. It contains Carolina Reaper pepper mash. I’ve seen many do the challenge where they eat a raw Carolina Reaper pepper in one bite and then endure the consequences. But I have to say that the spiciest on on my top ten spicy list isn’t a slouch by any means, and I’m extremely curious how this will compare. Let’s do this. ...see full post

#3041: Maruchan QTTA Mexican Tacos Ramen – Japan

#3041: Maruchan QTTA Mexican Tacos 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 – ‘Have you ever tried Mexican Tacos flavored ramen? The toasty flavor of corn expresses the tortillas, and the mildly spicy and sour soup and the ingredients like minced beef and onion make it a bright and vibrant Mexican-Japanese style lunch.’ ...see full post

#3029: Maruchan Yakisoba Meijin Shio – Japan

#3029: Maruchan Yakisoba Meijin Shio - 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 – ‘Pork-and-chicken-based savory flavor is spiced up with black peppers and garlic. Who could resist the tempting smell?! ZSavory yakisoba that will have you coming back for more.’ ...see full post

#3003: Chencun The Flavours Of Yunnan China Acid & Peppery Beef – China

#3003: Chencun The Flavours Of Yunnan China Acid & Peppery Beef - China

Here’s one we found at China World in Richmond, BC. The name definitely didn’t translate all that great. I think acid probably will be closer to something like tangy. I mean, acid and beef? Perhaps it could be referring to a process of cooking beef that uses something acidic? Either way I’m fascinated. Let’s see what happens when we open it and cook it! ...see full post

#2941: A-Sha Dry Noodle Guanmiao Noodle Hakka Sesame Oil Scallion

#2883: A-Sha Dry Noodle Guanmiao Noodle Hakka Sesame Oil Scallion

A-Sha’s US distributor messaged me a little while ago about these new varieties about to hit the US market that are very popular in Taiwan right now. Guanmiao noodles hail from southern Taiwan in the agricultural heartland. Hotter weather and lot of noodles! Let’s crack it open and have a look! ...see full post

#2910: Nissin Top Ramen Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

#2910: Nissin Top Ramen Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

Well would you look at that! Top Ramen. An American original. You might be thinking ‘aww that’s Japanese,’ but this stuff is as American as it gets. The flavor is made to appeal to the local market. What bums me out is when I say ‘an American original’ all I can think about is my favorite political show which is no more. My dad used to watch The McLaughlin Group for years and I finally hit an age after he was gone that I checked it out and got hooked on it. I’d torture poor Andy and make him watch it all the time. But Dr. McLaughlin died a couple years ago, and they ended the series long run. I would be curious how it would have been if he would have stayed alive longer – how the show would be these days. Anyways, I’ve gone way off track. So soy sauce is known as Shoyu in Japan. This is a kind of Shoyu ramen. Let’s check i tout! ...see full post

#2905: Sapporo Ichiban CupStar Hokkaido Potato Miso Ramen

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 – ‘thanks to its fertile land, Hokkaido produces a wide variety of foods, and this ramen includes potato that grew in the rich land. The soup is seasoned with Red Miso, which has a strong taste and dark red color. You’ll be surprised to find how potato tastes in a great miso soup.’ ...see full post

#2896: myramen Japanese Vegan Noodle & Soup Soy Sauce

I haven’t seen my friend Matthew Bellah in quite a while and he’s stopping by today to hang out. So he’s a writer (you can read some of his stuff at www.matthewbellah.com) and also an odd sort as far as food goes. He’s a vegetarian, however I’ve known him to enjoy bacon and Jack In The Box tacos regularly. Anyways, I thought this myramen would be a good one to let him try. ...see full post

#2877: Super Cup Instant Noodle Seafood Flavour

#2877: Super Cup Instant Noodle Seafood Flavour

Found this one at the Hi-Life store at the Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei, Taiwan. Notice on the image it says ‘improved taste’. Making this claim always gives me a bit of a laugh. You could also call it ‘different taste,’ right? Was it too watery before so the amount of liquid added recommendation changed? more of one ingredient? Less of another? Well, we shall never know because all it says is ‘improved taste.’ Also – improved for whom? Person on the left likes it, person on the right wishes it were like it used to be. Anyways, there’s no person A or B here – there’s just me and my tongue. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#2827: Myojo Ippei-chan Yomise-No Yakisoba Aurora Sauce Flavor

#2827: Myojo Ippei-chan Yomise-No Yakisoba Aurora Sauce Flavor zenpop zenpop.jp

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 – ‘Yakisoba noodles seasoned with Aurora (French for sunrise) sauce. The pinkish sauce with the fancy name is basically a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise, which are both favorite for the Japanese. It’s unique but addictive!’ Sounds interesting – let’s crack it open and have a look! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: Re-Review: Sapporo Ichiban Chicken Flavor Oriental Noodle Soup

Meet The Manufacturer: Re-Review: Sapporo Ichiban Chicken Flavor Oriental Noodle Soup

Time for some chicken! Actually, there are quite a few chicken varieties in this range and they’re about to start showing up in this review series. Today,m we’re going to start off with their chicken instant ramen cup. Sounds like a plan – just so you know, the last time I tried this was way back at review #405! Let’s get to it and give it a try! ...see full post

#2816: Nissin Top Ramen Hot & Spicy Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

picante beef #2816: Nissin Top Ramen Hot & Spicy Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

Hey look – Top Ramen got a facelift! They’ve been changing recipes all over their ranges – getting rid of artificial flavoring and MSG. They’ve also been changing names. This used to be picante beef. To be honest, I haven’t had the first variety in years and it’s nice to be able to have it again fresh. Let’s give it a look! ...see full post

#2721: Yumei Instant Spicy Hot Pot

#2721: Yumei Instant Spicy Hot Pot - China

Alright kiddie, hold onto your butts! So we have something here I had to review the day after I got it; not because it was going to expire but because I was a little wary of storing it. Why’s that? Well, first off I got this up in Canada at Osaka Market at Yaohan Centre in Richmond, BC. I’d just returned from my trip to Taiwan, my jet lag now gone (for the most part). I had some leftover Taiwanese currency and the Kingmark Currency Exchange doesn’t charge for exchanging which is nice. I converted it so I could treat my family to some wheel cake and milk tea at a little Taiwanese shop at the centre. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2655: Alhami Instant Noodle Prawn Flavour

Meet Ther Manufacturer: #2655: Alhami Instant Noodle Prawn Flavour

I really like prawns – especially the big ones. Mantis prawns are really big – had those in Malaysia. The river prawns in Thailand are spectacular and prepared right they’re just as succulent as can be. I don’t know much about prawns in Indonesia. Let’s ask Wikipedia – ...see full post