Category: * Stars 3.1 – 4.0

#5539: Smoko Spicy Beef Noodle Soup – United States

#5539: Smoko Spicy Beef Noodle Soup - United States

Here’s another one from James – thanks! So, Smoko? Hmm – Gemini says…

‘A “Smoko character” is a character from Smoko, an LA-based company that sells cute and whimsical products, such as plush toys and office supplies. The name “Smoko” itself is Australian slang for a short break from work. The company’s characters are based on food, animals, and other adorable concepts, with popular characters including Tayto Potato, Pearl Boba, and Lil B Dumpling’ ...see full post

#5536: Samyang MEP Garlic & Clam Flavor – United States

#5536: Samyang MEP Garlic & Clam Flavor - United States

Okay what is this MEP thing all about? Gemini says “MEP is a new brand of instant ramen by Samyang Foods, standing for Maptaeng (매떵), which is a Korean term that combines “map-da” (spicy) and “taeng-ha-da” (firm, chewy texture).”  Ah okay. – now it’s a little more logical, however I think it could have a little more accessible name… Anyways – garlic and clams. Let’s do this. ...see full post

#5529: Nora Kitchen Pancit Canton Original Flavor – United States

#5529: Nora Kitchen Pancit Canton Original Flavor - United States

Big thanks to Jame from Lakeside, California for sending this one! So this brand is interesting. Mainly in that they make as lot of Filipino varieties, however it says they’re product of the USA. Are they made here? I dunno I guess they must be? Pancit Canton usually is pretty darn good – let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#5514: Vifon Instant Porridge With Shiitake Mushroom – Vietnam

#5514: Vifon Instant Porridge With Shiitake Mushroom - Vietnam

This one comes by way of Jammes of Lakeside, California – thanks again! So, porridge? Instant porridge is very often found on instant noodle aisles in Asian grocery stores. I try to stick to noodles, but when there’s other things adjacent to the might noodle, it bears investigating. With that, let’s give it a try. ...see full post

#5512: Samyang Original Buldak Spicy Ramen – United States

#5512: Samyang Original Buldak Spicy Ramen - United States

Recently, I got an Instagram message from someone interested in this variety. Not to see what I thought of it, but asking if I had a recent scan of the packaging. They make rad little keychains for sale at events and Etsy soon, so I figured I haven’t done this newer packaging version, so why not? I’m in the mood I think, let’s give it a go. ...see full post

#5509: Tian Xiao Hua Spicy Red Oil Thin Potato Noodles – China

#5509: Tian Xiao Hua Spicy Red Oil Thin Potato Noodles - China

There are a lot of these bag style products – especially at Chinese-centric Asian grocery stores here in the US. I think they might get overlooked by my more exploratory community, considering they’re a little more spendy and hey – the price and not knowing the flavors may make one more risk averse insofar as liking them. That being said, you should try them – do it! This is a dry and saucy variety – let’s give it a whirl. ...see full post

#5495: Duojiaochaomifen China Qianfen Xishi Chopped Pepper Fried Rice Noodles Spicy Flavor – China

#5495: Duojiaochaomifen China Qianfen Xishi Chopped Pepper Fried Rice Noodles Spicy Flavor - China

Wow. I didn’t know what I was in for with this one! The noodle has to be boiled for 40 minutes! That’s a long time. The other way is to soak the noodles for 12 hours then only boil for 15 minutes instead. Sheesh! Guess we’ll have to figure that out as far as time goes. It definitely sounds good! Let’s give it a try. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer – #5469: CG Wai Wai Quick Instant Noodles Chicken Pizza – Nepal

Meet The Manufacturer - #5469: CG Wai Wai Quick Instant Noodles Chicken Pizza - Nepal

I must say that one of my favorite fascinating things are pizza flavored instant noodles. I’ve often thought it would be neat to make one that’s like pizza – many have been made, few seem truly like pizza. Usually they include a lot of oregano and basil flavor – which is nice.  Let’s give this one a try! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: – #5464: CG Wai Wai Quick Masala Curry Instant Noodles – Nepal

Meet The Manufacturer: - #5464:Wai Wai Quick Masala Curry Instant Noodles - Nepal

To start things off, we have this masala curry. It sounds really good! I’ve been a big fan of curry all my life, starting when I was very, very young and my mother would make curried chicken livers over rice. I think about that now and am surprised that was something I liked when I was a kid. There are so many different styles of curry in the world – let’s try this one. ...see full post

#5452: Samyang Buldak Spicy Banana Ramen – China

#6611: Samyang Buldak Spicy Banana Ramen - China

A big thanks to The Fat Hipster for sending this my way. Yep – banana. That’s bananas. Well, it works for me – that sounds bizarre and IU like bizarre in a sea of just plain chicken varieties on the market. I expect cries of ‘dude I need to try this – where can I get it?’ Book a flight to China or spend a lot of money is my guess. This one seems to be made in South Korea, however it’s China-exclusive. There will of course be a cooking vid and a mukbang below. Let us delve into bananamonium. ...see full post

#5441: Nissin Cup Noodles Protein Rich & Savory Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5441: Nissin Cup Noodles Protein Rich & Savory Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Another one I found at Safeway which wasn’t there the day before when I found that Hot Pot Fusion one I reviewed this week. I’ve got strong opinions on this one. If it is indeed rich and savory, that’s what should be concentrated on. I don’t see people looking to instant noodle cups for protein; they’re health conscious. Another point on the whole of the big ‘protein push’ is that chicken is gram for gram protein. You sauté up a small piece of chicken breast – it’s ALL protein. I’ve seen a lot of things come and go in the instant noodle world and I hate to say it, but this looks like it’ll be gone possibly before this posts. But hey – it’s a competitive market and companies have to throw a lot of products at the wall to see which ones stick. Good luck – maybe it will, but I have my doubts. ...see full post