Category: * Stars 3.1 – 4.0

#3257: Samyang Foods Buldak Hot Chicken Flavor Topokki – South Korea

#3257: Samyang Foods Buldak Hot Chicken Flavor Topokki - South Korea

Okay, alright. It’s another Buldak spicy thing and this time its not topokki and ramen, it’s just topokki. What’s exciting about this is that this is the export version. I’m usually not happy about getting export versions; I want the local versions; te ones that people in their respective countries find at the store. But what’s cool is that this is now available in the United States – and I’ve seen it here recently. This is original Buldak Bokkeummyun flavor – there’s also a Carbo version as well. For those of you who are asking ‘what’s a topokki?!’ here’s a little info from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#3245: Myojo Umakara Spicy Miso Yakisoba – Japan

#3245: Myojo Umakara Spicy Miso 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 – ‘This yakisoba just debuted from Myojo as their first umakara miso flavor. Umakara is a word mixture of umai (delicious) and karai (spicy). Kogashi ninniku means roasted garlic, so this yakisoba offers you irresistible tastes of kogashi  ninniku with umakara miso flavor to fill your appetite! The kara miso paste (orange packet) add it as you like, you can maybe start adding little by little to see your preference of spiciness.” ...see full post

#3244: Yamachan Ramen Z Miso Flavor Ramen – United States

#3244: Yamachan Ramen Z Miso Flavor Ramen - United States

So when Yamachan contacted me about a gluten free ramen, I was interested. Really? How does that work? Well, only one way to find out! One thing is these are konyak noodles. I’ve had thick gauge konyak and really disliked it. I have to admit though seeing the gauge of these I’ve got hope. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3240: Tseng Noodles Spicy Dolar – Taiwan

#3147: Tseng Noodles Spicy Dolar - Taiwan

Recently, I heard about a variety from Tseng that I guess has been around for a little while but I’d never heard of it. A lot of confusion for me about this one. The biggest issue is the variety itself – what the heck is spicy dolar anyway? Nothing I could find on Wikipedia or elsewhere. But dolar must be a pretty common concept because there’s a restaurant in Canada I saw in Richmond that mentions it – something like Dolar Hotpot or something. Well, let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3235: Myojo Scrambled Egg Udon – Japan

Myojo Scrambled Egg 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 -“Thick and soft udon noodles topped with soft scrambled egg and deep-fried tofu. The simple dashi soup has a flavor of fish. You might want the mild sweetness to complete the ramen touring around Japan.’ ...see full post

#3226: Hite Ramen Cup Noodle Soup – Russia

#3226: Hite Ramen Cup Noodle Soup - Russia

When I used to drink (and I was very good at it, mind you), I would often try beers from different countries. One I remember from South Korea was Hite beer. It’s pretty good stuff – they had them in cans and bottles and then in these huge plastic jugs which I would get from time to time. This one’s a private label variety from Samyang Foods that came in a recent box from them. Very curious about this one – let’s give it a looksie… ...see full post

#3225: Nissin Cup Noodles Singapore Laksa – Japan

#3225L Nissin Cup Noodles Singapore Laksa - 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 – ‘Laksa, a spicy noodle soup dish of Singapore, joins Zenpop Ramen this month to try and win the Zenpop Ramen Cup. The creamy coconut flavor is spiced up with chili and coriander. How do you like this iconic Asian taste?’ ...see full post

#3224: Rooster Chili Chicken Flavour Noodle Soup – Canada

#3124: Rooster Chili Chicken Flavour Noodle Soup - Canada

Another one from the Real Canadian SuperStore! Man, I just ran my knee into a metal bar that supports my desk. That really hurt. I’ve been doing a lot of walking yesterday – on my birthday last week I did 18,000+ steps – yesterday I did over 15,000. I’m knee deep into trying to walk as much as possible. I think by the time this post comes out I’ll have lost a lot more weight. I started in November, 2018. I was wearing size 48 pants – yeah… It’s March and I’m down to 42, so we shall see where I’m at then… Been trying to stick around 1,200 calories a day too… I’m going to bake some chicken to go with this one. I like chicken. Let’s look at this one. ...see full post

#3223: New Touch Natsukashi Shoyu 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 – ‘Chicken based shoyu ramen – the kind that makes you cherish your memory eating your first shoyu ramen. (natsukoshi roughly means nostalgic). This is like the ramen you see being waten at yatai food stalls set up on streets by characters in some anime. Chopped chashu (roast pork) goes well with this simple, most enjoyed ramen.’ ...see full post

#3222: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Vegetable Flavor – United States

#3222: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Vegetable 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. Not a complaint by any means – nice to see more diversity at domestic grocery stores. Curious what vegetable this one will taste like – broccoli? Peas? Bell peppers? Let’s find out! ...see full post

#3220: New Touch Negi Shoyu Ramen – Japan

#3220: New Touch Negi Shoyu 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 ramen was first released by New Touch in 1985: It has stuck around so long because it is a delicious twist on the classic shoyu ramen. With extra negi (green onion) and just a touch of spicy (“pirikara in Japanese) this is a simple yet satisfying bowl of noodles.’ ...see full post

#3214: Lau Liu Tou Beef Flavor Spicy Soup – China

#3214: Lau Liu Tou Beef Flavor Spicy Soup - China

Another one from my trips to Chin World up in Richmond, BC. Remember kids, if you’re coming from the states, bring your Canadian cash because they’re not going to take your cards or exchange your greenbacks for ya! Really interested in how this one’s going to be – last one I tried wasn’t too shabby from this brand so let’s take a look! ...see full post

#3208: Myojo Bari-Kata Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#3208: Myojo Bari-Kata Tonkotsu 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 – ‘Hard, thin, straight noodle fits excellently with thick and rich tonkotsu soup. In Japanese ramen shops, we can choose the hardness of the ramen noodles! Cook this for only one minute to experience the ‘barikata’ noodles!’ ...see full post

#3199: New Touch Sauce Yakisoba – Japan

#3199: New Touch Sauce 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 – ‘If you want to enjoy festive food stalls of yakisoba, you can go to Asakusa or have Asakusa come to you! The fresh sizzling flavor of worcester sauce will whet your appetite and get your taste buds excited. The furikake seasoning contains nori seaweed and tempura pearls.’ ...see full post

#3193: Maruchan Seimen Curry Udon – Japan

#3193: Maruchan Seimen Curry Udon - Japan

Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this variety – ‘The curry udon version of Maruchan’s popular noodle series!
Enjoy the natural texture and raw flavors of noodles that have gone through the “raw noodle manufacturing method” to ensure they’re as tasty and delicious and possible! The curry is flavorful and has an added sweetness from onion and pork seasonings, and the smooth, rich noodles only help to bring it all together!’ ...see full post

#3187: Big Bon Spice Mix Piquant – Russia

#3187: Big Bon Spice Mix Piquant - Russia

Well, there’s such a stigma these days about Russia here in the United States. Politics and world events aside though, there’s a thriving instant noodle industry there which fascinates me. I’d love to get the chance to do a Meet The Manufacturer with this company for example. I know they have tray varieties with real meat in retort pouches. This piques my curiosity in the extreme. ...see full post

#3184: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Pork Flavor – United States

#3184: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Pork Flavor - United States

I thought hey I’ve got this other one – I should review it too. So here we are. It’s funny how there are two crowds; one that likes this brand and one that likes the other economy class instant here in the United States. They’ve both got their strengths, and the one with Maruchan I would say is the variety of flavors in their Ramen Noodle Soup range. There’s a ton of them – many of which are kind of hard to find. This is one I haven’t seen often. I think the first time I had this was back in early 2010 – yep that link is good old review #66. Looks like I re-reviewed it the next year. ...see full post

#3182: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Roast Beef Flavor – United States

#3182: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Roast Beef Flavor - United States

I’ve reviewed this in the past, but this one has new packaging and so gets a new number. I dunno – could have a new recipe too. Many companies are making subtle below the radar changes on their domestic product lines including lowering sodium. It’s kind of funny; people complain about the amount of sodium in instant noodles, but when presented a lower sodium product that exclaims the feature, they’ll shy away with thoughts of blandness. It just goes to show people are kind of conflicted. Okay, not kind of. ...see full post

#3181: Nissin Yakisoba Instant Pancit Savory Beef Flavor – Philippines

#3181: Nissin Yakisoba Instant Pancit Savory Beef Flavor - Philippines

This one was found up in Richmond, BC at the SuperStore. What’s funny about this one? Well, it shows chopsticks on the cup and has a fork inside. I’ve been given a ration of insults and criticism for using a fork. I really don’t understand why; I mean, here’s an Asian variety with a fork. I think it’s common for Westerners to immediately go to ‘Asian people use chopsticks and if you use them wrong you suck’ kind of thing. My logic is that if I’m in Asia, I’ll use a pair of chopsticks. In Thailamd they use a fork to push food onto a spoon and then eat it, so I did that while there. It really doesn’t matter what tool you decide to use, it’s about eating a meal, right? ...see full post

#3174: TIEasy Sesame Sauce Handmade Noodle – Taiwan

#3174: TIEasy Sesame Sauce Handmade Noodle - Taiwan

I got an email asking if I’d like to try a new noodle and of course I said yes. Turns out the fellow who wants to distribute it is up in Vancouver, BC. So I emailed him while we were up there and we met up at Foodyworld in Richmond. He gave me this and another variety as well as a pack with different kinds of noodles that contain vegetable – like a purple yam noodle, pumpkin noodle, etc. This was really cool – we chatted for a few and two days later, I’m giving these noodles a try. Let’s check them out! By the way TIEasy is short for Take It Easy. ...see full post

#3169: Myojo Mapo Men – Japan

#3169: Myojo Mapo Men - 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 – ‘Mapo Tofu is one of the most popular Chinese dishes you can eat in Japan. Chungking Chinese Szechwan Restaurant located in Yokohama’s Chinatown serves authentic Mapo Tofu with Szechwan pepper. Myojo has succeeded in reproducing the taste of that Mapo Tofu with their original techniques. Enjoy the hot and sharp taste of Mapo Tofu Ramen!’ ...see full post