Over 5,000 Instant Ramen Noodle Reviews Since 2002
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…
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?’
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.
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.’
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!
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.’
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!
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!’
Alright so here’s one we found up in Canada at China Worlsd in Richmond, BC. That’s a really fascinating store with lots of products I’ve never seen before. But hey if you go there – bring cash if you’re coming from the US – and make sure it’s Canadian cash! Let’s get started.
Here’s a spin on the fire noodle – a cook in bag noodle with rice. Definitely something different, that’s for sure! I mean, it’s one thing to copy something, but this isn’t that – it’s unique and hopefully really good – let’s find out!
Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this Nissin variety –
All I can think about when I see this one is Super Chicken. That in turn makes me think of Ice Cube. Which in turn reminds me of the days when I would ride on my mountain bike throughout the streets of Anacortes with a big boom box on the back blasting music and smoking cigarettes.
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.’
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!’
So here’s the second of the POP varieties I’ve seen. This one however is one I found at HMart up in Richmond, BC. Why’s it called Pot Or Pan? Well, you can make it as a broth version and a dry noodle version. Interesting! Let’s check it out!
Here’s the second of the two initial varieties of the Momosan Ramen range from Sapporo Ichiban. These feature a collaboration with Iron Chef Morimoto , one is a tonkotsu and this is the Tokyo Chicken. Let’s crack into it and give it a try!
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.
This was sent to me by Daniel from Brazil a while back – thanks again! Brazilian varieties fascinate me; the flavors are very unique and so far quite tasty! Let’s check out this light variety.
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.
This one’s very interesting. This is from Taiwan but for the Hong Kong Market. Found it up in Canada at Aberdeen Centre at a little gift shop full of Hello Kitty and other stuffed animals in the back – it’s near the food court.
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.
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?
You probably know tom yum, but what about the moo deng part? Well, it’s pork. That was simple, right? Let’s get into this one by Yum Yum of Thailand!
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 –
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.
Found this one at the HMart at Aberdeen Centre up in Richmond, BC, Canada. This one at this point is a little vexing as I’m having trouble with translation however I’ve asked Facebook folks to help.
Here’s yet another one from France~ I think many are surprised that France would want instant noodles but I mean, they do enjoy food in France, if you didn’t know. Let’s give this new Carbonara variety a peek and see if it’s tasty!
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!’
Here’s one from Wes up in northeastern Canada – thanks again! Looks interesting – let’s give it a go!
Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out.
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 tonkotsu soup meets with piquant mentaiko (spicy cod roe)! The dish uses Kanefuku’s mntaiko, one of the main mentaiko manufacturers in Fukuoka. The smell of sesame oil and roasted sesame will definitely make your stomach anticipate this bowl.’
This is a new one – a smaller Buldak Bokkeummyun! However it packs a big punch. This one’s clocking in at 12,000SHU, the highest heat level to date in the range. This is to celebrate the 7th anniversary of Buldak Bokkeummyun – happy birthday! What’s cool too is that the character Hochi’s birthday is the same as my wife’s! I thought hey – I should put this out on her birthday! Let’s give it a try.
I was looking on Facebook and a friend from Samyang Foods posted something about developing a range specifically for France. Having never reviewed anything for the French marketplace, I thought this would be really great to try. Well, they arrived recently and so today we start with this interesting variety. What is it? Well, most likely it’s the standard buldak bokkeummyun fire noodle in different clothes. But we’ll find out. Let’s have a look!
Found this up in Canada at Osaka Supermarket at Yaohan Centre in Richmond, BC. I must admit that the first time I tried one of Sau Tao’s Tom Yum Kung varieties I was kind of surprised. Tom Yum from Hong Kong? That’s a way for Thailand! But one of my favorites lately has been their straight noodle variety. This one’s a rice vermicelli – sounds interesting. Let’s check it out!
Here’s one that was sent by a Brazilian reader named Daniel – thank you again! I couldn’t figure out a whole lot about this one – I do know that galinha is young hen. Usually tends to be on the oilier side. So let’s give it a try!
This is the second of two A-Sha varieties I got a little while back. I’ve been cranking out three reviews a day lately and chugging through a lot of new stuff. Now that a lot of the varieties are churned through, I can focus on some things in the hamper. See, my hampers are very full. When I get new stuff, they go into the area next to the kitchen. Instead of tripping over boxes, I try to run through them quickly! So here we have a wide noodle from Taiwan. Let’s get started.
Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out.
Here’s one I found up at the Osaka market at Yaohan Centre in Richmond BC, Canada. I found this a few weeks before Christmas and usually like to peruse the interesting specials this store has around that time. They had some really interesting things like sake flavored Kit Kats and other things. Kind of expensive. But I did find this, and it wasn’t too pricy. Let’s hit it!
Here’s the second of the two Luosiking varieties Jack sent – thanks again! Two reviews ago, I tried the soup version. Let’s see what happens when you take the broth out!
So yesterday was my birthday, and one of the best I’ve had yet. This one was a little different; usually I’m all about going out somewhere to eat or partying up. I had a couple goals for my birthday. One was to do a mukbang of this one and publish it yesterday – which I was able to do.
