Category: * Stars 3.1 – 4.0

#1709: Asia Gold Instant Noodles With Shrimp Flavouring

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Here’s a neat one. During my trip to Thai President Foods’ Agent Meeting in Bangkok last month, I went to a seminar for a large group of European distributors. There were a couple guys who were there that I met from the Thai President Foods Hungary factory, and I was able to obtain samples of many of the products that are manufactured there, this being one of them. I noticed that on the label, an Austrian company is distributing this one. Anyways, this will be my first instant noodle review I’ve ever done of a product manufactured in Hungary! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#1708: The Kitchen Food Sibu Instant Kampua Original

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Recently, I got sent a couple different varieties from Eric at The Kitchen Food – the kampua above and a dark soy version. Kampua is very popular in Sarawak – sounds like a nice lunch today. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#1707: Azami Hot And Spicy Flavour Noodle Soup

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Here’s one I got from Justin M. from Winfield, BC up north of here in Canada! Thanks! Let’s see here: the instant noodle was invented in Japan. This one is sold in Canada under the name Azami and sold by Loblaw’s, a supermarket chain. It’s manufactured in China. I’ve been hoping one of these Azami varieties would really blow me away; hot and spicy is a flavor profile I generally like a lot – let’s see how it fares! ...see full post

#1704: Baixiang Noodles Sour & Spicy Flavour

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There have been quite a few of these Baixiang varieties. Well, this looks to be the last one I have – I’m sure I’ll find more. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#1703: 7 Select Super Tom Yum Shrimp

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Here’s one of the ones I picked up on my recent trip to Thailand at 7-11. It’s made by Nissin, and has Nissin logos on it, but it’s like a private label for 7-11; kind of different. Anyways, tom yum sounds good – let’s see what dwells within! ...see full post

#1700: A-Sha Dry Noodle Hakka Flat Noodle With Za Jiang Sauce

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Wow – number 1,700! Only 300 more to try until I hit the big 2000. Today, it’s a variety from A-Sha Dry Noodle of Taiwan. These are ‘Hakka’ noodles. Here’s a little info on the Hakka from Wikipedia: ...see full post

#1699: Vit’s Mi Goreng Pedas Chewy & Springy

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Mi Goreng means fried noodles and Pedas means spicy – how can ya beat that? This is one that I picked up at the Econsave on last year’s trip to Penang, Malaysia. I gotta say – it’s weird to say that. I never thought I’d end up making it to Asia; now having been to both Malaysia and Thailand, it’s like I’ve got a different perspective of the world. So many of the people I met over there had visited the United States, either for work or schooling. How many folks do I know from here that have gone the opposite direction though? Definitely a lower ratio at least in my experience. It is quite expensive and I’ve been lucky that companies have said ‘hey! come visit us!’ Instant noodles – who would’ve thought. Anyways, I’ve been a big fan of Mi Goreng for quite a while. It’s combination of sweet and spicy flavors has always been so nice. This one promises to a bit further on the end of the spicy stick – hoping so! Spicy is always nice. Let’s check out this mi goreng by Vit’s of Malaysia! ...see full post

#1698: Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken Tortilla Flavor Ramen Noodles With Vegetables

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In the last two weeks, I’ve been reviewing varieties from far away – but today it’s time to have one from here in the United States! This is Maruchan’s new variety – chicken tortilla! Got an email from a friend at Maruchan telling me they had a new Instant Lunch variety that they’d like to send me. So, here it is! Sounds like an interesting one – let’s have a look! ...see full post

#1692: MAMA Oriental Style Instant Noodles Chicken Flavour

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During my trip, I found out that Thai President Foods makes their instant noodles in many places around the world. This is a variety that’s manufactured in Bangladesh, a place where I’ve never reviewed an instant from before. During the time before the first seminar in Bangkok, there were tables set up with lots of different varieties from all over the world – they were kind enough to send me samples!  I got to meet the manager for Thai Foods in Bangladesh, Mr. Yatra on the trip. What was really neat is that he spent some time in Seattle – just a few miles from where I currently live. He told me to go check out Tai Tung on King St in the city – it’s been years since I’ve been there but going to have to do it again. It’s pretty amazing to go overseas and meet someone who has restaurant recommendations in your own backyard! Let’s check out this chicken flavor instant from Bangladesh! ...see full post

#1691: MAMA Instant Cup Noodles Minced Pork Flavour

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I got this one during my trip to Thailand. I was absolutely stoked to find out there was a 7-11 right next to the Chatrium hotel in Bangkok! To many, this will be a ‘so what?’ but to me, visiting Asian 7-11 stores have been something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1690: Wugudaochang Sour Bamboo Shoot & Beef In Hot Pot Flavor Noodles

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Today we wind up the Wugudaochang Meet The Manufacturer. It’s really been great to try these new flavors and varieties from China in the last few days! I think I have learned a little more about the flavor profiles that are popular in Chinese cooking these days; usually the varieties I get that are from China are for export of course, while these have been varieties only sold and available within China. The flavors have been strong, vibrant and really quite good. I should also say that the quality of these products has been top-notch. A lot has been said of the quality of food coming from China and question of it’s quality. I would say this: China is a big country with many producers – sometimes, things will happen that bring negative attention. They certainly happen here in the United States from time to time don’t they? I don’t think it a reason to stay away from Chinese products – I certainly won’t!  Let’s have a fond farewell look at this bamboo shoot and hot pot flavor bowl! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1688: Wugudaochang Sea Tangle & Spareribs Flavor Noodles

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Now, we again return to the tangle of the sea. This is the package version of the first variety I tried on this Meet The Manufacturer. Is there a difference? Let’s see! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1687: Wugudaochang Chef’s Grains Millet Noodle

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Here’s a different one – a box with 5 different varieties! Check it out –

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Meet The Manufacturer: #1686: Wugudaochang Chef’s Grains Buckwheat Noodle

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Here’s a different one – a box with 5 different varieties! Check it out –

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Meet The Manufacturer: #1685: Wugudaochang Chef’s Grains Pea Noodle

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Here’s a different one – a box with 5 different varieties! Check it out –

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Meet The Manufacturer: #1682: Wugudaochang Sour Bamboo Shoot & Beef In Hot Pot Flavor Noodles

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I’ve had beef hot pot before and really liked it quite a bit. Hot pot a lot of the time consists of a pot and a little gas burner. In the pot is broth and vegetables – you add meat or fish that cooks in the pot quickly and lends the fat to the broth, making it a bit more hearty. Very curious how this translates in this instant variety. Let’s check out another variety by Wugudaochang! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #1681: Wugudaochang Sea Tangle & Spareribs Flavor Noodles

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If you’re unsure of what sea tangle is, maybe you’ve heard of kelp. It’s like thick seaweed. When I was a kid, I’d go down to the shoreline and when the tide was out, you’d see these long whip like greenish things every once in a while – big bulbs on the end and long flat leafy looking things. We used to step on the bulbs at the end which were hollow and they’d pop! It was good fun – never thought part of these things would be something I’d look forward to in a noodle dish! Let’s check out this one from Wugudaochang to start off their Meet The Manufacturer! ...see full post

#1679: Ten-In Veggie World Vegetarian Braised Beef Instant Noodles

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Here’s one I got from the folks at Exotic Noods. It’s one big bowl, that’s for sure – and heavy, too! Let’s see what’s inside. ...see full post

Re-Review: Tat Hui Mi Hai Cua 2 Crab Flavour Oriental Style Instant Noodles

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I remember the first time I saw this one – it looks so exotic! So fascinating! So ‘what is it?’ The tiny crabs shown on the package were enticing. They reminded me of the ones I’d find as a kid on the beach in Anacortes – you’d flip over a rock and watch them scurry all over the place. I reviewed this one way back – before #500. Let’s give it another look as it’s been calling to me in the noodle aisle for another try. ...see full post

#1674: emart Dare You! Habanero Ramen (New Packaging)

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This was sent to me by Anders E. from South Korea – thank you very much! For some time new, eMart’s Dare You! Habanero Ramen has topped The Ramen Rater’s Spiciest Instant Noodle Of All Time lists. There’s a really good reason for this too – it’s violently hot. Heat is measure in SHU – Scoville Heat Units. Here’s what wikipedia has to say about the Scoville test: ...see full post

#1672: Azami Chili Seafood Flavour Noodle Soup

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Here’s another one that was sent to me by Justin M. from Winfield, BC up north of here in Canada! I haven’t been a big fan of these Canadian instants thus far, but I keep trying them in hopes one will be really good. Chilli Seafood definitely has a nice ring to it – let’s see if it lives up to its name. Let’s go! ...see full post

#1670: Tropicana Slim Less Fat Noodles Grilled Chicken

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So I get this email asking me my thoughts on a particular instant noodle from Indonesia from this guy named Seth. I’ve tried another variety, but not this one. There’s a little dispute at his house whether it’s good or not and he wanted me to review it and get my opinion on it. So he sent me some, all the way from Indonesia. The package had some bumps along the way (mainly because I made a typo in my address) but it did get here, and so here I am, about to review this variety for the health conscious. It’s an interesting concept – low fat noodles and all. Grilled chicken does sound good as well – but let’s let the noodles speak for themselves. Let’s check out Tropicana Slim Grilled Chicken! ...see full post

#1668: MAMA Cup Rice Vermicelli Clear Soup

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I’ve often wondered about this one. I’ve seen chand clear soup as well and not exactly able to find anything online about it. I did see what to add to it, but if anyone has any info of the origin of clear soup, please let me know. This is made in Thailand by President Rice Products, one of the factories I’ll be visiting on my upcoming Thailand trip!Let’s have a look at this one. ...see full post

Re-Review: Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles & Chicken Flavored Soup

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I’ve been asked by quite a few people in the last few months to re-review this one. It sounds like a lot of you really enjoy this one!  One thing to note is that I’ve also been asked repeatedly about instant varieties that are vegetarian. Most instant noodles made in the USA will contain meat and/or seafood. Why? Well, it’s pretty hard to import chicken and beef into the United States. Standards for agricultural products are pretty strict, so the logic here is that if a foreign company builds a plant here, they don’t have to deal with these restrictions since they’re in the country, using US meat products in what they produce. Knowing this, if you stroll down the aisle of an Asian grocery store, you’ll see quite a few chicken, beef and other flavors which usually are imported and do not contain any beef, chicken or pork. So just a little tip from me – look and see where it’s made on the pack – it might have fish, but should be meat free. These noodles are made in Garden Grove, California. Southern California is the spot where most instant noodle companies that open up plants congregate – easy access to big seaports and centralized distribution has a lot (if not everything) to do with this. Anyways, let’s check out this much requested re-review of Sapporo Ichiban chicken noodles! ...see full post

#1663: Vina Acecook King Chef Authentic Kimchi Flavour

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Here’s one from Vietnam. Vietnamese instants usually tend to be pho flavors for the most part, but a lot of them are Thai or in this case, South Korean styled. Let’s see why this one’s leaning South Korean, other than the flavor. ...see full post

#1661: Chencun Senior Food Rice Noodle Fragrant Peppery Beef

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Here’s one from low in the hamper that needs reviewing! I’m woindering if perhaps ‘senior’ isn’t the correct word in this one; the title as it is sounds like something for older folks. Perhaps they’re going for something more along the lines of ‘classic?’ I don’t know, but it’s time to review this one – let get to it! ...see full post

#1656: MAMA JokCup Instant Porridge Soup Seafood Flavour

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I’ve been whiling my time looking up and down aisles of instant noodles for a very long time. When I find out about a new Asian market nearby, I am exceedingly enthused about perusing their noodle varieties. But sometimes I’ll find something a little different. This is a rice porridge. It’s not a wheat noodle, rice noodle or thread. I like to review these every once in a while because I’m sure many of you have seen them and not known exactly what they’re all about. Let’s have a look at this MAMA JokCup and see what’s inside! ...see full post

#1651: Ruski Chicken Flavour Instant Noodles

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You might have noticed that I haven’t reviewed a lot of chicken flavor varieties recently. The main reason for this is that Io haven’t had any chicken to go with my noodles – I usually cook some in the over and slice it up nicely and then I’ve got it for a couple reviews. Well, I’ve been lazy – a bag thing. So let’s check out this chicken instant from Ruski – laziness ends here! ...see full post

#1646: New Way Spaghetti Instant Noodles

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Here’s one I got this year up in Canada on my birthday! My wife spied this one on a lower shelf . She’s got a knack of finding ones that I don’t notice which is really quite handy! It’s also interesting how many spaghetti varieties come from Vietnam! Anyways, let’s check out this New Way variety. ...see full post

#1645: Lucky Me! Supreme Jjamppong Korean Style Spicy Seafood Soup

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I recently reviewed a South Korean Jjajang instant noodle. Well, here’s another double J named instant noodle! Jjamppong! So, what’s jjamppong? Wikipedia has this to say: ...see full post

#1643: emart Dare You! Habanero Jjajang Ramen

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This was sent to me by Anders E. from South Korea – thank you very much! I was aware of the regular habanero ramen – the one that’s been #1 on my spicy list for a while now. But this one – jjajang ramen – it sounds pretty dang spicy. Especially if it’s anything like the other Dare You! ramen. For those of you not familiar with jjajang, here’s what wikipedia has to say about it: ...see full post

#1639: Pama Bihun Creamy Tom Yam Flavour

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Bihun (or beehoon) is basically rice vermicelli. Pama is a brand by President Rice Products of Thailnd and looks to be for sale in Malaysia. Make sense? Okay now on to the flavor: tom yam. Tom yam (or tom yum) is a very standard Thai variety – spicy, lemon/citrus, spicy, and usually shrimp. I was told that the creamy isn’t from dairy but from the boiling of shrimp! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#1636: Shan Shoop Instant Noodles Masala Flavour

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Been curious about this masala from Shan for a while. Shan makes a lot of different seasonings as well as the Shoop line of instant noodles. I remember when I first found it and that it was made in Pakistan – I was really excited. Why? Well, I’d only reviewed one instant noodle from Pakistan before, and strangely enough, it was pizza flavored! Anyways, Let’s check out this masala flavour Shan Shoop. ...see full post

#1634: Samyang Foods Shoyu Noodle

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As I’ve said before, some companies will make products for different markets. Shoyu isn’t really a variety you’d generally see in South Korea, however Samyang Foods is making this one for the Japanese market. Shoyu is a very common variety of ramen in Japan – here’s a little about it from wikipedia: ...see full post

#1633: A-One Mì Ly Instant Noodles Mì Bò Beef Flavor

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Last year, my son Andy noticed a ton of these A-One cups at a local Asian grocery. “Do you have these, Papa?” he asked me – and no, I didn’t! So that was a great score thanks to my boy! Let’s check out this Vietnamese variety from A-One. ...see full post

#1631: Nissin Donbei Tempura Soba Mini

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It might be hard to tell from this image, but this is a very small bowl from Nissin’s Donbei line. I’d say it’s about 1/3 the size of a normal bowl. Kinda cool – a mini bowl! Let’s have a look. ...see full post

#1629: Hao Way Penang Laksa Instant Bowl Noodles

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Hao Way has made corresponding bowl version of their whole line of products. I reviewed the Laksa pack version a while back and now it’s time for the Laksa bowl! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#1622: Nongshim Quick2 Hot & Spicy Noodle Soup With Habanero & Lime

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Quick2 is a new one from Nongshim America. The 2 has to do with the cooking time of two minutes. I find this one interesting; kind of a departure from their more premium lines and if you notice the color and lines, it more resembles a pack version of a Nongshim Bowl Noodle in graphic design. Let’s have a look at Nongshim Quick2 and see what’s inside! ...see full post

#1620: Premiere Gold Penang Asam Laksa Bihun

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Another new Malaysian variety! It seems like the Malaysian instant scene has really caught fire these days – and no complaints from me! This is asam laksa – asam means tamarind, so it has a sour taste to it. Couples with seafood flavors, Bihun is also known as rice vermicelli! Let’s have a look at this Premiere Gold Penang Asam Laksa! ...see full post

#1619: Nissin Chu Qian Yi Ding Tom Yum Flavor Instant Noodles With Soup Base

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Yet another variety got during our trip to Malaysia last year! Got it at the Econsave in Chain Ferry, Butterworth which Thomas from MyKuali! Thanks again! Let’s have a look at this interesting Singaporean variant. ...see full post