Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0

#4586: Kung Fu Noodles Premium Goose Oil With Crispy Shallot Flakes – Taiwan

#4586: Kung Fu Noodles Premium Goose Oil With Crispy Shallot Flakes - Taiwan

Here’s another one of Kung Fu Noodles’ tasty varieties – and it’s got the goose oil! It’s rich and tasty – let’s give it another go – now with a new sticker! ...see full post

#4583: Indomie Mi Goreng Rasa Cabe Ijo – Indonesia

#4583: Indomie Mi Goreng Rasa Cabe Ijo - Indonesia

Another one that came by way of Pher Engi – thanks again! This one came out with a big promotion a few years back. What’s funny too is that I had this ten years ago. How do I know? Look at the pack here! So, what’s cabe ijo? Translates to green chili – and what’s neat it that the noodle ends up greenish from the sauce. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#4581: Indomie Hype Abis Mi Goreng Rasa Ayam Geprek – Indonesia

#4581: Indomie Hype Abis Mi Goreng Rasa Ayam Geprek - Indonesia

Again, thanks to Pher Engi for sending this, among many other neat Indonesian varieties. This is a newer variety – and I’m sure you’re wondering what ayam geprek is – I certainly was. From the looks of things, ayam (chicken) and geprek (crushed) is basically breaded and fried chicken. Kind of like chicken strips. I found a recipe for it, but it’s looking like it might just be easier to buy a chicken strip from the local deli counter already prepared. Kind of a busy day so that might be the route I take but I’m unsure.  Let’s give this a try. ...see full post

#4578: Mi BonCabe Rasa Mie Goreng Level 15 Spicy – Indonesia

#4578: Mi BonCabe Rasa Mie Goreng Level 15 Spicy - Indonesia

BonCabe (bone-chabay) is an Indonesia spice mix which packs serious heat. This one’s heat level 15 – curious how ho it’s going to be! Thanks again to Pher Engi for sending this! Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#4572: Mamee Chef Mi Goreng Perisa Rendang Legenda – Malaysia

Mamee Chef Mi Goreng Perisa Rendang Legenda - Malaysia

Well, I had the pack version the other day and it was fantastic. I’m really looking forward to this one too – curious how the noodle will hydrate in this one. Let’s find out! ...see full post

#4571: Kung Fu Noodles Premium Black Sesame Oil With Mashed Ginger – Taiwan

#4571: Kung Fu Noodles Premium Black Sesame Oil With Mashed Ginger - Taiwan

Well, they have this sticker with a guy on it, so I figure I’ll do this one again. I tried it last, deep in the heart of the pandemic. Mashed ginger – that sounds interesting – don’t remember how I felt about this one, so once I’m done with the review I’ll go have a look. Let’s try it! ...see full post

#4569: Daebak Spicy Mushroom Ramyeon – Malaysia

#4569: Daebak Spicy Muschrrom Ramyeon - Malaysia

Alright – from the start here I’ll say it – I’m not a big mushroom fan. Recently, I reviewed one of these Daebak varieties that was seaweed flavor. I’m not particularly fond of seaweed either, but I really liked that one. Let’s see how this goes. ...see full post

#4568: Itsuki Kumamoto Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#4568: Itsuki Kumamoto Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles! ...see full post

#4566: Nissin BIG Cup Noodles Tom Yam Seafood Flavour – Singapore

#4566: Nissin BIG Cup Noodles Tom Yam Seafood Flavour - Singapore

Well, shoot. We come to the end of the BIG Cup Noodles from Singapore with this one, which saddens me. They were a lot of fun, but I wager they may have saved the best for last. They mentioned this one is very popular. I love tom yam – nice and spicy, seafoody, and full of lemongrass flavor. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4565: Dajia Jiaxu Stirred Noodles – Taiwan

This is one that was sent to me by Daniel over at Exotic Noods – thanks! I really like this one and I haven’t tried it yet. Why? I’ve never had anything by this brand. It’s made in Taichung – a place I visited in 2016 – and I visited a slew of noodle factories there. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4564: Red Chef Spicy Sakura Prawn Soup – Malaysia

#4564: Red Chef Spicy Sakura Prawn Soup - Malaysia

It’s been a while since I sampled this since the last time, so I figured it was a great time to give it another try. This is one of my absolutely favorite varieties around. Two different types of noodles and a very strong prawn broth. Oh yeah and crispy onions! Let’s delve! ...see full post

#4563: Kung Fu Noodle Aged Shaoxing Wine With Chicken Drumstick Soup Noodle – Taiwan

#4563: Kung Fu Noodle Aged Shaoxing Wine With Chicken Drumstick Soup Noodle - Taiwan

What we have here is a super premium box. It’s pretty special and we don’t really see this much in the United States, if at all. The product comes with the soup ready to go – it’s a huge retort pouch. Then, the noodle is a dry noodle in a bag. That’s it – and the varieties like this I’ve reviewed in the past have been really quite amazing. This one sounds really quite good so let’s go ahead and give it a try! ...see full post

#4560: Ramen Talk Tomato Tonkotsu – China

#4560: Ramen Talk Tomato Tonkotsu - China

Well, here’s the last of the Ramen Talk varieties I’ve gotten – they said they’d send more, which would be great! All have been quite exceptional. This one’s a tomato tonkotsu – I’m very curious – let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#4558: Mamee Chef Mi Goreng Perisa Rendang Legenda – Malaysia

#4558: Mamee Chef Mi Goreng Perisa Rendang Legenda - Malaysia

Here’s a special new variety from Mamee Chef – RENDANG!!! Rendang is kind of a dry savory beef – very seasoned and very wonderful. This is a dry noodle – let’s check it out – I’m truly enthused! ...see full post

#4556: Red Chef Hae Bee Hiam Non-Fried Rice Vermicelli – Singapore

#4556: Red Chef Hae Bee Hiam Non-Fried Rice Vermicelli - Singapore

This is one I’m really excited about. The wheat noodle version of this is on the global top ten, This one comes with rice vermicelli – and that sounds like a nice pairing. Hae Bee Hiam is like a prawn crisp which is really quite nbice – especially if you like strong prawn flavors! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4555: Ah Lai Penang Favourite Hokkien Prawn Noodle – Malaysia

#4555: Ah Lai Penang Favourite Hokkien Prawn Noodle - Malaysia

First, a big thanks to Scott B. who sent this my way – it arrived a couple days ago and I did the unboxing today and now it’s getting reviewed tomorrow. I’m really stoked! Well, what is it? Hokkien Mee is a strong prawn soup with a great oiliness and noodle. I’ve had it in Penang quite a few times at multiple places – and it’s really great stuff. Go to Penang. You won’t be disappointed. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4552: Nongshim Bowl Noodles Spicy Kimchi Flavor – United States

#4552: Nongshim Bowl Noodles Spicy Kimchi Flavor - United States

This should be pretty easy to be found by just about everyone in the United States. Good ol’ Bowl Noodles. They’ve gone through numerous changes over the years insofar as packaging, and this is the latest I’ve seen. It’s got a plastic wrap around it with the labeling. Thanks guys – makes it more difficult for me to scan when things are shrink-wrapped! ...see full post

#4551: Nissin BIG Cup Noodles Spicy Tonkotsu Flavour – Singapore

#4551: Nissin BIG Cup Noodles Spicy Tonkotsu Flavour - Singapore

This came out of a special media kit box from Sinigapore’s arm Nissin Foods – thank you! They send some pretty cool stuff from over there and this is no exception. It debuted February 2nd of 2023 as well as their BIG Cup Noodles Seafood Flavour as well. Let’s give this one a try! ...see full post

#4550: GS Retail Premium Gonghwachun Instant Noodle With Black Bean Sauce – United States

#4550: GS Retail Premium Gonghwachun Instant Noodle With Black Bean Sauce - United States

This one ame by was of Daniel over at Exotic Noods – thanks again! This one’s a jjajangmyeon style noodle, so it’s got a thick and hearty black bean sauce with it. I’ve seen varieties made for GS Mart (a Korean chain) by Paldo, and everything about this package screams Paldo manufacture. If you look on the back by the barcode, you can see it’s made specifically for Us distribution. Anyways, let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4549: Ramen Talk Tom Yum Goong – China

#4549: Ramen Talk Tom Yum Goong - China

I am a huge fan of tom yum goong. I’m really curious how this one will be – it comes with some surprises as well – like octopus! Let’s checke it out! ...see full post

#4543: Itsuki Kumamoto Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#4543: Itsuki Kumamoto Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles! ...see full post

#4542: Acecook Gyorantei Kansyuu Yokosuka Kaigun Curry Udon – Japan

#4378: Acecook Gyorantei Kansyuu Yokosuka Kaigun Curry Udon - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount! ...see full post

#4540: Mamee Chef Perisa Lontong – Malaysia

#4540: Mamee Chef Perisa Lontong - Malaysia

Well, look here! It’s been a while – actually I reviewed this over 7 years ago, a couple weeks after my son Miles was born. I remember I liked it quite a bit. Since then I tried the Ghost Pepper Lontong that Mamee made and that was violently spicy. This one is significantly less spicy – and I’m really looking forward to trying it again. Brand new packaging as well. ...see full post

#4537: Mamee Chef Perisa Laksa Kari – Malaysia

#4537: Mamee Chef Perisa Laksa Kari - Malaysia

It’s tough. I got a bunch of great new varieties from Mamee Doubledecker and Mamee Shinsegae recently. I’ve loved this one for a very long time and I’m really quite excited to mave it – thank you! It’s tough though as I want to make this look as lovely and perfect as it deserves. Malaysian varieties are among the finest in the world. ...see full post

#4535: Ramen Talk Pepper Crispy Pork Noodles – China

#4535: Ramen Talk Pepper Crispy Pork Noodles - China

Today, I’m trying the second variety of the samples that Ramen Talk sent recently. I should mention that I’ve made an error here. This image above is the back of the package… My mistake… It sounds really quite good – let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4533: Ottogi Jin Jjambbong Spicy Seafood Noodle – South Korea

#4533: Ottogi Jin Jjambbong Spicy Seafood Noodle - South Korea

Back in March of 2017, I reviewed this one for the first time. In November, I ended up going to Taiwan for the second time and it was really quite amazing. The first day there I think, I got to visit a little restaurant called ‘Love Instant Noodles.’ ...see full post

#4532: Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce Flavor Craft Ramen Noodles – United States

#4532: Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

I think this is the last of the varieties that Maruchan sent for the Meet The Manufacturer series. Haven’t had this since it’s initial launch many years ago. These look very much like Maruchan Seimen, a range which is very popular in Japan. So, what’s the different? No pork. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#4531: Shoo Loong Kan Lan Zhou La Mian – China

#4531: Shoo Loong Kan Lan Zhou La Mian - China

Another one found at Asian Family Market on 130th & Aurora . I’ve had Lan Zhou noodles before – and a few Shoo Loong Kan varieties (those were good). During my research on this variety, I’m bombarded by images of lovely beef and coriander aplenty, in really great bowls I wish I had. It makes me really want to go to China; definitely want to try Lan Zhou, the food of Henan, the food of Chongqing… Pretty much every province has their delicacies. Someday I hope. But today, I have this interesting box with a taste of China in it. Let’s give it a try. ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls 2023 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Global Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls 2023 Edition

Been lagging on doing top ten list editing – my apologies. The weather’s been really good for walking, and in May I did over 500 miles. I included a special post at the bottom about it. I also included something of a change from how I’ve been doing things as well involving AI. Anyways, this is the annual The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls – these are my favorite varieties out of review up to #4440 which are in the bowl style. Hope you enjoy! Top Ten Cups and Bottom Ten lists should be coming soon! ...see full post

#4527: Ramen Talk Japanese Style BBQ Pork Tonkotsu Ramen – China

#4527: Ramen Talk Japanese style BBQ Pork Tonkotsu Ramen - China

Behold! I was contacted by a fellow on instagram who follows my reviews and asked if I’d tried these as he has, loved them, but couldn’t source them. I looked around and found ramentalk.us and let him know he could get them there, so he was really happy. I also contacted Ramen Talk to hopefully arrange for some samples. I’m certainly glad I did! These look really quite fascinating – they have a few varieties that I’ll be reviewing in short order as well, but this tonkotsu style sounds great – comes with lots of garnish – including a 7cm slice of chashu. On with the show! ...see full post

#4518: Maruchan Yakisoba Teriyaki Beef Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles – United States

#4518: Maruchan Yakisoba Teiryaki Beef Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles - United States

Eventually, I’ll get through everything I want to do for the Maruchan Meet The Manufacturer series – there’s a lot of them to go through and then unite all together. I’m cobbling everything together slowly. I got this one at the Kenmore, Washington Safeway store – your standard American domestic grocery store. In these stores, there are two areas you will commonly find instant noodles. There’s the soup aisle, and the ethnic foods aisle. These are in the soup aisle. They’ve got a few varieties of trays – some Maruchan, and some by a competitor . I think I’ll have to see what other Maruchan ones they’ve got, but thought this might be a good one for the trays. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4514: Nongshim Bowl Noodles Ramen Noodles With Seasoning Mix Hot & Spicy Flavor – United States

#4514: Nongshim Bowl Noodles Ramen Noodles With Seasoning Mix Hot & Spicy Flavor - United States

New clothes for the classic! Originally, it was a foam bowl with a paper lid in shrinlkwrap. Then, they reformulated for microwave and had a cardboard sleeve. Now, it’s a plastic wrap with the graphics on that. This is classic – ubiquitous with gas stations and little corner shops, many o which are run by Korean Americans. I used to live in a place that had a little grocery/deli mini mart across the way. The fellow there was Korean American and he had these in there, but with a ridiculous markup. I asked him why once. ‘Because that’s my lunch!’ ...see full post

#4513: Urai Bihun Jagung Corn Vermicelli – Indonesia

#4513: Urai Bihun Jagung Corn Vermicelli - Indonesia

Here’s something different – corn vermicelli! I’ve tried a different gauge of this paired with Ciptarasa mi goreng seasoning and it was really quite nice. This time I’ll try doing up a soup with Ciptaras onion chicken flavor. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#4507: MyKuali Penang Black Curry Noodle – Malaysia

This is a review I’m rushing out as kind of a special ‘grand re-opening.’ For the past couple of months I haven’t done more than a small handful of reviews. I’ve been dieting and walking a lot – like over 500 miles in May a lot. With the kids ending their school year today and a couple of months with them at home, I’m back to attempting to do three reviews a day Monday through Friday. I thought I would push this one through because it’s brand new and I know a lot of your will be interested. There’s something else brand new here I’m very excited about which you will be seeing in a while. The finished picture here has a background I created using AI. The ability to make my own backgrounds this was is really something else – I’m stoked. Spent an hour yesterday trying different things – prompts like ‘tranditional Malaysian style wallpaper centered with dark colors’ – things like that. You’ll see them regularly in the fall as even though I’ve taken all this time off, I’m still almost 150 reviews ahead. Yesterday I make a ton of new intros and outros for Instant Noodle Recipe Time, plus a new set of music for the show. So that’s coming up. On with the review! ...see full post

#4506: A-Sha Mandarin Style Noodle With Original Soy Sauce 40% Reduced Sodium – United States

#4506: A-Sha Mandarin Style Noodle With Original Soy Sauce 40% Reduced Sodium - United States

While we’re knee deep in 2023, I reviewed this one on January 4th – and actually it’s the first review I’ve done in 2023. Big thanks to the nice folks at A-Sha for sending this over – they said it’s available at Costco. Let’s give it a shot. ...see full post

#4505: Maruchan GOLD Spicy Miso Ramen – United states

#4505: Maruchan GOLD Spicy Miso Ramen - United states

It’s a couple days after Christmas and one of the last reviews of 2022. Obviously, it’s not coming out in 2022, but that’s when I did this up. I used some things I got for Christmas, including leftovers from dinner – let’s give this one a try – I reviewed it quite a while back but figure it’s due another looksie. ...see full post

#4503: Dara Urai Original x Ciptarasa Mi Goreng – Indonesia

What we have here is a noodle and a seasoning combo – both by the same company. Should be pretty good – in the mood to try. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4502: Quickchow Pancit Canton Toyomansi Flavor – Philippines

#4502: Quickchow Pancit Canton Toyomansi Flavor - Philippines

Toyomansi is a combo of soy sauce and calamansi flavors. Calamansi is a kind of citrus kind of similar to lime. This is great – rarely come across Filipino varieties and they’re some really good ones to try. Found this one at HMart with my daughter after her birthday party this year. We took her to Chuck E. Cheese – what an interesting place – very throwback. Let’s check this one out! ...see full post

#4497: Ottogi Jin Ramen Veggie – United States

#4497: Ottogi Jin Ramen Veggie - United States

Found this one at HMart recently. Looks to be a Vegan version of Jin Ramen and that sounds neat as a change of pace. I’m in the mood for something different – haven’t done a lot of Korean varieties lately. This one is of course made in South Korea but packaged for sale in the United States. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4496: Seven&i Premium x Nissin Star Soupless Tantanmen – Japan

#4496: Seven&i Premium x Nissin Star Soupless Tantanmen - Japan

This came out of a box from Frank over at 5amRamen! Check out his stuff over at www.instantramen.jp – use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Super premium stuff! ...see full post