Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0

#4475: Samyang Rosé Buldak Stir-fried Noodles – South Korea

#4475: Samyang Rosé Buldak Stir-fried Noodles - South Korea

First – this doesn’t taste like roses. This was sent by The Fat Hipster – thanks man! So, rose is like a chili-cream kind of thing.  I tried a rabokki that was rose before and loved it, so we’ll give this a try with high hopes. I want to also thank Samyang Foods for something very exciting to hear – from the Korea Times: ‘For customers who are blind or visually impaired, the company for the first time printed Braille dots on the packaging of Rosé Buldak Stir-fried Noodles.’ This is referring to the cup versions. I think this is truly excellent. I’m legally blind and while I don’t read braille, I think some day I may need to. Really top notch of them – high marks from me. Let’s see if the flavor matches this kind innovation. ...see full post

#4467: Samyang Buldak Cream Carbonara Artificial Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen – South Korea

Here’s one of the last two from The Fat Hipster – check him out on YouTube as he has eaten pumpkin spice cup noodles, topped with pumpkin spice spam, with whipped cream atop. This is really great. So these noodles are like an extra creamy carbonara as far as I can tell without knowing anything about them. But, I will cook them up and then do a mukbang where I eat them and I will let you know how they taste. Let’s get started. ...see full post

#4466: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Creamy Chicken Flavor – United States

#4466: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Creamy Chicken Flavor - United States

Well, it’s time to revisit a variety that grazes through my mind from time to time. This is creamy chicken and the name delivers. Definitely has been my favorite Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup flavor in the past, but how is it going these days? It’s been since 2018 – so much has happened in the world since those salad days. Let’s give it another go. ...see full post

#4464: Samyang Buldak Carbonara Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen – United States

Samyang Buldak Carbonara Artificial Chicken Flavor Ramen - United States

I figured out – I’ve never reviewed the cup version of this one, nor the export version either. So, let’s do it! ...see full post

#4460: Myojo Koize! Ippei-chan Karaage Syoyu Ramen – Japan

#4460: Myojo Koize! Ippei-chan Karaage Syoyu Ramen - Japan

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

#4459: Samyang Buldak Quattro Cheese Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen – United States

#4459: Samyang Buldak Quattro Cheese Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen - United States

Here’s another export version for the United States. Four cheese Buldak! What are the four cheeses you ask? Mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, and camambert. It says so in the ingredients. I’ve had the pack version of this and was very impressed. Let’s give the bowl version a try – time for a spin in the microwave. ...see full post

#4457: Vite Ramen Vegan Japanese Curry v3.0 – United States

#4457: Vite Ramen Vegan Japanese Curry v3.0 - United States

Another new one from the Vite Ramen folks – thanks again! If you don’t know about this brand, check out the nutrition facts below. Tons of fiber, lower sodium, packed with protein, and a ton of vitamins. Let’s cook it up! ...see full post

#4455: 7-Eleven Gold / Maruchan Iida Shoten Ramen – Japan

#4455: 7-Eleven Gold / Maruchan Iida Shoten Ramen - 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

#4454: Vite Ramen Massaman Curry v3.0 – United States

#4454: Vite Ramen Massaman Curry v3.0 - United States

Yep – another Vite Ramen. This has been really neat trying all these new versions and varieties! You should take a look at the image below of the nutrition facts – they’re very impressive. Curry. This is a serious thing for me – let’s tale a look. ...see full post

#4453: Maruchan Ramen Yokozuna Tonkotsu Shoyu – Japan

#4453: Maruchan Ramen Yokozuna Tonkotsu Shoyu - Japan

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

#4622: Nissin Cup Noodles Creamy Tom Yam Flavour – Singapore

#4622: Nissin Cup Noodles Creamy Tom Yam Flavour - Singapore

Here’s one that came in a really neat box from Singapore’s arm of Nissin Foods – thank you! This is a limited edition variety and it sure sounds good. Tom Yam and Tom Yum? Same thing – just a different spelling – as far as I can tell – guess I should look that up – one moment. ...see full post

#4451: Vite Ramen Yuzu Shoyu v3.0 – United States

This is one of their newer ones and I’ve not tried any version of it previously (I don’t think there has been one?). This one is in collaboration with Girl_DM. Never heard of that – okay what does Google have to say? ...see full post

#4450: Myojo Hiyashi Chuka Mazesoba – United states

#4001: Myojo Cold Ramen Soy Sauce Vinaigrette - United States

Here’s a neat cold variety from the United States! Summer months are great for cold noodles as they are more refreshing. My friend Taku-san from Myojo was kind enough to share some new refrigerated varieties  recently and here’s one – arigato! This is going to be a little different though – it’s not summer when I’m making this – it’s late fall and there’s frost every morning. I got a recipe for Hiyashi Chuka Mazesoba from Myojo – a twist which will end up as a hot noodle dish! Shall we give it a try? ...see full post

#4449: Myojo Ippei-Chan Yakisoba – United States

#4449: Myojo Ippei-Chan Yakisoba - United States

I can’t tell you how stoked I am about these! I’ve been a huge fan of Myojo Ippei-Chan in the tray – the ones you make by steeping. This is something different – these are refrigerated section yakisoba! They’re made in the United States! I am really looking forward to this – got the chashu ready! Let’s make it so! ...see full post

#4448: Vite Ramen Vegan Sichuan Chili Edition v3.0 – United States

#4448: Vite Ramen Vegan Sichuan Chili Edition v3.0 - United States

The guys over at Vite Ramen recently sent their entire range of the v3.0 products. I should stress that these guys are pretty amazing – healthy ramen isn’t a small feat. Look at the nutrition facts on the backshot of the package. Protein, fiber, vitamins up the wazoo. I’m really curious about this new patch version. It’s neat – they’re always working to improve their products – something I remember hearing that the street hawkers in Malaysian food courts would do as well which I think is admirable. Let’s see how this new version tastes! ...see full post

#4447: Nissin U.F.O. Osaka Takoyaki Flavour Yakisoba – Singapore

#4447: Nissin U.F.O. Osaka Takoyaki Flavour Yakisoba - Singapore

Takoyaki is a little octopus ball – here’s what Wikipedia had to say –

Takoyaki (たこ焼き or 蛸焼) is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus (tako), tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger (beni shoga), and green onion (negi).[1][2] The balls are brushed with takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce) and mayonnaise, and then sprinkled with green laver (aonori) and shavings of dried bonito (katsuobushi). ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Global Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition

Another year and it’s time for yet another top ten list. There’s a let of movement here, and a lot of favorites which have stood the test of time. This is a list of my favorite varieties from reviews up to #4440. If you’ve got a variety you think I should try or are a manufacturer who would like me to try your masterful creations – please drop me a line; I don’t know that in the 20+ years I’ve been sampling and opining about instant noodle products that I’ve refused a request for me to try a product. As I’ve said for years, my true favorite variety is the one I haven’t tried yet. With that, let’s look at these true diplomats of flavor in this, The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition. ...see full post

#4443: Mom’s Dry Noodle Wasabi Almond Sauce Noodle With Tapioca – Taiwan

#4443: Mom's Dry Noodle Wasabi Almond Sauce Noodle With Tapioca - Taiwan

This is really quite interesting – I’ve never tried a noodle with boba! Boba is what you’d find in bubble tea. It’s big tapioca. Also, I’ve never heard of that particular ingredient paired with wasabi. This is going to be a trip – let’s try it! ...see full post

#4438: Samyang Foods Buldak Lovely Hot – South Korea

#4438: Samyang Foods Buldak Lovely Hot - South Korea

A big thank you to The Fat Hipster from YouTube for sending this over – so I figured this sounds like a good place to start. Why? Well, I realized in my post schedule for YouTube that this would come on Valentine’s Day, so hearts, Valentine’s day – not an extreme stretch. This appears to be a less spicy version – but it’s also got something else going on. The packaging scheme looks a lot like Buldak Light. ...see full post

#4436: Itsuki Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen – United States

#4436: Itsuki Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen - United States

This one came from an Umai Crate subscription box. It’s a pretty great thing to get people who are into ramen for the holidays! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles! I’ve reviewed the previous version I’ve seen, however this one is definitely packaged for the US market. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4435: Phonomenal Bowl Beef – United States

#4390: Phonomenal Bowl Beef - United States

Time for pho. I tried the chicken and remember I wasn’t too impressed, but beef is what pho is all about and it does mention this has received an award so I’ve got high hopes. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4434: Ippudo Karaka Spicy Ramen – Japan

#4619: Ippudo Karaka Spicy Ramen - Japan

This came via ZenPlus – a special marketplace where you can get some of the best of Japan easily. Try using coupon code THERAMENRATER at checkout! ...see full post

#4433: Homiah Indonesian Rendang / Laksa Noodle – United States

#4433: Homiah Indonesian Rendang / Laksa Noodle - United States

Today, I’m trying the third of three different varieties from Homiah, a company started out of an apartment in New York to share the flavors of Southeast Asia. I’ve been seriously impressed – great stuff so far and highly recommend it! Let’s check out the rendang! ...see full post

#4431: Indomie Mi Keriting Rasa Ayam Panggang – Indonesia

#4575: Indomie Mi Keriting Rasa Ayam Panggang - Indonesia

A huge thanks to Pher Engi of Australia for sending this among many other Indonesian varieties recently – truly above and beyond. This is one I really loved for a long time when it was an export version to the United States, however it stopped coming our way. This stuff is top notch and really thrilled to be able to review it again. The name translates to curly noodle with grilled chicken flavor. It also comes with a soup to be served alongside. Let’s begin. ...see full post

#4427: Homiah Malaysian Red Curry / Laksa Noodle – United States

#4427: Homiah Malaysian Rec Curry / Laksa Noodle - United States

I was contacted recently by a woman named Michelle over at www.homiah.com – a website specializing in the flavors of Indonesia, singapore, and Malaysia. She asked if I’d like to try some of their products and of course I’m all in on that. So this is the first of three reviews I’ll be doing – stay tuned for the other two. The products are gluten free and as I’m writing this after trying this red curry, so far so very good. Let’s cook some red curry! ...see full post

#4426: Sapporo Ichiban Curry Ramen Donburi – Japan

#4426: Sapporo Ichiban Curry Ramen Donburi - Japan

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

#4425: Marutai Aji Yoka Tai Tonkotsu Ramen Kumamoto -Japan

#4425: Marutai Aji Yoka Tai Tonkotsu Ramen Kumamoto -Japan

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

#4424: Dongwon Spicy Topokki With Rose Sauce – South Korea

#4424: Dongwon Dpicy Topokki With Rose Sauce - South Korea

I thought this one was a combo tteokbokki and noodle like the other one I reviewed a little while ago but that isn’t the case. Rose is when you have a carbonara and a spicy tteokbokki sauce mixed together – spicy and creamy. I couldn’t just let it be so I made it and it’s freaking good – here you go. ...see full post

#4423: Bagu Fresh Hot & Sour Sweet Potato Noodle – China

#4423: Bagu Fresh Hot & Sour Sweet Potato Noodle - China

Hwew’s another of what I like to call ‘flower pots.’ Interesting design on this one. Let’s give it a try. ...see full post

#4421: Ottogi Kimchi Ramen – South Korea

#4282: Ottogi Kimchi Ramen - South Korea

So this one might look like a variety simply for the US market but there’s a difference. The nutrition facts are valid for Canada as well. This one get’s the country of origin’s tag on it, although it’s most certainly an export product. It’s been quite a while since I’ve reviewed a South Korean variety I’ve not reviewed. Quite a while! Let’s hit it up and give it a try! ...see full post

#4419: Pink Rocket For The Lovely Girls Original Rapokki – United States

#4419: Pink Rocket For The Lovely Girls Original Rapokki - United States

Well ladies, this is the end of the line… I don’t have any more of these. This should all things considered be my favorite of the set – in theory. I love tteokbokki and adding noodle to it is a great way to go. Let’s try this last of the trifecta I found. ...see full post

#4418: ShanShi Garlic Spicy Noodles – Taiwan

#4418: ShanShi Garlic Spicy Noodles - Taiwan

I was contacted recently by a company called ShanShi, asking if I would sample their product. I never turn down the chance to try something new (it’s what I do) so ofr course I accepted with gratitude. Here’s a little background from them – ‘It is a dish from QinWeiGuan. The Garlic Noodles comes with a very strong garlic taste and is quite spicy. It is an easy and fast way to enjoy garlic without the burden of peeling garlic and getting it ready to eat. About QinWeiGuan QinWeiGuan is a restaurant in Taipei that is established for almost 20 years. Inspiring from different Chinese traditional local cuisine, in addition with years of research and feedback from customers, QinWeiGuan has developed its unique taste that can only be found in our restaurant.’ ...see full post

#4416: Nissin Talharim Sabor Frango – Brazil

#4416: Nissin Talharim Sabor Frango - Brazil

Big thanks toa reader named Cian for shooting these over from his trip to Brazil! I dunno, but South American instant noodles make me exceedingly happy. These are sabor frango – chicken flavor. I’m guessing that’s about all they will be, but they’re from Brazil! I don’t get Brazilian varieties incredibly often and when I do they’re really fascinating to me. Instant noodles are quite popular down that way. Well, let’s give them a try! ...see full post

#4408: Dongwon Rapokki With Spicy Sauce – United States

#4408: Dongwon Rapokki With Spicy Sauce - United States

Found this at a store in Seattle called m2m Mart – an offshoot of HMart. Actually, my wife saw it . It looks really neat and I’m a huge fan of rapokki – instant ramyun with tteokbokki (rice cake tubes) and a spicy sauce. Made in Korea, packaged for the US market. Let’s do it to it! ...see full post

#4407: A-Sha BT21 Universtar Noodle With Galaxy Spicy Sauce – United States

#4407: A-Sha BT21 Universtar Noodle With Galaxy Spicy Sauce - United States

Here is the second variety from the Galaxy Variety Noodle Box – this one’s spicy! As mentioned in a review posted a few days ago, this is a tie in with LINE, a messaging/social app, and A-Sha. Also, the BT21 characters have something to do with Korean popular music group BTS. With that, let’s cook up some noodles. ...see full post

#4406: Nongshim Premium Shin Gold With Chicken Broth – United States

Well, here we go. In my group Ramen Junkies, Shin reigns supreme. Just a post someone did showing this pack had over a hundred comments real fast. Of course, I’m curious about this one – there’s also a mushroom tofu Shin Green to try as well. ...see full post

#4403: Pink Rocket ‘For The Lovely Girls’ Carbonara Rabokki – United States

I must admit, I was surprised. I really think if I was at a store and a lady walked up and I held this product and said ‘I have a pink rocket for you,’ I would most likely get slapped pretty hard. Regardless of the terminology here, I have to say that this one sounds incredibly good. I’m a huge fan of rabokki – that’s a combination of ramyun noodles and tteokbokki, which are thin rice cake tubes. This one’s intermixing with a carbonara flavor – that all sounds really quite good! Definitely excited to try this one – we found it in Seattle at a place called M2M Mart. It’s made in South Korea for the US market. Well, let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4576: Daebak Kimchi Ramyeon – Malaysia

#4576: Daebak Spicy Kimchi Ramyeon – Malaysia —

This looks to be the end of the series of Daebak varieties in this Ramyeon range – really have been impressed overall; nice quality noodle and flavors overall. We arrive now at kimchi. Let’s gibe it a try! ...see full post

Massive Donation Of Indonesian Varieties!

Massive Donation Of Indonesian Varieties!

Quite a few years ago, a reader contacted me and sent a ton of Australian instant noodles – all sorts of cups and packs I’ve never seen nor heard of before at the time. Well, our paths crossed yet again and this time, she sent me a massive hoard of Indonesian varieties – stuff I’ve wanted to review and stuff I’ve never seen before. I’m ultra excited about this – a huge thank you going to Pher Engi from Australia for taking the time and the super kindness – check it out! ...see full post

#4398: Burung Dara Bihun Jagung Doroku – Indonesia

#4398: Burung Dara Bihun Jagung Doroku - Indonesia

So, what do we have here? Well, this is vermicelli, aka bihun. Why is this special? It’s made from corn. I’ve never heard of a corn based noodle before – very curious! Suprama, the company that makes this is the same company that makes Best Wok Mi Goreng, which is on the 2022 edition of the global top ten list. Let see how this stuff tastes and chews! ...see full post