Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0

#4064: Ramen Express By Chef Woo Hotter & Spicier Chili – United States

#4064: Ramen Express By Chef Woo Hotter & Spicier Chili - United States

To be honest, this makes me very happy. I’ve really found the Ramen Express varieties to be quite good, and now they’re easily found at Walmart. I’m not extremely keen on the cup versions (although I haven’t had the new shrimp variety so maybe they’ve changed; I will soon), but the packs have a great noodle and very nice flavors. I’m unsure if this is different than the origininal hotter and spicier variety; this one tacks ‘chili’ on the end and has different packaging. Saw it at Walmart a couple of days ago. ...see full post

The Definitive Guide To Indomie Mi Goreng

#4063: Nissin Tokyo Abura Soba – Japan

#4063: Nissin Tokyo Abura Soba - Japan

Here’s a fancy one from Japan found in a Zenpop box – check out zenpop.jp and use the coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#4062: A1 Mi Kari Laksa Curry Laksa Noodle – Malaysia

This is a special one I’m posting today – it’s the subject of a short film I’m doing as I type this about how I review! I want to thank a fellow instant noodle enthusiast named Andres who was kind enough to donate this to me yesterday – he’s a local who has visited a lot of places in search of instant noodle varieties! This one was found up in Canada. ...see full post

#4060: Nissin Raoh Miso Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

Nissin Raoh Miso Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

This one came from Exotic Noods! Exotic Noods has great monthly subscription boxes with products from around the world. Worth a look! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#4059: J-Basket Japanese Style Noodle Soup Curry Flavor – United States

#4059: J-Basket Japanese Style Noodle Soup Curry Flavor - United States

This one came from Exotic Noods! Exotic Noods has great monthly subscription boxes with products from around the world. Worth a look! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#4057: Ishimaru Kagoshima Kibinago & Soy Sauce Ramen Japan

#4057: Ishimaru Kagoshima Kibinago & Soy Sauce Ramen Japan

Hey look at this – pretty cool! This one came in a neat assortment from Sugoi Mart. Sugoi Mart has a ton of neat Japanese stuff – and I mean a TON. So, what’s the flavor in this one? Kibinago is also known as the Silver-Stripe Round Herring and it’s native to Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan. So this is a herring shoyu variety. Sounds good – let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4055: KampongKu Garlic Black Pepper Fried Noodles – Malaysia

#4055: KampongKu Garlic Black Pepper Fried Noodles - Malaysia

Okay, this sounds good! This one is from the same folks that brought us Red Chef – two of their four varieties are in my annual global top ten. I’ve got high expectations and hopes these new KampongKu varieties are all I think they probably will be – super good! Let’s give them a go! ...see full post

#4051: Schylling Ramen Noodlies – United States

#4051: Schylling Ramen Noodlies - United States

Today, I have something that should get some folks in a tizzy but that’s just fine. I’m reviewing instant noodles. Well, sort of. Well, not really. This is a toy. Don’t eat these. I mean, you could I suppose, but I’m telling you not to. See, it says that this toy is for ages 3 and up. So, they’re figuring you and small children will have the sense not to try and cook them and eat them. Let’s check out these sproigy and stretch things. ...see full post

#4050: Mi Sedaap Korean Spicy Chicken Mi Goreng – Indonesia

#4050: Mi Sedaap Korean Spicy Chicken Mi Goreng - Indonesia

Found this one at an interesting store in Bellevue – called S*Mart. Yes, shop smart – shop S*Mart. This is the last review I’m doing this week. Guess what? I did 15 reviews this week. That’s a lot. It’s amazing when school is in session the things I can accomplish with a little peace and quiet! Well, let’s see if this packs a wallop or not. ...see full post

#4049: New Touch Chicken Shio Ramen – Japan

#4049: New Touch Chicken Shio Ramen - Japan

This looks like a fancy one – it came in a 5am Ramen subscription box! Check em out at www.instantramen.jp and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER fpr a doscpint! ...see full post

#4046: Little Q True Love Spicy Beef Noodles – Hong Kong

#4046: Little Q True Love Spicy Beef Noodles - Hong Kong

Well, today it’s the second of the two Little Q varieties they sent. The non-spicy was absolutely wonderful stuff – curious how this one will be. The sheer amount of beef in the first one was really amazing – and it was really succulent. How spicy will it be? Let’s find out! ...see full post

#4040: Vite Ramen x Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Edition v1/2 – United States

#4040: Vite Ramen Sichuan Chili Edition - United States

So what I love about what these guys do is they come out with new versions. This particular variety is version 1.2. This one is a special collaboration with a company called Fly By Jing that makes Sichuan Chili Crisp, one of the true flavor delicacies. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4037: Little Q First Love Beef Noodles – Hong Kong

#4037: Little Q First Love Beef Noodles - Hong Kong

Look at that cow licking it’s lips – cannibal! Well, probably not but hey! These are made in Taiwan for the Hong Kong market and I’m really curious about them so… Let’s give ’em a go! ...see full post

#4036: JAL Selection: Chanpon De Sky – Japan

#4036: JAL Selection: Chanpon De Sky - Japan

This is one that came from Sugoi Mart – thank you! These are sold on Japan Airlines flights. This is made by Nissin Japan for JAL. It’s a tiny wee cup and looks like it’ll be pretty good – let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4035: Mr Lee’s Congee Chicken Congee Rice Porridge – United States

#4035: Mr Lee's Congee Chicken Congee Rice Porridge - United States

Here’s the second variety of the Mr Lee’s Congee – chicken. These have freeze dried vegetables and chicken in them – let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4034: Mr Lee’s Congee Original Congee Rice Porridge – United States

#4034: Mr Lee's Congee Original Congee Rice Porridge - United States

So not too long ago, Mr Lee’s started running US operations as well as in the UK! So I got to trysome new product right away. This is congee – rice porridge. It’s made basically from shredded instant rice. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4033: Noodie Peanut Chili Irresistible Ramen – United States

#4033: Noodie Peanut Chili Irresistible Ramen - United States

I received an email a few weeks ago from Isabel, CEO and Founder of Noodie. She extolled the virtue of her product (non-fried, 16g of protein, lower sodium, load of veggies, and Vegan-friendly) and asked if I’d like to try it. Never one to turn down the chance to try something new, I accepted – and here we are. I write this before tasting, but I’ve got it say I’m already impressed. The presentation here is just impeccable – downright revolutionary to be honest. You can cook these noodles in their container (which is plastic by the way). You can cok it like a cup noodle, however the noodle block is in a standard flat shape – which works with the container. The graphic design and fonts are great – you can’t tell from the above picture, but the contents of the bowl image are done with gold leaf! This honestly feels like a futuristic instant noodle. Isabel sent a very nice note about how my review would be a big milestone in the timeline of her product. Like I said at this point of writing, I’ve not tried it yet – but I definitely wanted to say that this is one of the neatest packaged noodles I’ve seen. With that, let’s begin. ...see full post

#4025: Myojo Nagasaki Champon Creamy Tonkotsu – United States

#4025: Myojo Nagasaki Champon Creamy Tonkotsu - United States

Well, I’ve come to the end of the fresh varieties from Myojo USA which is a bummer because they’ve all been quite good. This one is kind of like a seafood tonkotsu and I’m really curious how it will be. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #4024: Nishiyama Seimen Shoyu Ramen – Japan

Meet The Manufacturer: #4024: Nishiyama Seimen Shoyu Ramen - Japan

In this box are two different varieties of ramen – one miso, one shoyu. The noodles appear to be the same, just the sachets are different. Let’s kick off this short Meet The Manufacturer series with some shoyu! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #4023: Nishiyama Seimen Miso Ramen – Japan

Meet The Manufacturer: #4023: Nishiyama Seimen Miso Ramen - Japan

In this box are two different varieties of ramen – one miso, one shoyu. The noodles appear to be the same, just the sachets are different. Let’s kick off this short Meet The Manufacturer series with some miso! ...see full post

#4021: Myojo Yakisoba Original Sauce – United States

#4021: Myojo Yakisoba Original Sauce - United States

I have this and one more fresh variety that I need to cook up of these great Myojo USA refrigerated varieties – they’ve been extremely good! My wife has been a fan of yakisoba for a long time as have I, but my daughter could be heard while I was finishing up the reviews that day I tried the savory miso version. ‘Mama, can I have another bite?’ She’s definitely one for repetitiveness, and like a happy broken record, I want to say I heard her say it a good couple dozen times. Curious how they’ll like this one – I think they will! ...see full post

#4020: Vite Ramen Grilled Ribeye Beef v1.2 – United States

#4020: Vite Ramen Grilled Ribeye Beef v1.2 - United States

Well, didn’t I just hit one of those big numbers a few weeks ago? Well, much earlier than I hit my 4000th review, the video at the bottom of this one got published. See, my episodes of Instant Noodle Recipe Time come out sooner that the posts they’re for. It’s nice having things staggered a bit to be honest. Well, the epiosde at the bottom of this review is my 1200th episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time! A couple interesting things about this episode are the fact that I’m sure the kitchen will be incredibly hot – tomorrow (I get the posts ready for the review the night before) is probably going to be the last ultra hot day of the summer (if we’re lucky. Today it got up to 93F here if not hotter. It’s also kind of humid. We also have a lot of smoke from forest fires. So, I’ll be slaving away in a hot kitchen tomorrow – I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Thank you for watching the show. ...see full post

#4019: Marutai Umaoshi Nagasaki Champon – Japan

#4019: Marutai Umaoshi Nagasaki Champon - Japan

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

#4018: Myojo Okinawa Soba Light Bonito Flavor – United States

#4018: Myojo Okinawa Soba Light Bonito Flavor - United States

Another one of the fresh varieties sent directly by Myojo USA – thank you very much! I was curious about what I saw on the package insofar as how to garnish it. Looks to be pork belly and rice cake from what I’m reading – the fish cake is fried. Hmmm… I do have some kamaboko I could fry. Yeah – I’ll try that. Let’s check this one out! ...see full post

#4017: Aces Sriracha Ramen Noodle Soup – Lobster – United States

#4017: Aces Sriracha Ramen Noodle Soup - Lobster - United States

I recently got  couple more varieties from Aces of their Sriracha Ramen Noodle Soup range – this lobster and an extra spicy! First, the lobster. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4015: Vite Ramen Roasted Soy Sauce Chicken v1.2 – United States

#4015: Vite Ramen Roasted Soy Sauce Chicken v1.2 - United States

Another one from the guys in California. You don’t often see revision numbers on food products, but these guys put them on there. To me, it shows they’re always striving to improve on products and upgrade them when possible. Pretty cool! Let’s give this new version a try! ...see full post

#4014: Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen With Lemon & Olive Oil – Japan

#4014: Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen With Lemon & Olive Oil - Japan

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

#4013: Myojo Yakisoba Savory Miso Sauce – United States

#4013: Myojo Yakisoba Savory Miso Sauce - United States

Saw there was some neat new things going on over at Myojo USA so I contacted my friend Taku-san and he sent some great fresh varieties! I’ve had a ton of different yakisoba varieties but never have I seen a miso flavored one. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4010: Yopokki Cheese Rapokki – South Korea

#4010: Yopokki Cheese Rapokki - South Korea

I’ve seen a lot of these Yopokki variants lately and this one definitely piqued my interest and my wife loves tteokbokki and cheese – and then there’s ramen in there too! It’s a win, win, win! Found this at Asian Family Market on Aurora and 130th in North Seattle – rad store – go check it out! Let’s crack this big pack open and see what dwells within! ...see full post

#4009: Mi Sedaap Selection Korean Spicy Soup – Indonesia

#4000: Mi Sedaap Selection Korean Spicy Soup - Indonesia

You know, I was going to make this review #4000 – and I thought that would be pretty darn cool. But things change and I decided not to, obviously. Well, I’m glad I made the change as this was a mukbang and the spiciness didn’t result in any screaming or anything truly noteworthy – other than this one is impressive for other reasons – let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4007: Muso Organic Ramen Miso – United States

#4007: Muso Organic Ramen Miso - United States

Here’s one I found at the local grocery store. The shoyu I tried previously wasn’t bad, so hopefully the miso will be good and not a boatload of red miso. Warning  – there will be corn in this. If you’re not afraid of corn, smooth seas ahead. But if corn freaks out your tender sensibilities, turn back! ...see full post

Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2022 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten American Instant Noodles OF All Time 2022 Edition

Formerly the Made In The USA list, The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time still is comprised only of varieties manufactured in the United States. This year’s list is comprised of all the best varieties from the United States in my reviews up to number 3,950. These varieties are mostly easily found as they’re not imports. Lots of great stuff to try here as well as links to find it on Amazon. I’ve also included some announcements at the bottom so make sure to check those out as well. With that, let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2022 Edition! ...see full post

#4001: Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice Flavor – United States

The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice Flavor

#4001: Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice Flavor - United States

The reactions I’ve seen to this stuff range from curiosity to disgust. Personally, I find it to be something really awesome. You see, I spend a lot of time with instant noodles. A lot. When I see something like this, I see something that’s a shift. This really is a risky proposition, but the reward is high. Look at SPAM – they did pumpkin spice SPAM. Is it good? No clue – but I do have one my wife got me. This however is good and very easily obtained if you want to do the legwork. But not for long – this is only available at Walmart stores – specific ones – and so if you get on it quickly, you can enjoy some – or not. What’s nice is they’re only 88 cents apiece which is very reasonable, especially for a limited edition specialty item. Rest assured though – people will sell them for a great deal more on eBay once they disappear. ...see full post

#4000: Extra Extra Extra Extra Extra Extra Large Portion Yakisoba Petamax – Japan

Yakisoba Petamax

This review is dedicated to my mother, whom we lost since review 3000. She is missed every day. ...see full post

#3999: Thai Town Tom Yum Thai Flavor Noodles – Taiwan

#3999: Thai Town Tom Yum Thai Flavor Noodles - Taiwan

When I saw this variety at our local 99 Ranch Market, I definitely wanted to try it out and so I contacted the manufacturer. I was a little confused, but a lot enthused! Thai food from Taiwan? But I remembered I did have some really great Thai food while I was in Taiwan in 2017. Thai Town is a Thai restaurant in Taiwan and looks like they have some very good varieties of food to try. They, like many other restaurants, have branched out to create varieties you can make at home. This one sounds right up my alley. Thanks to the folks at Thai Town for sending some packets over! Let’s give this one a try on the cusp of my 4,000th reviews. ...see full post

#3994: Baman Sour Doujiao Noodle – China

#3993: Baman Sour Doujiao Noodle - China

This one looked interesting – saw it at our local 99 Ranch Market… Was really struggling with the translation of the directions, however my friend Bobby from Toronto came through right when I needed clarification and here we are – thanks! Let’s give this a try! ...see full post

#3986: Thai Chef Shrimp Creamy Tom Yum Flavour – Thailand

#3986: Thai Chef Shrimp Creamy Tom Yum Flavour - Thailand

I did the cup version a couple days ago, now here’s the pack version. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3985: Paldo Cheese Ramyun – South Korea

#3985: Paldo Cheese Ramyun - South Korea

Had this just over 7 years ago – it can take another shot. Well, this is one I’ve enjoyed very much in the past – a Top Ten list variety. I think revisiting this with a heap of cheese is the right thing to do. ...see full post

#3983: Shi Zu Ren Energy Vegetarian Beef Flavor Noodle – China

#3983: Shi Zu Ren Energy Vegetarian Beef Flavor Noodle - China

Yup – another Chinese flower pot. I like these so much – they’re interesting things. Lots of sachets and bits and pieces to taste. Let’s check it out! ...see full post