Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0

#4727: Maggi 2-Minute Noodles Masala – United States

#4727: Maggi 2-Minute Noodles Masala - United States

Yet another packaging design – it should also be noted that this one doesn’t say spicy masala and just masala. I found this at Indian Sweets & Spices in Shoreline, Washington yesterday. Yesterday was a day of finding particular things. I’ve been doing a lot of curry lately and I got some nice basmati, some noodles, some black cardamom and mango pickle there. I also went and got a half pork belly at Double DD Meats, a great butcher shop and holy grail for hot sauces and all things spicy. I must note that while this is made in India, it’s certainly an export version specifically for sale in the United States.  Anyways, time to cook. ...see full post

#4717: Yamadai Shoyu Ramen Japanese Style Noodles – United States

#4717: Yamadai Shoyu Ramen Japanese Style Noodles - United States

Looks like Yamadai/New Touch is getting into the export market game with this and another one I found at S*Mart. Shop smart. Shop S Mart. You may have noticed I keep saying that – it’s where the main character in the film Army Of Darkness works before he’s launched into a bizarre comedic hellscape. Anyways if you’ve not seen that movie you should. Let’s make some shoyu ramen. ...see full post

#4716: Nongshim Premium Udon Style Noodles With Shrimp Tempura – United States

#4716: Nongshim Premium Udon Style Noodles With Shrimp Tempura - United States

Well, dang. I really would have loved to been able to review this sooner but tough to get samples from companies in the United States for some reason. Ah well. I found this at S*Mart – yup – shop smart, shop S Mart. Not sure if they just did a repackaging of the old version or not, but I’m guessing it’s a bit more than that. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4713: Pulmuone Crab Ramen – United States

#4713: Pulmuone Crab Ramen - United States

This one came from James of Lakeside, California – thanks, man! Pulmuone leans towards the healthier end of the stick when it comes to food manufacturing. I believe I read a while back about how there is in fact a large farm Pulmuone runs that is also a school on heritage farming for students in South Korea – pretty cool. Let’s make some crab ramen! ...see full post

#4706: Guangyou Spicy Wide Noodle – China

#4706: Guangyou Spicy Wide Noodle - China

Might seem peculiar, but I’m back. Took almost a month off while the boy was doing summer school. He enjoyed it and while there I walked with my daughter all over the place. She’s six, but she did a 9.6 mile walk with me the other day – not bad! Anyways, this one I think came by way of James from Lakeside, California – thanks! Let’s made some Chinese broad noodle – Hoping they’re good! ...see full post

#4699: Acecook Tomyum Soup Instant Noodle – South Korea

#4699: Acecook Tomyum Soup Instant Noodle - South Korea

Thisd is a very interesting one found at GMart in Lynnwood, Washington state. This is made by Acecook Vietnam for the South Korean market. Honestly, I’ve never heard of tomyum eaten in South Korea. Do they do that? Thai food is popular in Taiwan, that much I know. Malaysia too – but they’re neighbors so that makes sense. I suppose they wouldn’t make this is nobody liked tomyum soup in South Korea. Anyways, it’s interesting – let’s checkk it out. ...see full post

#4684: MyKuali Penang Mi Goreng Mamak – Malaysia

#4684: MyKuali Penang Mi Goreng Mamak - Malaysia

Here’s the second of the new varieties of MyKuali’s new stuff, the other being their Black Curry.  If you’ve never tried any of MyKuali’s offerings, you really owe it to yourself to do so. The flavors of Malaysia are simply more than you’ve probably ever experienced in the United States; bright, strong and truly wonderful. Surely, you’ve heard of mi goreng, but here’s a little on the term mamak from Wikiedia – ...see full post

#4661: Trader Joe’s Red Curry Thai Noodles – United States

#4661: Trader Joe's Red Curry Thai Noodles - United States

Time for some more fare from Trader Joe’s. I’m really curious about this but honestly don’t know on this one. Why? Well, the other day I did a review of a variety which looks identical and was just horrible.  I really hope that this does indeed taste like red curry – that would be great. However, I’v got my doubts. Let’s find out. ...see full post

#4649: Indomie Mi Instan Mi Keriting Goreng Spesial – Indonesia

#4649: Indomie Mi Instan Mi Keriting Goreng Spesial - Indonesia

Massive thanks to Pher Engi of Australia for sending this as part of a huge haul of Indonesian varieties. Another from this range is in the 2023 Top Ten global list. They both used to be available in the United States, but not anymore – which is very sad. They really should bring these back… Special noodle, excellent flavor. I’ve not reviewed this is years and years so with new packaging heralding their 50trh anniversary, away we go. ...see full post

#4648: MAMA Oriental Kitchen Dried Instant Noodles Truffle Flavour – Thailand

#4648: MAMA Oriental Kitchen Dried Instant Noodles Truffle Flavour - Thailand

Here’s the first of two new varieties from MAMA of Thailand that they were kind enough to send – thank you very much! Truffle! I’m really curious about this one. Truffles I’ve always thought a musty, old book kind of flavor – and I like the scent of old books and that transmitted as flavor is truly fascinating to me. I’m curious how strong this will be. Only one way to find out! ...see full post

#4647: Ottogi Jin Jjajang Smoked Black Bean Flavor – United States

#4507: Ottogi Jin Jjajang Smoked Black Bean Flavor - United States

Found this one while looking for something completely different recently at HMart. I could tell they had the new noodle type (flat/broad) and thought that could be interesting, so here we are with today’s review. I should mention I have a special guest on today’s Instant Noodle Recipe Time at the bottom, so check it out. Anyways, let’s cook it up and give it a try! ...see full post

#4646: Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen – United States

#4646: Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen - United States

So here’s one I’ve really enjoyed for a long time. Indeed, it has also been in exitence for quite awhile as well. It’s the original variety that was introduced to the South Korean market back in 1963. Initially, it was mistaken as a textile which is kind of funny, but that didn’t last long at all. This is the packaging for export, but it’s the same as what you’ll find in South Korea. ...see full post

#4642: NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle – Rice Noodle – Taiwan

#4630: NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle - Taiwan

This one seems a little different. So, it says 3 flavors in 1 noodle.

NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle – Rice Noodle – Taiwan

Detail of the packaging (click to enlarge). Looks to be meat free but check for yourself. To prepare, boil noodle for 5~6 minutes, then 30 seconds with lid on. Drain. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy! ...see full post

#4634: The Han Kitchen Budae Ramyun – South Korea

#4634: The Han Kitchen Budae Ramyun - South Korea

This one was found at HMart in Lynnwood, Washington. Never have seen this brand before. I’m guessing this is going to be budae jjigae, aka ‘troop stew,’ a combo of a classic Korean spicy ramyun along with bits you would find in Army rations like hot dog, salami, macaroni – stuff that will last a long time in the field. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4630: NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle – Guanmiao – Taiwan

#4630: NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle - Taiwan

This one seems a little different. So, it says 3 flavors in 1 noodle.

NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle – Guanmiao – Taiwan

Detail of the packaging (click to enlarge). Looks to be meat free but check for yourself. To prepare, boil noodle for 5~6 minutes, then 30 seconds with lid on. Drain. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy! ...see full post

#4625: Samyang Tangle Bulgogi Alfredo Tangluccine – United States

#4780: Samyang Tangle Bulgogi Alfredo Tangluccine - United States

Found this one recently at Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington. I rarely buy a multipack, but I found this one so compelling that I figured why not. Bulgogi is a delectable dish which usually isn’t represented well when not in it’s original form, and marrying it to something as western as an alfredo pasta seemed really fascinating – if it works. Let’s see if they can manage to balance the authenticity of both dishes well. ...see full post