Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0

#3554: Myojo Vegetable Paitan Tanmen – Japan

#3459: Myojo Vegetable Paitan Tanmen - Japan

Here we have one from Japan sent by Zenpop. Zenpop does a few different kinds of subscription boxes you can get and they’re pretty neat! Use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount at checkout! ...see full post

#3553: Mom’s Dry Noodle Sichuan Spicy Duck Blood Bean Vermicelli – Taiwan

#3553: Mom's Dry Noodle Sichuan Spicy Duck Blood Bean Vermicelli - Taiwan

Here’s another fancy one from Mom’s Dry Noodle! Now, many of you probably haven’t tried anything with blood in it. Let me reassure you that I have and there are some really great foods that do contain it from many places. Malaysian White Curry often contains coagulated duck blood, while in Taiwan I’ve tried pork blood rice cake which was absolutely wonderful stuff. I know it’s popular in a Vietnamese soup as well. ...see full post

#3550: Hakubaku Restaurant Style Fresh Ramen Umami Shoyu – United States

#3550: Hakubaku Restaurant Style Fresh Ramen Umami Shoyu - United States

First off, yes – this is produced in Japan, however this product is packaged for distribution in the United States. ...see full post

#3542: Boys & Girls Steam Noodle Spicy Beef Flavor – China

#3542: Boys & Girls Steam Noodle Spicy Beef Flavor - China

Here’s the second of the Boys & Girls varieties I’ve found up in Canada. The first was a tomato and egg one which was truly excellent. Let’s see is a spicy beef will follow suit. ...see full post

#3537: Sapporo Ichiban Keika Kumamoto Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#3537: Sapporo Ichiban Keika Kumamoto Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

Here’s one that came from a Zenpop.jp subscription box. Use the coupon code RAMENRATER at checkout for a discount! ...see full post

#3536: Daikoku Chikara Udon – Japan

#3536: Daikoku Chikara Udon - Japan

Here’s one from an Umai Crate subscription box! Go to https://bit.ly/UmaiCrate and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount. ...see full post

#3535: Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen Premium Noodle Soup – United States

#3535: Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen Premium Noodle Soup - United States

This one was sent by Nongshim America – thanks again! Tonkotsu is a Japanese style ramen, usually a creamy pork rich broth. This one is boasting an added spiciness which sound interesting. Not only that, it’s a microwavable variety. Let’s see how it tastes! ...see full post

#3533: Gu Sister Clam Flavor Bean Vermicelli – China

#3533: Gu Sister Clam Flavor Bean Vermicelli - China

Thanks to Annie T. and Kyle K. for help in translation! This is yet another one we found up in Canada recently. Really digging the graphic on this one. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3532: Boys & Girls Steam Noodle Tomato & Egg Flavor – China

#3532: Boys & Girls Steam Noodle Tomato & Egg Flavor - China

Here’s another one I got at the Osaka Supermarket up in Richmond BC at the Yaohan Centre. These style cups have been a lot of fun and I’ve got three more! I think I’m going to do them all in a row. ...see full post

#3531: Maruchan Karakuro Black Style Yakisoba – 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

#3529: Cao Is Starving Dried Noodles Braised Chicken Flavor – China

#3529: Cao Is Starving Dried Noodles Braised Chicken Flavor - China

I got a few of these during a Lunar New Year promo at 99 Ranch recently. Special thanks to Annie T. for help in translation. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3528: Higashimaru Kagoshima Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#3528: Higashimaru Kagoshima Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out. ...see full post

#3527: Mr. Meng Tomato Egg Instant Noodles – China

#3527: Mr. Meng Tomato Egg Instant Noodles - China

I got this one up in Canada just like the one yesterday. I’ve seen a lot of these ice cream pint style noodle cups lately from China… I like them they’re pretty neat. Unsure who Mr. Meng is, but I found it at the Osaka Market in Yaohan Centre up in Richmond, BC. Now, let’s give it a go. ...see full post

#3525: Maruchan Oshima x Tanaka Shoten Miso Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#3525: Maruchan Oshima x Tanaka Shoten Miso Tonkotsu Ramen - 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

#3524: Myojo Charumera Shoyu Ramen – Japan

#3524: Myojo Charumera Shoyu Ramen - 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

#3523: Little Couples Dry Noodle Sesame Flavor – Taiwan

#3473: Little Couples Dry Noodle Sesame Flavor - Taiwan

Little Couples sent me two varieties – an Onion one that was about as good as can be, and this one which I’m curious about. This one won’t be noodles with sesame oil. Instead, in Taiwan sesame is more of a sesame paste with peanut notes and soy sauce which pulls it all together. My wife found this out in the early years of my reviewing one time when we got some sesame noodles and she was very excited, but when she tasted peanut she was really quite unhappy. She is not a fan of peanut butter, and that’s what it reminded her of. ...see full post

#3522: A1 Abalone Noodle – Malaysia

#3522: A1 Abalone Noodle - Malaysia

I got two of these packs sent to me from two sources. The First was from a reader named James from California. The second from a My Ramen Box subscription box (use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount). Thanks to both! ...see full post

#3521: Maruchan Sesame Tan Tan Udon – Japan

#3521: Maruchan Sesame Tan Tan Udon - Japan

Here’s one from a Zenpop subscription box! Want to get one? Head over to Zenpop and use the coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3517: Maruchan Dining Champon Ramen – Japan

#3517: Maruchan Dining Champon Ramen - Japan

Here’s one from a Zenpop subscription box! Want to get one? Head over to Zenpop and use the coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3514: MyKuali White Fish Broth Cup Noodle – Malaysia

#3514: MyKuali White Fish Broth Cup Noodle - Malaysia

I recently tried the rice vermicelli version of this and really enjoyed it. Today it’s the cup noodle version. I’m curious how this will do with a wheat noodle. Let’s find out. ...see full post

#3511: Mr Lee’s Noodles Coconut Chicken Laksa – United Kingdom

#3511: Mr Lee's Noodles Coconut Chicken Laksa - United Kingdom

Oh wow so I saved what I’m hoping is the best for last. I love laksa. I love curry. It puts me in a place where I’m weightless, floating above the physical world, not caring one iota for the ridiculous problems humans complain about. Curry is life. Let’s see if this one makes me feel alive. ...see full post

#3510: Mr Lee’s Noodles Warrior Fighting Shrimp – United Kingdom

#3510: Mr Lee's Noodles Warrior Fighting Shrimp - United Kingdom

Today, we come to the next-to-last variety from Mr Lee’s and the only one devoted to seafood. Freeze dried shrimp inside? Let’s see! ...see full post

#3507: Mr Lee’s Noodles Hong Kong Street Beef – United Kingdom

#3507: Mr Lee's Noodles Hong Kong Street Beef - United Kingdom

Well, here we go!I did a Meet The Manufacturer with Mr Lee’s a couple of years ago, and now they’re going to be producing in the USA! Sounds like starting May 2020 their products will be available (and also made) here as well as in the UK. They’ll be available on Amazon and I’ll do reviews of the Us made versions when they become available. This one’s only 218 calories! Not only that, this is one of the few manufacturers that use freeze dried rather than dehydrated bits. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3506: Mr Lee’s Noodles Zen Garden Vegetables – United Kingdom

#3506: Mr Lee's Noodles Zen Garden Vegetables - United Kingdom

Well, here we go!I did a Meet The Manufacturer with Mr Lee’s a couple of years ago, and now they’re going to be producing in the USA! Sounds like starting May 2020 their products will be available (and also made) here as well as in the UK. They’ll be available on Amazon and I’ll do reviews of the Us made versions when they become available. This one’s Vegan and only 208 calories! Not only that, this is one of the few manufacturers that use freeze dried rather than dehydrated bits. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3503: MyKuali Penang Red Tom Yum Goong Rice Vermicelli Soup (2019 Recipe) – Malaysia

#3503: MyKuali Penang Red Tom Yum Goong Rice Vermicelli Soup (2019 Recipe) - Malaysia

In Malaysia, I don’t think it gets as cold as it is here. Not sure they’ve ever gotten snow there. I think it would be nice to be there right now. It’s cold. ...see full post

#3495: Nhu Vietnamese Pho Instant Rice Noodles Beef Flavor – Vietnam

#3495: Nhu Vietnamese Pho Instant Rice Noodles Beef Flavor - Vietnam

Good morning! I’m getting this post ready at 2am. I actually shot the pictures around 1am. Did 18 miles of walking yesterday and so when my buddy Matt decided to play with his Google Nest device and call me at 11:50pm and wake me up and alerted me to a bad leg cramp about o catch fire I ended up staying up. I’ll sleep tonight… Anyways, yeah – been a while since some pho – fingers crossed. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#3491: Lemonilo Naked Ramen Chicken Curry Soup – United States

#3491: Lemonilo Naked Ramen Chicken Curry Soup - Indonesia

Awhile back, Lemonilo started producing a Mie Goreng variety which is honestly one of the best out there. Lemonilo puts everything in a healthy light. When they sent me the samples of their Mie Goreng, they included a shirt and a workout towel. I keep the towel on the stroller actually – handy when doing a dozen miles at a fast clip. This variety’s packaging clearly denoted it’s for the US market, however it’s made in Indonesia.  This pack did’n’t come from them though – it was sent by a reader named James in Lakeside, California. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3489: MyKuali White Fish Broth Rice Vermicelli – Malaysia

#3489: MyKuali White Fish Broth Rice Vermicelli - Malaysia

Hey look – something totally new and different from MyKuali! They told me that fish noodle is a hawker stall staple over in Penang. Very curious about this one, as this isn’t supposed to be spicy which is a departure from all their other varieties which do have a strong spiciness. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition

.The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition

Despite all the tumultuous and unnerving events of our current age,, I am happy to announce that I’ve got a new list for our year, 2020. In the past fe hundred reviews I’ve done this past year there have been some real standouts and of course many have remained. These are my absolute favorites of reviews 1 through 3487. It’s hard – I feel like I should be doing a top 20, or even a top 50 at this point, but the sheer amount of time that would take with being a stay at home father of two while trying to get in a few hours of exercise every day just isn’t in the cards. I’m hoping in the coming months to come out with the regular top tens and maybe some new ones, but it’s a tough juggle these days. ...see full post

#3486: Gurimi Mi Goreng – Indonesia

#3486: Gurimi Mi Goreng - Indonesia

We didn’t stay up to ring in the new year. Sad I know. Must be getting old. We did however head up to Canada on new year’s day. Found this while up there! Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3485: Taihodien Restaurant Spicy Sesame Noodles – Taiwan

#3485: Taihodien Restaurant Spicy Sesame Noodles - Taiwan

Here we are, yet again. It’s hard – I really like the packaging at least. I’ve tried two of these Taihodien varieties and hoping this will be one I like. Thus far, they’ve been just to violently filled with Sichuan pepper. Just mean stuff! Hopefully for them the third time is the charm. Let’s give ’em a go. ...see full post

#3483: Mr. Min Original Korean Ramen Beef Flavor – France

#3483: Mr. Min Original Korean Ramen Beef Flavor - France

Okay so yes – these are mad ein South Korea. They’re made for the French market though. I recently reviewed the spicy flavor variety and made this one in the past and shared with daughter Miriam and really liked it as well. Let’s crack it open and give it a go! ...see full post

#3481: MyKuali Penang Spicy Prawn Soup Noodle (2019 Recipe) – Malaysia

#3481: MyKuali Penang Spicy Prawn Soup Noodle (2019 Recipe) - Malaysia

A new recipe for 2019 – they change recipes a lot at MyKuali. It’s definitely a Malaysian thing, that’s for sure. I like that though – definitely neat to see companies tweak recipes every so often and see what they come up with. Let’s give this one a try – I’m guess it’s going to be strng with a sweet prawn flavor. ...see full post

#3478: Menraku Japanese Ramen “Seafood Tonkotsu” Taste – United States

#3478: Menraku Japanese Ramen "Seafood Tonkotsu" Taste - United States

This one comes by way of James in Lakeside, CA. Thanks! Okay so yer it’s made in Japan but this is obviously packaged for US sale. I generally classify things for the country you’ll be able to buy them in. If it’s an export product that would go to a region, say Europe, it’d get given the originating country’s name at the end of the title. So there. ...see full post

#3477: Sapporo Ichiban Maruhon Sesame Oil Shoyu Ramen – Japan

#3477: Sapporo Ichiban Maruhon Sesame Oil Shoyu Ramen - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box. Zenpop is a subscription box service – check em out and use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! ...see full post

#3473: MyKuali White Fish Broth Noodle – Malaysia

#3523: MyKuali White Fish Broth Noodle - Malaysia

This is a brand new variety from Malsyai’s MyKuali. This company’s had three different varieties in the past end up on my global top ten rankings and after trying the vermicelli and cup versions, here we have the pack (you’ll see the other two in upcoming reviews. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3472: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle (New Recipe) – Malaysia

#3472: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle (New Recipe) - Malaysia

I gotta say, there have been a TON of new recipes for this instant noodle. I don’t know how many brands are changing recipes out there, but it’s nice to know when they do. This is something they do in Malaysia, specifically Penang, Malaysia, an awful lot. The folks at MyKuali told me how you might go to a hawker stall one day and have something really great and a week later it’s almost unrecognizable in hopes of having the next super popular food item. Food creators there never seem satisfied with ‘good enough.’ Let’s see what this iteration of the legendary MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle has to offer. ...see full post

#3470: Myojo Ippei-chan Rich & Sweet Thick Yakisoba – Japan

#3547: Myojo Ippei-chan Rich & Sweet Thick Yakisoba - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $3 off! ...see full post

#3469: MyKuali Penang Hokkien Prawn Rice Vermicelli Soup – Malaysia

#3469: MyKuali Penang Hokkien Prawn Rice Vermicelli Soup - Malaysia

Simply looking at this bowl evokes memories of travel for me so happy… Penang is such a place of wonder and fascination. The sights, scents and sounds crescendo in a vibrant, harmonic din that haunts my soul in such a way  that not a day goes by without a sigh of returning. As the mighty salmon is compelled to return whence it came, so I must return to old Penang someday to experience its charm. ...see full post

#3468: Little Couples Dry Noodle Onion – Taiwan

#3468: Little Couples Dry Noodle Onion - Taiwan

I did a Meet The Manufacturer with this company a while back and thought I’d see if they had anything new – and they did! So here we go. I was in the mood for some Taiwanese stuff so this works out. ...see full post