It’s been so long since I’ve seen a Nongshim product that’s been in an individual pack I’ve not tried it’s making my head spin. I used to get samples from them all the time, but not in quite a while. I miss them! I found this at a Fred Meyer store in Lynnwood, Washington last night! This looks like an interesting new concept for them – make it wet or dry. The name was a little confusing to me at first – I thought it was just called Pop then looked a little closer and thought Pot Por Pan? Ahhh – Pot OR Pan.. That makes more sense. I think I’m going to try pot today. Let’s check it out!
Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0
#3114: A-Sha Gourmet Sichuan Peppercorn Flavor – Taiwan
Here’s the third of the A-Sha Gourmet varieties I’m trying today. There’s one more left. So translation isn’t my strong suit and I often turn to friends and colleagues as to what different varieties are called and translate them. At this exact moment, I’m dumbfounded. Google’s not very helpful; one says hemp. I could be mistaken, but I think hemp isn’t going to be in the name of this one. I’ve had varieties say they’re dolphin bone as well, which most certain isn’t the case! I’ll find out shortly though!
#3109: Wu-Mu Jing Xiang Ban Mian Ramen Soup – Chili Beef Flavor – Taiwan
Today, we’ve got a nice one from Taiwan’s Wu-Mu. This is a newer variety that uses wide gauge noodles for a soup – something I find really interesting and not done nearly enough. Although these noodles are absolutely excellent in a dry noodle (without broth) setting, I think in soup they really excel too. Let’s see how these end up!
#3106: Double Mountain Xiamen Instant Noodles Satay Flavor – China
Here’s one that was sent to me by the man who runs this company! He sent a very nice letter along with these – check out the Unboxing Time video to hear more! This one’s satay flavor and has been around now for over 30 years! Wow! Let’s give it a try!
#3104: Yi Lai Shuen Handmade Noodles With Spicy Chili Sauce – Taiwan
So here’s somewhat of a mystery to me. I’ve never heard of this company, nor am I familiar with their products. But here they are – and they arrived in the mail yesterday in a box with such a big hole in it all I needed to do to see was was inside was reach in and pull a pack out. That’s pretty unique! Let’s give these a try!
#3100: A-Sha Gourmet Braised Beef Noodle Soup – Taiwan
Here’s yet another box from Taiwan – they’re getting more popular these days for companies who want to roll out a premium variety. I like boxes; they look fancy and usually mean meats will be at play. Here’s a little about Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup from Wikipedia –
#3099: Nissin Cup Noodles Alitas Hot – Mexico
Today, we have the second of the trifecta of Cup Noodles Intensos. a range of spicy varieties from Nissin Mexico. Not only are the spicy, but the three have different levels of spicy. I think this is the second hottest of the three. Alitas Hot – what does it mean? basically Hot Wings. Let’s give it a go!
#3096: Prima Taste Singapore Black Pepper Crab Flavoured La Mian – Singapore
Here’s something pretty cool – I was contacted by the folks at Prima Taste who said they had a new product. Now their Whole Grain Laksa has been number one on my top ten for 3 years now, so naturally I want to try something new from them. They don’t come out with new stuff often and never had anything I didn’t like.
Meet The Manufacturer: #3092: Way Premium Foods Authentic Penang Asam Laksa – Malaysia
Today, we bid a fond farewell to this great series of products from Way Premium Foods of Malaysia with a Malaysian favorite, Asam Laksa. Here’s some info about it from WIkipedia –
Meet The Manufacturer: #3090: Way Premium Foods Authentic Singapore Laksa – Malaysia
Bringing us to the midpoint of this special Meet The Manufacturer series is some Singapore Laksa. Here’s some info about it from Wikipedia –
Meet The Manufacturer: #3089: Way Premium Foods Authentic Penang Prawn Mee – Malaysia
One thing’s for sure – when I visited Penang, Malaysia in 2014, I tried a lot of prawn mee. A lot. I think upwards of 5 different bowls from different hawkers and restaurants. It’s serious business, folks! Strong prawn flavors, a sweetness, just plain amazing stuff that’s delicious and addictive. When it comes to prawn mee, I’m very interested. Let’s delve into this new one from Malaysia and see what makes it tick.
Meet The Manufacturer: #3088: Way Premium Foods Authentic Thai Laksa – Malaysia
Well here’s something new to me – Thai laksa. I’ve had Singapore and Malaysian laksa befroe, but never Thai. Here’s a bit about laksa from Wikipedia –
Meet The Manufacturer: #3087: Way Premium Foods Premium Scallop Noodles – Malaysia
Today we begin a special spotlight series of six different and new varieties from Malaysia. We start with this scallop noodle. Here’s a little something about scallops from Wikipedia –
#3086: Nissin Raoh Kogashi Shoyu – Japan
Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this Nissin Raoh variety – ‘First released to the public in 1992, Nissin Roa received the title of “Noodle King” for incorporating noodles, soup, and other ingredients together into one amazing dish. As the times have begun to change and technology has allowed
further advancement in the science of ramen, Nissin Rao has also evolved. By creating a dish with deliciousness that cannot be tasted at a ramen shop, this new sensation incorporates the peppery sweet, three-times straightened, and all around delicious fried noodles with their garlic flavored soy sauce. Enjoy pork bone flavors combined with white miso, accented with peppers, and garnished with garlic oil. You’ve never tasted Nissin Rao ramen like this before!’
#3085: Sapporo Ichiban Oil Soba Shrimp – 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 $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This is a special kind of “yakisoba” soupless noodle dish. Shoyu and miso based sauce is flavored with a toasty taste of shrimp, and the curly noodles catch the delicious sauce well. The savory sauce, the crunchy cabbage, and the meat. Everything in the bowl intensifies your appetite.’
Meet The Manufacturer: #3079: Fu Chung Village Dry Noodles With Sauce – Spicy Sichuan Pepper With Vinegar – Taiwan
Here’s the first of a trio from Fu Chung – a spicy Sichuan variety with vinegar. No doubt this includes Sichuan pepper. Now, it’s not like a fleshy chili pepper – it’s a peppercorn. Here’s a little about Sichuan pepper flavor from Wikipedia –
#3078: Itsuki Kurume 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.
#3074: Maggi Pedas Giler Perisa Ayam Bakar Mi Goreng – Malaysia
This was one in a box sent by Mohd from Selangor, Malaysia – thank you again! So I was trying to figure out how to translate this one. Basically, Pedas Giler is ‘crazy spicy.’ I’m all in on this one. Let’s check it out!
#3070: A-Sha Gourmet Traditional Taiwanese Soybean Paste Noodle – Taiwan
Time for dry noodle! This is the second from a set of four new A-Sha varieties. Soybean paste noodles impart a kind of meaty hit to them usually. Let’s give ’em a try!
#3069: Vedan Wei Wei Premium Noodle With Spicy Beef – Taiwan
Here’s one sent by a reader who found it in the Philippines – thanks! Definitely looks different from the ones found in Taiwan. Export version! Let’s check it out!
#3067: Samyang Foods Bowl Noodle Soup Hot & Spicy Flavor – South Korea
Got a box with a bunch of these new Samyang Foods Bowl Noodle Soup varieties in it. Definitely something fr export here – haven’t reviewed something in this style in ages! Let’s check it out!
#3062: Nissin Cup Noodle Nice Kimchi Tonkotsu – 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 $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Cup Noodle Nice are nice because they have a rich taste but are also better for you than the original Nissin Cup Noodles with fewer calories. Kimchi gives the creamy tonkotsu soup a spicy umami.’
Restaurant: #3060: Jinya Ramen Bar – Chicken Wonton Ramen – United States
So it happened. A date night. These are pretty rare for us and a lot of fun! So we decided to give another ramen joint a try. Tonight, it’s Jinya Ramen Bar in Bellevue, Washington.
#3054: Xiao Ban Mian Spicy Meat Paste Flavor Noodle – Taiwan
I’ve tried all three of the other Xiao Ban Mian flavors. Their Traditional Shallot & Onion Oil variety hit #2 on the Top Ten Taiwan list last year. I’m stoked to be able to try this one – really don’t know what to expect, honestly. This is completely different from the rest. Let’s dive in!
#3052: Vedan Jhen Mian Tang Stewed Pork Noodles With Mushroom – Taiwan
A little whle back I was asked if I could review some noodles by a Taiwanese instant noodles by a Taiwanese university student working on her master’s thesis. As a thank you, she sent more varieties for me to try including this one. I’m don’t know who this fellow is on the package. It’s a big cardboard box with two servings – and it’s big. Let’s give it a look!
#3051: Best Wok Mi Goreng Sambal Seafood Instant Noodles – Indonesia
I was sent three different varieties of Mi Goreng from Best Wok a while back and finally we have the third of the three. Spicy seafood sounds real good today – real good. Let’s give it a look!
#3050: Chitato Indomie Mi Goreng Fried Noodles Flavour Potato Chips – Indonesia
Found this one at the same place I found some spicy dumplings up in Vancouver, BC called Super 88. So, these are Indomie Mi Goreng flavored potato chips. I suppose there’s really nothing left to do but crack the bag open and give them a try!
#3044: Sau Tao Laksa Flavour Ramen – Hong Kong
Here’s another one I got up at the new T&T Supermarket up in Richmond BC that’s at Lansdowne Centre. Or is it Lansdowne Mall? Either way, it’s a big T&T inside what used to be a Target store. Oh – and sad parents can rejoice – TOYS R US IS STILL IN CANADA. Also, if you go to the Walmart in Richmond, you will often see Teslas, Ferraris and the odd Buigatti. It’s like a mirror universe. Let’s check this one out!
#3030: Nongshim Shin Black Spicy Rich Bone Broth Flavor – South Korea
Here’s one I found at the new T&T Supermarket in Lansdowne Center up in Richmond, BC. A Shin Black bowl! I knew they must exist; I mean, there’s generally a pack, cup and bowl for everything that comes out of South Korea. Well, here it is. What’s interesting is that this isn’t available in the United States, and up in Canada it’s not a product of the Nongshim China factory, which most bowls up there seem to be.
Meet The Manufacturer: #3036: TTL Pickled Vegetable Beef With Hua-Diao Liquor Instant Noodle – Taiwan
It is with great thanks and a week of interesting flavors that we bid adieu to the last of the varieties from TTL. This is the packaged version of the pickled vegetable beef variety. I really wasn’t sure how all these liquor-infused varieties would go, but they’ve been really quite impressive. Let’s check out this final variety.
Meet The Manufacturer: Re-Review: TTL Sesame Oil Chicken Flavor With Rice Wine Instant Noodle – Taiwan
The second review in this series was the bowl version of this one. Steeping vs non-steeped. Let’s take a look!
Meet The Manufacturer: #3035: TTL Spring Chicken With Hua-Diao Liquor Instant Noodle – Taiwan
Well, here we are again. I goit one of these bowls a long time ago and guess what happened? I opened the retort pouch and spilled it all over my leg and on the floor! Was crushed; hard to find this one and I had only one of them. Egad! Luckily, TTL sent all of these for Meet The Manufacturer (thank you again!) and now I can give it another go. I should note I didn’t spill anything this time – let’s give it a go!
Meet The Manufacturer: Re-Review: TTL Carbonara White Wine Carbonara Instant Noodle – Taiwan
Happy to be revisiting this variety, It made The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2018 Edition list this year and with good reason: it’s really, really good. Here’s a little about carbonara from Wikipedia –
Meet The Manufacturer: #3034: TTL Hua Diao Pickled Vegetable Beef Instant Noodle – Taiwan
Here we have another variety with the hua diao cooking wine. Curious what the pickled vegetables are – guessing mustard stem would be one of them. Time to check out another unique variety from Taiwan!
Meet The Manufacturer: Re-Review: TTL Spring Chicken With Hua-Diao Liquor Instant Noodle – Taiwan
I thought I ought to start at the beginning. I’m pretty sure this and the rice wine spring chicken varieties are the first that TTL shared with the world and it just made sense to go with those to begin Meet The Manufacturer. Here’s a little about Shaoxing wine, featured in this variety from Wikipedia –
Meet The Manufacturer: Re-Review: TTL Sesame Oil Chicken Flavor With Rice Wine Instant Noodle – Taiwan
When I think of rice wine, my mind immediately goes to sake from Japan. I was surprised to find that there are many different kinds of rice wine – here’s a pretty extensive list from Wikipedia –
Meet The Manufacturer: #3032: TTL Hua-Diao Dongpo Braised Pork Instant Noodle – Taiwan
Today we have something special. I’ve been curious about Dongpo’s Pork for a while and this looks like it’d be a good one. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about it –
#3028: Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles – United States
I and my family got the flu – well, unsure if it was the flu but it was definitely a pretty mean cold. Yeah – I got it then my wife, then out kids – and two small children with the sick while you have it is a daunting situation. But we needed to get some things at the store so we all went and I ran in. I got the sick first so was getting to the point of starting to get over it while everyone else was knee deep in it. I thought hey – I’ll look at the noodle aisle. I always look at the noodle aisle. Lo and behold, they had this at Safeway. What?! Yep! something new to review at Safeway. Not the norm! So let’s see what the heck we have here and how it pans out.
#3026: Mom’s Dry Noodle Shiitake Zhajiang – Taiwan
Today we’ve got something new from Mom’s Dry Noodle with their new shiitake zhajiang. Shiitake mushrooms… Hmmm… Curious if I’ll like this one… I wish I liked mushrooms more – my wife loves mushrooms – so does my buddy from Germany. Shiitake have a strong flavor to them… Curious how that will translate in here. Hopefully well! Let’s find out!
#3024: Nissin Cup Noodle Nice Pork Shoyu (New Version) – 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 $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This is as nice as the name indicates! While the soup is thick and rich, this is also a bit better for you with fewer calories than the original Nissin Cup Noodles. Is that even possible? You’ll know it once you try this.’