Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0

#3213: Atomy Potato Vegetable Ramen – South Korea

#3213: Atomy Potato Vegetable Ramen - South Korea

Got an email from a reader named Donald J about this one and he wanted to send a sample – well, here it is! Thanks! Always very interested in Korean varieties – especially ones I’ve not seen before! ...see full post

#3212: Marutai Kagoshima Black Pork Tonkotsu – Japan

#3212: Marutai Kagoshima Black Pork Tonkotsu - Japan

This one was in a Ramen Trunk subscription box.These boxes are full of extremely high end varieties that you’ll never find in the United States or anywhere outside Japan! Check out this link and use coupon code RAMENRATER20OFF for 20% off any single box or subscription!Here’s what they had to say about this particular variety – “Kagoshima prefecture is located towards the souther part of Kyushu Island and is defined by it’s proximity to the sea. ...see full post

#3211: MyKuali Penang Gaeng Som Noodle – Malaysia

#3211: MyKuali Penang Gaeng Som Noodle - Malaysia

Well look here  something brand new from MyKuali! I think the last new thing they introduced was their fried noodle – their mee goreng. This one though – I’ve never heard of this before. Let’s look at Wikipedia and see what we can find – ...see full post

#3210: Prima Taste Singapore Prawn Soup La Mian – Singapore

#3210: Prima Taste Singapore Prawn Soup La Mian - Singapore

Today I’m reviewing the third iteration of this variety from Singapore. I really like good prawn flavor and hoping this one blows my mind like Prima Taste’s other varieties. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3209: Itsuki Kuromayu Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#3209: Itsuki Kuromayu Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

This one was in a Ramen Trunk subscription box.These boxes are full of extremely high end varieties that you’ll never find in the United States or anywhere outside Japan! Check out this link and use coupon code RAMENRATER20OFF for 20% off any single box or subscription! ...see full post

#3202: Red Chef Pandan White Curry Noodle (New Recipe) – Malaysia

Red Chef Pandan White Curry Noodle (New Recipe) - Malaysia

I was contacted by Red Chef and told they have changed their recipe for this one and that they’d like to send samples. Well, here’s one of them! Really curious how it will be. But first thing s first – what’s pandan? Here’s a bit from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#3201: Tian Ling Ling Dried Noodles With Shallot Sauce – Taiwan

#3299: Yonghai Dried Noodles With Shallot Sauce - Taiwan

The second of two varieties sent by Yonghai – thanks again! The first had a wide noodle, this one looks to be much thinner. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3198: Tian Ling Ling Dried Noodles With Chili & Shallot Sauce – Taiwan

#3295: Yonghai Dried Noodles With Chili & Shallot Sauce - Taiwan

Here’s something new from Taiwan! I really like spicy and definitely like shallot. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3197: Sakurai Foods Vegetarian Tonkotsu Noodle – Japan

#3197: Sakurai Foods Vegetarian Tonkotsu Noodle - Japan

Here’s the last of the Sakurai Foods varieties I was recently sent. The other two were really great – especially the spicy one! Let’s see how a Vegan friendly tonkotsu tastes! ...see full post

#3196: Prima Taste Singapore Chilli Crab Flavoured La Mian – Singapore

#3196: Prima Taste Singapore Chilli Crab Flavoured La Mian - Singapore

I was contacted recently by Prima Taste about their new Black Pepper Crab variety as well and a couple of recipe updates. This on’s got a new recipe – and the thumbs up on the pack denotes it being tasty. Far be it for me to avoid tastiness! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3195: Sapporo Ichiban Kurenai Spicy Miso Ramen – Japan

#3195: Sapporo Ichiban Kurenai Spicy Miso Ramen - 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 mixes two kinds of miso – red miso and white miso – to make the soup savory. It also uses 2 typed of noodles which have different widths to reproduce the texture of chopped noodles of the ramen shop, Kurenai. There, you can choose the spiciness; Miso, Kurenai or Onikurenai. Kurenai is the middle spice level, so if you are not satisfied with tits spiciness, you should visit Kurenai in Tokyo to try Onikurenai.’ ...see full post

#3192: A-Sha Gourmet Wagyu Beef Noodle Soup – Taiwan

#3192 - A-Sha Gourmet Wagyu Beef Noodle Soup - Taiwan

I reviewed the red boxed version previously – and it blew my mind. This one has ultra fancy Australian Wagyu beef in the mix! Yeah! One thing you should note though, you’re going to pay for it. This is super premium stuff and goes for 499$NTD (that’s $15USD). On top of that, this is only out during the holiday season, so Lunar New Year. Maybe Mid Autumn Festival too? I’ll say one thing, if it’s that much better than the other version, it’s going to be existential. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3190: Payless Xtra Big Pancit Canton Chili-Mansi Flavor – Philippines

#3190: Payless Xtra Big Pancit Canton Chili-Mansi Flavor - Philippines

Here’s one I tried a long time ago and I found in the USA, but this one I found up in Canada. Curious if it’s changed. Let’s find out! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2019 Edition

Th Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2019 Edition

Every year I come out with new lists in many categories. The more reviews I do, the more I figure the lists will change less and less. It amazes me though how much they do change and how much the industry evolves and changes. Here’s the latest list of bowls, current as on review #3180. All products are prepared according to labeling on the package, and scores are given before any external garnish is added. Let’s check out the Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls for 2019! ...see full post

#3176: Maruchan Gotsumori Shio Yakisoba – Japan

#3151: Maruchan Gotsumori Shio Yakisoba - Japan

Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this Maruchan variety – ...see full post

#3173: Sapporo Ichiban Momosan Ramen Tonkotsu – United States

#3173: Sapporo Ichiban Momosan Ramen Tonkotsu - United States

Here’s a new one from Sapporo Ichiban – a collaboration with Momosan Ramen & Sake restaurant, a venture by ‘Iron Chef’ Masaharu Morimoto. Curious if this is going to be good, but guessing it will be; Sanyo Foods doesn’t come out with a new variety too extremely often here in the United States. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3171: Doll Bowl Noodle Satay & Beef Flavour – Hong Kong

#3171: Doll Bowl Noodle Satay & Beef Flavour - Hong Kong

Here’s one I found up in Canada at Aberdeen Centre in a shop that was rife with Hello Kitty plushies and exotic candies and snacks next to the food court – I want to say it was called something like Paint Box or Art Box. This one was a nice surprise as it’s been tough to find Doll Brand varieties other than their export pack versions around here. I reall would love to do a Meet The Manufacturer series with Doll, so if you’re listening, please contact me! Let’s check out this Beef & Satay variety from Hong Kong! ...see full post

#3165: Mamee / Shinsegae Daebak Spicy Kimchi – Malaysia

#3165: Mamee / Shinsegae Daebak Spicy Kimchi - Malaysia

Here’s another one from Mohd – the last of the ones he sent (please feel free to send more varieties and thank you again!) – this is a collaboration between Malaysian company Mamee and South Korean style company Shinsegae. This is a spicy kimchi soup – let’s hit it up! ...see full post

#3161: Sakurai Foods Vegetarian Soymilk Spicy Noodle – Japan

#3161: Sakurai Foods Vegetarian Soymilk Spicy Noodle - Japan

I was contacted in January 2019 by the nice folks at Sakurai Foods in Japan. They’ve sent samples before and participated in Meet The Manufacturer as well. They’ve released a series of three varieties of Vegan friendly products – thought this sounded good and would make for a good mukbang as well! Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3160: Mazendo Noodles With Chili Mala Sauce – Taiwan

#3160: Mazendo Noodles With Chili Mala Sauce - Taiwan

This one arrived yesterday and I decided hey – how about a mukbang. So since they sent two four packs I went ahead and did one. Timing just worked well – crack it open after the unboxing video and give it a try – why not? I’ve been battling a cold that’s been going around – my son had it then gave it to me and my daughter – only ne left is my wife and I hope she doesn’t end up with it… But some spicy noodles fit the bill yesterday. Let’s check ’em out! ...see full post

#3157: TIEasy Traditional Scallion Sliced Noodle – Taiwan

#3157: TIEasy Traditional Scallion Sliced Noodle - Taiwan

I got an email asking if I’d like to try a new noodle and of course I said yes. Turns out the fellow who wants to distribute it is up in Vancouver, BC. So I emailed him while we were up there and we met up at Foodyworld in Richmond. He gave me this and another variety as well as a pack with different kinds of noodles that contain vegetable – like a purple yam noodle, pumpkin noodle, etc. This was really cool – we chatted for a few and two days later, I’m giving these noodles a try. Let’s check them out! By the way TIEasy is short for Take IT Easy. ...see full post

#3156: Nongshim Spicy Gamjatang – United States

#3156: Nongshim Spicy Gamjatang - United States

What a week! So last week I didn’t do a single regular review. I was knee deep editing all sorts of unboxings and episodes of The Chocolate Break. While we were out I found this one. I’ve seen it many times before, but buying 5 packs isn’t something I like to do at all anymore as first they’re expensive and second I end up with three extra packs to give a home to. ...see full post

#3153: Maison De Coree x Samyang Ramen Gout BBQ Coreen – France

#3153: Maison De Coree x Samyang Ramen Gout BBQ Coreen - France

Here’s another interesting one from South Korea for a French company. Pretty neat I must say. Korean BBQ is one of my absolutely favorite things. Marinated meats cooked at your table and served with a myriad of banchan; an array of small plates with different pickled and otherwise modified vegetables and tofu. Let’s give this a close look. ...see full post

Top Ten Best Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019

Top Ten Best Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019

This is my list of my all time favorites (compiled up to review #3132). These are the best and most memorable varieties – some you’ll be able to find easily, some you won’t. In the images you see, you’ll see garnished bowls of noodles. Note – reviewing is done BEFORE products have anything externally added by myself, and I follow directions on the package – for better or for worse. I should also note that going forward, the official last day for companies to submit varieties to be considered for the annual top ten will be January 31st. That’s enough – let’s have a look at The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3151: Hakubaku Shoyu Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen – United States

#3176: Hakubaku Shoyu Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen - United States

Got a message from a fellow named Mark recently about a couple new varieties to try. Shortly after, I got a package containing them. Thanks! This is the first of two. Here’s a little about shoyu ramen from Wikibedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3148: Hakubaku Tonkotsu Pork Flavor Ramen – United States

#3204: Hakubaku Tonkotsu Pork Flavor Ramen - United States

Here’s the second variety from Hakubaku to cross my desk recently. This is a shelf stable fresh noodle variety – let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3146: Nissin Yakisoba Instant Pancit Spicy Chicken Flavor – Philippines

#3146: Nissin Yakisoba Instant Pancit Spicy Chicken Flavor - Philippines

Woot woot! It is so rare these days I can get my hands on a variety from the Philippines that I’ve not reviewed yet and so I’m really stoked on this one. What’s interesting is that there are two Nissin companies in the Philippines. Nissin Monde and Nissin Universal Robina. Nissin Monde is actually a company that first started out selling biscuits. Nissin Universal-Robina is an arm of the well known Japanese empire of instant noodles. Nissin Monde is responsible for the Lucky Me! brand. Kind of interesting and odd. Anyways, let’s check this yakisoba out! ...see full post

#3144: MAMA Oriental Kitchen Stir Fried Salted Egg – Thailand

#3144: MAMA Oriental Kitchen Stir Fried Salted Egg - Thailand

I was contacted by a contact over at Thai President Foods about a new variety – and here it is! Salted egg. This may be an unfamiliar flavor to westerners, so here’s a little about it from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#3141: Maruchan Thai Red Curry Udon – Japan

#3141: Maruchan Thai Red Curry Udon - 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 -“Japanese people love the fusion of udon and J-style curry, but here we can try it with Thai Red Curry. With tasty flavors of lemongrass, coconut milk and other ethnic spices of Asia, this curry is translated into a Japanese version. How do you like it?!”
Well, I’ll let you know! Let’s find out. ...see full post

#3140: Samyang Foods Buldak Ramen Topokki – South Korea

#3233: Samyang Foods Buldak Ramen Topokki - South Korea

Alright. So you know about the Buldak Bokkeummyun Topokki variety – well, this one comes with actual topokki as well. It’s a big bag, too! Let’s tear into this and see what we have here! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3138: Suimin Origins Premium Noodle Bowl Thai Green Curry Flavour – Australia

Meet The Manufacturer: #3138: Suimin Origins Premium Noodle Bowl Thai Green Curry Flavour - Australia

Our final stop on the Suimin Origins range is their Thai Green Curry variety. Here’s a little about this flavor from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3137: Suimin Origins Premium Noodle Bowl Beef Massaman Flavour – Australia

Meet The Manufacturer: #3137: Suimin Origins Premium Noodle Bowl Beef Massaman Flavour - Australia

The second in the trifecta of Suimin Origins varieties I’ll be trying is Beef Massaman. If you’re unfamiliar with the flavor, here’s a little snippet from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3136: Suimin Origins Premium Noodle Bowl Seafood Laksa Flavour – Australia

Meet The Manufacturer: #3136: Suimin Origins Premium Noodle Bowl Seafood Laksa Flavour - Australia

To start things off, I thought I’d go with this seafood laksa. I like laksa – curious what it will be like. Here’s a little about laksa from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#3135: Nissin Chikin Ramen Mini Donburi – Japan

#3135: Nissin Chikin Ramen Mini Donburi - 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 -“Chikin Ramen is the very first instant noodles in the world. It was invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958, and it is said that instant noodle is one of the greatest invention in 20th century. We definitely think so! This year is the 60th anniversary of Chikin Ramen, so enjoy the classic instant noodle to celebrate it!” ...see full post

#3134: Marutai Kumamoto Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#3134: Marutai Kumamoto 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

#3132: Liangchengmei Food Biang Biang Mian – China

#3132: Liangchengmei Food Biang Biang Mian - China

Here’s another Lianchengmei product that my wife found while we were perusing the aisles at Foodyworld up in Richmond, BC. She found one a while back – 30″ Hot Bird, a fire noodle clone. What’s Biang Biang? Here’s what Wikipedia had to say – ...see full post

#3131: TTL Spicy Pork With Rice Wine – Taiwan

#3131: TTL Spicy Pork With Rice Wine - Taiwan

I recently did a Meet The Manufacturer series where I tried every single one of TTL’s varieties. TTL is Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor. While these packs don’t include a cigar, they do include a sachet of rice wine – and a big retort pouch filled with meat and sauce! Rad! Looking forward to trying this new variety – let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3130: Master Kong Golden Stock Shrimp Noodles – China

#3130: Master Kong Golden Stock Shrimp Noodles - China

This one is from a box from Exotic Noods. Exotic Noods has subscription boxes you can get every month! Use coupon code BOOM for an added discount! ...see full post

#3128: Kinchan Noodle – Japan

#3128: Kinchan Noodle - Japan

This one was sent by the company along with their squid yakisoba which I reviewed last week. I was first introduced to this brand by a reader named Wes from northeast Canada who sent samples. These are made by Tokushima Seifun in Japan. Let’s check ’em out! ...see full post

#3126: Fukumen Noukou Asahikawa Shoyu – Japan

#3126: Fukumen Noukou Asahikawa Shoyu - Japan

Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this variety – ‘If you’re partial to enjoying the raw flavor of noodles, you’ll enjoy these noodles that have been dried over 3 days to achieve the same taste and texture as raw noodles! These addictive noodles will make you thankful that they were so carefully and painstakingly prepared! Coupled with a thick boiled pork and chicken broth, you can be sure your meal will be filling and satisfying! Asahikawa has been working to recreate this ramen shop taste since 1955 – and they succeeded!’ ...see full post