This one hails from South Korea, but made in this packaging for the US market. They were sent to me by BNB Global – thanks! The mild was good – let’s see how spicy this one is.
Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition
After a couple years, here’s The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition. It’s been a sort of tough go lately; so few new Korean varieties have crossed my desk. Usually they’ve all been ultra spicy ones, and while good, they’ve not been ones that are top ten listers. There should be a few new ones to the list for next years list that have yet to be published, though. If you’ve an instant noodle company in South Korea, I’d love to review your products. I used to receive samples from the larger companies quite often, but unfortunately not so much recently. This list is comprised of varieties from South Korea that I’ve reviewed up to my 4,300th review. With that, here’s The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition!
#4363: Takamori Spaghetti Napolitan – Japan
Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles!
#4361: Uncle Ya Chongqing Noodles – United States
Made in China, packaged for US sale. These have been an interesting series of reviews, but this is the last one of the Uncle Ya varieties. Hopefully we end with a good one!
#4356: Jongga Seafood Flavored Noodle – United States
Found this one at Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington. This one is made in South Korea and packaged for US sale. Interesting style of noodle – let’s check this one out.
#4353: Ottogi Buckwheat Chilli Noodle – United States
Here’s one made in South Korea and packaged for the Us market. This is a spicy and sweet cold noodle, perfect for summer months. As I write this, it’s just turned to August. We just had a week of temps above 90 degrees – very hot for the Seattle area – record breaking actually. Today it’s much cooler which is a relief. First day in quite a while since I remember the air conditioning being turned off.
#4352: Paldo King Noodle Mild Chicken Flavor – United States
Thanks to BNB Global for sending this along! So this looks like a ‘king cup’ but I tend to consider them bowls. I’m thawing chicken in the sink right now for this one and the previous two as well. It’s hot – it’s about 8pm and 89 degrees (July 30th) and just been a tough go. We’re about to have a record for most 90+ degree days in the Seattle area ever. It’s gross. So, what do I do? I bake pizzas, cook ramen in boiling water. It’s a challenge. Anyways, hopefully when I do this up tomorrow it’ll be cool in the morning. Let’s hit it!
#4350: Paldo Bibim Tteokbokki – South Korea
This comes by way of BNB Global – thanks! So Bibim Men is a cold noodle dish – you cook and drain the noodle, rinse with cold water and then add the sauce. This is a variety of tteokbokki, rice cake tubes which are soft and thoroughly enjoyable. This uses the same type of sauce as in the cold noodle, however it’s hot. I don’t think chilling tteokbokki would work so well – probably would make them tough. Regardless, this sounds interesting and I’m very interested. Let’s give it a try!
#4349: Paldo Stir-Fried Noodle With Spicy Soy Sauce – South Korea
This is an interesting one. While it says it is a stir-fried chicken flavor, below that it mentioned it has artificial chicken and beef flavor. I’m very curious – it sounds interesting. I’m excited as I’ll be reviewing some more Paldo stuff soon. Let’s check this one out – I think I found it at S*Mart in Bellevue, Washington.
#4348: Itomen Sauce Yakisoba – Japan
Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles!
Cold As Ice: Frozen Ramen – Your Holiday Gift
Today is December 25th, 2022. I thought the perfect gift to all of you nice people that look at my reviews and experiments would be to add a lot of stuff to a plastic bowl and put it outside and let it freeze. So, that’s what I did. It is your holiday gift! For free! You are very welcome! Hope everyone seeing this is having a great holiday season and that it ends soon and that 2023 is lacking a lot of insanity that the previous year contained.
The Best Ramen Noodle Recipe Of All Time
I know, I know – you’ve heard it before. TikTok especially – these ‘great ramen hacks. That’s all crap. What if I told you with a little oil and two eggs you could make the FINEST CHEAP INSTANT NOODLE RECIPE OF ALL TIME? You’re skeptical, I get that. But this bears trying. Plus, it’s very versatile. The original recipe is from my Mom – and it’s what got me started reviewing instant noodles. Anyways, Watch the video. Just do it. Recipe and images below.
#4347: Guangyou Instant Noodle Sour Hot Flavor – China
I’ve had quite a few from this brand before – just not this one. I think the first I had was in a pack form with small children playing on the package. Well, let’s see how this one tastes.
#4345: Ching’s Secret Pad Thai Noodles Green Curry – India
I’m really curious about this one – I don’t usually get a lot of Indian varieties lately. Found these at an Indian grocery in Bellevue, Washington. It says it cooks in 15 minutes? Okay – let’s give it a try.
#4338: Tokushima Seifun Kin-chan Ramen Cup TanTan Men – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4337: A-Sha Crazy Rich Ramen – United States
Okay so first off, a big thanks to A-Sha for sending one of these! Second off, this is a very premium box. Within are noodles, sauce/seasonings, and then some very fancy extras. This box retails for $199. Yeah – that’s a lot. I often tell people when they’re sick there’s nothing better than noodles. Well, that’s maybe if you have influenza. This box however is if you have affluenza. Read on and see what is within!
#4331: Myojo Noodle & Soup Only Kohaku Shellfish Dashi Chuka Soba – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4330: Uncle Ya Hot & Sour Sweet Potato Noodles – United States
I know, this is confusing to many. This is indeed made in China, but it’s packaged for the US market. That’s why it gets the United States suffix on the title. Anyways, the last one I had from this brand was quite good – hoping for more good things from this one!
#4329: Kishimen Boiled & Stirred Udon – Japan
Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles!
#4328: Maruchan Ore no Shio Stamina Ninniku Shio Yakisoba – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4325: Peyoung Kyushu Tonkotsu Yakisoba – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4321: Uncle Ya Sour Pepper Beef Flavored Noodles – United States
Another one found at S*Mart in Bellevue, Washington. This is made in China, but definitely packaged for US sale. Let’s give it a try!
#4320: Maggi Pazzta Masala Penne – India
This should be interesting! Haven’t reviewed anything from India in awhile. I’ve tried other Maggi Pazzta in the past, though. Let’s give this one a try!
#4313: MAMA Jumbo Pack Yellow Curry – Thailand
Oh man I’m back – like really back. It’s been over a month of not reviewing. I’ve a ton of varieties to review. It’s tough though; it’s July 1st today. It’s so $#@!@%%$@#$ nice outside – I want to enjoy now that it’s not raining… But I’m back – can’t stay away from reviewing. Yellow curry! Let’s do this!
#4312: Mom’s Dry Noodle Veggie Sesame Oil With Ginger – Taiwan
I’ve had a couple from this range from Mom’s Dry Noodle in the past – they’ve been pretty good. Sesame oil and ginger sounds very tasty, and these are Vegan friendly. Let’s check this one out!
#4310: A Taste Of Thai Peanut Noodles – United States
As I’ve mentioned on Instant Noodle Recipe Time episodes lately, I’m running incredibly low on instant noodles to review. Found this one at the local Safeway grocery store today. Mind you, today is May 18th, 2022 and this will be probably posting in late September or early October. Why is that? Well, I do three reviews a day – and done that most days in the last month or so, so I’m not only ahead, I’m way ahead. Today I posted review #4153 – this is review #4294, so that’s 139 reviews ahead – possibly the farthest ahead I’ve been ever. I’ve really found a groove and I’m loathe to mess with it. I get up early, get the kids ready for the day, my wife heads to work, and between 715 and 8am, I do three reviews. After I get my son on the bus around 9am, I then come back and do up the videos and images and save my review. Then I get my daughter on the bus a bit later and go out walking ten miles, get home about a half hour before I have to go pick my daughter up from the bus, then start taking pics of the varieties I’ll be reviewing the next morning. It really works out great! But yeah – I’ve run through a hoard of varieties in the past month or so. This one sounded interesting. I also noticed today that the categories drop-down that has been on the website forever wasn’t there anymore, so I fixed that.
#4306: Ya Shu Xi’an Famous Foods Biangbiang Noodles – China
This looks to be yet another one from Ya Shua – didn’t realize.. Biang Biang is a favorite of mine – a belt-like noodle with a nice sauce. Let’s give it a try.
#4575: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Bokkeummyeon – South Korea
Here’s another neat and never before seen Shin variety that was sent by The Fat Hipster – Shin Bokkeummyeon. Basically, it’s a dry version of Shin – also looks to be spicy from the packaging. I hope it’s good – let’s find out!
#4428: Homiah Singaporean Laksa / Laksa Noodle – United States
I was contacted recently by a woman named Michelle over at www.homiah.com – a website specializing in the flavors of Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. She asked if I’d like to try some of their products and of course I’m all in on that. So this is the second of three reviews I’ll be doing – stay tuned for the last one. The products are gluten free and as I’m writing this after trying this red curry, so far so very good. Let’s cook some laksa!
#4299: Sau Tao Fresh Pasta Cuttlefish In Squid Ink Sauce – Hong Kong
This is one found during a Saturday hunt for more varieties for review. Found it at a store called S-Mart in Bellevue, Washington (yeah like in Army Of Darkness!). This is one by the same company that actually sent me a pallet – 400lbs of samples!!! Let’s check it out and give it a try!
#4298: Li Xiao Mian Er Lu Dou Pi Er – China
Found this during a special trek to find some varieties of instant noodles to review in Redmond, Washington at Asian Family Market. This is nothing like anything I’ve ever found – hopefully I can find enough info to do it justice. Let’s figure it out!
#4297: Kikkoman Spicy Garlic Noodle Kit With Sauce – United States
Well this sounds nice – found it while hunting for more stuff to review. As of this moment, this is it; I have nothing left to review! Hoping tomorrow to hit Bellevue – we shall see… There should be some good stuff over there I think. Meanwhile, let’s give this one a try.
#4294: Mom’s Dry Noodle Spicy Goose Oil With Shallot – Taiwan
It’s probably a surprise to you, but I haven’t done a regular review in about a month. Why? Well, for almost two months I was doing 3 reviews a day, almost every day. So, I got way ahead of myself and decided to take a break. I also ran out of noodles and thought maybe I’d let my noodle supply grow a little bit, which it has. This is a variety that came in the last month. I did an interview for a fancy food publication called Magazine F from South Korea – they did a ramen themed issue. They hired a local photographer to do a photo shoot and I made some of this for it. It’s Friday right now – June 23rd. I’m guessing it’ll be late autumn when it comes out. Let’s check it out!
#4292: MyKuali White Fish Broth Rice Vermicelli – Malaysia
I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure I have only reviewed the non-rice vermicelli pack version of this – with a wheat noodle. This is some of my favorite soup these folks make. They never fail to surprise – first twas the White Curry, then the Hokkien Mee, and then the Red Tom Yum Goong – and then this one. I should mention the mi goreng that has a spicy prawn bite to it as well. These folks are a real powerhouse when it comes to my tastebuds. Let’s give this pack version of their White Fish Broth rice vermicelli!
#4291: Wu-Mu Mandashi Soy Sauce & Vinegar Flavor Noodle – Taiwan
This is the third of atrio of varieties I found at 99 Ranch Market by Wu-Mu. This one sounds particularly interesting – let give it a try.
#4289: Ibumie Penang White CurryMee – Malaysia
I tried this way back – looks like I reviewed it on Christmas Day of 2014! They’ve changed packaging a bit since then; they used to feature a little info about Malaysia and Penang in particular – but that’s fallen by the wayside it seems. This pack is very interesting as it comes with a ‘free face mask holder’ which I find thoroughly fascinating. I’m guessing in the almost seven years between tastings, this has changed a bit. When companies make things on a large sale, they rely on ingredients from different sources. Those sources may not be able to supply the ingredients they once did, so a new ingredient may be used instead. Also, companies (especially Malaysian ones) like to update their recipes often. Let’s give this one a try – and check out that mask holder!
#4286: Samyang Foods Buldak Curry Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen – United States
It’s been a long time since I reviewed a Buldak variety, that’s for sure! I have tried the curry before, but it’s been a very, very long time. The packaging is new, and I’m guessing the recipe is slightly different as well. Below you can see everything about this including my review, a video of cooking it, and then of course, a mukbang. This is the version for export to the United States. Let’s give it a go – hope I can handle it!
#4282: Nissin U.F.O. Truffle Carbonara Flavour Yakisoba – Singapore
This is pretty cool – it only arrived a day or so ago and it’s only around for a short time I believe, so I’m rushing it out. I definitely like carbonara. Truffles are interesting from what I’ve experienced of them. I used to visit a restaurant every once in a while called Perche No in Seattle – an Italian restaurant whose head chef was Malaysian! Anyways, he made all sorts of fascinating fusions. Was at a special dinner there once and he brought out a big container of truffles and let us check them out. Truffles are hard to describe; kind of like the finest old book smell but edible. It’s really different and compelling. Well, this yakisoba has aromatics of truffle which is very interesting to me. Big thank you goes out to Nissin Singapore for contacting me about these and sending some! Let’s get to it.
#4281: Wu-Mu Mandashi Sesame Paste Flavor Noodle – Taiwan
The last one of these I tried was quite good. This one is a sesame paste flavor. Many would liken it to peanut butter, but it’s a bit different usually. It’s really a nice way to liven up dry noodles, that’s for sure. I’ve had it cold on the streets of Taipei – and it was really delicious. I have to say, visiting Taiwan has been a highlight of my days on Earth. It’s a vibrant place full of new things to try. Yeah – don’t be a square – visit the beautiful island of Taiwan.
#4280: Sempio Korean Spicy Noodle Soup – South Korea
You know, I can’t find anything anywhere about this one and what it’s actually called; I’m guess it’s an apt title, and the label looks to be an import label from the actual company itself. However, I bet the name is different. I bet. A dollar. I have a dollar. I’d have to open the piggy bank to get the cash out, but I’m good for a buck. It’s definitely a rice noodle as opposed to a wheat noodle – and I’m guessing that would be mentioned on the packaging. I looked further on the Sempio website –