Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0

#5002: Wu Ming Xiao Chu Shaxian Banmian Xianglawei – China

#5002: Wu Ming Xiao Chu Shaxian Banmian Xianglawei - China

Here’s another one that came by way of Daniel over at ExoticNoods.com – check his subscription boxes out they’re multinational! This looks to be a dry noodle with some sauce. Very curious what with such a long name. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#5001: GS25 Washbasin Naengmyeon Cold Noodle – South Korea

#5001: GS25 Washbasin Naengmyeon Cold Noodle - South Korea

This is massive. I usually do an enormous variety for my ‘thousands’ reviews – at least that’s what I did for 3000 & 4000. Well, here’s a huge 5001/ 4000+ calories of naengmyeon. It’s a cold noodle and comes in it’s own huge metal bowl. Dang. Found it at HMart and it was around $25. It was pricey, but I just couldn’t pass it up. It was the only one they had and I figured it was a set of bowls and then realized this was a real thing. Well, let’s cook it up. ...see full post

#4995: Nissin Artisan’s Tan Tan Ramen – Japan

#4995: Nissin Artisan's Tan Tan Ramen - Japan

Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “You can’t celebrate sakura season without a little bit of pink. This tasty ramen bowl has a beautiful pink and brown design and features thick ramen in a deliciously spicy soup. Add in tasty sesame, ground meat and green onion and you have a tasty artisanal tan tan ramen.” ...see full post

#4989: Sapporo Ichiban Shio Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#4989: Sapporo Ichiban Shio Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

 Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Did you know that, based on the type of cherry tree, the blossoms can be white? That’s why we chose this tasty shio and tonkotsu ramen with its white packaging and deep flavor. With kombu, fragrant veggies and a slight bit of fish, this tonkotsu broth is packed with umami!” ...see full post

#4987: Dough Zone Restaurant Minced Pork Noodles – United States

#4987: Dough Zone Restaurant Minced Pork Noodles - United States

The day after my wife Kit’s birthday, the kids went and visited family for a couple hours and we had a nice lunch together. Kit wanted to check this place out and so we went. ...see full post

#4986: Red Chef Penang Prawn Mee – Malaysia

#4806: Red Chef Penang Prawn Mee - Malaysia

The second of these new changed to Red Chef products. This used to be called Sakura Prawn Mee. This usually has a very strong prawn sweetness I can’t get enough of – let’s see how it’s changed! ...see full post

#4985: Samyang Tangle Kimchi Rose Tangluccine – United States

#4985: Samyang Tangle Kimchi Rose Tangluccine - United States

This sounds really good – I’ve had rose Buldak before but this is something very different. I’ve had the pack version of Tangle which is more of a creamy thing without a kimchi aspect. Looking forward to trying this – the last one I’m reviewing this week. ...see full post

#4983: Taiban Yihao Taihebanmian Pan Mee Instant Noodles Spicy Flavor – China

#4983: Taiban Yihao Taihebanmian Pan Mee Instant Noodles Spicy Flavor - China

The second of two varieties by this company I found at S*Mart in Bellevue, Washington. I remember liking the other one immensely. That one was original flavor and this one says spicy. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#4982: Sapporo Ichiban Hakata Junjo Shin Shin Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#4982: Sapporo Ichiban Hakata Junjo Shin Shin Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

 Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Our penultimate destination is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen—Fukuoka! We’re bringing back this classic, creamy Hakata tonkotsu ramen pack from our very first box because it’s so good and we want everyone to try it! This pack comes from a popular shop called Shin Shin.” ...see full post

#4980: Sapporo Ichiban Fujiro Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen – Japan

#4980: Sapporo Ichiban Fujiro Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen - Japan

 Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Get ready for some hiking because we’re conquering Mt. Fuji next with a Fuji-inspired cup ramen! This cup features a hybrid broth of tonkotsu and soy sauce with a
delicious garlic accent and plenty of cabbage—perfect for eating while you watch the sunrise on the summit!” ...see full post

#4977: Maruchan Numaru Pepper Nagasaki-Style Champon – Japan

#4977: Maruchan Numaru Pepper Nagasaki-Style Champon - Japan

Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Last on our trip is the lovely prefecture of Nagasaki! This  Chinese-inspired Japanese noodle dish features a base full of umami and delicious pepper that combine to make a delicious champon soup! It comes with a special flavor oil too, creating an addictive cup of noodles.” ...see full post

#4968: Mamee Chef Creamy Tom Yam Flavor – Malaysia

#4968: Mamee Chef Creamy Tom Yam Flavor - Malaysia

Found this one at HMart which was kind of a surprise. A welcome one, however. I really like Malaysian variants and this company sure puts out some nice ones. Let’s delve… ...see full post

#4966: 99 Ranch Market Kimchi Ramen – United States

#4966: 99 Ramen Market Kimchi Ramen - United States

This is pretty neat. I started reviewing instant noodles in 2002, however I only did about 50-60 reviews by 2010. Well, in 2010, Kit and I moved to Edmonds, Washington. It was within a short walk of a 99 Ranch Market location. I’d never had such easy access to instant noodles before, and that’s what caused me to go full on noodle reviewing at that point. This is the first 99 Ranch Market branded instant noodle product I’ve ever seen. It’s made in Vietnam, and I know there’s an arm of Paldo called Paldo Vina over there and I’m going to bet that’s who made these for them. This is called private label. Anyways, pretty cool – there’s also a jjambbong and I’ll be review that soon. ...see full post

#4962: Myojo Charumera Miso Ramen – Japan

#4962: Myojo Charumera Miso Ramen - Japan

 Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “We’re staying in Hokkaido for one more entry with a tasty bowl of miso ramen in Sapporo. This miso  ramen is full of umami with its nutty miso soup with a hint of savory scallop dashi. This ramen has a full body that will keep you warm even in Hokkaido’s cold winters!” ...see full post

#4960: Maruchan Yakisoba Teriyaki Chicken Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles – United States

I realized that to have my complete Definitive Guide I needed this one I hadn’t reviewed. Tried the local store. Nope. Tried a Dollar Tree. Not this one but a different one I wanted to redo. A couple days later, I decided to try the local store again. Found it! So that rounds out the currently available varieties. Completion is good for the soul. Let’s cook it up – I know I really like the teriyaki beef, so let’s give this a try. ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Malaysian Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Malaysian Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition

Time for another top ten! This time, I cast my gaze towards Malaysia; a place where strong flavors and fascinating varieties are born. Curries, seafood variants and more abound. I’m always very interested in new varieties from Malaysia and invite companies to please contact me regarding their new products! Let’s delve into the best of the best – this is The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Malaysian Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition. ...see full post

#4952: Maruchan Yakisoba Cheddar Cheese Flavor – United States

#5083: Maruchan Yakisoba Cheddar Cheese Flavor - United States

It was 2011. Nobody’d heard of COVID?. Everything was somewhat peaceful as far as I remember. 13 years ago. That was the last time I’d tried this one. There are a ton of these Yakisoba varieties – some are no longer made – the taco one was my 1000th review. Four Cheese, Tomato & Basil, Sweet * Sour – if you want to see them all here you go. But today, it’s cheese! Let’s cook it up. ...see full post

#4950: Mamee Chef Curry Laksa Flavour – Malaysia

#4950: Mamee Chef Curry Laksa Flavour - Malaysia

When I saw this one at HMart I was very enthused. I did review this or a similar version recently, but the packaging has changed so maybe there’s a little different stuff going on. I’m a big fan of curry laksa – and this one generally is quite wonderful. This review is also a marker for something coming up – I’m only 50 reviews away from #5000. I’m still at a point of ‘what the heck will #5000 be? I feel like I should do something wonderful; return to my roots. Well, until then I will continue on my path through the world of instant noodles. Let’s go! ...see full post

#4949: Haichijia Instant Broad Noodles Sichuan Pepper Flavor – China

#4949: Haichijia Instant Broad Noodles Sichuan Pepper Flavor – China

Time for another one of these HaiChiJia broad noodle bowls. The last one was extremely good. Hoping this one’s got a good balance – too strong of Sichuan peppercorn kind of puts me off. We shall see… ...see full post

#4948: Maruchan Yakisoba Chili Cheese Flavor – United States

#5084: Maruchan Yakisoba Chili Cheese Flavor - United States

Hey look – a new one! Big thanks to Maruchan for sending – they sent me a nice assortment of these – maybe time to do a Definitive Guide on these hmmm… This one sounds like fun – let’s do it up. ...see full post

#4946: Nissin Demae Ramen Aka Tonkotsu Flavor – Hong Kong

#4946: Nissin Demae Ramen Aka Tonkotsu Flavor - Hong Kong

Back in 2017, I got to try this one. It’s interesting to find here in the states now, and has some differences. I’m guessing it’s still made in Hong Kong, however there are a couple of differences. Back then it was aka tonkotsu flavour – now the ‘u’ is dropped. Sachets look different as well. Today’s my birthday, so I picked three to review that I thought would be fun to do out of my stash. So, the last review, this one, and the next one are ones I’m doing today. Let’s cook it up! ...see full post

#4943: Chun Noodles Rich Sesame Flavor – Taiwan

#4944: Chun Noodles Rich Sesame Flavor - Taiwan

Found this one at S*Mart in Bellevue, Washington. Who doesn’t like noodles? Well, these have been interesting to research and so far no great luck. I think we expected this to be onion oil flavor, but I’m getting flax and sesame (sesame seems more likely) upon searching and translation. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#4941: Nissin Demae Ramen XO Sauce Seafood – Hong Kong

#4941: Nissin Demae Ramen XO Sauce Seafood - Hong Kong

I reviewed this one a few years back, but it looks like things have changed slightly so I thought it would be interesting to try again. Let give it a whirl. ...see full post

#4940: Acecook Mi Lau Thai Artificially Flavoured Chicken – Vietnam

#4940: Acecook Mi Lau Thai Artificially Flavoured Chicken - Vietnam

Found this one at Evergreen Asian Market in Everett, Washington. Dunno if I’ve tried this one… Upon checking, yes I have right here. Review 272 back in 2011. Looks like a packaging change. Let’s give it a whirl. ...see full post

#4937: Baixiang Hot Pork Bone Flavor Soup Noodles – China

Found this over at S*Mart, too. Hot pork bones! Wahoo! I’ve always liked this brand – usually their stuff is pretty decent. I wonder what the versions in China are like… Would like to try them, that’s for sure. Well, let’s try this export version. ...see full post

#4936: Maruchan Mendukuri Backfat Shoyu Ramen – Japan

#4936: Maruchan Mendukuri Backfat Shoyu Ramen - Japan

Here’s one that came from the now defunct ramen arm of Zenpop. They sent a box as a parting thank you, unfortunately the box only had one variety I’d never reviewed and this was the only one. Let’s give it a try. ...see full post

#4933: Haichijia Instant Broad Noodles With Sesame Paste – China

#4933: Haichijia Instant Broad Noodles With Sesame Paste - China

Hey look at this! I’ve reviewed the large cups before with pics of Bobby Yip on them. Found these larger sized bowls at S*Mart in Bellevue, Washington recently. Sesame paste broad noodle sounds quite nice – let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#4931: MAMA Oriental Style Instant Noodles Chand Clear Soup – Thailand

#4931: MAMA Oriental Style Instant Noodles Chand Clear Soup - Thailand

Found this one at S*Mart yesterday. I remember a very short time ago a person asked me if I’d review this one again. It’d been a great while, So I just thought I’d look and see how long it had been. The last time I reviewed this is when it was review #35! The date on it is June of 2009! My God! I haven’t reviewed this since The Beforetime. The Beforetime was the time before I met my wife Kit; when the universe was darkness. As I remember, I made the decision that IO wanted to move my website from being like this and transcribing the posts to the blogger platform. Then, I decided to migrate the site over to WordPress.com. I think that this is when I did that – back in 2009. This review could have been done between 2002 and 2009, most likely around 2004 is my guess. But today I’ll try this one again – definitely with much more experience. Let’s give it a try. ...see full post

#4930: Ottogi Yeul Ramen – South Korea

#4930: Ottogi Yeul Ramen - South Korea

I think I’ve mentioned recently being almost out of instant noodle varieties to review. Well, I went to HMart today. It’s a Monday. That doesn’t usually happen as it’s probably a two hour or more walk each way. Anyways, I went with my wife, the lovely Kit. See, she got a tooth pulled that was giving her trouble on Friday. Then she had to go back because they missed a couple bits on Saturday. It’s been pure hell for her. Today, we went back to the dentist to look – was worried about dry socket (nope) and infection (nope) – but they gave her more meds and other stuff so hoping that helps. Anyways, got to spend the day with her as she works in a call center and talking on the phone all day when you have trouble opening your mouth as it hurts… This is one that should hurt pretty good – I’ve been wanting to do this spicy one for quite a long time. Well, let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#4928: Choi Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#4928: Choi Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Here’s the second one I got yesterday. I walked over to Lake Forest Park – about three miles from here I’m guessing. The store I got it at is called Albertsons. It’s weird; I’ve noticed different stores have different moods. This particular store is weird. I waited for a cashier at the check out for a couple minutes who finally appeared and told me they were busyt talking to another employee about their father’s salmon recipe. ‘Great’ I thought; ‘I have been waiting here…’ Then she starts talking about lawn implements and asks me how to fix her lawnmower. I just want to buy this instant noodle and leave. What also is strange at this store is that you get halfway towards the back, cellphone reception disappears. But yeah; the store is strange – it’s like when the new guy in towan walks into a saloon in a western and the music stop and everyone looks at him.  Anyways, I’ve reviewed the pack version and it was quite good. Hoping this one is as good if not better. Let’s find out. ...see full post

#4923: Nongshim Baehongdong Jjoljjolmyeon – South Korea

#4923: Nongshim Baehongdong Jjoljjolmyeon - South Korea

This one was found at HMart. So let’s delve into jjolmyeon – here’s Wikipedia’s info – ...see full post

#4916: Topp Instant Macaroni Tom Yum Flavour – Singapore

#4916: Topp Instant Macaroni Tom Yum Flavour - Singapore

This one’s another HMart score. Yeah I know – again, not ramen or instant noodles, but was certainly found on that aisle. Sounds good to me – let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4913: Indomie Mi Instan Rasa Cakalang – Indonesia

#4913: Indomie Mi Instan Rasa Cakalang - Indonesia

This one came by way of Pher Engi – thanks again! You might see this and say ‘I can’t get this in the United States.’ Well, if you’re from here that is. What you might not know is that this variety used to be available here – it was called Skipjack Tuna flavor. I would guess the last time I saw it was around 22 years ago at an Asian grocery that now doesn’t even exist anymore called Evergreen Asian Grocery. They had a ton of boxes in an area that were open and full of packs of Indomie. So many varieties have left the US market – it’s pretty sad to be honest. Anyways, this is a tuna flavored one – it is with soup, and there’s a mi goreng as well. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4910: Ginding Cuanki Express – Indonesia

#4910: Ginding Cuanki Express - Indonesia

Big thanks to Pher Engi for sending this one! Okay you’re probably wondering what cuanki is and I can say that I want to visit Indonesia and give it and try it. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about it – ...see full post

#4908: Nongshim Noodle Salad With Sesame Vinaigrette – United States

#4908: Nongshim Noodle Salad With Sesame Vinaigrette - United States

Hooray for cold noodles! Nongshim has flirted with a few cold noodle varieties – they had a buckwheat zaru soba a few years ago. I think their Doong Ji is really good as well. This one’s new and I am guessing somewhat akin to a hiyashi chuka soba. Let’s give it a whirl. ...see full post

#4906: MAMA Oriental Style Instant Noodles Mi Goreng Flavor – United States

#4906: MAMA Oriental Style Instant Noodles Mi Goreng Flavor - United States

Yes, made in Thailand but most definitely packaging for export to the United States. I reviewed this waaaaaaay back – September 2010. I’m guessing a few changes have occurred in the last 13+ years. Let’s give it a try as I see people trying this from time to time. ...see full post

#4905: Maruchan Wonton Ramen Noodle Soup Hot & Spicy Chicken – United States

Was surprised to find this where I did but there it was so I got this and the non-spicy version. Maruchan had a bit of a fanfare about this – that it was bringing back something people were clamoring for. I completely expected their often asked about tomato flavored Ramen Noodle Soup, but this ain’t that which I think really disappointed a lot of folks. Regardless, this sounds interesting so let’s give it a try. ...see full post

#4903: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings – Classic Seafood & Vegetables Mix – United States

#4903: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings - Classic Seafood & Vegetables Mix - United States

Here’s the second variety they sent. This one has bits of seafood as well as a vegetable mix – let’s give it a try with a seafood instant. ...see full post

#4902: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings – Veggie Mix – United States

#4902: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings - Veggie Mix - United States

Was asked by a reader if I’d tried this product before and I hadn’t, so I reached out to the company and they sent some samples – thanks! A lot of the questions I getg regularly are about what to add to instant noodles to spruce them up. Dried vegetables come up from time to time, so this sounds like a good bet. Let’s find out! ...see full post

#4894: Nissin Cup Noodles Seafood Flavour – Singapore

#4894: Nissin Cup Noodles Seafood Flavour - Singapore

Here’s one that Nissin Singapore sent a little while ago – thanks again! These cups are pretty jam packed with bits and seasonings. Let’s check it out! ...see full post