Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0

#4966: 99 Ranch Market Kimchi Ramen – United States

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#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

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#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

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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

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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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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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

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#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

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#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

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#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

#4892: Acecook Super Cup 35SHU no Spice de Shiageru Negi-Shio Yakisoba – Japan

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#4892: Acecook Super Cup 35SHU no Spice de Shiageru Negi-Shio Yakisoba - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box. Here’s what they had to say about it – ‘Do you like spices? This cup is for you. Acecook went big for their 35th anniversary of Super Cup (スーパーカップ), and they used just as many spices for this delicious serving of yakisoba. It’s perfect for those last few days of summer, with refreshing flavors of lemongrass, rounded noodles that are a perfect match for the sauce and all those unique aromas. 🍋 The seasoning has a solid salt base, together with a mix of chicken, pork, and garlic. They opted for something simple so that the 35 spices could really do their job and magnify all the flavors. All of them have been blended in an original furikake (ふりかけ) that’ll leave you a lovely aftertaste in your mouth. The dish is topped with fragrant sesame, a sprinkle of green onions, and red pickled ginger.’ ...see full post

#4886: Yoko Street Tan Tan Ramen With Ground Chicken – United States

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#4886: Yoko Street Tan Tan Ramen With Grilled Chicken - United States

Here’s the third of the Yoko Street fresh varieties they shipped – figured I’d better cook them up quick as they’re fresh. This one sounds particularly nice! Let’s get started. ...see full post

#4884: Yoko Street Pork Ramen (Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen ) – United States

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#4884: Yoko Street Pork Ramen (Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen ) - United States

Yoko Street reached out to me recently and asked if I’d be interested in sampling their ramen products. They ship fresh and so that sounded interesting. I’ve seen quite a few of these kind of everythig you need setups in past years but it’s been a little while – so of course I was interested. Well, let’s put it together and give some tonkotsu shoyu a try! ...see full post

#4882: Mie Sedaap Instant Mi Goreng Ayam Bakar Limau – Indonesia

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#4882: Mie Sedaap Instant Mi Goreng Ayam Bakar Limau - Indonesia

Here’s another neat one thanks to Pher Engi – thanks again! Ayam Bakar Limau means charcoal grilled chicken with lime. Pretty simple – and recently I’ve enjoyed a citrus chicken mi goreng from another brand which was quite good. Let’s see how this one goes. ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2024 Edition

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This is a list I come out with every year – what’s different this year is now there’s a new rule: only one product per company. Seems fair to me – and also a way for more things to be seen. I don’t think it’s a bad idea and honestly, I think insofar as this list goes, it won’t be very hard to pull off. Anyways, here we go with The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2024 Edition! ...see full post

#4880: Indomie Rasa Empal Gentong – Indonesia

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#4880: Indomie Rasa Empal Gentong - Indonesia

Here’s another neat Indonesian variety sent by Pher Engi – thanks again! So, what flavor is it? Let’s ask Wikipedia – ...see full post

#4875: Nissin Cup Noodles Spicy Seafood Flavour – Singapore

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#4875: Nissin Cup Noodles Spicy Seafood Flavour - Singapore

Here’s a Singaporean variety – thanks to the folks in SG! As I write this, it’s 16 degrees farenheit – wind chill puts it at 7 degrees! What a brisk walk it will be this morning! On the episode of Instant Noodle recipe time at the bottom, I’ll probably talk about my frozen bones! Let’s cook this up! ...see full post

#4874: ABC Selera Pedas Hot Chicken Lime Flavour – Indonesia

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#4874: ABC Selera Pedas Hot Chicken Lime Flavour - Indonesia

Here’s one tyhat Pher Engi sent – thanks! So lime chicken mi goreng – sounds interesting! Let’s give it a try. ...see full post

#4870: KampongKu Curry Laksa Soup Noodles – Malaysia

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Curry laksa? Oh yeah – sign me up! I’ve been a big fan of curry laksa for some time now and very curious how this one will be. Let’s cook it up! ...see full post

#4867: Seventeen EatsOn Sweet & Spicy Topokki – South Korea

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#4867: Seventeen EatsOn Sweet & Spicy Topokki - South Korea

Looks like we have a Korean boy band with a ton of dudes. Yep. There’s a lot of these tie-ins in Korean varieties. There used to be one that was called DJ Doc which was a tteokbokki and ramyeon variant that was really great – that was the first one I’d seen. Anyways, can’t complain about tteokbokki, that’s for sure. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4865: KampongKu Penang Prawn Soup Noodles – Malaysia

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#4865: KampongKu Penang Prawn Soup Noodles - Malaysia

Just found out about this one recently and I’m hot on giving it and another variety they make a try! I’ve been a huge fan and booster of Malaysian varieties – let’s see how strong a prawn punch this comer will have! ...see full post

#4864: Maruchan Ore no Shio – Japan

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#4692: Maruchan Ore no Shio - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount! ...see full post