Here’s a neat cold variety from the United States! Summer months are great for cold noodles as they are more refreshing. My friend Taku-san from Myojo was kind enough to share some new refrigerated varieties recently and here’s one – arigato! This is going to be a little different though – it’s not summer when I’m making this – it’s late fall and there’s frost every morning. I got a recipe for Hiyashi Chuka Mazesoba from Myojo – a twist which will end up as a hot noodle dish! Shall we give it a try?
Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0
#4449: Myojo Ippei-Chan Yakisoba – United States
I can’t tell you how stoked I am about these! I’ve been a huge fan of Myojo Ippei-Chan in the tray – the ones you make by steeping. This is something different – these are refrigerated section yakisoba! They’re made in the United States! I am really looking forward to this – got the chashu ready! Let’s make it so!
#4448: Vite Ramen Vegan Sichuan Chili Edition v3.0 – United States
The guys over at Vite Ramen recently sent their entire range of the v3.0 products. I should stress that these guys are pretty amazing – healthy ramen isn’t a small feat. Look at the nutrition facts on the backshot of the package. Protein, fiber, vitamins up the wazoo. I’m really curious about this new patch version. It’s neat – they’re always working to improve their products – something I remember hearing that the street hawkers in Malaysian food courts would do as well which I think is admirable. Let’s see how this new version tastes!
#4447: Nissin U.F.O. Osaka Takoyaki Flavour Yakisoba – Singapore
Takoyaki is a little octopus ball – here’s what Wikipedia had to say –
Takoyaki (たこ焼き or 蛸焼) is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus (tako), tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger (beni shoga), and green onion (negi).[1][2] The balls are brushed with takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce) and mayonnaise, and then sprinkled with green laver (aonori) and shavings of dried bonito (katsuobushi).
The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition
Another year and it’s time for yet another top ten list. There’s a let of movement here, and a lot of favorites which have stood the test of time. This is a list of my favorite varieties from reviews up to #4440. If you’ve got a variety you think I should try or are a manufacturer who would like me to try your masterful creations – please drop me a line; I don’t know that in the 20+ years I’ve been sampling and opining about instant noodle products that I’ve refused a request for me to try a product. As I’ve said for years, my true favorite variety is the one I haven’t tried yet. With that, let’s look at these true diplomats of flavor in this, The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition.
#4443: Mom’s Dry Noodle Wasabi Almond Sauce Noodle With Tapioca – Taiwan
This is really quite interesting – I’ve never tried a noodle with boba! Boba is what you’d find in bubble tea. It’s big tapioca. Also, I’ve never heard of that particular ingredient paired with wasabi. This is going to be a trip – let’s try it!
#4438: Samyang Foods Buldak Lovely Hot – South Korea
A big thank you to The Fat Hipster from YouTube for sending this over – so I figured this sounds like a good place to start. Why? Well, I realized in my post schedule for YouTube that this would come on Valentine’s Day, so hearts, Valentine’s day – not an extreme stretch. This appears to be a less spicy version – but it’s also got something else going on. The packaging scheme looks a lot like Buldak Light.
#4436: Itsuki Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen – United States
This one came from an Umai Crate subscription box. It’s a pretty great thing to get people who are into ramen for the holidays! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles! I’ve reviewed the previous version I’ve seen, however this one is definitely packaged for the US market. Let’s give it a try!
#4435: Phonomenal Bowl Beef – United States
Time for pho. I tried the chicken and remember I wasn’t too impressed, but beef is what pho is all about and it does mention this has received an award so I’ve got high hopes. Let’s give it a try!
#4434: Ippudo Karaka Spicy Ramen – Japan
This came via ZenPlus – a special marketplace where you can get some of the best of Japan easily. Try using coupon code THERAMENRATER at checkout!
#4433: Homiah Indonesian Rendang / Laksa Noodle – United States
Today, I’m trying the third of three different varieties from Homiah, a company started out of an apartment in New York to share the flavors of Southeast Asia. I’ve been seriously impressed – great stuff so far and highly recommend it! Let’s check out the rendang!
#4431: Indomie Mi Keriting Rasa Ayam Panggang – Indonesia
A huge thanks to Pher Engi of Australia for sending this among many other Indonesian varieties recently – truly above and beyond. This is one I really loved for a long time when it was an export version to the United States, however it stopped coming our way. This stuff is top notch and really thrilled to be able to review it again. The name translates to curly noodle with grilled chicken flavor. It also comes with a soup to be served alongside. Let’s begin.
#4427: Homiah Malaysian Red Curry / 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 first of three reviews I’ll be doing – stay tuned for the other two. 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 red curry!
#4426: Sapporo Ichiban Curry Ramen Donburi – Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4425: Marutai Aji Yoka Tai Tonkotsu Ramen Kumamoto -Japan
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
#4424: Dongwon Spicy Topokki With Rose Sauce – South Korea
I thought this one was a combo tteokbokki and noodle like the other one I reviewed a little while ago but that isn’t the case. Rose is when you have a carbonara and a spicy tteokbokki sauce mixed together – spicy and creamy. I couldn’t just let it be so I made it and it’s freaking good – here you go.
#4423: Bagu Fresh Hot & Sour Sweet Potato Noodle – China
Hwew’s another of what I like to call ‘flower pots.’ Interesting design on this one. Let’s give it a try.
#4421: Ottogi Kimchi Ramen – South Korea
So this one might look like a variety simply for the US market but there’s a difference. The nutrition facts are valid for Canada as well. This one get’s the country of origin’s tag on it, although it’s most certainly an export product. It’s been quite a while since I’ve reviewed a South Korean variety I’ve not reviewed. Quite a while! Let’s hit it up and give it a try!
#4419: Pink Rocket For The Lovely Girls Original Rapokki – United States
Well ladies, this is the end of the line… I don’t have any more of these. This should all things considered be my favorite of the set – in theory. I love tteokbokki and adding noodle to it is a great way to go. Let’s try this last of the trifecta I found.
#4418: ShanShi Garlic Spicy Noodles – Taiwan
I was contacted recently by a company called ShanShi, asking if I would sample their product. I never turn down the chance to try something new (it’s what I do) so ofr course I accepted with gratitude. Here’s a little background from them – ‘It is a dish from QinWeiGuan. The Garlic Noodles comes with a very strong garlic taste and is quite spicy. It is an easy and fast way to enjoy garlic without the burden of peeling garlic and getting it ready to eat. About QinWeiGuan QinWeiGuan is a restaurant in Taipei that is established for almost 20 years. Inspiring from different Chinese traditional local cuisine, in addition with years of research and feedback from customers, QinWeiGuan has developed its unique taste that can only be found in our restaurant.’
#4416: Nissin Talharim Sabor Frango – Brazil
Big thanks toa reader named Cian for shooting these over from his trip to Brazil! I dunno, but South American instant noodles make me exceedingly happy. These are sabor frango – chicken flavor. I’m guessing that’s about all they will be, but they’re from Brazil! I don’t get Brazilian varieties incredibly often and when I do they’re really fascinating to me. Instant noodles are quite popular down that way. Well, let’s give them a try!
#4408: Dongwon Rapokki With Spicy Sauce – United States
Found this at a store in Seattle called m2m Mart – an offshoot of HMart. Actually, my wife saw it . It looks really neat and I’m a huge fan of rapokki – instant ramyun with tteokbokki (rice cake tubes) and a spicy sauce. Made in Korea, packaged for the US market. Let’s do it to it!
#4407: A-Sha BT21 Universtar Noodle With Galaxy Spicy Sauce – United States
Here is the second variety from the Galaxy Variety Noodle Box – this one’s spicy! As mentioned in a review posted a few days ago, this is a tie in with LINE, a messaging/social app, and A-Sha. Also, the BT21 characters have something to do with Korean popular music group BTS. With that, let’s cook up some noodles.
#4406: Nongshim Premium Shin Gold With Chicken Broth – United States
Well, here we go. In my group Ramen Junkies, Shin reigns supreme. Just a post someone did showing this pack had over a hundred comments real fast. Of course, I’m curious about this one – there’s also a mushroom tofu Shin Green to try as well.
#4403: Pink Rocket ‘For The Lovely Girls’ Carbonara Rabokki – United States
I must admit, I was surprised. I really think if I was at a store and a lady walked up and I held this product and said ‘I have a pink rocket for you,’ I would most likely get slapped pretty hard. Regardless of the terminology here, I have to say that this one sounds incredibly good. I’m a huge fan of rabokki – that’s a combination of ramyun noodles and tteokbokki, which are thin rice cake tubes. This one’s intermixing with a carbonara flavor – that all sounds really quite good! Definitely excited to try this one – we found it in Seattle at a place called M2M Mart. It’s made in South Korea for the US market. Well, let’s give it a try!
#4576: Daebak Kimchi Ramyeon – Malaysia
This looks to be the end of the series of Daebak varieties in this Ramyeon range – really have been impressed overall; nice quality noodle and flavors overall. We arrive now at kimchi. Let’s gibe it a try!
Massive Donation Of Indonesian Varieties!
Quite a few years ago, a reader contacted me and sent a ton of Australian instant noodles – all sorts of cups and packs I’ve never seen nor heard of before at the time. Well, our paths crossed yet again and this time, she sent me a massive hoard of Indonesian varieties – stuff I’ve wanted to review and stuff I’ve never seen before. I’m ultra excited about this – a huge thank you going to Pher Engi from Australia for taking the time and the super kindness – check it out!
#4398: Burung Dara Bihun Jagung Doroku – Indonesia
So, what do we have here? Well, this is vermicelli, aka bihun. Why is this special? It’s made from corn. I’ve never heard of a corn based noodle before – very curious! Suprama, the company that makes this is the same company that makes Best Wok Mi Goreng, which is on the 2022 edition of the global top ten list. Let see how this stuff tastes and chews!
#4397: Paldo Stirfried Kimchi Noodles – United States
When I shot the pictures for this one, it was the last of the instant noodles I had on hand for review – until I did 5 unboxing videos yesterday. Should have enough now to get a little way into the 4400s. I’ve had this one before, although it was an incredibly long time ago – back in early 2011. Looks like I liked it. Paldo has had a logo change since then. Let’s check this one out.
#4396: Nissin Deka Uma W Mayo Sauce Yakisoba – Japan
Found this one at the Uwajimaya in Renton, Washington. Nice to find something like this locally – I’m curious as it kind of looks like it’s going to have a wasabi bump to it but really unsure. Well, let’s check it out.
#4395: Wellheim Seoul Topokki – Jjajang – South Korea
Nope it’s not ramen so don’t start, but it was on the ramen aisle at local store Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington. Let’s check it out!
#4393: Indomie 50th Anniversary Mi Goreng – Indonesia
A lot of companies celebrating anniversaries lately. I’ve done a special Definitive Guide on Indomie Mi Goreng, and you can find scads of info in there. Happy birthday, Indomie.
#4392: Myojo Charumera Aomori Stamina Gen Tare Mazesoba – Japan
Here’s an interesting one from Japan found in a Zenpop box – check out zenpop.jp and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
#4391: Acecook Super Cup 1.5 Bai Seafood Flavor Setouchi Lemon Shitate Ramen – Japan
Here’s an interesting one from Japan found in a Zenpop box – check out zenpop.jp and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
Contest! Win FREE Choi Ramen!
Want to win some free ramen? Join the Ramen Junkies group on Facebook and find the contest post! Comment as to why you deserve 15 packs of Choi Ramen – the best 4 commentors will win 15 packs of this great chicken variety! Contest will be open from noon 2/17/2023 – noon 2/24/2023. Only available for folks in the continental United States. Winners will be contacted via Facebook Messenger. Good luck! Be original and creative!
#4390: Choi Ramen Noodle Soup Artificial Roasted Chicken Flavor – United States
There’s a contest to giveaway some of these noodles! It’ll go from noon on 2/17/2023 – 2/24/2023. Go visit the Ramen Junkies group on Facebook and find the Choi Ramen Giveaway post. If you haven’t joined the group yet no worries – we’ll let you in! Comment on the post with why you deserve to be one of four people who will win 15 packs of Choi Ramen! Winners will be announced on 2/25/2023! Available for folks in the continental USA!
Here’s one that came from the folks at United Exchange Corporation – thanks! So, this is a big claim – restaurant quality ramen. These are made in Vietnam for the US market. I’m rather curious. Let’s find out what we have here.
#4389: Paldo Teumsae Jjajang Ramen – United States
Well look what we have here – something to mukbang. I haven’t done a mukbang in what seems like forever; I never find anything that’s spicy that I’ve not tried before – however, the folks at BNB Global have been kind enough to send me some samples. Definitely made in Korea, but packaged for US sales. Time to burn. Check out the videos below – the mukbang was released on Christmas 2022 but recorded August 17th, 2022 – I’m pretty far ahead. Let go.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Malaysian Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition
I can’t believe it’s been almost eight years since I did a The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Malaysian Instant Noodles Of All Time list! That’s quite a while; especially with my absolute love for all things Malaysian instant noodle. The flavors are so bright and strong! These are my absolute favorites from my Malaysian product reviews up to #4300. If you’re a Malaysian instant noodle company I’m really hoping you contact me! Would love to sample and review your products! That being said, let get right to business with The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Malaysian Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition!
#4372: You Us GS Retail Omori Kimchi Stew Ramyun – United States
Okay so this is made in Korea but made for sale in the US market. This one’s made by Paldo and I think the ‘GS’ in the GS Retail mention on the logo has to do with GS Mart, a chain in South Korea. I’m looking forward to a nice kimchi bowl – we shall see!
#4369: King David Non-Fried Instant Noodles Beef Flavour – China
Here’s the second of the two King David varieties – the first was really good – I must admit I’m surprised how good it was. Let’s see how the beef stands up.