Category: United States

Ramen Now! A Desktop Ramen Noodle Cooker That Works

I got an email from Ramen Now! recently asking if I’d like to examine their product and I thought this could be fun! The Ramen Now! is a plug-in device that allows the user to cook instant noodles simply and quickly, taking them from machine to table. Therte’s quite a few niceties here – the bowl it comes with is also useful as a serving bowl. It’s a small device. It works with a myriad of varieties. Also, if you get one and share a video of it being used in social media, you can get a free box from Project Ramen! Watch the video and check it out as I put it through its paces. Want to get one, click here. This would be a great gift for the college student or the ramen enthusiast in your life! ...see full post

#5555: Assi Jjajang Rapokki – United States

#5555: Assi Jjajang Rapokki - United States

Here’s another found at Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington. I generally like rapokki but jjajang I’m honestly hit or miss with. Guess we’ll find out, eh? ...see full post

#5554: Nissin Cup Noodles Ramen Bistro Korean Gochujang Beef – United States

#5554: Nissin Cup Noodles Ramen Bistro Korean Gochujang Beef - United States

Looked all over for these and finally found them. Now we will see how it goes.

Nissin Cup Noodles Ramen Bistro Korean Gochujang Beef – United States

Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge).Contains shrimp and beef. To prepare, fill to line with room temp water andmicrowave at 1000W for 2.5 minutes. Let stand 3 minutes. Finally, stir and enjoy!! ...see full post

#5551: Nongshim x Jayfai Shin Ramyun Tom Yum – United States

#5551: Nongshim x Jayjai Shin Ramyun Tom Yum - United States

I’ve tried the local version from overseas previously, and here’s one version packaged for sale in the United States. I love tom yum and it so happens we have some shrimp – let’s get this one going! ...see full post

#5549: Nissin Geki Spicy Carbonara Chicken Flavor Asian Noodles In Sauce – United States

#5549: Nissin Geki Spicy Carbonara Chicken Flavor Asian Noodles In Sauce - United States

Here’s a new Geki variety I found at Fred Meyer in Woodinville. What’s kinda funny is that I tried this flavor before, although it was from Indonesia! Let’s try the US version. ...see full post

#5546: Paldo Kokomen Instant Noodle With Chicken Flavored Spicy Soup – United States

#5546: Paldo Kokomen Instant Noodle With Chicken Flavored Spicy Soup - United States

I’m really happy about finding this one at Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington! If you’ve not tried it, I highly recommend it – as long as the new packaging doesn’t mean new recipe at least. This came out quite a while back after a Korean comedian – Lee Kyung Kyu I believe – mentioned it. This is a jalapeno and chicken flavored broth variety. What’s interesting is that it does not have chicken in this one where it once did. It’s made in South Korea – so they would export US chicken to Korea, process it, then send it back in the product. Crazy, eh? Anyways, let’s cook it up! ...see full post

#5545: Fire Bull Stir Fried Ramen Carbonara – United States

#5545: Fire Bull Stir Fried Ramen Carbonara - United States

Found this at Fred Meyer the other day (Kroger). It wasn’t in the Asian foods area, but with the domestic stuff which was interesting. I wasn’t a big fan of their initial variety (standard ultra spicy dry clone) but this has promise. Says it’s spicy too – let’s find out. ...see full post

#5544: Assi Kimchi Rapokki – United States

#5544: Assi Kimchi Rapokki - United States

Found this one at Boo Han Market along with another one. Rapokki is a great thing I really enjoy – a pairing of tteokbokki (cylindrical rice cake) and ramyun (Korean instant noodle). That texture combo alongside a sweet and spicy sauce is really wonderful. Let’s try this variety. ...see full post

#5542: Smart Way Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5542: Smart Way Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Okay, this is a big deal I think. I know – it looks very generic; very plain. But this isn’t what Ii see. This is a product of Brazil. It’s a Kroger store brand. Who is making this for them? I’ve no idea. I look at the big players in the Brazilian instant noodle market and mainly see a lot of Nissin Miojo stuff. However, the noodle and sachet style doesn’t lean me in that direction. A six pack – and it’s cheap – I think it was $4 for 2 of these – so I got both this and the chicken yesterday.  I’ve also noticed that on the directions, it’s referring this noodle as pasta. Pasta? Hmm. ...see full post

#5541: Nongshim Tteokbokki Style Noodles – United States

#5683: Nongshim Tteokbokki Style Noodles - United States

This came by way of the creator of Slurp Now, Crunch Later – a blog dedicated to Korean food! Thanks again! I’ve seen this on Amazon and been fascinated. Let’s see what’s within! ...see full post

#5540: Nora Kitchen Beef Flavored Kare Kare Ramen Savory Peanut Sauce Noodles – United States

#5540: Nora Kitchen Beef Flavored Kare Kare Ramen Savory Peanut Sauce Noodles - United States

Another one that came by way of James from Lakeside, California – thanks! This Nora Kitchen outfit sure makes a lot of interresting varieties – but what is kare kare? Wikipedia says – ...see full post

#5539: Smoko Spicy Beef Noodle Soup – United States

#5539: Smoko Spicy Beef Noodle Soup - United States

Here’s another one from James – thanks! So, Smoko? Hmm – Gemini says…

‘A “Smoko character” is a character from Smoko, an LA-based company that sells cute and whimsical products, such as plush toys and office supplies. The name “Smoko” itself is Australian slang for a short break from work. The company’s characters are based on food, animals, and other adorable concepts, with popular characters including Tayto Potato, Pearl Boba, and Lil B Dumpling’ ...see full post

Slurp First, Crunch Later Shares Nongshim Tteokbokki Noodles

I got an email from the creator of Slurp First, Crunch Later asking for my thoughts on tteokbokki. If course, I’m a big advocate; it’s one of the best things to ever exist. So, she mentioned these noodles from Nongshim and sent some over! New to tteokbokki? Watch the video and I’ll explain. Thanks!! FYI – you can find these on Amazon. ...see full post

#5536: Samyang MEP Garlic & Clam Flavor – United States

#5536: Samyang MEP Garlic & Clam Flavor - United States

Okay what is this MEP thing all about? Gemini says “MEP is a new brand of instant ramen by Samyang Foods, standing for Maptaeng (매떵), which is a Korean term that combines “map-da” (spicy) and “taeng-ha-da” (firm, chewy texture).”  Ah okay. – now it’s a little more logical, however I think it could have a little more accessible name… Anyways – garlic and clams. Let’s do this. ...see full post

#5533: Samyang Buldak Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken Flavor – United States

#5519: Samyang Buldak Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken Flavor - United States

So this is an interesting deal here. I’ve had the Korean version of this before. It was noted that the Rose US version reminds me of Chick Fil A sauce while the Korean version was amazing. Hmm… I’m curious how this will be… Let’s dive in! ...see full post

Mae Mai Sends A Truly Incredible Garnish

Mae Mai Sends A Truly Incredible Garnish

I was contacted recently by a gentleman from Mae Mai, a company making garnished. Alas, I screwed up – I did an unboxing video of their product, but I accidentally deleted the video! Well, I did it over and here it is. I’m in love with this garnish. It’s sweet, garlicky, onion, crisp, savory, and a little spicy. It’s my favorite recent discovery – try this stuff! You can get it on Amazon, or check out their website. ...see full post

#5532: Nora Kitchen Creamy Chicken Sopas – United States

#5332: Nora Kitxchen Creamy Chiicken Sopas - United States

Here’s another from James of Lakeside, California – thanks! Macaroni… Soup? I think this is a Filipino one yet again. Thewse are interesting and so far not bad. Let’s cook it up! ...see full post

#5530: Bibigo Korean Style Udon Noodles Tteokbokki Chilli Flavour – South Korea

#5530: Bibigo Korean Style Udon Noodles Tteokbokki Chilli Flavour - South Korea

Another one from Bibigo that’s certainly for the European market yet slap a distribution sticker on with US standard nutrition facts and there you go. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#5529: Nora Kitchen Pancit Canton Original Flavor – United States

#5529: Nora Kitchen Pancit Canton Original Flavor - United States

Big thanks to Jame from Lakeside, California for sending this one! So this brand is interesting. Mainly in that they make as lot of Filipino varieties, however it says they’re product of the USA. Are they made here? I dunno I guess they must be? Pancit Canton usually is pretty darn good – let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#5527: Samyang Buldak Taco Spicy Ramen – United States

#5527: Samyang Buldak Taco Spicy Ramen - United States

Tried this awhile back in the pack form. It was really quite decent – tasted like taco seasoning and sauce and noodle. It works. Let’s see how it is in this configuration. ...see full post

#5526: Trailtopia Adventure Food Beef With Mushrooms & Vegetables – United States

#5526: Trailtopia Adventure Food Beef With Mushrooms & Vegetables - United States

Here’s the last of these sent by The Fat Hipster – thanks! So this is camping ramen. I must say the prior varieties were quite bland. I guess we will see on this one. ...see full post

#5521: Nongshim Squid Champong Ramyun – United States

#5521: Nongshim Squid Champong Ramyun - United States

Haven’t seen this one in a long time. Looks like new packaging to some degree as well. A seafood ramyun sounds good – getting colder here. It’s the tail end of September 2025 as I type this. Lewt’s give it a try. ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2026 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2026 Edition

Can’t believe it’s time for another global top ten. To be honest, I’ve been loathe to do top tens. Why? Well, it’s a lot of work—especially the videos. I like the process of doing reviews; the hunting for varieties, the image editing, and doing my Instant Noodle Recipe Time show when I cook and do my tasting. Taking a week or two to devote a lot of time to video editing, etcetera, is a lot. But I know many of you like these lists and in the end, there are some really fun aspects to them as well. ...see full post

Ramen Bae – New Ramen AND Topping Selections!

I was super stoked to see that Ramen Bae has come out with their own range of instant noodle products! Some really neat stuff in this box – check ’em out! ...see full post

Tapatio Ramen Sends Multipacks!

If you didn’t know, the Tapatio hot sauce folks have their own ramen varieties – in pack, cups, and bowls. These are the current varieties in pack form that they sent and I’m really interested in reviewing them! Big thanks to Tapatio Ramen for sending them along – let’s check ’em out. ...see full post

#5518: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu BBQ Flavor – United States

#5518: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu BBQ Flavor - United States

Found these at Saar’s Super Saver on Aurora neat Seattle. So it is just vexing me – those little words by the hammer kid – don’t boil it – smash it. I’ll follow the rules, but honestly, I have to try this as a dry noodle soon. Boil it, drain it, add seasoning, stir it up. I bet it’s good! I’ll get one next time at a store. I will reveal the upshot to you! For free! I am happy to! Anyways for now, let’s smash it. ...see full post

Hard To Find Buldak From Hunny’s Ramen!

So Hunny’s Ramen is specializing in really great boxes with 12 varieties of Buldak, custom assortments you can pick as well, but what’s more, you can get some very hard to find varieties from them as well. Let’s check some of them out! ...see full post

Hunny’s Ramen Sends Specialty Buldak Mega Variety Pack!!

Hunny's Ramen Sends Specialty Buldak Mega Variety Pack!!

Well folks, if you’re looking for a pack with 12 different varieties of Buldak Ramen, this is where its at! If you love Buldak, check out Hunny’s Ramen – these folks ship fast and have a great box! Need more convincing? Check out the video and the extra special things inside! ...see full post

#5512: Samyang Original Buldak Spicy Ramen – United States

#5512: Samyang Original Buldak Spicy Ramen - United States

Recently, I got an Instagram message from someone interested in this variety. Not to see what I thought of it, but asking if I had a recent scan of the packaging. They make rad little keychains for sale at events and Etsy soon, so I figured I haven’t done this newer packaging version, so why not? I’m in the mood I think, let’s give it a go. ...see full post

#5511: Gefen Instant Noodle Soup Fat Free Imitation Chicken Flavor – United States

#5511: Gefen Instant Noodle Soup Fat Free Imitation Chicken Flavor - United States

I’ve tried these before. This one is fat free though. I found it while on a long walk looking for something else. I like it when that happens. Let’s try this out; it’s made in Singapore. ...see full post

#5502: Nissin Cup Noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Garlic Chicken – United States

#5502: Nissin Cup Noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Garlic Chicken - United States

I went out on a walk looking for noodles to review. I found this and another Ramen Bistro variety – been searching for them for over a month. Let’s give this one a try! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater Is Retiring

APRIL FOOLS!

emaillogo

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has been a part of The Ramen Rater over the past years. Without you, the site wouldn’t be what it has become; a community of people from around the world sharing one common interest: the instant noodle.  ...see full post

#5500: Cielo Ramen Mariscos Instant Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5500: Cielo Ramen Mariscos Instant Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Mariscos? Seafood! I’ve wanted to visit the Mexican coast and try all the seafood – I bet it’s really great. I’ve had a lot of seafood outside the US in Asia – and it was amazing. My guess is it’s the same in Mexico. Let’s give this a try! ...see full post

#5496: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Tteokbokki Flavor – United States

#5496: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Tteokbokki Flavor - United States

HAPPY NO KINGS DAY3! Those who don’t get it won’t get it. Enjoy the party!

Found these are Saar’s Super Saver on Aurora in Seattle. I haven’t reviewed these since their packaging change – it’s been years. Take the power back with a portable snack! Let’s give it a go. ...see full post

#5490: Cielo Ramen Birria Instant Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5490: Cielo Ramen Birria Instant Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Been waiting to get my hands on this one for awhile! I tried Cielo products a while back and been curious about the Birria and Mariscos varieties! This is the Birria and it sounds good – we shall see indeed! Time to cook. ...see full post

#5482: Otoki K-Pop Star’s Secret Spicy Beef Flavor – United States

#5482: Otoki K-Pop Star's Secret Spicy Beef Flavor - United States

Here’s a low cal variety from Otoki (formerly Ottogi). Interesting. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first variety, hopefully this one will fare better. ...see full post

#5481: Nissin Cup Noodles Protein Rich & Savory Beef Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5481: Nissin Cup Noodles Protein Rich & Savory Beef Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Here’s the counterpart to the chicken version, found at the local grocery store. What bums me out is no Thai Curry Hot Pot Fusiuon  Nissin variety at the local store. Idk… Hopefully I’ll run into it soon. Let’s give this one a try. ...see full post

#5480: Jif Stir-Fry Style Noodles Peanut Butter Flavored Ramen – United States

#5639: Jif Stir-Fry Style Noodles Peanut Butter Flavored Ramen - United States

For years, I’ve heard a popular thing to do is add peanut butter to noodles. It does make sense; think of Thai food; Americanized phad thai usually has a lot in there. I was even consulted in the past on my thoughts of such a thing as a product. Today, I’m trying one that came to market, although at the time of posting, I don’t think it’s available just yet. It certainly sounds like something that could be really quite good. Let’s give it a try and see what happens. ...see full post

JIF Sends New Peanut Butter Stir-Fry Noodles!

What? No! Yep – really! Just watch the video – this looks really interesting and the review will be out extremely soon – possibly tomorrow. This is a fascinating thing and I think that it should be good. ...see full post

#5478: Samyang Buldak Potato Chips Original Spicy Chicken Artificially Flavored – United States

#5478: Samyang Buldak Potato Chips Original Spicy Chicken Artificially Flavored - United States

Well here we are with the last of the series of three – starting with the Habanero Lime (not very spicy, overwhelmed by lime), the Quattro (decently spicy and cheese-like), and now the original. Let’s pop open the bag and see what is within. ...see full post