Over 5,000 Instant Ramen Noodle Reviews Since 2002
Pumpkin seed noodles – it just fascinated me, especially since I’ve been doing weird things with bread. Now I want a noodle machine to load with all sorts of interesting things… Very curious how this oe will turn out. Last time, they were on the extremely chewy side and so we will see. Let’s give these low carb noodles a try!
For the longest time, I only thought there was a single variety of Nongshim’s Tonkotsu bowl – the spicy one. Lo and behold, there’s this one with black garlic oil as well. What’s more, I think both exist concurrently. The spicy one has a five star rating from me and is at the top of the USA top ten. Let’s check this new one out!
This is the last of the prototypes Vite sent me. These have been really good! Curious if I’ll like this one too. What a week – I’ve been deep diving into pumpkin spice noodles for the past 4 days and while I thoroughly enjoyed them, this will be a welcome change. Let’s give this a try!
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 the first one – arigato! Let’s check it out!
Was digging around in my hampers and found I hadn’t reviewed this extra spicy variety and thought to myself ‘it’s time.’ So, since I thought that, it must be. Let’s give it a try.
It’s been literally years since I tried this one since it’s packaging has changed. I was looking around the local store when that hit me. So, here we are. Green beans, carrots and bok choy? Interesting – let’s check it out, shall we?
So the first ‘Generation 3’ varieties I tried was the chicken flavor from this range and I was thoroughly impressed. Today, I’m going to sample the tonkotsu. Let’s just rip into it and give it a taste!
As soon as I heard about this stuff I was curious. But that was a long time ago and I’d almost forgotten why I was so curious until I did the unboxing. This stuff is made with pumpkin seed protein! That’s definitely unique. 22g of protein and 6g of net carbs. Ah, I remember net carbs. So, for every gram of fiber, you can knock off a carb. This has a ton of fiber. I’m really curious. Let’s give it a try.
James from Lakeside, California strikes again! Thanks! Let’s check this latest box he’s sent over!
I saw these recently and was really curious. Then I got an email from Dan over at www.exoticnoods.com asking if I’d tried them – I hadn’t, and he sent me some! Thanks! Let’s give them a look!
Thanks as always to James from Lakeside, CA for sending this over! I like this brand – wonder who Mr. HOO is though. Whomever he is, he must have a moustache. Let’s give it a try!
I’m always really humbled when a company sends me a prototype! Getting to try something that’s being tested and isn’t available yet – that’s a true honor for me. So thanks for sending it over! I’m really curious – this one has lots of protein, fiber, vitamins, and low sodium. Let’s get to it!
Well, would you look at that? Without warning, this guy strikes again! Jame of Lakeside, California has been sending over noodles for a couple of years now – thanks again! Let’s see what’s inside!
I remember a few weeks ago looking at my browser – repeatedly, I would see this same ad. I finally, figured it was a demand that I reach out to this company and so I did. I was sent samples, and now we get to try them! When I initially saw their offerings, I thought these were boil in bag or microwave varieties. That’s not the case – they’re cook on stove – and I’m really curious how they’re going to be. Well, let’s find out!
Big thanks to James from Lakeside, CA for sending this over! At first I was curious how they would go about doing this and then I opened the lid. Crushed noodles. I had a quick ‘a-ha’ moment and remember way back I reviewed good old #1506. 1506 was Nissin Mug – which was a variety from India and almost the same thing – instant noodles that are in rice sized lengths. This however has both the short crushed noodles AND rice. I’m very intrigued and curious about this. This right here is the kind of innovation and unique thing I have been talking about – and seeing something like this in the US market is a thrill, honestly. Let’s take a look and give this one a try!
Started seeing ads for Poco Kitchen while browsing the web, so I figured I ought to reach out to them. This is a different thing – while they might look like microwavable bags, the noodles and seasoning are dry ; nothing wrong with that at all, just not as expected. The result though was quite nice.
This is the third variety of Noodie Vegan ramen I have here to try and I’m really stoked! The first I tried was their Peanut Chili which was absolutely fantastic stuff – just loved it. The second was the Smoky Garlic, and sadly, I really disliked that one. But now we have a Vegan Tonkotsu and I’ve had quite a few Vegan tonkotsus in the past, so I’m hoping this one will be great. Let’s give it a try!
I’m absolutely fascinated and enamored with this new brand. Their products are very uniquely packaged for one, and for two, they’re quite good – at least that was my experience with their peanut chili variety. Let’s give the smoky garlic a try in hopes that it’s got some serious garlic flavor going on!
Alright so first off – this is made in China, however the package is definitely made for sale in the United States. Second, I found this at Asian Food Center on Hwy 99/Aurora by Shoreline, WA – definitely a great place to visit every couple of months. I’ve found tons of unique variants there. Let’s check it out!
To be honest, this makes me very happy. I’ve really found the Ramen Express varieties to be quite good, and now they’re easily found at Walmart. I’m not extremely keen on the cup versions (although I haven’t had the new shrimp variety so maybe they’ve changed; I will soon), but the packs have a great noodle and very nice flavors. I’m unsure if this is different than the origininal hotter and spicier variety; this one tacks ‘chili’ on the end and has different packaging. Saw it at Walmart a couple of days ago.
This one came from Exotic Noods! Exotic Noods has great monthly subscription boxes with products from around the world. Worth a look! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
This one came from Exotic Noods! Exotic Noods has great monthly subscription boxes with products from around the world. Worth a look! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
This one came from Exotic Noods! Exotic Noods has great monthly subscription boxes with products from around the world. Worth a look! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
An older package of Maruchan Chicken flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
You may have seen that I was in the hospital this week. I can describe the whole thing in the video below since it has been typed a lot of times and I had a TON of blood draws in the past few days and to put it short, they had to get them out of my dominant hand and it’s a little sore after being poked so many times, so my apologies.
Back in 1986, a South Korean company called Nongshim 농심 (which translates to Farmer’s Heart), introduced a product called Shin Ramyun. Since then it has been one of the most popular varieties around the world. In this post, I’ll do a deep dive into the product – a tear down of the package and it’s contents, my tips of preparation, and some things you might not know about it. While not my favorite variety I’ve tried, chances are it may be yours. I run a group called Ramen Junkies on Facebook and the topic and focus of the bulk of posts on there surround this product.
Today, I have something that should get some folks in a tizzy but that’s just fine. I’m reviewing instant noodles. Well, sort of. Well, not really. This is a toy. Don’t eat these. I mean, you could I suppose, but I’m telling you not to. See, it says that this toy is for ages 3 and up. So, they’re figuring you and small children will have the sense not to try and cook them and eat them. Let’s check out these sproigy and stretch things.
Yup – another newer version Vite Ramen! Once I get through all these, the prototypes for version 1.3 will be next! I remember I really liked this one – let’s see how this improved version does!
So for a couple years now, a fellow ramen enthusiast from Lakeside, California named James has been shooting over varieties of instant noodles not on my Big List – very kind and thoroughly appreciated – my thanks! Let’s see what he sent over this time!
A little late to get a holiday gift for someone? Want to try some noodles? Check it out! It’s Exotic Noods! A box every month of absolutely awesome noodles from around the world! Use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
So what I love about what these guys do is they come out with new versions. This particular variety is version 1.2. This one is a special collaboration with a company called Fly By Jing that makes Sichuan Chili Crisp, one of the true flavor delicacies. Let’s check it out!
I’ve tried a couple services that send out fresh ramen in the past. These folks at www.freshramen4all.com sent me an email asking if I’d like to try theirs! So I’ve tried all three and was quite pleasantly surprised. Great noodles (they make them themselves), amazing broths, and garnish to die for. The reviews will be coming soon, but you’ll see pics of what I did and everything they provide. If you want to get some, head over to www.freshramen4all.com and use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
Here’s the second variety of the Mr Lee’s Congee – chicken. These have freeze dried vegetables and chicken in them – let’s check it out!
So not too long ago, Mr Lee’s started running US operations as well as in the UK! So I got to trysome new product right away. This is congee – rice porridge. It’s made basically from shredded instant rice. Let’s check it out!
I know. I know. You’re at a loss for what to enjoy on Christmas. Sick of turkey, ham is salty, beef is full of beef. Herring? Vegetables? You want something delightful yet different and unique – you want this to be the best Christmas feast you’ve ever indulged in.
I received an email a few weeks ago from Isabel, CEO and Founder of Noodie. She extolled the virtue of her product (non-fried, 16g of protein, lower sodium, load of veggies, and Vegan-friendly) and asked if I’d like to try it. Never one to turn down the chance to try something new, I accepted – and here we are. I write this before tasting, but I’ve got it say I’m already impressed. The presentation here is just impeccable – downright revolutionary to be honest. You can cook these noodles in their container (which is plastic by the way). You can cok it like a cup noodle, however the noodle block is in a standard flat shape – which works with the container. The graphic design and fonts are great – you can’t tell from the above picture, but the contents of the bowl image are done with gold leaf! This honestly feels like a futuristic instant noodle. Isabel sent a very nice note about how my review would be a big milestone in the timeline of her product. Like I said at this point of writing, I’ve not tried it yet – but I definitely wanted to say that this is one of the neatest packaged noodles I’ve seen. With that, let’s begin.
I saw these on Amazon recently and though I should contact Maruchan about giving them a try – and they kindly obliged. Thank you! There’s a couple interesting things I’ve noticed that I’ll mention as you scroll down and look at the images and text. With that, let’s check out this, the biggest change I’ve seen to date of the Instant Lunch cup. Actually first, look at the lower left corner. See that? Microwavable – unbeknownst to many, no – you’re not supposed to microwave the foam cups – but these aren’t foam cups.
I recently found out about Soupply – a manufacturer of high end pho noodle bowls. I think the best way to describe them is super premium. What’s neat about them is that they contain retort pouches. Retort pouches are popular in many countries, but especially in the instant noodle of Taiwan. They contain meat and other ingredients which push the envelope of instant noodles. Let’s check out Soupply’s offering and see what’s in store!
Well, I’ve come to the end of the fresh varieties from Myojo USA which is a bummer because they’ve all been quite good. This one is kind of like a seafood tonkotsu and I’m really curious how it will be. Let’s give it a go!
I have this and one more fresh variety that I need to cook up of these great Myojo USA refrigerated varieties – they’ve been extremely good! My wife has been a fan of yakisoba for a long time as have I, but my daughter could be heard while I was finishing up the reviews that day I tried the savory miso version. ‘Mama, can I have another bite?’ She’s definitely one for repetitiveness, and like a happy broken record, I want to say I heard her say it a good couple dozen times. Curious how they’ll like this one – I think they will!
Well, didn’t I just hit one of those big numbers a few weeks ago? Well, much earlier than I hit my 4000th review, the video at the bottom of this one got published. See, my episodes of Instant Noodle Recipe Time come out sooner that the posts they’re for. It’s nice having things staggered a bit to be honest. Well, the epiosde at the bottom of this review is my 1200th episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time! A couple interesting things about this episode are the fact that I’m sure the kitchen will be incredibly hot – tomorrow (I get the posts ready for the review the night before) is probably going to be the last ultra hot day of the summer (if we’re lucky. Today it got up to 93F here if not hotter. It’s also kind of humid. We also have a lot of smoke from forest fires. So, I’ll be slaving away in a hot kitchen tomorrow – I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you for watching the show.
