Category: United States

Out Of The ICU! Maruchan Feel Better Recovery Ramen!

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. ...see full post

The Definitive Guide To Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodles

The Definitive Guide To Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodles

Definitive Guide Series – Maruchan Ramen Noodle SoupSamyang Buldak * Nongshim Shin Ramyun * Indomie Mi Goreng
UPDATE 3/15/2023 – Added Shin Vegan cup
UPDATE 3/12/2023 – Added section referring to new Shin Gold and Shin Green US variants.

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. ...see full post

#4051: Schylling Ramen Noodlies – United States

#4051: Schylling Ramen Noodlies - United States

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. ...see full post

FreshRamen4All.com Sends Fresh Ramen!

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! ...see full post

#4033: Noodie Peanut Chili Irresistible Ramen – United States

#4033: Noodie Peanut Chili Irresistible Ramen - United States

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. ...see full post

#4032: Maruchan Instant Lunch Select Chicken Flavor – United States

#4032: Maruchan Instant Lunch Select Chicken Flavor - United States

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. ...see full post

Soupply Sends Super Premium Pho Noodle Bowls

Soupply Sends Super Premium Pho Noodle Bowls

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! ...see full post

#4021: Myojo Yakisoba Original Sauce – United States

#4021: Myojo Yakisoba Original Sauce - United States

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! ...see full post

#4020: Vite Ramen Grilled Ribeye Beef v1.2 – United States

#4020: Vite Ramen Grilled Ribeye Beef v1.2 - United States

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. ...see full post

#4018: Myojo Okinawa Soba Light Bonito Flavor – United States

#4018: Myojo Okinawa Soba Light Bonito Flavor - United States

Another one of the fresh varieties sent directly by Myojo USA – thank you very much! I was curious about what I saw on the package insofar as how to garnish it. Looks to be pork belly and rice cake from what I’m reading – the fish cake is fried. Hmmm… I do have some kamaboko I could fry. Yeah – I’ll try that. Let’s check this one out! ...see full post

Exotic Noods Subscription Box – November 2021

Exotic Noods Subscription Box - November 2021

Are you a slacker? Can’t think of getting your friends and family for the holidays? Well, this might save you from wanton regret and inaction that may cost you dearly… 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! ...see full post

Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2022 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten American Instant Noodles OF All Time 2022 Edition

Formerly the Made In The USA list, The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time still is comprised only of varieties manufactured in the United States. This year’s list is comprised of all the best varieties from the United States in my reviews up to number 3,950. These varieties are mostly easily found as they’re not imports. Lots of great stuff to try here as well as links to find it on Amazon. I’ve also included some announcements at the bottom so make sure to check those out as well. With that, let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2022 Edition! ...see full post

#4003: Vite Ramen Garlic Pork Tonkotsu v1.2 – United States

#4003: Vite Ramen Garlic Pork Tonkotsu v1.2 - United States

Vite Ramen is a fascinating phenomenon – instant noodles married to healthy ingredients. It’s pretty fascinating! What’s neat is they keep coming out with different versions of their products – always on a mission to improve. Well, let’s give this one a try! Don’t forget to look at the scan of the back of these below – it’s pretty impressive! ...see full post

#4001: Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice Flavor – United States

The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice Flavor

#4001: Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice Flavor - United States

The reactions I’ve seen to this stuff range from curiosity to disgust. Personally, I find it to be something really awesome. You see, I spend a lot of time with instant noodles. A lot. When I see something like this, I see something that’s a shift. This really is a risky proposition, but the reward is high. Look at SPAM – they did pumpkin spice SPAM. Is it good? No clue – but I do have one my wife got me. This however is good and very easily obtained if you want to do the legwork. But not for long – this is only available at Walmart stores – specific ones – and so if you get on it quickly, you can enjoy some – or not. What’s nice is they’re only 88 cents apiece which is very reasonable, especially for a limited edition specialty item. Rest assured though – people will sell them for a great deal more on eBay once they disappear. ...see full post

Nissin Sends New Products Including Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice – USA

In August, Nissin announced that they would be producing a pumpkin spice flavored Cup Noodles product. This is really quite daring; very different and out of the norm, but a risk worth the reward. Pumpkin spice is an extremely popular flavor, and even for those who abhor it, it gives them reason for tantrums. Such an emotional response to something like this is worth a lot. ‘You hear they made a pumpkin spice Cup Noodles?’ ‘What? That’s ridiculous!’ Then they tell someone who tells someone – that’s gold right there. As Momofuku Ando once said ‘when you hear what consumers are saying, you’re hearing the voice of God.’ ...see full post

Nissin Pumpkin Spice Cup Noodles: Everything You Need To Know

Nissin Pumpkin Spice Cup Noodles: Everything You Need To Know

Alright – so the Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice Flavor is now appearing exclusively at Walmart stores around the country. People’s reactions have been ranging from inquisitiveness to utter disgust. If you’re inquisitive, I’ll tell you right now you should go out and get some because they’re not going to be around for long. I asked for some samples and Nissin USA sent me one. Just one. They were apologetic, but they didn’t have many left – it’s a very limited run. ...see full post

A-Sha Sends More Gourmet Beef & Tendon Noodle From Taiwan!

It’s been a really interesting week for me! Foremost, I hit my 4000th review. Then, while I sort of expected the Top Ten Taiwan list to make the news over there, what happened is that the Taiwanese media has gone crazy with my annual global top ten list – which came out in April! Well, two Taiwanese varieties made that list and this is one of them – ultra premium tasty stuff! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3998: Menraku Japanese Ramen “Tonkotsu” Taste – United States

#3998: Menraku Japanese Ramen "Tonkotsu" Taste - United States

This one was sent by the folks at www.exoticnoods.com – check them out and use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! This one was sent during the great noodle drought of 2021 – long story short, I ran out of noodles and asked folks to send anything I’ve not reviewed. By the way – this is made in Japan, however it’s packaged for the US market. Was surprised I’d not tried this one! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

Halloween Candy Kimchi Ramen Bread #ramenbread

Now I know what you’re thinking. ‘He’s gone mad, The Ramen Rater, he has.’ Not in the slightest. No more than usual, at least. I thought I would try something and see what would happen. Making bread is a lot of fun and I’ve never made any kind of really sweet sugary bread before and kimchi ramen would have a tangy and acidic bump to it, right? Well, so here we are. Tons of candy in the house and a bread machine wanting to make ramen bread. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

Halloween 2021 – Sriracha Ramen Franken #ramenbread

Well, shoot. This was going to be super awesome – at least that was the plan. I had a box of nice Aces Sriracha Ramen Noodle Soup bowls and I thought hey – let’s make some flour out of the noodles and a neat load of pure #ramenbread. Well, it didn’t work out and when I realized that, I started adding things… ...see full post