Here’s one that was in a box from Zenpop. Their monthly boxes feature a slew of varieties from Japan – use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! Here’s what they have to say about this one – “The seabura (pork back fat) broth is so delish and addictive, don’t you agree? Its thin noodle is smooth, so the richness of the soup mixes very well together. Toppings are sesame, wood ear mushrooms, scallion, and pickled ginger.”
Okay let’s give it a shot!
Acecook Seabura Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains pork. To prepare, fill to line with boiling water and steep 3 minutes. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added barbecue pork, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, spring onion, sesame seeds and egg. Noodles indeed are thin and hydrated very well in the 3 minutes allotted. The broth is a salty tonkotsu – rich and flavorful. 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071239831.
Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out.
So here’s what the folks at Japan Crate had to say about this variety -“Yakisoba is a Japanese noodle stir-fry dish enjoyed all over Japan and is the perfect dish for the summer without a hot soup base. This type of yakisoba is flavored with a salt seasoning rather than the traditional soy sauce dressing.”
Let’s hit it!
Acecook Fujikko Shio Yakisoba – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Unsure whether it contains meat – check for yourself. To prepare, add boiling water to line for 3 minutes. Drain. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Looks like sesame seeds, seaweed and possibly tempura bits.
Finished (click to enlarge). Added spring onion, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, baked chicken (seasoned with black pepper, garlic powder, and Nutek Salt for Life). Noodles were pretty good – hydrated well and not at all spongy. The flavor was good – a little sweet and a nice shio hit. Sesame notes as well. Topping garnish (not pictured) featured sesame seeds and bits of tempura which had a satisfying crunch. 3.75 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071207540.
Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This super cup contains 1.5 times the normal amount of noodles! Okinawa has a few famous dishes but this one is the most unmistakable for anyone visiting the islands. Yummy chewy noodles in a slightly sweet and spicy dash is perfect for summer.”
Sounds good – let’s check it out!Acecook Super Cup Okinawa Island Soba – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains chicken, pork, and fish. To prepare, add everything but the wet sachet. Fill to line with boiling water and cover for 5 minutes. Add in wet sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added barbecue pork, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, spring onion, crispy fried garlic, and habanero togarashi. Noodles are sadly very spongy. They support a broth which has a very odd flavored broth – well, it’s not bad but the aftertaste is just not very good. Lots of fish cake and bits of vegetable throughout aren’t enough to put this one in my good graces. 1.0 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071231552.
It’s that time again – time to run down the worst varieties I’ve ever had. That’s no small task either – this list is current as of review #3180. These are the ten worst ones, in my opinion, leaving a lasting negative impression on my taste buds. With that, I again give you what you want.
The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition
Video Presentation
Watch me run through The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition
#10 – Master Kong Artificial Abalone Crab Flavor Instant Noodle – China
Definitely a knock-off of sorts. Although I see these as Master Kong/Kang Shi Fu often, they most definitely aren’t. Moreover, the broth has an absolutely foul taste to it. I’m sure it’s safe to eat, but I would never want to cross paths with this one again. Original review
#9 – Koyo Reduced Sodium Garlic & Pepper Ramen – United States
The noodles are thick – more like ramyun. They have an alright chew; although they seem almost doughy- and not Hakata style ramen noodle doughy. The broth does taste of garlic and pepper, but it’s so very bland. It really is like you could boil some pepper and a clove of garlic and achieve the same results. Not at all to my liking. Original review
#8 – Urban Noodle Authentic Street Food Black Bean – United Kingdom
The noodles in this one were flat instead of round. They came out very nicely. The flavoring however was just strange. I expected maybe something of a Korean-Chinese fusion dish, but those are hearty and rich and not savory and sweet. In fact, this one was a little too sweet for me. The thinly sliced bamboo shoots don’t work for me either; leaving them whole would be nicer I think. What’s more, it has a kind of chemically aftertaste; like chlorine or soap. Original review
#7 – One Dish Asia Japanese Ramen Noodle – United States
This one comes with a fresh noodle pouch. They didn’t have a very fresh texture; more mushy. The bamboo shoots (which more resembled overcooked carrot and I had to consult the ingredients to figure what they were) were mushy as well. The broth had an acidic and a flavor reminiscent of the teriyaki flavor I’ve encountered in bad teriyaki instant flavors. A hot mess. Original review
#6 – Acecook Super Cup Pringles Sour Cream & Onion Yakisoba – Japan
I love yakisoba and Japan offers many different versions. This one however gets no love from me. This viral monstrosity might be neat to look at but for me it stopped there. Imagine taking a butter knife and scraping off the powder from every chips in a tube of sour cream and onion chips. Then sprinkle over noodles. Just gross – I think these two products should never come together. Original review
#5 – Isoyama Shoji 18 Prohibited / Restricted / Only La-Men Curry Taste – Japan
First, this is a lot of food. There’s reason for the warning on this pack. 700cc water and a few minutes cooking brings you a huge bowl of noodles. While in general that’s not a complaint, the flavor is. It’s violently spicy for starters. It does have a curry flavor, which at first glance is great. Then you have to taste it. You’d think all that water would dilute the sachet that comes with it but no dice here. Too much flavor and heat are the theme here, and it’s a bitter song to swallow. Original review
#4 – Baijia Single Noble Black Bone Chicken Flavor Instant Sweet Potato Noodles – China
I was told by a guy from the company that this indeed was believed to be medicinal and helpful to women having their ‘time of the month.’ I’ve also been told by a reader that people generally don’t like black bone chicken soup even in China. Very slimy sweet potato noodles, thick, greasy broth and horrid veggies that didn’t hydrate well was just a flavor, texture, and complete food hole nightmare for me. This was just horrible stuff that I couldn’t stand. Original review
#3 – Maruchan Bariuma Goboten Udon – Japan
Do you like earthy things? Like dirt? Maybe throw a ton of salt on it – does that do the trick for you? This one has just huge amount of burdock root. Burdock is great in small amounts, but this much just turns this variety into a bowl of something that just screams salty dirt. A full frontal assault on the taste buds that leaves me wondering if when they made this if they tasted it. Original review
#2 – Dr. McDougall’s Vegan Pad Thai Noodle Soup – United States
Where do I begin. Well first off, when one in the United States thinks of Pad Thai, they think of what they might find at a Thai restaurant. Okay so the rice noodles came out nicely – short, flat and broad and well hydrated, but they’re short and cut like egg noodles.. Now for the broth. Thin. Nothing like pad thai. Has a little lime flavor and a kind of herbal taste. The floating bits of tofu are a lot like the marshmallows you get in the hot chocolate that comes with marshmallows. This is as far from pad thai as I can even express in words. It’s like someone gave a broken description of pad thai to someone who has short term memory problems and no taste buds a week prior and told them to make it. I kind of feel personally violated and offended. Never thought this would slip to 2nd on this list.. Original review
#1 – Simply Asia Singapore Street Noodles Classic Curry – United States
A nice looking package with the enticing words of ‘classic curry’ brings an image of something really special. This isn’t the case though. Rice noodles come out very mushy, but curry with sligtly soggy noodles wouldn’t be so bad if it tasted like curry. Basically the flavor is a lot of lemongrass and strongly lacks authenticity. It’s like if you went to a restaurant, ordered some french fries, and they brought you a soda that said french fries on it. Just wrong on so many levels. Offensive in the highest. Original review
Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This Daikichi series cup noodle is common in Hokkaido. Daikichi means “excellent luck” in Japanese. Why don’t you wish for some good luck in the new year by eating Daikichi cup noodle? Chicken based salty soup with kelp broth and other ingredients such as flower-shaped toasted gluten cakes and fluffy eggs will bring you luck!’
Lucky gluten flowers! I’m on it.
Acecook Kelp Broth Shio Ramen – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains pork and chicken. To prepare, add boiling water to fill line and cover 3 minutes. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, green onion, black sesame seeds, and habanero togarashi. Noodles hydrated nicely. Thin and soft. Broth was alright but nothing that blew my mind in any way, shape, or form. A salty and slightly kelpy broth which was tasty. It just wasn’t a wow. The little gluten flowers were like soft bread. 2.5 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071246037.
Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Spicy but tasty tonkotsu shoyu soup with garlic and red pepper. Add pork kimuchi flavored oil to enjoy delicious smell of kimchi. Ingredients are well seasoned pork, two kinds of kimchi seasoned with special sauce, green onion, and red pepper.’
Spicy pork kimchi tonkotsu? Okay let’s give it a try!
Acecook Super Cup Pork Kimchi Ramen – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge).Contains pork. To prepare, add all but liquid base sachet into bowl and cover for 3 minutes. Add in liquid sachet. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, soft egg, barbecue pork, scallions, sesame seeds, and pepper flake. The noodles came out alright, but I think this one would be better served steeping for 4 minutes instead. A nice kimchi and tonkotsu flavor. Included garnish was alright although the kimchi hydrated and had an almost gelatinous other funk to it. 3.0 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071231651.
Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘To celebrate 50 years in business for the iconic chip brand, and 30 years for Japan’s instant noodle brand Super Cup, they collaborate as Sour Cream & Onion Pringles Yakisoba! A mouthful of soft noodles with the crunch of onion crates a fantastic textural sensation that works to enhance all the punchy flavors.’
I’m really unsure what to expect with this one. It seems kind of gimmicky to say the least, but then again fascinating. Well, only one way to find out!
Acecook Super Cup Pringles Sour Cream & Onion Yakisoba – Japan
Detail of side and bottom panels (click to enlarge). Contains pork. To prepare, Add boiling water to line and cover 3 minutes. Drain. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added spring onion. So… Have you ever wondered what sour cream and onion powder and oil would taste like with yakisoba? Well, here you go. It’s pretty boring, really. A monotony of saltiness and wrongness. It was fun to try, I’ll give it that – but it’s just not something I found palatable. 0.0 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071207588.
Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one –
‘I bet you were thinking there is not enough butter in your noodles, right? Your wish has come true. Thick and chewy noodles are best for miso butter ramen. This bowl comes with its own butter cube that will melt into rich miso soup and the soup will become more rich and savory. * Put in the butter cube right before you eat!!’
I’ve come across this before actually which is weird! I think it was a bigger size of this one. No matter – let’s give this a serious look.
Acecook Miso Butter Ramen – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains pork and chicken. To prepare, add boiling water to line. Cover for 3 minutes. Stir. Finally, add butter pat on top and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, chashu, soft egg, sesame seeds, nanami togarashi, and spring onion. Noodles were definitely not happy in the three minutes for steeping. Broth has a nice miso flavor and butter pat does augment it somewhat well. 3.75 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071239824.
Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out.
So here’s what the folks at Japan Crate had to say about this variety -“Yuzu is a citrus fruit, closely resembling a grapefruit and a mandarin orange. Take your taste buds for a spin with this somen, dressed with a light, refreshing yuzu fragrance.”
Alright – let’s give it a try!
Acecook Yuzu Somen – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Probably contains fish. To prepare, add boiling water to fill line and cover for 3 minutes. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added spring onion and togarashi. The noodles are very thin and light. The broth deinitely has a kind of bonito and citrus hit to it which isn’t bad, but just not my kind of thing. 2.75 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071239862.
Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one –
“Yokosuka, Kanagawa used to have a navy base, and ‘Japanese curry’ was first born as a military food there. The city is now called ‘Curry City’ and based on their rules, curry should be served with salad and milk. Eat this Yokosuka curry udon and get the guts to fight against a hot summer.’
Curry City?! That’s the raddest thing I’ve ever heard of. Let’s check it out!
Acecook Yokosuka Navy Curry Udon – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains chicken, pork and fish. To prepare, add boiling water to fill line and cover for 3 minutes. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added spring onion, tofu puff and soft egg. (Sorry about the picture – I took it in the kitchen and dumped it down the sink before I brought it out to the photo setup I have). Noodles indeed are chewy with a slightly wider gauge. Broth has a nice peppery curry hit to it and included garnish was decent. 4.75 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071239640.
Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one –
“The milky tonkotsu soup has the umami of grilled vegetables and contains flavored noodles, pieces of green onion and sesame seeds which add pleasant flavors to the soup. Typical tonkotsu ramen is heavy, but this one is lighter and can be a good option for a late night snack.”
Sounds good to me – let’s hit it!
Acecook Goma Negi Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains pork and chicken. Toi preparem add boiling water to fill line and cover for 4 minutes. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added spring onion, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, soft boiled egg, chashu pork, and shichimi togarashi. The noodles were alright – gauge was thin and flat and soft on the chew. The broth was interesting – had a thinner character as advised but was very strong insofar as saltiness. Sesame seed and wood ear mushroom was everywhere. Excellent, however less salt would have been optimal. 3.5 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071226138.
Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one –
“Although Sendai ramen is not the most famous kind of regional ramen, it is tasty and you’ll love it once you try it. The pork-based miso soup is zested up with chili pepper and you’ll be addicted to the combination of the rich miso taste and the hot chili.”
Spicy and zested up miso sounds good- let’s find out!
Acecook Sendai Spicy Miso Ramen – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains pork and chicken. To prepare, open and take out liquid sachet. Add in boiling water and cover for 3 minutes. Add in liquid sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added hard boiled egg, shichimi togarashi and spring onion. The noodles hydrated very well – very soft. The broth has a nice depth and taste to it. Not really something I’d consider as spicy though. Nice miso flavor and richness. Good oiliness. 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4901071239060.
A couple decades of TV commercials from Japan’s Acecook
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The noodles are thick – more like ramyun. They have an alright chew; although they seem almost doughy- and not Hakata style ramen noodle doughy. The broth does taste of garlic and pepper, but it’s so very bland. It really is like you could boil some pepper and a clove of garlic and achieve the same results. Not at all to my liking. 
The noodles in this one were flat instead of round. They came out very nicely. The flavoring however was just strange. I expected maybe something of a Korean-Chinese fusion dish, but those are hearty and rich and not savory and sweet. In fact, this one was a little too sweet for me. The thinly sliced bamboo shoots don’t work for me either; leaving them whole would be nicer I think. What’s more, it has a kind of chemically aftertaste; like chlorine or soap. 
First, this is a lot of food. There’s reason for the warning on this pack. 700cc water and a few minutes cooking brings you a huge bowl of noodles. While in general that’s not a complaint, the flavor is. It’s violently spicy for starters. It does have a curry flavor, which at first glance is great. Then you have to taste it. You’d think all that water would dilute the sachet that comes with it but no dice here. Too much flavor and heat are the theme here, and it’s a bitter song to swallow. 
I was told by a guy from the company that this indeed was believed to be medicinal and helpful to women having their ‘time of the month.’ I’ve also been told by a reader that people generally don’t like black bone chicken soup even in China. Very slimy sweet potato noodles, thick, greasy broth and horrid veggies that didn’t hydrate well was just a flavor, texture, and complete food hole nightmare for me. This was just horrible stuff that I couldn’t stand. 
