Been a little while since I’ve done a snack noodle review, so here we are. This one is by Wei Lih and hails from Taiwan. Let’s give it a look.
#2107: Nissin Lamen Sabor Frango Assado Com Toque De Limao
Thank you again to cousins Adriana and Mike O. for sending this one to me! As I’ve said in the past, anything south of the United States has been just near impossible for me to get – until somewhat recently. This one’s from Brazil. As for the translation? Well, Google says frango assado simply means roast chicken – let’s give it a try!
#2106: Itomen Onion Flavor Shoyu Ramen
Here’s an interesting one from Colin – thanks again! This is an onion flavored shoyu. I’ve had a few onion flavor varieties – let’s give this one from Itomen a try!
#2105: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Chicken Tortilla Flavor
It’s been pretty nice lately – I’ve been seeing more domestic products coming to market! I like when I can find something I really like and tell people here in the states that they can just run down to a local supermarket and find it. Found this one at Uwajimaya a few weeks ago. Let’s check it out!
#2104: Wang Rice Noodle Kimchi Flavor
Got a few varieties of these bowls a month of two ago and thought they sounded interesting. Let’s take a look!
Meet The Manufacturer: NuTek Food Science
Lowering sodium without compromising taste: a visit to NuTek Food Science
‘Aren’t you worried about the amount of sodium you’re taking in?’ This question has been following me around for years now – from people commenting on a news article to a journalist interviewing me for a story. I’ve usually shrugged it off in some way as I’ve not had high blood pressure – ‘worst I’ve had has been borderline when visiting a doctor from time to time.’ These days however with my second son here and another child on the way, my thinking has shifted a little bit. I’m in my early forties (I mean twenties, cough cough) and thinking about how I definitely want to be there for my children and watch them grow into adults, live forever, and review instant noodles as long as they keep coming up with fascinating and tasty new takes of the local cuisine of the world. I’ve cut back on how much of the noodles I take in when I review in the last year or so – a slurp of broth, a mouthful of noodles and then the supplied garnishes to get the full feel for a product and review it. I then just try to eat the garnishes I might add in after that, and once that’s done, the rest goes down the garbage disposal. It’s hard though; there are varieties that I just have to eat the whole bowl after reviewing – the really tasty stuff, you know?
#2103: Roland Ramen Japanese Style Quick-Cooking Alimentary Paste With Beef Artificially Flavored Soup Base
A big thanks to Colin for finding and sending me this one! Okay, so I have been trying to get this one for a while; anything by Roland honestly. I called them, emailed them, and always got the same reply – ‘we don’t send sample.’ I really love it when companies have such a rigid policy against basically what amounts to free advertising. This one is made in Singapore for Roland company here in the USA, and I have a feeling it’s a private label by Tat Hui/KOKA – all boils down to one aspect which is a giveaway. Let’s check this one out and I’ll show you what that is.
#2102: Nissin Cup Noodles Singapore Laksa
Here’s one left over from the Nissin Japan Meet The Manufacturer! Seems like I just did it but that was about 100 reviews ago. time flies! Anyways, this is one of their international flavors varieties – Laksa! Laksa is a popular flavor of Cup Noodles in Singapore, but this one if made in Japan. Let’s check it out!
#2101: Samyang Foods Pojangmacha Udon
Here’s another one from Colin – thanks! Pojangmacha are street food stalls found in South Korea – I really hope to try this some day! This is a spicy seafood soup from South Korea. Let’s check it out!
#2100: Myojo Mee Goreng Original Flavour
Myojo has three new Mee Goreng varieties. I’m unsure if there’s a difference between this one and their regular one I reviewed in the past other than the packaging, but I guess we’ll see! It’s a good day for some mee goreng I think – let’s crack it open and have a look!
#2099: Sanpo Yakibuta Ramen
Here’s another one from the Box From Japan box from March! BoxFromJapan.com is a monthly subscription service – you get 4 neat and very unique bowls of ramen sent from Japan along with a few chopsticks and a little letter! Really awesome – I’ve not gotten any that I’ve reviewed before at this point which is really quite amazing! Anyways, check them out! Today’s variety looks interesting – they mention that the piece of pork is shaped like a heart to show the care they put into their products. Neat! Let’s check it out!
#2098: Nongshim Kimchi Flavor Noodle Soup
I don’t remember where or when I picked this one up, but it was towards the bottom of my hamper and peering up at me a little bit ago and so I figure hey – I’d better give it some attention! It’s kimchi, it’s Vegan friendly – plus its microwavable! Let’s check it out!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Rice Noodles Of All Time 2016 Edition
Seems like it wasn’t that long ago I came out with the first Top Ten Rice Noodles list – was thinking I might not do an update since I hadn’t reviewed a ton of new ones in the last year but since a couple were definitely worthy, here it is. Here’s The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Rice Noodles Of All Time 2016 Edition!
#2097: CarJEN Otentiq Cheezy Mushroom Instant Noodles [Improved Taste]
Here’s another new recipe change for the CarJEN product line. The change they made to the Cheezy Curry was great – I liked the Cheezy Mushroom alot when I tried it – curious how it will do with new changes? Let’s find out!
#2096: Maruchan Seimen Noukou Toro Tonkotsu
Here’s one from the Box From Japan box from March! BoxFromJapan.com is a monthly subscription service – you get 4 neat and very unique bowls of ramen sent from Japan along with a few chopsticks and a little letter! Really awesome – I’ve not gotten any that I’ve reviewed before at this point which is really quite amazing! Today it’s a shiny gold ensconced tonkotsu. Let’s have a look!
New Product Samples Fron Nongshim America
I was checking out Nongshim America’s website a few days ago and noticed a new product I’d not seen before. I sent my friend Ray a message and he sent me a package!
#2095: Nissin Straits Kitchen Laksa
Got this one sent to me by the folks at Nissin Singapore – thanks! I got it right as I started the last Meet The Manufacturer and so I’ve been waiting patiently to give it a try. Laksa is one of my favorite things – very curious to see what we have here. With that, let’s open the bag and take a look and a taste!
#2094: Nongshim Champong Noodle Soup Spicy Seafood Flavor
There’s been a lot of hub bub coming out of South Korea lately – all the big companies have brand new Jjajang and Jjamppong varieties it seems. They’re all going a little more premium than their old offerings. This is awesome for me, well – as long as I can get my hands on them. I finally was able to score this one at the local South Korean grocery. Let’s crack it open and see what we’ve got here.
Top Ten List Samples From Prima Taste
Looks like I’ll be doing some interview here in the USA soon! Those are always a lot of fun. I asked Prima Taste over in Singapore if they could send some samples along of the products they have that are in the Top Ten this year – and they did!
New ‘Hot Dry Curry’ From CarJEN Foods
I saw a picture of something new on CarJEN’s facebook page and asked if I could get some samples – and they arrived recently!
#2093: Oni Hot Pot Seaweed Flavor Noodle
This came in the mail a week or so ago. Wasn’t expecting it but sure appreciate it! I don’t think I’ve had a seaweed dry noodle before from Tiawan. Sounds like fun – let’s check it out!
#2092: Doll Instant Noodle Preserved Vegetable Flavour
Here’s another one I reviewed as part of a collaboration with Hong Kong’s Apple Daily news. They sent me a bunch of varieties – this is the second vegetable-centered one from Doll. Let’s check it out!
#2091: MyKuali Penang Hokkien Prawn Noodle Authentic Taste
The third and final of the cups I received from MyKuali – thanks again! The Hokkien Prawn (aka Spicy Prawn Noodle) was #2 on this year’s The Ramen Rater’s top Ten Instant Noodles Of all Time 2016 Edition. I recently read a little about these cups – the noodle they are using is referred to as ‘shabu noodle.’ Just a little something you might be curious about. Anyways, let’s see how the sweetness of Hokkien Prawn translates with this new noodle! Let’s crack it open!
The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2016 Edition
A while back, somebody asked me if since I have top ten lists, what about a ‘bottom ten’ list? Well, when I was asked that, I was a little leery at first and then figured hey – why not. That’s what we have here. In it’s fourth iteration since 2013, here are my very least favorite varieties I’ve samples out over over 2,000 reviews. I should note that I see these often and so I’m sure many of you will disagree with me. It’s kind of crazy – some people get really offended at my picks. But these are my PERSONAL least favorite instant noodles; don’t take it personally… Geez… Without further ado, let’s dig in to The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2016 Edition!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2090: Nissin Nupasta Salmon In White Sauce Flavor Instant Noodle
Well folks, today’s the last day of this Meet The Manufacturer. It’s been a lot of fun – been great to try some new products I’ve never had the chance to before! This will be the 15th review, however Nissin Hong Kong sent me 47 different varieties, so rest assured you’ll be seeing a lot more in the future. I thought I’d go out with something really interesting. I don’t think I’ve seen a salmon instant noodle before. The Nupasta Carbonara cup I had a week or so ago was really quite good and so I’m curious about this pack version. Let’s have a look and bid a fond farewell to Nissin Hong Kong’s Meet The Manufacturer!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2089: Nissin Cup Noodles Big Seafood Curry Flavour
As we meander our way towards the end of this Meet The Manufacturer, we find this little gem. I’m pretty sure it’s smaller sibling was on the Top Ten Cups list a while back. This looks awesome – let’s check out this huge cup!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2088: Nissin Demae Iccho Beef Flavour Instant Noodle
I haven’t reviewed a whole lot of beef varieties during this Meet The Manufacturer, so I figured I’d better! Here’s one – spicy beef! Sounds good to me – let’s give this big bowl a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2087: Nissin Mie Goreng Indonesia Stir Noodle Original Flavour
Here one of the more unique varieties Nissin Hong Kong sent. Mie goreng is definitely an Indonesian dish – not something that jumps at me as something from Hong Kong. However, it tastes quite nice anywhere you are, and so I imagine that’s why they’ve added it to their lineup. Let’s have a look at this one from Nissin Hong Kong!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2086: Nissin Demae Ramen Sesame Oil Flavour Instant Noodle
Here’s an interesting one – probably the most recognizable Demae Ramen. When I first tried it, I was around 18 years old and I couldn’t get past the sesame oil smell – didn’t like it back then. It’s funny since I really like sesame oil scent and flavor now… I guess years change the palate! Let’s have a look at this iconic noodle – Hong Kong style!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2085: Fuku Superior Soup Instant Rice Vermicelli
A long time ago, I tried the package version of this one. It was really great and I am quite pleased to be able to try the bowl. Nissin HK sent quite a few different varieties – always hear people saying things about Fuku – nice things. Let’s check it out!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2084: Nissin Demae Ramen Straight Noodle Kyushu Tonkotsu Flavour Instant Noodle
Hadn’t seen this straight noodle ramen style before from Nissin. I’ve had quite a few now by different brand though, and they usually are quite nice! Let’s see how this tonkotsu fare. Tonkotsu is a pork bone broth soup served with straight noodles. It’s usually got a milky colored broth with a rich taste.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2083: Nissin Taisho Fried Noodle Sesame Paste Flavour Instant Noodle
Last night, we went to a little Taiwanese restaurant nearby and I brought home some leftovers. I got some Hakka style fried tofu, squid and pork belly with vegetables; not covered in sauce but nicely seasoned. I immediately though ‘what noodles night this go well with for Meet The Manufacturer?’ This one sounds like a good bet! Let’s check it out!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2082: Nissin Cup Noodles Pork Chowder Flavour
Here’s one of Nissin HK’s standard sized Cup Noodles, and in a flavor I’ve never heard of – pork chowder! My first thought when chowder is referenced is clam chowder; will it be like clam chowder but instead of clams just be pork? I think maybe not. I really don’t know! Let’s check this one out.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2081: Nissin Cup Mifun Spicy Beef Flavour
Today, we delve into a rice vermicelli cup. Mifun is just one name for rice noodles – here’s some more from wikipedia:
Meet The Manufacturer: #2080: Fuku Non-Fried Superior Soup Noodle
On more than one occasion, I’ve been talking to someone from Hong Kong about instant noodles. It seems like every time, Fuku comes up. This is a really popular brand there and often mentioned as a favorite. Today I’m going to try their non-fried variety. Curious how the noodles differ from the standard instant. Let’s see!
Meet The Manufacturer: More Special Items From Nissin Hong Kong
A little story. So a few weeks back, Nissin HK sent a package which got lost by the shipping company for some reason. I ended up getting a different package – an envelope that wasn’t supposed to come to me but addressed to me (weird). Well, Nissin HK was kind enough to send another package (which was the first Special Items From Hong Kong post). After quite a while, lo and behold the original package arrives! Apparently it ended up in Alabama. No clue how – but they tracked it down and got it back from whoever received it and sent it my way. So here it is – check it out – and thank you very much to Nissin HK!!!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2079: Nissin Nupasta Carbonara Flavour Instant Noodle
Well this looks interesting – Italian inspired pasta in a take out box style package. Reminds me of the Cup Noodles Pasta Style from Japan a reviewed before – at least in color scheme and design on the package. It looks like it stops there though! Let’s see what we’ve got here!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2078: Nissin Demae Iccho Curry Beef Flavour Instant Noodle
If you’ve followed my reviews for a while, two things you’ll probably have realized – I like curry and I like beef. I don’t think I’ve tried a curry instant from outside of South Korea before and this one looks pretty neat. This is the first cup version of the Demae Iccho line I’ve ever gotten my hands on! Let’s have a look inside!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2077: Nissin Cup Noodles Big Spicy Seafood Flavour
Today I think we’ll take a look at this bigger Cup Noodles. Spicy seafood sounds tasty to me! What’s also interesting about this one is that it can be microwaved, although my microwave is 1100W so unsure how to try it at 800W. It has different power levels, 1-12 (which seems kind of illogical since I wuld think they’d number 1-11). Boiling water time! Let’s go!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2076: Nissin Demae Iccho Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Flavour
After getting a box with over 40 new varieties I’ve not yet reviewed and only 15 that will be in this Meet The Manufacturer, I wasn’t sure which to try first. So this one was looking up at me and I thought okay – let’s give you a try. Alright – let’s open it up and check it out!