Found this one at 99 Ranch Market recently. Man, I just have to say what a week. Got COVID (granted this is August so hopefully I don’t have COVID when I’m posting this) and it’s just been hell. Lots of headache, dizziness. When I got COVID in January of 2021, I ended up with a blood clot in my lung. The second time (first was after going to Taiwan). So my doc put me on a blood thinner , effectively for the rest of my life. Well, headache and dizziness can be indicative of a blood clot. Well, not this time – usually that has to do with the fact that you’re not getting enough oxygen. Usually your heart rate will go up as well. So, it’s just the sick beating the heck out of me. It got bad enough to go to urgent care yesterday and they were like yeah you have COVID – no reason to think it’s a blood clot in your lungs or anything. So that’s good, however I still feel like crap. It’s Tuesday. I took picture of this and the last two varieties on Tuesday – of last week. It’s literally taken me that much time to get these post frameworks done before I’m even close to cooking. I might cook tomorrow, I dunno. But I think I’m coming out of the funk. I sure hope so… Anyways, let’s see about this one.
Tag: ラーメン
#5096: Nissin x Irvins Salted Egg Flavour – Singapore
I tried the spicy version the other day, and while it was pretty good, I was left wishing it centered simply on salted egg. Well, this one does exactly that – shall we dance?
#5095: Tong Wan Fu Salted Egg Yolk Noodles – China
Big thanks to Daniel over at ExoticNoods for sending this over! Well, this will publish way later, but at the moment, I’m sick. It’s mid August. Just a crummy deal. Especially today – it’s my son Miles’s birthday today! Wanted to do a bunch of fun stuff but can’t stand for very long – hoping its a sinus infection . Started with COVID the other day and was feeling better then egad whomp. Anyways, Happy Birthday to Miles!
#5094: Samyang Buldak Tom Yum Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen – United States
A big thanks to Daniel over at www.exoticnoods.com for sending this one! I’ve been wanting to try it and mukbang it up for a while now (mukbang vid at bottom of the page), and here it is. I love tom yum. I’m curious though as the Buldak base has the heat, but it also imparts some sweetness as well. Interesting. I guess the correct route is to give it a try.
The Ramen Rater As It Looked In 2013!
A long time ago, I shared the incredibly old version of The Ramen Rater – back in 2004 or so. Well, now I’ve opened up this version – from 2013! There’s a couple things telling you to go to the new website as it looks today, however I thought some people would find this interesting. Check it out if you like!
#5093: Maruchan Men-Zukuri Miso Mazesoba – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “From Mario to miso, we’ve got another tasty bowl of ramen! Men-Zukuri is popular for its tasty, non-flash fried noodles, making them nice, thick and chewy. This maze-soba is no different and features a miso-based sauce that we can’t get enough of!”
#5092: Chewy Brand Instant Noodles Premium Original Flavour – Hong Kong
Big thanks to Daniel over at www.exoticnoods.com – check out his subscription boxes – multinational rad stuff with things like this inside! Really stoked to try this – and very curious what premium original flavour entails. Let’s check it out!
#5091: Sapporo Ichiban Super Mario Wonder Flavor Shio Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Look who showed up to the party—it’s Mario! This is the classic shio ramen (that we actually included in last month’s box) but with a unique twist. This pack features a “Wonder Powder” that adds a tasty tomato flavor to this soup for added umami flavor! Let’s-a go!”
#5090: Chewy Cup Instant Vermicelli – Black Garlic & Mushroom Flavor – Hong Kong
Here’s one that came out of a box from ExoticNoods.com – thanks! I haven’t had a lot of products from this company, but always stoked to get something new to try. Let’s give it a go!
#5089: Maruchan Instant Rice Bowl Mexican Rice – United States
Here’s something you’ll find on the instant noodle aisle, however it is obviously not a noodle. This could be good stuff – very curious. Let’s nuke it and give it a try.
#5088: Ottogi Snack Shop Noodle Tteok-bokki – South Korea
Well, it’s Tuesday and Kamala Harris just announced Tim Walz as her running mate. I’m guessing you know how it pans out for them at this point, but for me it is August 6th. This one sounds good – tteokbokki is a rich cake in tube form. When prepared, they’re chewy and usually paired with a spicy and sweet sauce. This one is also including noodle, so this is ‘rabokki.’ Let’s cook this huge pack.
#5087: Nan Jie Cun Peking Spicy Instant Noodle – China
Big thanks to Daniel at www.exoticnoods.com for sending this! This looks rather plain but I’m going to tell you right now I am seriously excited about it. Nan Jie Cun is also known as Nan Jie village. So what? So this –
Tapatio Sends Three New Cup Varieties! Birria!
Tapatio hot sauce is really popular and I see their cups and bowls a lot at the local stores. Well, there are three new varieties that will be gracing store shelves now – check them out!
#5086: Funyuns Maruchan Hot & Spicy Chicken Ramen Onion Flavored Rings – United States
Funyuns and Maruchan got together and made a food baby. This is fascinating and very different. It came to be at the same time as the new Maruchan Chili Cheese Yakisoba which I used these for garnish with.I have seen snack and chip collabs with instant noodles before and they either work or they don’t. Prior to sampling these, I saw an article saying they were so absolutely wonder; really gushing over them. Well, I’ll try them out and give you my honest opinion. Let’s do it.
#5085: Yoko Street Pork Ramen (Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen) – United States
So Yoko Street sends fresh ramen to your door – here’s their website. I tried a few varieties a little while back and was enthused! Let’s try this and a couple more!
#5084: Jans Pho Bo Vietnamese Style Instant Rice Noodle – Vietnam
Very rarely have I found instant pho that I’ve enjoyed. Like twice. But maybe this will be a third time. We shall see.
Nakama Noodles Unboxing – January 2025 + Coupon Code
Today, I’m unboxing MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles box. I’d say this is a great gift for someone who loves ramen – it won’t get to them for the holidays, however you can let them know they’ll be getting some really awesome Japanese ramen in the new year! You can get their monthly selection of 8-10 varieties – and this box they sent was full of varieties I’ve never reviewed before, plus they include PACKS!!! I’ll be doing unboxings for them and have a coupon code you can use – THERAMENRATER (of course)! Watch the video below – you’ll see why I’m excited.
#5083: Yoko Street Udon With Simmered Beef and Fish Cake – United States
Here’s the second of three sent by Yoko Street. I think this is the first udon I’ve tried from these folks – I could be wrong. Looks like the good stuff too – thick and chewy. Guess we’ll find out!
#5082: Nissin Spicy Donbei Extra Serving Kitsune Udon – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Nissin Donbei is back in spicy form! This tasty bowl of udon with fried tofu combines pork, shoyu (soy sauce), katsuo dashi and plenty of spice for a red hot soup. We hope this bowl feels like a whole fireworks show going on in your mouth in the tastiest way possible!’
#5081: Prima Taste Singapore Wholegrain Laksa LaMian – Singapore
Hey look – it’s different! Yep – slightly smaller size and new design. I should note it won’t be in the West for a while. I needed to gather some things to be able to review these – you’ll see what it’s garnished. This has been my absolutely favorite instant noodle products for a very, very long time, I first tried the non-wholegrain version back in 2013 and I remember calling a friend who worked at another company and told them – ‘take notice of this – things are changing.’ Well, they have. With this review I’m also unveiling my new background. I’d been using a woven black plastic placemat for about ten years. It was time to change. This is a flooring plank cut to size and I’m pretty happy with it – you’ll see it more as time goes on. Anyways, on to the cooking – I’m very excited to try these again for the first time in the new package/size. Let us begin.
#5080: Nissin Donbei Ryukyu Soba – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Okinawa is famous for beautiful beaches and good food. And one of Okinawa’s most famous foods is Okinawa soba (or Ryukyu soba)! This ramen bowl features a delicious soup made with katsuo (bonito), kelp and pork, creating a light yet flavorful broth for the noodles”
Yet Another Awesome Donation From James Of Lakeside
Some really neat stuff this time – thanks again! James is like the noodle whisperer and finds stuff I’ve not tried – pretty amazing – let’s see what’s in the box!
#5079: Sapporo Ichiban CupStar 50th Anniversary Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Inspired by the tonkotsu ramen of Fukuoka prefecture, this cup features creamy pork bone broth with a bit of shoyu, garlic and ginger for a smooth taste and tons of flavor. Plus, these noodles should have the right amount of bite to satisfy any noodle lover!”
#5078: Wu-Mu Hua Diao Noodle Soup Chinese Cooking Wine Flavor – Taiwan
This one came by way of James from Lakeside, CA – thanks! This is a fancy one – with booze! Yup – there’s alcohol in one of the sachets. Let’s cook it up and see how it goes.
A Great Donation From Noodle Journey!
Well, I’ve finally gotten a slew of Korean varieties – some of which I knew of, some never knew existed, thanks to Noodle Journey – another instant noodle review YouTube channel! Thanks! Check out what they sent!
#5077: Acecook Local Shop One Cup Kyoto Sohyu Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Next, we’re headed to Kyoto, a city full of tradition and amazing festivals… and tasty ramen! This ramen features a delicious shoyu and pork base full of flavor. The secret to this cup’s rich, deep flavor is the use of pork fat for added umami and collagen (great for skin)!”
#5076: Mom’s Dry Noodle Laksa Vermicelli With Fishball – Taiwan
Well this sounds right up my alley! A rice vermicelli laksa that actually comes with fishball! I’m all over this let’s give it a try!
#5075: Myojo Charumera Soupless Champon – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Let’s hop on over to Nagasaki—well known for their Spirit Boats in summer and for their famous champon! This champon is soupless but features a delicious sauce that combines the rich taste of tonkotsu with the deep umami of seafood like Japan’s famous scallop!”
#5074: Snapdragon Vietnamese Pho Beef Flavored Noodle Soup – United States
A bowl of beef pho from Snapdragon. Really not looking forward to this; far and few between are Snapdragon varieties that I’ve really liked. I suppose I will atempt to ‘slurp happy’ as they recommend on the packaging. Well, let’s make an attempt.
#5073: Twisted Noodles Beef Flavor Ramen – United States
Found this at the local Grocery Outlet store – 50c. Cheap and I’m kind of poor right now so figured why not. As it turns out, this one is interesting. This is distributed by Albany Farms. Ring a bell? Albany Farms was the distributor for Panda Signature, archenemy of ravenous Maruchan fans who shop only at Walmart during the pandemic.. Well, I’ve had the chicken version of this and it was pretty abyssmal. Let’s see what the beef does.
#5072: Noodle Revolution Made From Egg White Vermicelli – United States
The second of two varieties of egg white noodles. These are much thinner – really curious if they’ll do well when made dry with some Hae Bee Hiam sambal from MAlaysia? I suppose we will find out!
#5071: Noodle Revolution Made From Egg White Ramen Style – United States
I don’t normally review noodles – I review noodles and seasoning. But when I caught wind of this, I thought maybe I should reach out to the company. Sure enough, they sent samples – so I’m going to give ’em a try. What’s fascinating is that these are egg white noodles. That’s pretty much it – egg whites and water. Let’s see what happens.
#5070: Nissin Geki Chili Infused Asian Noodles Fiery Hot Chicken Flavor – United States
Well, this is interesting. Nissin USA sent me a pack of this stuff – thanks! What’s interesting is that I’ve had this before; sort of. Nissin Indonesia has a Geki range as well – here’s a link to their carbonara flavor. I think you might be putting it together pretty quick – fiery hot chicken, carbonara… Yup. Definitely popular flavors these days. Let’s give this a try – there’ll be a mukbang at the bottom.
#5069: Maruchan Seimen Yakisoba – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Last up is this tasty yakisoba from the famous Maruchan! Yakisoba is a festival classic, so you can’t have a festival box with out it. This pack features tasty noodles and a flavorful yakisoba sauce with a tasty sea lettuce and red ginger topping for a full festival experience!”
#5068: MAMA Instant Rice Vermicelli Duck Flavour – Thailand
Big thanks to James from Lakeside, CA for this one. Man, I wish I had a duck to cook up and put in here, or at least some scratch to go buy some duck, which would be infinitely easier. But alas, I don’t. When I visited MAMA in 2015 over in Thailand, I had duck a few times. Duck is great; I mean great. Anyways, let’s cook thisup and give it a try!
Prison Ramen Roundup
The instant noodles found in prisons and corrections facilities differ a little from what you find going to the local grocery store. Given the response to the ones I’ve tried, I figured I’d put them all into a single post. I know there are more – for example a regular chicken flavor variety. Also, I know that Maruchan isn’t the only brand that packages them this way. I’ll go into the specifics of what makes them a little different and why.
#5067: Acecook Local Shop One Cup Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Time to head to Hakata for their interpretation of the Gion Festival and some tasty tonkotsu ramen! Hakata is famous for its creamy pork bone ramen, but this cup kicks it up a notch with pork fat for a deep, rich flavor and accents of onion, garlic and sesame!”
#5066: Sapporo Ichiban Spicy Miso Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Here’s another selection that will set your mouth aflame in a great way! This ramen features a tasty miso base with the addition of beef and gochujang to create a soup that is nutty, full of umami and deliciously spicy!”
Nissin Germany Sends Instant Noodle Advent Calendar!
In early December-ish, I found a neat post on Instagram about Nissin Deutschland’s Instant Noodle Advent Calendar. I thought it would be a great thing to show peopole for Christmastime! Well, I contacted them a little late, and so it literally arrived yesterday (Jan 2nd). Well, it’s way too cool not to show and if they do one again next year, I’ve set a reminder to find out at the beginning of November – I think it would be fun to do one every day until Christmas and do a video cooking it. Today, I’m going to open all of them one by one! Let’s give it a look! Big thanks to the folks at Nissin DE for sending this over!
#5065: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Hot-n-Spicy Vegetable Flavor 40% Less Sodium (Prison) – United States
A final big thank you to the person who sent me these – they work in a prison and didn’t want to be identified, so if you’re reading this, thank you very much! This is the last of the four prison varieties they sent. A little background – they’re clear so as to make it hard to smuggle in or hide contraband – stuff you mustn’t have in prison. This flavor is one you won’t find outside of prisons or correctional facilities; period. A special distributor deals with these for Maruchan. They definitely aren’t interested in hearing from you – I called them up once and they were very uninterested in selling or sending me samples and said try going to prison. So don’t bother them as you’d be wasting your time. Well, with that, let’s try this one.