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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.
So it’s been a rough past few days. Sore throats, barfing, runny noses, extremely horrid body aches. My friends, we got the Omicron. Yeah – the whole house. We’ve all been vaccinated too and regularly wear masks. This is no fun. But to break the insanity of it all and drudgery of existence with a 24/7 funky cloud hanging over my brain, we made some bread. It was fun – good bread too! Used Best Wok Mi Goreng, which was voted the best mi goreng instant in Indonesia by a well known critic over there. That’s pretty good – some stiff competition for mi goreng especially in Indonesia! Well, Here we go – let’s do the bread thing.
Okay, this sounds good! This one is from the same folks that brought us Red Chef – two of their four varieties are in my annual global top ten. I’ve got high expectations and hopes these new KampongKu varieties are all I think they probably will be – super good! Let’s give them a go!
It’s time to unbox a Zenpop.jp box – you get seven varieties of instant noodles to try! I would say that almost every time I’ve gotten one of these, I’ve never tried any of them before which is really awesome. Great as a gift or to hoard for yourself! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount! Let’s check it out!
This is one that came from Sugoi Mart – thank you! This one is spicy. It’s Hell Curry. It looks as there’s a warning as to its spiciness on the lower part. Let’s see if it’s as spicy as it looks to be.
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Here’s one I found while at 99 Ranch Market in Edmonds to get my weekly Salad Cosmo Mung Bean Sprouts. Always such a long shelf on the ones there. It’s truly a wonderful thing! I’ve found this brand makes some really top-notch stuff in the past so figured I’d better give these a try. Let’s check ’em out!
It’s time to unbox a Zenpop.jp box – you get seven varieties of instant noodles to try! I would say that almost every time I’ve gotten one of these, I’ve never tried any of them before which is really awesome. These make a great gift for the ramen aficionado! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount! Let’s check it out!
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.
Found this one at an interesting store in Bellevue – called S*Mart. Yes, shop smart – shop S*Mart. This is the last review I’m doing this week. Guess what? I did 15 reviews this week. That’s a lot. It’s amazing when school is in session the things I can accomplish with a little peace and quiet! Well, let’s see if this packs a wallop or not.
This looks like a fancy one – it came in a 5am Ramen subscription box! Check em out at www.instantramen.jp and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER fpr a doscpint!
Here’s one that came from an Exotic Noods subscription box! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount. I haven’t had anything by this brand in probably a decade – but I remember I liked this brand’s products. I remember that, but I don’t know where my keys are at the moment. Fascinating. Well, let’s give it a try!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Well, today it’s the second of the two Little Q varieties they sent. The non-spicy was absolutely wonderful stuff – curious how this one will be. The sheer amount of beef in the first one was really amazing – and it was really succulent. How spicy will it be? Let’s find out!
Well, it’s time for what I think is the very last of the Thai Chef varieties they sent. These have been decent and of course since they’re MAMA instant noodles. Let’s give this tom yum a go.
Hey look at this – Hello Kitty noodle cups you can now get easily in the United States! They come in chicken and spicy! Get ’em here – here’s the unboxing!
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.
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!
Found this one at the Lynnwood, Washington Walmart store while we were picking up school supplies. Actually, the day I did this review was the first day of first grade for Miles after a long drawn out experience with distance learning. I’m hoping we don’t have to return to that, but I’m kind of guessing we will unfortunately. We’ll see. Anyways, this is a pretty big cup of chicken instant noodles from The Philippines – let’s check it out!
Forget to get your loved ones a gift? Well, all is not lost. These subscription boxes come straight to your door and have some neat stuff inside! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles! Here’s the latest unboxing of the January 2022 Umai Crate!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
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!
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.
This one came by way of Sugoi Mart – thank you very much! This is a fancy one – very popular – and kind of spendy anywhere you’ll find it. Ichiran pioneered the ‘spendy ramen’ world with their $80 multipacks. Yeah – $80 bucks! I think they’ve come down a bit over time though but wow. Let’s see how this one is!
Look at that cow licking it’s lips – cannibal! Well, probably not but hey! These are made in Taiwan for the Hong Kong market and I’m really curious about them so… Let’s give ’em a go!
This is one that came from Sugoi Mart – thank you! These are sold on Japan Airlines flights. This is made by Nissin Japan for JAL. It’s a tiny wee cup and looks like it’ll be pretty good – 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.
Another one sent by The Fat Hipster – thanks again! So this is by the same folks as did the other Devil Of Fire Bulmawang variety, however this one is without broth. Very curious how this will go. Let’s find out – mukbang below!
A big thanks and shout out to The Fat Hipster for shooting this one over – been curious about it and thought today would be a good day to see how strong the burn is. The name translates to King Of Hell – let’s see how fiery this guy is.
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
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.
