The Definitive Source For Instant Noodle Reviews Since 2002
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.
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
One thing I’ve noticed – spicy is in. This list tends to be the most popular on my website The Ramen Rater every single day. People just want to get all the spicy they can get. Why is that? Spicy is intense. Spicy compliments flavor. Spicy will knock you on your butt. The challenge and chase for the endorphin rush that ultra spicy things give people is extremely tempting for many. These are the spiciest varieties I’ve had the opportunity to sample as of my 3,950th review. Ready to burn? Let’s get to The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All Time 2022 Edition.
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!
Well, I’ve come to the end of the fresh varieties from Myojo USA which is a bummer because they’ve all been quite good. This one is kind of like a seafood tonkotsu and I’m really curious how it will be. Let’s give it a go!
I’m a little vexed as shortly the holiday season will be upon us. IT’S ALL HAPPENING TOO FAST!!! Well, if you’re ready to start shopping for your loved ones, this is a great idea for a gift for the holidays! 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 December 2021 Umai Crate!
I noticed some neat clothes shown on an instagram I follow and asked where they were from and found a out about digitaleats.co – lots of neat shirts, hats, and more with a definite food theme. Lots of ramen, bubble tea, and other great designs – check it out over there and be sure to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER at checkout! Neat ideas for the ramen-centric who are still looking for holiday gifts and gifts for anytime! Let’s check ’em out!
In this box are two different varieties of ramen – one miso, one shoyu. The noodles appear to be the same, just the sachets are different. Let’s kick off this short Meet The Manufacturer series with some shoyu!
In this box are two different varieties of ramen – one miso, one shoyu. The noodles appear to be the same, just the sachets are different. Let’s kick off this short Meet The Manufacturer series with some miso!
For this short form series, Nishiyama Seimen sent a single box which contains 4 servings. Two of the servings are miso, and two are shoyu, depending on the soup base sachets used. Let’s check it out!
Found this one at the Asian Family Market on 130th & Aurora in Seattle. They’ve got a lot of premium varieties – this one is in a little box which is pretty neat. I’ve had some from this brand in the past I really didn’t like but I’m hopeful – I mean, they’re mentioning night market in the title and night markets are really, really cool – at least when I visited Taiwan. Let’s check it out!
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!
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.
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
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!
I recently got couple more varieties from Aces of their Sriracha Ramen Noodle Soup range – this lobster and an extra spicy! First, the lobster. Let’s check it out!
Here’s one that came via Exotic Noods – check ’em out and use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
Another one from the guys in California. You don’t often see revision numbers on food products, but these guys put them on there. To me, it shows they’re always striving to improve on products and upgrade them when possible. Pretty cool! Let’s give this new version a try!
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
Saw there was some neat new things going on over at Myojo USA so I contacted my friend Taku-san and he sent some great fresh varieties! I’ve had a ton of different yakisoba varieties but never have I seen a miso flavored one. Let’s give it a try!
Here’s another one I found at Asian Family Market in North Seattle at 130th & Aurora. This one is konjac and being konjac noodle, it’s exceedingly low in calories – it’s saying it’s 16 calories for 100 grams. Like I said – way low cal. Let’s check it out – by the way it’s a cold noodle!
I thought hey – it’s the last day of November – perhaps I should do a roundup of subscription boxes I regularly test out with prices and coupon codes – maybe people would like that. Well, let’s find out! I regularly get samples of four different boxes. The prices listed in the video are a snapshot from November 28th, 2021 and so could change. You can use the coupon code THERAMENRATER on any of these for a discount. If you’d like me to check out other subscription boxes that you know of, drop them a line and tell them to contact me!
So my daughter Mimi and I were at the local 99 Ranch Market and she saw this one and asked if I’d tried it. Honestly, I don’t think I have and if I have, it was over ten years ago, so looks like a good shot for a new review. I should point out that this brand, Ve Wong, isn’t pronounce ‘vee’ wong, but ‘way’ wong. Found that out in Taiwan! Let’s check it out.
I’ve seen a lot of these Yopokki variants lately and this one definitely piqued my interest and my wife loves tteokbokki and cheese – and then there’s ramen in there too! It’s a win, win, win! Found this at Asian Family Market on Aurora and 130th in North Seattle – rad store – go check it out! Let’s crack this big pack open and see what dwells within!
You know, I was going to make this review #4000 – and I thought that would be pretty darn cool. But things change and I decided not to, obviously. Well, I’m glad I made the change as this was a mukbang and the spiciness didn’t result in any screaming or anything truly noteworthy – other than this one is impressive for other reasons – let’s check it out!
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!
Some neat stuff here from Vietnam! I spoke with this company about nine years ago and they got back with me recently! Better late than never – they’ve got some really interesting varieties! Let’s check them out.
If you like noodles to be wide, this is for you! Biang Biang noodles are like belt noodles – very wide and have a very nice texture. Worth a look if you can find them. These came direct to me from Taiwan – let’s have a look!
The day before Thanksgiving I didn’t have anything ready to go for review, so I decided why not crank out a loaf of bread? I used Lai Noodle, a product from Hi-Lai Foods of Taiwan. They’d just sent a ton of great samples and so I thought it would be interesting to try. Here we go!
There’s a new variety of Hi-Lai noodles that just came out – Sesame Paste flavor. They sent samples of it, as well as the variety which is on this year’s Top Ten Taiwanese Instant Noodles Of All Time list, their original Lai Noodle. Both varieties are Vegan friendly as well! Let’s have a look.
Who’s house? Run’s house? I’m curious how this will go – it’ll either be good or bad. Let’s have a look at this one.
Here’s one I found at the local grocery store. The shoyu I tried previously wasn’t bad, so hopefully the miso will be good and not a boatload of red miso. Warning – there will be corn in this. If you’re not afraid of corn, smooth seas ahead. But if corn freaks out your tender sensibilities, turn back!
