
UPDATE – When I originally posted this, it was review #2023. I thought it a fitting throwback for today. Happy 4th of July – the 250th anniversary of the country, aka the semiquincentennial
Over 5,000 Instant Ramen Noodle Reviews Since 2002

UPDATE – When I originally posted this, it was review #2023. I thought it a fitting throwback for today. Happy 4th of July – the 250th anniversary of the country, aka the semiquincentennial

New clothes for the classic! Originally, it was a foam bowl with a paper lid in shrinlkwrap. Then, they reformulated for microwave and had a cardboard sleeve. Now, it’s a plastic wrap with the graphics on that. This is classic – ubiquitous with gas stations and little corner shops, many o which are run by Korean Americans. I used to live in a place that had a little grocery/deli mini mart across the way. The fellow there was Korean American and he had these in there, but with a ridiculous markup. I asked him why once. ‘Because that’s my lunch!’

Here’s the last of the Aloha! bowls. I figured I’d just run through them and then tomorrow a last one from the last box from Samyang. Let’s give this kimchi variety a try.

Here’s another one of the Aloha bowls that Samyang sent recently. I’ve always been fascinated by the bowl noodle concept – they end up in convenience stores and gas stations a lot of the time and they’re honestly pretty good. Let’s check it out!

So this is an export variety from the company that brought you the fire noodle. I’m not exactly sure why the Hawaiian theme, but that’s kind of cool. Let’s give it a try!

I’ve known about Paldo for a long time however never have I seen this one before. Paldo was kind enough to send some local variants I found on their website! Let’s check this bowl out and give it a try!

Here’s another one the folks at Maruchan were kind enough to send over – thanks! This is a late comer to the ultra spicy category – at least it looks like that. I’m very curious as to how spicy it is exactly though; I’m guessing it won’t throw me down and kick me, but I could be wrong – time to find out.

Every year I come out with new lists in many categories. The more reviews I do, the more I figure the lists will change less and less. It amazes me though how much they do change and how much the industry evolves and changes. Here’s the latest list of bowls, current as on review #3180. All products are prepared according to labeling on the package, and scores are given before any external garnish is added. Let’s check out the Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls for 2019!

This one might be a bit of a surprise to you – insofar that I haven’t reviewed it, that is. Well, two other brand have these ‘bowl noodle’ style products from South Korea as well. This is Samyang’s entry into the fray of this form factor and style. Don’t get me wrong – one that’s been popular for years is their Yukgaejang bowls which look almost identical – except the name. They recently sent a bunch of these in different flavors – let’s give chicken a try!

Got a box with a bunch of these new Samyang Foods Bowl Noodle Soup varieties in it. Definitely something fr export here – haven’t reviewed something in this style in ages! Let’s check it out!

I’ve seen bowl noodle varieties from almost every instant noodle company in South Korea – almost. Today, we have a box full of varieties from Samyang Foods – let’s check i tout!

Alright o as you all know (at least I think you all do), I do a Top Ten Spiciest list every year. I used to review hot sauces (did 250 of them on Saucerater), and do a series of YouTube videos called Spicy Noodle Mukbang on YouTube. So when a variety with a pepper gauge and mention of being XXtra hot crosses my desk, I’m interested. So let’s see if this one is truly as spicy as it certainly looks like it’s going to be.

I saw this at the local supermarket the other day and just couldn’t pass it up. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an instant noodle showing such patriotism before! Also, before anyone starts sending me comments saying ‘how dare they use our flag – that’s made in South Korea,’ I have news for you. Nongshim America is down in Rancho Cucamonga, California and employs a LOT of Americans! Yep – chances are that if you’re living in the USA and enjoy Shin Ramyun or Shin Black or any of the Bowl Noodles, it was most likely made here in the states. Make sure to check out the factory tour video at the end of this post – I went on it in 2012 and it was a blast! Anyways, let’s check this one out!

It’s been so long since I’ve reviewed a new Bowl Noodle! I remeber a few years ago I was hunting high and low for certain varieties, many long gone. I remember the beef anfd ginger flavor was pretty good! Then they switched over to these microwaveable versions instead of the foam bowls – and I like them better! Curious how this one will be.

Here’s something I’ve been waiting for – three new products from Nongshim America! Let’s see what’s inside!

Bowls of noodles. They’re made all around the world and are a great option for those with access to boiling water and are ‘on the go.’ Some are basic and have very little imagination to them or perks, while others are really full meals that include meat and vegetables, seafood and other niceties. I’ve review 1,410 different noodle varieties and of those, many have been bowls. Here’s a list of the best, most memorable bowls I’ve come across is my adventure in tasting.

First off, I’d like to wish everyone a wonderful Lunar New Year! Here’s another one from Sun Noodle! This one is served either hot or cold, and I thought I would try it cold.

Here’s another of the Sun Noodle line – pork flavor ramen! Let’s check it out!

Here’s the first review of the Sun Noodle Meet The Manufacturer spotlight, their Yakisoba. Yakisoba is one of my favorite Japanese noodle dishes. What’s nice is that the flavoring contains one of my favorite flavors – Worcestershire sauce!

A nice big box…

…of fresh noodles from Sun Noodle for Meet The Manufacturer! Ramen, yakisoba, udon, saimin… Lots of different flavors to review! Thanks go to everyone at Sun Noodle!

Welcome to another installment of Meet The Manufacturer! This time, it’s Sun Noodle – purveyor of fresh ramen noodles and other fine products. Here’s an interview I did with them via email.

Here’s one I found at the Bellevue, Washington Uwajimaya. Pricy stuff – $3.39 for a bowl noodle? Wow. Hope it’s good! Looks like Donbei is a style and tensoba is just a shortening of tempura soba. Let’s hit it!

Here one that came from Korea by way of Kristen W. of Arizona! Thank you so much! I’ve wanted to review this one for a long time! Let’s check this unique variety out.

Here’s another one of the great varieties sent by Joe & Gill of the UK – thanks again! Chilli Beef Pot Noodle. Looks interesting to me!

Kristen W. of Arizona sent me some noodles she got while she was in South Korea!

This is a great little collection of South Korean varieties you can’t easily find here! Ottogi Cheese Ramyun and Spaghetti bowls – been wanting to try them for a while! The two above are Paldo Korea varieties – I think Rabokki and Jjajang. The Nongshim Shin Cup in the lower right is the South Korean version. Thank, Kristen! Soon as they’re made, some The Ramen Rater stickers will be coming your way!

Here’s one of the packs that came from Australia! Thanks go to Melanie I. of Jannali, NSW for sending these and also thanks to Mark K. for getting her to do it! These are from China but sold in Australia. Looks like something different – let’s check it out.

My friend Sungmin over at Paldo Foods America sent a package of neat stuff!

Wow this looks cool!

Been a while, but here we go with the 24th edition of The Ramen Rater Noodle News!
I search the ‘net for interesting news and view on instant noodles and beyond. Oldest articles start at the top. Here you go!

This is it – the last of the nine Annie Chun’s samples that were sent for Meet The Manufacturer. It’s definitely been an interesting jaunt! Some I really liked quite a bit, some I didn’t like so much. What’s very evident here is that Annie Chun’s definitely has a wide range of flavors. The last one is Chinese Chicken.

Here’s the next to last of the Annie Chun’s varieties they were kind enough to send for Meet The Manufacturer. Spicy Chicken Ramen sounds awesome! Let’s check it out.

As we are starting to wind down the Annie Chun’s Meet The Manufacturer (there are only two left), we find the last Noodle Express I have – Spicy Szechuan. It mentions that the Szechuan sauce is made with gochujang, a Korean standard as far as spicy fare goes. Let’s check it out.

Here we go with some more Annie Chun’s product! This one’s Vietnamese Pho, a flavor I have enjoyed dining out and dining in. Let’s see how this version of Pho does!

Here’s one I reviewed a long time ago. Soy ginger sounds good to me! Let’s check it out.

Here’s another of the Noodle Express line – teriyaki! Teriyaki is one of my favorite foods – nothing like a to go box for lunch. Let’s see how this one from Annie Chun’s stacks up.

Here’s something interesting – a kimchi fresh udon bowl made in the US! Let’s give it a look!

Here’s another one from Annie Chun’s . This is one from their Ramen House line. Let’s check it out!

Here’s the first of nine reviews I’ll be doing of Annie Chun’s products. I’ve only had a couple of these before and those were quite a while back. This one looks interesting – and it only takes a minute in the microwave?! That’s really fast!

A package came from Annie Chun’s!

What’s under the bubbles?

Awesome! They sent three different varieties of three of their noodle lines. Get ready for some reviews! Thank, Annie chun’s!

Welcome to the newest Meet The Manufacturer special! This time, it’s Annie Chun’s All Natural Asian Cuisine! I conducted an interview with Bailey, a marketer for the company. Hope you enjoy the interview and hope you enjoy the upcoming reviews of these products!