Alright so here’s one we found up in Canada at China Worlsd in Richmond, BC. That’s a really fascinating store with lots of products I’ve never seen before. But hey if you go there – bring cash if you’re coming from the US – and make sure it’s Canadian cash! Let’s get started.
This one’s very interesting. This is from Taiwan but for the Hong Kong Market. Found it up in Canada at Aberdeen Centre at a little gift shop full of Hello Kitty and other stuffed animals in the back – it’s near the food court.
This one was found up in Richmond, BC at the SuperStore. What’s funny about this one? Well, it shows chopsticks on the cup and has a fork inside. I’ve been given a ration of insults and criticism for using a fork. I really don’t understand why; I mean, here’s an Asian variety with a fork. I think it’s common for Westerners to immediately go to ‘Asian people use chopsticks and if you use them wrong you suck’ kind of thing. My logic is that if I’m in Asia, I’ll use a pair of chopsticks. In Thailamd they use a fork to push food onto a spoon and then eat it, so I did that while there. It really doesn’t matter what tool you decide to use, it’s about eating a meal, right?
Okay so this one is interesting to me. First, I thought the name Cup Noodles was a Nissin thing? But then I thought Jinmailang was owned by Nissin, but then not anymore? I should note Jinmailang is most definitely a Chinese company, but it’s pretty obvious from the labeling that this is specifically for the United States. Interesting. Also, the nutrition facts seem a little interesting to me. It’s a pretty big cup – is everything actually doubled in reality? Unsure. Either way, I found this at Fred Meyer, a chain of grocery stores in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho. Was surprised to see this brand there! Anyways, I’ve found a couple varieties there recently I’ve not seen elsewhere. Curious. Let’s check this one out!
Here’s the second variety from Hakubaku to cross my desk recently. This is a shelf stable fresh noodle variety – let’s give it a try!
Here’s one that was sent to me by the man who runs this company! He sent a very nice letter along with these – check out the Unboxing Time video to hear more! This one’s satay flavor and has been around now for over 30 years! Wow! Let’s give it a try!
Here’s one we found up in Richmond, BC at China World. That was a tough store. Mainly it was because we went there and got a ton of noodles and then find out they only accept cash. That sucked. So we ended up coming back! Let’s look at this one!
This is interesting in a couple ways. First off, this variety has been called Original in both the cup and pack versions up til not – in the bowl, however, it’s getting the stamp of Soy Sauce. Not only that, I did see that they also have the Shio version available – not sure about the Miso but I do think I may have seen that. Let’s crack into this one and give it a try!
I’ve tried all three of the other Xiao Ban Mian flavors. Their Traditional Shallot & Onion Oil variety hit #2 on the Top Ten Taiwan list last year. I’m stoked to be able to try this one – really don’t know what to expect, honestly. This is completely different from the rest. Let’s dive in!
Here’s one I found at the new T&T Supermarket in Lansdowne Center up in Richmond, BC. A Shin Black bowl! I knew they must exist; I mean, there’s generally a pack, cup and bowl for everything that comes out of South Korea. Well, here it is. What’s interesting is that this isn’t available in the United States, and up in Canada it’s not a product of the Nongshim China factory, which most bowls up there seem to be.
Well this is something different. I haven’t had a lobster flavor variety in quite a while – definitely well over a year – at least I think so. Let’s give it a try!
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.
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