This one came in a special ‘First Taste Club’ box from Nissin Foods USA – pretty snazzy. So, what’s the big deal? Well, it’s Top Ramen, in a bowl. It also comes with vegetables. It also comes with… teriyaki sauce? I’m very curious about this one – let’s cook it up and ruminate on this…
Nissin Top Ramen Chicken Flavor Bowl – United States
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains chicken. To prepare, add powder and vegetable sachets into the bowl along with room temperature water to the fill line. Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes at 1000W. Let sit in the microwave an additional minute. Add in wet sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added baked chicken, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, spring onion, carrot, sesame seeds, and shichimi togarashi. Noodles worked well and had a nice character to them. The broth smelled very much like homemade chicken broth – until the teriyaky liquid went in. It eradicated all taste of chicken in there. Vegetables were prevalent. I’m not saying it’s bad – in fact it was quite good – just when I see chicken I expect a chicken flavor. 3.5 out of 6.0 stars. UPC bar code 070662026038.
Hey look – another Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater! This one came today and we brought it inside set up the lights, shot the video, edited it and boom here it is! Lots of neat stuff in this box! Check it out! Get yours here: http://bit.ly/umaicrate
Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for extra discount!
Umai Crate – Japanese Ramen Noodles Subscription Box – November 2019 Unboxing
People have been asking me for a list of healthy varieties for a long time. I decided to give it a try, and had mixed results. I’ve found things ramen/instant noodles, and things that aren’t and listed them here. There aren’t ten things, but over the next year I’m guessing more will present themselves. It appears this is an ever-evolving market as a couple that were going to be included went off the market while I was editing this list! Not everything presented is for everyone, but I’m really hoping there’s something that will work and interest everyone. If you have any ideas for things that should be on next year’s list, please email me. With that, here (in no particular order) is The Ramen Rater’s Healthy Options 2020 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Healthy Options 2020 Edition
Video Presentation
A special video presentation of The Ramen Rater’s Healthy Options 2020 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Healthy Options 2020 Edition
Yamachan Ramen Z
This year, it appears as soon as I created this list, it was obsolete! This product is no longer being produced, but I was told something similar with different preparation will replace it soon. This one however contains konjac/konyaku – it’s an almost zero calorie noodle that when made with the right gauge is pretty decent. Paired with a miso broth, I was really impressed – and only 136 calories, guessing from the soup base sachet mostly. Original review
NuTek Salt For Life
I first found out about NuTek a few years ago. They reached out to me and asked if I’d fly out and visit their operation in Omaha and try out their product first hand in a blind taste test (being partially sighted, every taste test I do is kind of blind har har). I was immediately sold on this stuff. I should mention I did some consulting with them for a little while but no longer do. I get a lot of people asking me about lower sodium noodles and this and their other products bring the promise of this without replacing saltiness with a funky taste. In fact, the way it works gives a slight delay in how the tongue senses saltiness – a fraction of a second – which makes the food itself more flavorful. Definitely a neat thing. Original review
Vite Ramen
This one was a no-brainer for this list. Take one brother who loves instant noodles and one that follows the healthy life and get their heads together on combining the two and you’ve got Vite Ramen. Tim & Tom Zheng introduced their idea on Kickstarter and were greeted with a huge response to get their business off the ground. So, what is Vite Ramen? It’s low sodium, high protein, high fiber, and had more vitamins and minerals than you can shake a menagerie of sticks at. If you’re looking for an ultra healthy ramen, this is the best I’ve seen yet. Original review
Nissin Cup Noodle Light+ / Cup Noodle Nice
If you’re looking for a healthy Cup Noodle, Light+ and Cup Noodle Nice are the ticket. First off, they’re low cal and feature a different noodle style – one that’s really quite good. They’re from Japan so you’ll have to dig on eBay and eBay Canada most likely to track them down. But it’s worthwhile as they’re incredibly good. Original review
Fit Mee
I was contacted by a distributor here in the United States about this one and got to give it a try. They’re got two varieties, one around 150 calories and the one above at around – get this – 50 calories. This is another variety made with konjac noodles – and it’s really good! one with a spicy Korean noodle flavor and the other flavor is Indonesian Soto – a kind of spicy and lime and coconut and chicken hit to it. I’ve seen these on Amazon at they’re rather pricey, but I’m guessing they’ll be more widespread and cheaper soon – they’re absolutely excellent and ultra tasty! Original review
Hakubaku Japanese Pearled Mochi Barley (Mochi Mugi)
In the past year, I’ve gone on a diet and exercise tear and lost a lot of weight (I’ll be doing the second installment of my The Ramen Rater Diet series very soon). I knew I needed to do this for a long time, but my doctor talked to me about it the right way at the right time and off I went. He was concerned about my cholesterol levels and told me unless they went down I’d need to go on a statin drug. I don’t know anything about those really, but I’ve never heard anything about them that include hearts and smiley faces connected to them. During the last year, I started working with Hakubaku a little bit and trying their products. They make really great ramen varieties which I’ve reviewed. They also make barley tea – my first try at making sun tea went pretty well. But most notably for me was trying their mochi barley. It’s ultra high in soluble fiber, and I consider it to be a big part in my arriving after six months at a clean bill of health for cholesterol as a result of my diet and exercise regime. Original review
KOKA Delight
Looking for a noodle low in fat and not fried? KOKA makes Delight. It’s interesting – first off, this is the kind of noodle block that’s not hard as a rock like your standard non-fried noodle – you could take a bite out of the block if you wanted to. Not only that, these are really quite good – with flavors like tomato, curry, a spicy sesame and more. Original review
Taiwanese Dry Noodles
If you’re looking for a range of noodles with less ingredients and wonderful flavors, you should check out Taiwanese dry noodles. The noodles themselves are dried by the sun or with big industrial fans – not fried. Plus they’re made with very few ingredients in a way that’s been done for generations. The seasonings that come with them often are few ingredients as well. I’ve often referred to the Taiwanese instant noodle makers as ‘masters of simplicity’; they can produce such tasty varieties with few ingredients. Original review
Nongshim Soon and Kimchi Vegan Varieties
If you’re looking for Vegan varieties, I highly recommend these two. The Soon Veggie Noodles (kind of like a smoother version of Shin Ramen) and the Kimchi (tangy and tasty) are marked with a seal of approval from a Vegan foods authority. Really great flavor and quality that you can add more vegetables to and end up with a sumptuous feast. Original review
…a couple more that weren’t in the video
Prima Taste Wholegrain
If you’re looking for wholegrain varieties, this is the best out there in my opinion. It’s been holding the #1 spot on my top ten list for 4 years! That’s my favorite out of over 3,000 instant noodles I’ve reviewed. The noodles have this rustic and hearty chew and taste without being gritty or funky. It makes a lot of food in each pack and so share with a friend – or an enemy as if you make this, they won’t be your enemy for long. Original review
Sakurai Foods Vegan Approved Varieties
There are a few varieties in this range, but by far my favorite was this one, the spicy soy milk noodle. With a badge from a Vegan authority, you’re definitely going to enjoy these as part of your Vegan lifestyle. Original review
So there you are – the first healthy list. If you want to make some recommendations of things that aren’t on here or are a company who produces products you think should be here, drop me a line and we can talk. Thanks for check the list out!
I thought in honor of the spooky holiday Halloween, I’d do a little roundup of images and videos from past and present involving things that seemed fitting. Eat, drink and be scary!
I thought to continue this series of Prison Ramen Burrito Recipes that you couldn’t get in prison since you can’t get these varieties, the next logical step would involve Shin Ramen/Ramyun. I ended up with the standard Shin Ramen as well as Shin Black in this one. It ended up being an enormous monstrosity!
By the way – if you’re not familiar with my show, it’s on YouTube and for over a year, a new episode has come out every single day (well there was that one time where I pushed the wrong button but we won’t get into that). Join the regular commenters and say hi! I’m always happy to answer questions! Also, check out www.thechocolatebreak.com – my wife and I review chocolate as well.
Shin Ramen Burrito Prison Recipe – Instant Noodle Recipe Time – EP 457
Finished (click to enlarge). Okay so a lot going on here. Korean Chee-tos, Korean Spicy Sun Chips, Shin Ramyun, Shin Black, raw egg, gochujang, sesame seeds, spring onion – it’s pretty hardcore. You can do this! It’s really easy – just watch the video! Enjoy!
How do you feel? Yeah – you feel better knowing you can make a lovely burrito out of Indomie Mi Goreng now, don’t you? Well, watch the video and then you will. I’ll walk you through the incredibly easy process step by step.
Waroeng Jajanan – 22315 Hwy 99 Suite I – Edmonds WA 98026 Phone: 425 412 7025 – www.waroengjajanan.com
Indomie Prison Ramen Burrito – Instant Noodle Recipe Time
You can get everything you’ll need on Amazon for this – Chitato Indomie chips, ZONA or Rotary Kerupuk Aci, and of course the Indomie!
Here is the glory (click to enlarge). Everything you need to know is right there in the video above! It came out perfectly in this experiment (never made this before so lucked out). Make it yourself and send pictures!
This month, we have an exceptionally rad Umai Crate! Head over to www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER – you’ll get a coupon and help us out – thanks!
Umai Crate Japanese Ramen Subscription Box October 2019
This is the seventh year of the Top Ten Taiwan Instant Noodles list! Every year, I’m truly amazed at the innovation and unique varieties coming from the beautiful island of Taiwan. If you haven’t had the experience of visiting, you really should – the food, the culture – it truly has been a life changing experience for me. Growing up, all I knew of Taiwan was labels on products that simply said ‘made in Taiwan’ – but it so much more. One aspect is the noodle, and they’re really unique and delicious. This is a list of my favorite out of the reviews I’ve done up to number 3,284. Many images you will see have garnish, however only the base product before any is added is what’s reviewed, as in all of my reviews. I hope you enjoy this year’s list and consider trying some of these great varieties if you’ve not tried before – they’re really great! With that, here’s the Top Ten Taiwanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Taiwanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition
Video Presentation
Watch me talk about each variety of The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Taiwanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition. A special addition this year is a list at the end of honorable mentions!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Taiwanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition
#10: A-Sha Dry Noodle Dan Zai Noodle
The noodles have a flat and broad gauge and an excellent chewiness I’ve come to expect from the A-Sha line of products. The flavor is very good – a kind of spicy, salty, slightly sweet and then this savoriness to it – lots of spices that I can really only describe as tasking like Taiwan. Original review
#9: Three Meters Noodles Shallot Taste
Nice gauge and light chew. The flavor was just mind-blowingly good and I am thoroughly excited about this one. The shallot flavor is just right – not too salty, not too pushy – just exactly perfect. Original review
#8: TTL Pickled Vegetable Beef With Hua Diao Liquor
This one I enjoyed immensely – lots of noodles, but the broth was the show stopper. The combo of the liquor and the rich beef broth was very savory. Add vegetables and real beef from the retort pouch and there’s why it’s on this list. Original review
A very recent review. Found this at a local store and the combo of ginger and sesame was intriguing. Take a thin noodle and combine it aptly with the aforementioned flavors and there you go. Very tasty ginger and sesame are in the forefront and it’s just plain umami incarnate. Original review
#6: Tseng Noodle Scallion With Sichuan Pepper Flavor
A wide noodle with scalloped edges. These have the bonus of a thin edge and thicker center, giving a delicate as well as hearty aspect. The flavor is very good – a soy bump, some onion hit, then the Sichuan pepper oil. It all works together magnificently. Original review
#5: Little Cook Thailand Green Curry Chicken
This bowl, in fact, is two bowls. One you steep the noodles in. The second? Drain the broth from the first by poking holes in the lid and pour into it. The noodle is accompanied by a spicy green curry and chunks of vegetable and real chicken. The broth slurping soup worked well too. Original review
#4: Xiao Ban Mian Traditional Shallot & Scallion Oil Noodle
Start with a thin kind of rectangular noodle with a strong chew. The flavor that comes with it is a sweet and savory shallot and scallion oil – and it works so well. Who would think something so simple could be so delightful. Original review
#3: Mom’s Dry Noodle Blue Elephant Curries
I think it’s safe to say most people who follow this website are keen on the fact that I love Thai food and I love curry. What’s neat here is that these curries – one red and one green – pair so well with a Taiwanese noodle – and naturally so. Savory curries and dry noodles marry in such a way that a perfect balance of two cuisines harmonize rather than find conflict or dissonance. Impressive! Original reviews 1& 2
#2: Mom’s Dry Noodle Dan Dan Noodle
The noodles came out with a very nice chew. They aren’t mushy whatsoever and have a confident backbone. The flavor is very good as well. The notes of sesame, Sichuan pepper oil, Sichuan pepper in the dry mix, sesame sauce as well as soy sauce all work together and play well with each other; nobody’s feet get stepped on. Simple yet complex. Original review
#1: A-Sha Gourmet Braised Beef Noodle
For a long time, I’ve really enjoyed this style of noodle from Taiwan. It’s wide, with a center line which is thicker, and the sides are thinner – which gives them a very unique and wonderful mouthfeel. I’ve also always thought that these would just sing is in a broth (usually they are presented with a combination of sauces but no broth). The soup is rich with a strong beef flavor and hint of Sichuan peppercorn that do not overwhelm. The nice part is the inclusion of real beef in here. It should be noted that there is a special version of this that comes out during Lunar New Year which includes Wagyu beef – very expensive at a whopping $15USD per serving!, but very tasty as well. Original review
Updates
Top Ten Lists
Usually, this Taiwan list would have been released 3 weeks ago – the spicy list would’ve been released last month – what gives?! Well, I’ve been busy. With my 3 year old son Miles home from preschool all summer, time has been spent with him a lot more. Setting up a green screen is a lot more difficult with him and his little sister Miriam running around like banshees in our apartment. I’ve been busy with something else as well…
Weight Loss
In October of 2018, my doctor (who is Taiwanese I should mention!) Gave me a talk. It was the talk I’d gotten many times from him and other doctors: you need to lose weight. He said also that my cholesterol was very high. He told me this on the right day at the right time I suppose and I decided to go all in. I did my first The Ramen Rater Diet video in April after I visited my doctor in April, having lost 65 pounds. I’ve kept it up and lost a lot more since then, and the next video will be out towards the end of October – after a year of eating healthy and exercising every day (I walk a lot – up to 25 miles in a day), I’ll do a big update and share more of what I do and how I do it with you. Many folks have taken my advice and are getting healthier as well, which is very humbling. I think if I can make a big change like this, anyone can!
Hey look – another Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater! This one came today and we brought it inside set up the lights, shot the video, edited it and boom here it is! Lots of neat stuff in this box! Check it out! Get yours here: http://bit.ly/umaicrate
Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for extra discount!
Umai Crate Japanese Instant Noodles July 2019 Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater
It’s that time again – time to run down the worst varieties I’ve ever had. That’s no small task either – this list is current as of review #3180. These are the ten worst ones, in my opinion, leaving a lasting negative impression on my taste buds. With that, I again give you what you want.
The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition
Video Presentation
Watch me run through The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition
#10 – Master Kong Artificial Abalone Crab Flavor Instant Noodle – China
Definitely a knock-off of sorts. Although I see these as Master Kong/Kang Shi Fu often, they most definitely aren’t. Moreover, the broth has an absolutely foul taste to it. I’m sure it’s safe to eat, but I would never want to cross paths with this one again. Original review
#9 – Koyo Reduced Sodium Garlic & Pepper Ramen – United States
The noodles are thick – more like ramyun. They have an alright chew; although they seem almost doughy- and not Hakata style ramen noodle doughy. The broth does taste of garlic and pepper, but it’s so very bland. It really is like you could boil some pepper and a clove of garlic and achieve the same results. Not at all to my liking. Original review
#8 – Urban Noodle Authentic Street Food Black Bean – United Kingdom
The noodles in this one were flat instead of round. They came out very nicely. The flavoring however was just strange. I expected maybe something of a Korean-Chinese fusion dish, but those are hearty and rich and not savory and sweet. In fact, this one was a little too sweet for me. The thinly sliced bamboo shoots don’t work for me either; leaving them whole would be nicer I think. What’s more, it has a kind of chemically aftertaste; like chlorine or soap. Original review
#7 – One Dish Asia Japanese Ramen Noodle – United States
This one comes with a fresh noodle pouch. They didn’t have a very fresh texture; more mushy. The bamboo shoots (which more resembled overcooked carrot and I had to consult the ingredients to figure what they were) were mushy as well. The broth had an acidic and a flavor reminiscent of the teriyaki flavor I’ve encountered in bad teriyaki instant flavors. A hot mess. Original review
#6 – Acecook Super Cup Pringles Sour Cream & Onion Yakisoba – Japan
I love yakisoba and Japan offers many different versions. This one however gets no love from me. This viral monstrosity might be neat to look at but for me it stopped there. Imagine taking a butter knife and scraping off the powder from every chips in a tube of sour cream and onion chips. Then sprinkle over noodles. Just gross – I think these two products should never come together. Original review
#5 – Isoyama Shoji 18 Prohibited / Restricted / Only La-Men Curry Taste – Japan
First, this is a lot of food. There’s reason for the warning on this pack. 700cc water and a few minutes cooking brings you a huge bowl of noodles. While in general that’s not a complaint, the flavor is. It’s violently spicy for starters. It does have a curry flavor, which at first glance is great. Then you have to taste it. You’d think all that water would dilute the sachet that comes with it but no dice here. Too much flavor and heat are the theme here, and it’s a bitter song to swallow. Original review
#4 – Baijia Single Noble Black Bone Chicken Flavor Instant Sweet Potato Noodles – China
I was told by a guy from the company that this indeed was believed to be medicinal and helpful to women having their ‘time of the month.’ I’ve also been told by a reader that people generally don’t like black bone chicken soup even in China. Very slimy sweet potato noodles, thick, greasy broth and horrid veggies that didn’t hydrate well was just a flavor, texture, and complete food hole nightmare for me. This was just horrible stuff that I couldn’t stand. Original review
#3 – Maruchan Bariuma Goboten Udon – Japan
Do you like earthy things? Like dirt? Maybe throw a ton of salt on it – does that do the trick for you? This one has just huge amount of burdock root. Burdock is great in small amounts, but this much just turns this variety into a bowl of something that just screams salty dirt. A full frontal assault on the taste buds that leaves me wondering if when they made this if they tasted it. Original review
#2 – Dr. McDougall’s Vegan Pad Thai Noodle Soup – United States
Where do I begin. Well first off, when one in the United States thinks of Pad Thai, they think of what they might find at a Thai restaurant. Okay so the rice noodles came out nicely – short, flat and broad and well hydrated, but they’re short and cut like egg noodles.. Now for the broth. Thin. Nothing like pad thai. Has a little lime flavor and a kind of herbal taste. The floating bits of tofu are a lot like the marshmallows you get in the hot chocolate that comes with marshmallows. This is as far from pad thai as I can even express in words. It’s like someone gave a broken description of pad thai to someone who has short term memory problems and no taste buds a week prior and told them to make it. I kind of feel personally violated and offended. Never thought this would slip to 2nd on this list.. Original review
#1 – Simply Asia Singapore Street Noodles Classic Curry – United States
A nice looking package with the enticing words of ‘classic curry’ brings an image of something really special. This isn’t the case though. Rice noodles come out very mushy, but curry with sligtly soggy noodles wouldn’t be so bad if it tasted like curry. Basically the flavor is a lot of lemongrass and strongly lacks authenticity. It’s like if you went to a restaurant, ordered some french fries, and they brought you a soda that said french fries on it. Just wrong on so many levels. Offensive in the highest. Original review
Every day when I review, I gather togethr the things I’m going to use when I garnish. Many of them are dry spices and seasonings. I try to get everything together prior to doing an episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time.
Well, today I decided it was time to share with you my arsenal of spices – ever growing I should add. Some will be easier to find, some harder. Long story short though, garnish and spices are a big thing here. Hopefully you’ll see something you like and want to try.
I should note that a 2019 Garnishes video is forthcoming, and will include the more fresh and wet ingredients I use almost daily.
Spices & Seasonings For Ramen Noodles – 2019 Edition
Have some ideas for spices and seasonings I’ve not mentioned? Drop me a line! I’m up for trying anything and value your input. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy.
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The noodles are thick – more like ramyun. They have an alright chew; although they seem almost doughy- and not Hakata style ramen noodle doughy. The broth does taste of garlic and pepper, but it’s so very bland. It really is like you could boil some pepper and a clove of garlic and achieve the same results. Not at all to my liking. 
The noodles in this one were flat instead of round. They came out very nicely. The flavoring however was just strange. I expected maybe something of a Korean-Chinese fusion dish, but those are hearty and rich and not savory and sweet. In fact, this one was a little too sweet for me. The thinly sliced bamboo shoots don’t work for me either; leaving them whole would be nicer I think. What’s more, it has a kind of chemically aftertaste; like chlorine or soap. 
First, this is a lot of food. There’s reason for the warning on this pack. 700cc water and a few minutes cooking brings you a huge bowl of noodles. While in general that’s not a complaint, the flavor is. It’s violently spicy for starters. It does have a curry flavor, which at first glance is great. Then you have to taste it. You’d think all that water would dilute the sachet that comes with it but no dice here. Too much flavor and heat are the theme here, and it’s a bitter song to swallow. 
I was told by a guy from the company that this indeed was believed to be medicinal and helpful to women having their ‘time of the month.’ I’ve also been told by a reader that people generally don’t like black bone chicken soup even in China. Very slimy sweet potato noodles, thick, greasy broth and horrid veggies that didn’t hydrate well was just a flavor, texture, and complete food hole nightmare for me. This was just horrible stuff that I couldn’t stand. 
