Found this one at the Hi-Life store at the Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei, Taiwan. Notice on the image it says ‘improved taste’. Making this claim always gives me a bit of a laugh. You could also call it ‘different taste,’ right? Was it too watery before so the amount of liquid added recommendation changed? more of one ingredient? Less of another? Well, we shall never know because all it says is ‘improved taste.’ Also – improved for whom? Person on the left likes it, person on the right wishes it were like it used to be. Anyways, there’s no person A or B here – there’s just me and my tongue. Let’s give it a try!
Tag: instant noodle
#2798: Indomie Instant Noodles Mi Goreng Fried Noodles (Taiwan-only Version)
Alright so about these – I received a 5-pack from the nice folks at the Indomie booth at the Taiwan International Food Expo in Taipei, Taiwan in November 2017. I asked a little about them. This pack you see here is specifically for Taiwan. So, what’s different? Well for starters, lots of Chinese on the pack. The main difference however is the actual soizie of the package. This one’s a little bit bigger than the ones found elsewhere, and this is unique to Taiwan. You can’t get them like this anywhere else in the world. Period. A huge difference? No, but still a difference. Here’s a little info from Wikipedia –
#2732: Nissin Demae Ramen Korean Spicy Flavour Instant Noodle
Here’s one that came my way from Nissin Hong Kong – thank you! This looks interesting – a Korean variety from Hong Kong. It seems like Korean varieties are popular throughout southeast Asia – saw quite a few in November 2017 in Taiwan. Anyways, let’s have a look inside and give this Korean spicy one a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2665: Alhami Instant Noodle Chicken Flavor
Today, we say goodbye to the Olagafood Meet The Manufacturer series. Overall, it’s been a fun and tasty experience! I want to thank Davin over at Olagafood again for everything – also want to thank Jonathan at Waroeng Jajanan for supplying garnish and insight into this series! Much appreciated!
#2638: Nissin Demae Ramen Straight Noodle Miso Flavour Instant Noodle
Here’s one of the new straight noodle varieties from Nissin – miso. So miso is one of the main varieties of ramen – here’s some info on it from Wikipedia –
#2615: Nissin Demae Ramen Straight Noodle Spicy Tonkotsu Flavor Instant Noodle
Today it’s tonkotsu from Hong Kong. This is part of the series that’s expanded since being in the 2017 top ten list with their black garlic oil tonkotsu. For those of you unfamiliar, here’s a little about tonkotsu ramen from Wikipedia –
#2545: KOKA Instant Noodles Laksa Singapura Flavour
Here’s another one left from the KOKA Meet The Manufacturer series. They sent so many different varieties – it’s great! Thanks!
The Ultimate Instant Noodles Collection
Okay so some of you may be wondering – and some have asked as well: what do you noodle holding pens look like? Well, they’re next to my desk – actually next to and under.
#2384: Sichuan Guangyou 9999 Chongqing Artificial Beef Flavor Instant Noodle
Here’s an interesting one I was sent by Colin recently – thanks again! A new brand to me – I mean wow – look at all those 9’s! This sounds interesting… Here’s a little something about Sichuan from Wikipedia –
#2381: Nissin Demae Iccho Seafood Flavour Instant Noodle (Cup Type)
One of the waning few left from the Nissin Foods Hong Kong Meet The Manufacturer – thanks again! Indeed, Nissin Hong Kong was more than generous in sending over 50 different varieties! Nothing better than a great big injection of noodle varieties into my noodle hampers. At one point, I had to have them staying in their original box since they wouldn’t fit into the containers I have under my desk. Today, we have a seafood Demae Iccho cup. Looks pretty good from the picture of the front -. Let’s have a look at this one.
Donation From ‘Ramen Regret Rater’ of Australia!
I found out recently there’s now a group that’s reviewing spicy instant noodles in Australia – they call the blog RamenRegretRater, and they talk about the poops they have after eating spicy instant noodles – I shit you not! I’ve been chatting a lot with Kamran R. about instant noodles a lot recently and kindly sent some stuff he found while on vacation in Bali. Thanks, man! Let’s take a look!
#2300: Nissin Demae Ramen Spicy XO Sauce Seafood Flavour Instant Noodle
Yet another leftover from the Nissin Hong Kong Meet The Manufacturer! What’s XO Saucve? Here’s a little info from wikipedia –
#2293: Nissin Nupasta Bacon In Carbonara Sauce Flavour Instant Noodle
Another leftover from the Nissin Hong Kong Meet The Manufacturer – thanks again! Been waiting for the right day to review this one – I should mention today actually is November 8th, 2016 – election day here in the United States. You see, I’m about sixty reviews ahead of myself. How? Well, I usually try to do two reviews a day – and been doing that for a while. I used to only do one a day and if I missed a day I would have to scramble to do a review and post it the same day etc etc. I can hear it ‘oh my god you eat two packs of instant noodles every day?’ Of course not; people reviewing wines don’t chug down a whole bottle to decide what they think of it. I take a couple spoons of broth and a few bites of noodle. In fact, I would say that after reviewing two bowls of noodles, I’ve maybe had the equivalent of 1/3 of a bowl, so there you go. This way if I need to take a couple days off, I can. Well, by now we know who is the new president when you’re seeing this. My daughter Miriam will have been born and Christmas may be over. Crazy. Well, let’s try this one – the cup version was in this year’s The Ramen Rater’s top Ten Instant Noodle Cups Of all Time list – let’s check the pack out!
#2290: Nissin Demae Ramen Straight Noodle Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Flavour Instant Noodle
One of the more interesting varieties left over from the Nissin Foods Hong Kong Meet The Manufacturer. This one’s very new; a two-serving pack with a pork bone broth and black garlic oil fun! Let’s check it out!
#2194: Fuku Chicken Flavour Instant Noodle
Here’s another one lkeftover from the Nissin Hong Kong Meet Tehe Manufacturer! I used to think there was only one variety of Fuku instant noodles in existence but there’s a whole slew of them! This one’s chicken and look – Hiyoko Chan on the pack! Let’s have a look!
#2139: Fuku Superior Soup Instant Noodle (Made In Thailand)
Here’s a special one sent by Apple Daily news of Hong Kong. They asked if I’d do a comparison between this, the Thai version and the Vietnamese version of the Fuku Superior Soup for a special news story. Now these are both made in different places, but they’re for the Hong Kong market. anyways I figured hey – why not? This sounds interesting – let’s take a look!
#2138: Fuku Superior Soup Instant Noodle (Made In Vietnam)
This is the second of two – they’re both sold in Hong Kong, yet made in different places – Thailand and Vietnam. This is the one manufactured in Vietnam. I was sent this along with quite a few other to review as part of a special feature for Apple Daily HK. So, let’s crack this one open and see what we have here.
#2137: Nissin Demae Ramen Spicy Curry Flavour Instant Noodle
Here’s the first in the special series I did for Apple Daily of Hong Kong.I have always been a fan of curry, especially spicy curry. However, lately it’s pretty far and few between I get to review ones that are this far east – usually they’ve been from Singapore or Malaysia and not Hong Kong. Sounds good to me! Let’s check it out!
#2136: Nissin Demae Ramen Roast Beef Flavour Instant Noodle
Here’s another I reviewed as part of a collaboration with Apple Daily news. Nothing like a good beef instant noodle! I remember a couple years ago being told that Chinese sausage is popular to put in with beef instant noodles, so I think that’ll be what gets put in today – haven’t used it in a long time. Just to reassure you, nothing gets scored after I put any external ingredients in. That’s the way I always review; I think you’ll agree that’s the only fair way to do it. anyways, let’s get started!
#2135: Doll Instant Noodle Supreme Abalone And Chicken Flavour
Another one I reviewed as part of a series of Hong Kong varieties in conjunction with an interview by Apple Daily news of HK. I have a feeling if you dig through my reviews for the word abalone, you’re not going to find scads of varieties I’ve been very fond of. I’m hoping this might be one I enjoy, but I have my doubts. I guess the only way to find out it to try it with an open mind and mouth. Let’s give it a go!
#2134: Four Seas Chicken Flavour Instant Noodle
Another one from the series of Hong Kong reviews I did for HK’s Apple Daily news. They sent a few varieties for me to try and review for a feature story – what’s nice is I haven’t reviewed any of them before so that’s pretty cool! Anyways, this one’s chicken flavored – let’s crack it open and see what we have here.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2117: 7-Select Nissin Instant Noodles Shrimp Ma Nao Lui Suan Flavour King Cup
7-Eleven in Thailand was a fascinating place to visit last year. It’s different than what we have here insofar as there is a whole aisle of instant noodle varieties inside! I wish we had that here – it’d be so awesome! Lots of different brand partner with 7-Eleven there and have special flavors only available at 7-Eleven – kind of an exclusive. This one sounds interesting – really unsure about what it will be like – the manao sounds like lime perhaps, but aside from that… I do see shrimp! Hey! Let’s crack it open and delve into the mysteries within.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2116: Nissin Instant Noodles Tom Yum Shrimp Saab Flavour
Kind of a weird day today. Why? Well, this is review 2116. Today is the 16th. It’s 2016. Aside from that, just another day. This looks like a good one – I definitely like tom yum, but what is saab? I looked around a bit and have come to the conclusion that it’s something denoting sourness. Am I right? I guess we’ll seee! Let’s check i tout!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2114: Nissin Instant Noodles Minced Pork Flavour
Today, I’ll be trying a minced pork instant noodle from Nissin Thailand. I’ve tried a few different minced pork noodles from Thailand in the past and curious as to how this one compares. Let’s give it a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2088: Nissin Demae Iccho Beef Flavour Instant Noodle
I haven’t reviewed a whole lot of beef varieties during this Meet The Manufacturer, so I figured I’d better! Here’s one – spicy beef! Sounds good to me – let’s give this big bowl a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2079: Nissin Nupasta Carbonara Flavour Instant Noodle
Well this looks interesting – Italian inspired pasta in a take out box style package. Reminds me of the Cup Noodles Pasta Style from Japan a reviewed before – at least in color scheme and design on the package. It looks like it stops there though! Let’s see what we’ve got here!
#2059: Four Seas Beef And Radish Flavour Instant Noodle
Here’s the first in the special series I did for Apple Daily of Hong Kong. I’ve reviewed varieties from Four Seas in the past – in fact, this looks kind of like a bowl version I’ve had before. Beef and radish, huh? Sounds interesting – let’s check it out!
#2051: Master Kong Artificial Pork Ribs Flavor Instant Noodle
Here’s another one sent to my by Colin from the eastern USA – thanks again! So these have always been interesting; they have the little chef guy much like Kang Shi Fu (Master Kong), but often the bar code search will come up with Kailo brand. This morning, I called the number on the back and they gave me another number, and they gave me an email address. I emailed the address I was given and will get the info on what brand this is exactly when they reply – and hopefully they do. Prok ribs – let’s do this!
Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With Nissin Japan
Interview with Nissin Japan * Product Samples From Nissin Japan (1) * Product Samples From Nissin Japan (2) * Nissin Cup Noodle * Nissin Cup Noodle Milk Chikin Ramen * Nissin Cup Noodle Light Ratatouille * Nissin Raoh Tonkotsu * Nissin Gyoretsu-no-Dekiru-Mise-no- Ramen (Shrimp Tantanmen) * Nissin Cup Noodle Big Cheese Mexican Chili * Nissin Cup Noodle Pasta Style Tarako Spaghetti * Nissin Cup Noodle Vegeta Buta-kyabetsu Tonkotsu * Nissin Men Shokunin Shoyu * Nissin Curry Udon * Nissin Chikin Ramen Donburi * Nissin BIG Cup Noodle Seafood Clam Chowder * Nissin Cup Noodles Tom Yum Goong * Nissin Raoh Rich Miso Flavor * Nissin Donbei Dashi Shoyu Yakiudon
#1872: Itsuki Hakata Ossyoi
Here’s another one I got from Casey in Hong Kong – thank you! This one’s going to be interesting – not only because I like Hakata varieties, but because I’m videotaping the creation of this review. There’ll be a full video of the beginning to end of my review, editing and presentation process! Hope you enjoy! Let’s have a look at Itsuki Hakata Ossyoi!
#1867: Yum Yum Premier Bowl Instant Noodles Stewed Pork Flavour
The next to last variety I found while in Thailand – there was a Seven-Eleven next to our hotel which we visited countless times; so different from the ones we have here! Slurpee machines in the back as always, but you make a 180 degree turn and boom – a huge assortment of instant noodles. It was amazing and burned into my mind! Some companies do special partnerships with Seven-Eleven all over Southeast Asia and have special varieties only available there – this is one of them. Let’s check it out!
#1747: Vit’s Curry Instant Noodles
Got this one at the Econsave in Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia last year. Curry noodles! Let’s check ’em out!
#1717: Lee Fah Mee Sarawak White Laksa Instant Noodle
I got a message from someone in Sarawak a couple months ago about Lee Fah Mee Sarawak White Laksa. They sent some home to the Us with a friend and that friend shipped some to me! Thanks! It’s kind of funny; I’ve been curious about Sarawak’s instant noodle offerings for a long time – and then in the last couple of months I start getting some to try. This sounds really interesting – White Laksa! Let’s crack open the package and see what’s inside Lee Fah Mee Sarawak White Laksa!
#1709: Asia Gold Instant Noodles With Shrimp Flavouring
Here’s a neat one. During my trip to Thai President Foods’ Agent Meeting in Bangkok last month, I went to a seminar for a large group of European distributors. There were a couple guys who were there that I met from the Thai President Foods Hungary factory, and I was able to obtain samples of many of the products that are manufactured there, this being one of them. I noticed that on the label, an Austrian company is distributing this one. Anyways, this will be my first instant noodle review I’ve ever done of a product manufactured in Hungary! Let’s check it out!
#1579: Curry Prince Penang Authentic White Curry Instant Noodle
Hooray for White Curry! What’s great is that there are so many new brands coming out and I like curry so much. This is Curry Prince – looks interesting! Let’s check out Curry Prince!
The Ramen Rater’s Ten Facts About Instant Noodles 2014
I’ve recently seen a whole lot of misinformation being spewed lately about the instant noodle. Why do I care? Well, primarily because I’m really into instant noodles. I’ve been a fan of them since a child and been reviewing them since 2002. A kind of strange obsession, but there are definitely stranger ones out there. What gets me is information that is presented by news and social media sources often is really quite inept; lack of research and frankly poor quality journalism on their parts. So, I’ve decided to come out with an annual list of ten facts about instant noodles starting today! Ready? Well, here you go.
#1424: Sainsbury’s Curry Flavour Instant Noodles
Here’s one that Joe B. and Sarah B. sent me from Nottingham, UK – thanks! I think I’ve only got one more they sent – been fun doing these British varieties! Curry is a really popular British flavor. I’m calling it a British flavor, because there are so many interpretations of curry; the British make curry powders and cook with them – they’re usually less spicy and exotic than something you’d find in Southeast Asia. Anyways, I thought I’d make some chicken to go along with this and use some of the curry leaf that’s growing in my wife’s garden. What’s interesting is that curry leaf isn’t used in curry! It smells like curry powder though. Should be interesting! Let’s check it out.
#1365: Four Seas Seaweed Hot & Spicy Instant Noodle Mushroom & Beef Flavour
I’ve always found these quite interesting. Why? Well for starters, they seem to always have a pack of seaweed with them, and not a small one but a decent portion. Also, the noodle blocks are unique as well. How? Well, read on and you’ll see. This one is from Hong Kong – let’s check it out!
#1327: Unif-100 Instant Noodles Artificial Tart Beef Flavor
Here’s one sent to me by Roger S. – thanks! I haven’t had one of these Unif-100’s in a while. I had the Cayenne Beef a little while back, but this is one of the ones that are distributed here in the US quite widely. Chances are if you have an Asian grocery local to you, they’ll have some of the Unif line of instants. Now, while beef is a very common flavor where instant noodles are concerned, tart beef is something I’ve not encountered before. Let’s see what’s inside and how it tastes.
#1305: A-Sha Instant Noodle Original Flavor
Here’s the last of the A-Sha line of instant noodles they sent. These are a leaner line; not with the different gauges that the other products they make have. Not to say they don’t taste good, though! Let’s see how original this one is!