Tag: meet the manufacturer
Meet The Manufacturer: #2457: KOKA Instant Noodles Chicken Satay Flavour

I don’t think I’ve had a satay flavor variety in a long time so this should be interesting. Indeed, we should see what Wikipedia has to say about satay –
Meet The Manufacturer: #2456: KOKA Signature Spicy Singapore Fried Noodles Instant Noodles

Today we have something I find interesting. I’ve heard before about the popularity of ‘Singapore Noodles’ in Britain, and that they’re not actually from Singapore. Here’s a little about that from Wikipedia –
Meet The Manufacturer: #2455: KOKA Creamy Soup With Crushed Noodles Sweet Corn Flavor

I often remember my experience with corn in Southeast Asia in the past, however it wasn’t involving a creamy soup. First off, you don’t see corn very often – definitely nowhere near as much as you see it here in the United States. What I did see what in the Penang International Airport, they had a little snack stand. I think they had ice cream, beefburgers (they call them that because ham is not taken by so many people over there and just calling it a beefburger makes sure there’s no confusion), and corn in a cup. Here, we have corn on the cob. However over there I saw this corn in a cup – I asked our host what this was all about. Basically, it’s not popcorn, but yellow corn in a cup with butter and seasonings.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2454: KOKA Silk Beef Pho Flavor Instant Rice Fettuccine

Today we have a rice noodle variety. Pho is a noodle soup that hails originally from Vietnam – here’s a little about it from Wikipedia –
Meet The Manufacturer: #2453: KOKA Delight Spicy Sesame Instant Non-Fried Noodles

I’ve always found that sesame seeds get stuck in my teeth. Yeah, they do. However, I still like them. I think I like pretty much anything sesame – especially sesame oil. I also like spicy things. Sounds like a slam dunk here but I suppose we will have to see.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2452: KOKA Signature Laksa Singapura Flavor Instant Noodles

Previously, I reviewed the package version of Laksa Singapura – the Delight version. The Signature and Delight ranges have a couple of key difference in that the Delight is non-fried whereas the Signature are fried.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2451: KOKA Delight Spicy Black Pepper Flavor Instant Non-Fried Noodles

Black pepper flavor is popular in Singapore. Indeed, black pepper crab is one of those signature dishes over there. Moreover, it makes sense with it’s location – here’s some on the history of the spice from Wikipedia –
Meet The Manufacturer: #2450: KOKA Purple Wheat Noodles Chili & Lime Flavor

Purple – the color of royalty. It’s also the color of eggplants, grape candy and Barney the dinosaur. But these are purple noodles. So how do they get this hue? These noodles have Anthocyanins in them. Indeed, I needed to turn to Wikipedia to learn more –
Meet The Manufacturer: #2449: KOKA Delight Tomato Flavor Instant Non-Fried Noodles

Today we have one I have had the export version of in the past. This however, is the local Singapore version. One thing to note for the Vegetarian crowd is that these have that little box with the green circle inside. There’s two kinds – the green circle or the red circle. Green means suitable for Vegetarians and red means not suitable. Also, they’re steamed and not fried, and to top it off, there’s no added MSG, something people are always interested in. Well, let’s get started with this tomato variety from KOKA!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2448: KOKA Seafood Flavor Instant Noodles

Most people don’t know, but I’ve been to Singapore. It was in 2014 – and it was a very short visit.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2447: KOKA Signature Stir-Fry Original Flavor Instant Noodles

Today we have stir-fry noodles. Curious about what these are going to be like – sweet? Spicy? Salty? I do like stir-fry, however it’s like a sandwich. You can put all kinds of things in a sandwich. But a grilled cheese is a long way from a Monte Cristo. Singaporean stir-fry noodles sound good though – let’s have a look!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2446: KOKA Creamy Soup With Crushed Noodles Curry Flavor

Here we have something new. So I usually only review instant noodles, not soups. However, this is a soup with instant noodles. Wait, what?! Yeah that’s what I thought too! I’ve never heard of such a thing – but it doesn’t sound bad. As I have always said, I love seeing innovation and something new. It definitely is a nice surprise when something unique and new crosses my desk and this certainty is that on both accounts. Let’s check out this cup of soup – with crushed noodles!
Met The Manufacturer: #2445: KOKA Delight Laksa Singapura Flavor Instant Non-Fried Noodles

I’m reviewing this on March 14th and it’s actually my birthday today! I just got done doing a really big project on spicy noodles and though maybe it would be nice to do a review of something curry. I was looking through the samples and saw this one and realized I do have laksa leaves in my fridge so I’d better review it. So, what’s Laksa Singapura? Wikipedia has this to say –
Meet The Manufacturer: #2444: KOKA Silk Spicy Marinara Instant Rice Fettuccine

Today it’s a rice noodle variety with an Italian twist: spicy marinara. So, what is marinara? Wikipedia, if you please –
Meet The Manufacturer: #2443: KOKA Signature Chicken Flavor Instant Noodles

I looked upon all the samples sent by Tat Hui for this Meet The Manufacturer. Indeed, it occurred to me to go right for the curry, the laksa… But I thought to begin with, I would go right for the standard.
Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From Tat Hui 2

Another package from Tat Hui? What could this be? Let’s find out!
Product Samples From Tat Hui 2 – Singapore

Hey a poster (click to enlarge)! Gotta go get this laminated for the Wall Of Fame!
Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From Tat Hui 1

This big box was sent by the folks at Tat Hui, makers of KOKAS brand instant noodles in Singapore. A few years ago, I saw an article in a news feed about KOKA products at a trade show in the United States and it hit me: maybe I should contact the guy they mentioned. I also thought maybe I could interview him and ask some questions about instant noodles. This is how the whole Meet The Manufacturer concept was born.
Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With Tat Hui Foods Pte. Ltd.

Interview With Tat Hui * Product Samples From Tat Hui 1 * Product Samples From Tat Hui 2 * KOKA Signature Chicken Flavor Instant Noodles * KOKA Silk Spicy Marinara Instant Rice Fettuccine * KOKA Delight Laksa Singapura Flavor Instant Non-Fried Noodles * KOKA Creamy Soup With Crushed Noodles Curry Flavor * KOKA Signature Stir-Fry Original Flavor Instant Noodles * KOKA Seafood Flavor Instant Noodles * KOKA Delight Tomato Flavor Instant Non-Fried Noodles * KOKA Purple Wheat Noodles Chili & Lime Flavor * KOKA Delight Spicy Black Pepper Flavor Instant Non-Fried Noodles * KOKA Signature Laksa Singapura Flavor Instant Noodles * KOKA Delight Spicy Sesame Instant Non-Fried Noodles * KOKA Silk Beef Pho Flavor Instant Rice Fettuccine * KOKA Creamy Soup With Crushed Noodles Sweet Corn Flavor * KOKA Signature Spicy Singapore Fried Noodles Instant Noodles * KOKA Instant Noodles Chicken Satay Flavour
Meet The Manufacturer: #2410: Mama Pat’s Lamb Stew Flavor Instant Ramen Noodles

Today, it’s lamb stew! So I really never have had lamb stew, nor really cooked lamb very often. I thought though I ought to at least make an attempt, and so today I’m going to sous vide up some lamb to go along with the noodles. But as for stew, let’s see what wikipedia has to say:
Meet The Manufacturer: #2409: Mama Pat’s Seafood Gumbo Flavor Instant Ramen Noodles

One of the first things I learned about Mama Pat’s foods was when I saw a video of Chef Ron making gumbo at a store demo. He used big bags of shrimp, tons of crab and other really great ingredients. He didn’t hold back and definitely went for the gusto. I’m a fan of seafood but haven’t had a lot of seafood from the USA as of late since it’s usually found slathered in white sauces or copious amounts of butter. I definitely got spoiled in Malaysia and Thailand trying all that seafood from there – amazing stuff! Gumbo however is something different. It’s full of seafood and has a nice strong taste – something I really like. I have high hopes for this one; it sounds good, but will it be? Let’s give this seafood gumbo a look!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2408: Mama Pat’s Chicken Taco Flavor Instant Ramen Noodles

To kick off this Meet The Manufacturer, I thought I’d start with a flavor that just about every instant noodle company makes. Chicken. Indeed, it’s a kind of universal flavor – one that everyone can identify with. Well, unless your vegetarian. This is a very unique instant noodle insofar as it comes with a free drink – something I’ve never seen before in my well over 2,000 reviews thus far. So let’s check out Mama Pat’s Chicken Taco!
Meet The Manufacturer: Mama Pat’s Foods Product Samples

A box arrived today via FedEx. Indeed, it’s always nice to get a package in the mail and always exciting to see what’s inside. I’ve gotten many donations from readers and companies in the past, but this one arrived in an interesting way.
Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With Mama Pat’s Foods
Meet The Manufacturer: #2344: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor A Pollo

Well folks, today is the last day of Meet The Manufacturer. It’s been a definite departure from the flavors I’m used to and it’s been a different way of thinking about noodles. I usually include mung bean sprouts in everything, but that really wasn’t an option. Indeed don’t know if my application of queso fresca was correct, but I had to try. However I tried to find other varieties of Mexican cheeses, however couldn’t find any melty ones – just crumbly. It was fun and something different for me, and I want to thank the folks at Nissin Mexico for the opportunity to try all of these! Let’s check out the chicken Cup Noodles to wrap things up.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2343: Nissin Maxi Sopa Nissin Cuchareable Sabor A Jugo De Carne

Ready? Set? Beef! Here again are the spoonable noodles, this time with a beefy flavor. Let’s give this cup a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2342: Nissin Sopa Nissin Sabor A Camaron Sopa Instantanea Tipo Ramen

Here’s the third of the pillow pack varieties of Nissin Mexico’s Sopa Nissin line. Pink! Shrimp! Let’s give it a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2341: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor A Carne De Res

Time for some beef! I’ve noticed that kind of like in the US, there are only a scant few pack noodle varieties and most varieties are in cups. Cups are great since they’re portable, have their own container to eat out of, and are easily disposed of. Let’s check out this beef variety.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2340: Nissin RapiFideo Sabor A Tomate Y Pollo

This is the second of the two RapiFideo varieties. Translating to Quick Noodles, RapiFideo has short, thin noodles and broth and can be prepared in the microwave. Let’s take a look!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2339: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor Camaron, Habanero Y Limon

Here’s the second of the Nissin Mexico fiery hot Habanero line. Habanero peppers are definitely not to be messed with; I’ve made hot sauce a few times using them. The worst was when I hadn’t used rubber gloves and later in the day rubbed my eyes – burned really good even after multiple hand washings! Yeah – no fun. But, they deliver a great heat – let’s give this shrimp variety a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2338: Nissin Sopa Nissin Sabor A Pollo Sopa Instantanea Tipo Ramen

Okay folks, what we have here is the baseline. Every company has a chicken flavored instant noodle, and this is Nissin Mexico’s. I should actually say not every company has a chicken flavor – but most do. Chicken is pretty open to interpretation and I don’t think (other than vegetarians and vegans) there are any cultural groups that don’t eat chicken. I could be wrong and if I am let me know. Let’s have something chicken flavored and dress it up Mexican style!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2337: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Con Camaron

I just realized – I meant to review the chicken Cup Noodles – no matter though! Nissin Mexico was kind enough to send 5 of each variety I’m reviewing, and so I can use one to get all the pictures and one to review. Keeps things tidy! Well, the one I grabbed as the second one is chicken. So… Going to have to switch that as it definitely won’t taste like shrimp haha! Let’s get started.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2336: Nissin Maxi Sopa Nissin Cuchareable Sabor A Camaron Picante

Felix Navidad! It’s actually Christmas morning today – I got up at 5am to get some reviews ready to go – don’t know if I’ll do any sampling today but it could happen! I’m about 60 reviews ahead of myself currently – pretty nuts, but helpful when I can’t review, there’s always one ready to go. Anyways, today it’s another one of the Maxi Sopa Nissin variants. Camaron picante is spicy shrimp. Let’s have a look!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2335: Nissin Cup Noodles Gourmet Sabor A Caldo De Camaron

Hey now this looks interesting! Reminds me of the look of Hong Kong Cup Noodles or ones from Japan. So this is a new line from Nissin Mexico – Gourmet – hopefully the first of many to try. But what is gourmet? Dictionary.com had this to say –
Meet The Manufacturer: #2334: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor Mariscos, Habanero Y Limon

Check this one out – HABANERO! This is another one that comes with a sachet of hot sauce! Awesome! Mariscos means seafood – something I’ve always dreamed of doing is visiting the coastal areas of Mexico and trying the seafood dishes there! Let’s give this one a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2333: Nissin Maxi Sopa Nissin Cuchareable Sabor A Pollo

Here we have a big cup of noodles! I did a little translation on this one for you – ‘maxi’ means ‘big,’ ‘sopa’ means ‘soup,’ ‘cuchareable’ means ‘spoonable,’ and pollo means chicken. Basically, this is a chicken noodle soup one can enjoy with a spoon instead of a fork. Got it? Let’s check it out!
Meet The Manufacturer: Re-Review: Nissin RapiFideo Sabor A Chile Y Limon

The name of this one – RapiFideo – is a combination of two words. ‘Rapido,’ meaning ‘Quick’ and ‘Fideo’ which means ‘Noodle.’ I reviewed these a while back – let’s revisit them for this Meet The Manufacturer!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2332: Nissin Sopa Nissin Sabor A Res Sopa Instantanea Tipo Ramen

I had always thought carne meant beef but I was wrong. Turned out carne means meat and res means beef – always learning something new about the world through the instant noodle and doing translations! Let’s check out this beef flavored instant noodle from Mexico!
Meet The Manufacturer: #2331: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Hot Sauce Sabor A Pollo

To start things off, I thought it would be interesting to try one of these Cup Noodles that come with hot sauce. Definitely not uncommon around the world to find a Cup Noodle variety with a sauce sachet, however it seems to be a little less common in the Americas. Let’s give it a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From Nissin Mexico (2 of 2)

This box is even larger than the first one! Let’s see what’s inside!

A shopping bag (click to enlarge).








