Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘This is called geikikara’ (extremely hot); however, it’s not as hot as it thinks it is. We bet you will like this even if you are not a big fan of spiciness. The rich tonkotsu soup contains delicious ma-yu (burnt sesame oil and garlic), and it creates an irresistable smell for your appetite. The unique octagonal form of the box is to let it stand out from other noodles.’
The non-spicy version made a high spot on the 2019 Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls list – let’s give this one a try.
Nissin Raoh Kogashi Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains pork. To prepare, take out sachets and add dry ones in. Add 400ml boiling water and cover 5 minutes. Add in liquid sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added narutomaki, fried garlic, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, egg, spring onion, chashu, shichimi togarashi, and black sesame seeds. Noodles are exemplary – thick with a nice chew. Broth is very meaty and full with a nice heat level that doesn’t detract from the rich flavors within. Lots of meat and veg in here. 5.0 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4902105245972.
Here’s another one from a reader in Brazil – thank you very much! So from translation, it sounds like this is a cheese sauce noodle. It mentions ‘menos agua’ which means ‘less water,’ probably meaning this will have a thicker broth/sauce. Let’s give it a try!
Nissin Miojo Cremoso Sabor Molho De Quejo – Brazil
Detail of the packaging (click to enlarge). Unsure whether it contains meat so have a look for yourself. To prepare, cook noodles in 300ml boiling water for 3 minutes. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
The noodle block.
The seasoning sachet. Note mention f the 300ml water – this is probably to make sure people don’t use the standard which is a larger quantity.
Finished (click to enlarge). Added fried onionm green onion, and baked chicken. Pretty standard noodle here. The cheese sauce was really quite nice – definitely a comfort food kind of thing. Like mac and cheese done with instant noodles – and it works very well. Don’t believe me? Ask my daughter – she loved it! 3.5 out of 5.0 stars. EAN bar code 7891079013229.
I saw an article mentioning two new ‘super spicy’ noodle coup out of Japan. Well, I found one of them (actually I found both but this one was cheap on eBay while the other required buying six and that wasn’t happening). I keep seeing that this is a spicy Mongolian miso tanmen which sounded interesting.
Today’s an interesting day. If you don’t know, I’ve been doing a lot of diet and exercise stuff. I have a weird little project I’m about to complete. I have my wife’s old cellphone and it’s decent as far as a vidoeo camera. Today, my daughter and I will walk west to Lake Forest Park, hit ACE Hardware for a couple of big washers. We walked there a couple of days ago for some parts already, but I want bigger washers. I’m drilling a hole in one of the drink holders and then there’s a threaded length of screw that the phone in a clamp kind of thing will scren into and we’ll be able to do landscape videography of our walk – kind of treating the stroller like a dolly. All said and done our walk will probably be 12 miles, recording our trek from Lake Forest Park, through Kenmore, up a hill into Bothell, and wrapping around back to Kenmore and home. Pretty stoked!
Then After she’s had her lunch and is down for a nap, it’ll be time for cooking noodles. Then I’ll do a mukbang of this one. Let’s get started!
7-Eleven Premium / Nissin Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). I’m sure this contains meat. To prepare, add boiling water to fill line and cover for 5 minutes. Finally, add in wet sachet, stir, and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Nothing added as this was for a mukbang. This one has some of the thickest noodles I’ve ever seen in an instant cup, and they hydrated quite well. Broth is very rich and hearty with bits of kikurage, lots of tofu and other vegetable. As for the heat level, it’s very tame. The article I read mentioned it being super spicy, however the reviewer must be a little sensitive to heat. 4.25 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4902105233634.
Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Indulge yourself freely with this dish because these are non-fried noodles with whole grains. We LOVE how healthy the noodle tastes, and no wonder it is very popular. The tonkotsu soup has much depth of flavor matching perfectly with garlic. Toppings are chashu, wood ear mushrooms and scallions. Since it is the lightest one out of this month’s pack, when you crave ramen in the middle of the night, this is the best bet.’
Craving ramen in the middle of the night. Let’s give it a try!
Nissin Men Shokunin Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains chicken and pork. To prepare, add soli ingredients sachet and dry sachet and cover for 4 minutes. Add in wet sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
A dry sachet (see contents on the episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time below).
A small wet sachet.
A dry garnish sachet includes a slice of chashu.
Finished (click to enlarge). Added Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, shichimi togarashi, sesame seeds, soft egg, and spring onion. The noodles have a neat texture to them; they’re non-fried and have whole grains. It’s not gritty or funky, but neat. The broth is a salty tonkotsu with a pretty good flavor. Chashu is very thin and just a slight tease. 3.75 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4902105245507.
After years of resisting the common practice of naming these lists after the year ahead, I’ve finally decided I’d conform with societal norms and start doing this with this list. So, there won’t be a 2019 edition (although between you and me that’s what this is as it’s coming out in 2019 and not 2020, but whatever). All lists going forward will be this way. My brain will be okay with it eventually, kind of like how I used to lose my mind when people would pronounce sriracha ‘sirracha,’ which IS the correct way to do s. Time heals all chunks of illogic I suppose. But anyways, these are my favorite and most memorable cup varieties from my reviews up to number 3,180. Let’s take a look at The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Cups Of All Time 2020 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Cups Of All Time 2020 Edition
Video Presentation
A special video showcasing The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Cups OF All Time 2020 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Cups OF All Time 2020 Edition
#10: Maison De Coree x Samyang Ramen Gout BBQ Coreen – France
A collaboration of Samyang of South Korea and Maison De Coree of France bring this neat variety. A thick and chewy noodle is married to Korean BBQ sauce – a sloppy umami bomb which really is quite delicious. Original review
#9: Nissin Cup Noodles Alitas Hot – Mexico
Part of their Intensos spicy range, Nissin Mexico brings Alitas Hot – ho wings flavor. The heat level is very tame, however the flavor is off the charts with a very tasty grilled chicken taste. A really nice surprise in this one – worth a try. Original review
#8: MyKuali Penang Red Tom Yum Goong Noodle Authentic Taste – Malaysia
A show stopper, this variety has a super savory broth which is thick and flavorful. Strong tomato and lemongrass notes are present and couples with a great noodle and vegetables sachet. Tastes almost identical to tom yum I tried in Langkawi. Original review
#7: Nissin Cup Noodle Nice Rich Pork Shoyu (New Version) – Japan
This low calorie cup is not low on flavor. A different kind of noodle which has a very good mouthfeel is couples with a strong broth and included garnish which are second to none. At 176 calories for the cup, it makes one wonder why they don’t make all Cup Noodle varieties with this style noodle. Original review
#6: Mamee Chef Curry Laksa Flavour – Malaysia
These noodles are produced using Mamee Chef’s ‘Mi Tarik’ technology which emulates hand pulled noodles. The broth has a rich and luxuriant curry flavor and is augmented by a myriad of garnish including little tofu puffs. Original review
#5: Miandom Tasty Asia Green Curry Shrimp Flavoured Instant Noodles – Singapore
With a very unique wheat noodle whose mouthfeel is different from any other on this list, this one has a strong green curry flavor. It’s unique from top to bottom and really delivers a nice green curry experience. Original review
#4: Maruchan QTTA Curry Ramen – Japan
QTTA (pronounced coo-tah) translated to ‘I’m full/satisfied.’ A cup full of rich curry and thick noodles, with a lot of different included garnish. It definitely should fill you up. Original review
#3: Nissin Cup Noodles Very Veggie Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
Here you see the Very Veggie Spicy Chicken variety, but truly the whole range which includes beef, chicken, and soy sauce flavors hold this spot – they’r equally good. The sheer amount of vegetables work with the base to create just about the most savory broth you could imagine. Really something that should be experienced by every noodle fan. Original review
#2: MyKuali Penang Hokkien Prawn Noodle Authentic Taste – Malaysia
If you like prawn like I like prawn, and I really like prawn, you’re going to be exceedingly enthused about this variety. The sheer amount of prawniness is just wonderful – a thick, sweet and spicy broth, great noodles, and included fried onlon just come together so well. Original review
#1: Nissin Cup Noodles Gourmet Sabor A Caldo De Camaron – Mexico
While other images in this list show the product with additions I’ve made, this one does not. What you see is what you get, and you get a seriously wonderful thing here. A vibrant prawn broth with Mexican flavor, ample garnish (including those reasonably sized shrimp there) and great noodles come together in this one. An absolutely incredible topper to this list. Original review
This came by way of Robert over at www.dadbert.com – thanks! I’ve never seen hide nor hare of this variety ever before – anywhere. Test market in Kentucky? Perhaps. It looks like these are a meat version of the Very Veggie really; lots of meat instead of vegetables. My thought – screw it – I mean put lots of meat AND vegetables in there. In fact, screw that – do a retort pooch with meat and vegetables – now you’re talking! Nissin – you’re here in the United States already – use real meat! Retort pouches are the salvation – they shall bring a whole new age to the domestic instant noodle industry in America! At least that’s my vision. Let’s check it out!
Nissin Cup Noodles Soup’D Up Zesty Chicken Flavor – United States
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains chicken. To prepare, . UPC bar code.
Finished (click to enlarge). Added soft egg, spring onion, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, and grilled chicken. The noodles came out pretty well. The broth was very thin and could have used a little more zestiness. Vegetables did well, however chicken chunks while of a decent size weren’t completely done in the center. 2.0 out of 5.0 stars. UPC bar code
Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this Nissin variety –
‘This Nissin Edo Soba features 71 grams of straight buckwheat soba that are just itching to slide right down your throat do the Nissin brand proud. Combining yaizu processed bonito flakes with 100% pure round soybean sauce, Nissin Edo Soba tastes like it has the same traditional Kanto style soy sauce with chili in it. Included in the dish are tempura, fish cakes, and spring onions.’
Cool – let’s give it a looksie!
Nissin Edo Soba – Japan
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains fish and pork. To prepare, add boiling water to fill line. Cover for 3 minutes. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added spring onion, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, and soft egg. The soba was of a nice quality and the gauge was a little thicker than other cup versions. The broth did indeed have a nice sweetness to it and wasn’t too fishy. Included tempura was delicious and kamaboko prevalent. 3.75 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 4902105238332.
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!
Th Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2019 Edition
Video Presentation
Watch me personally deliver The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowl Of All Time 2019 Edition in this video.
Th Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2019 Edition
#10 – Master Kong – Golden Stock Shrimp Noodles Bowl – China
This one features a good quantity of decent noodles and a broth that has a rich and flavorful body to it. Oiliness is on pint, and the inclusion of little seafood balls in the mix is very good. Original review
#9 – Uni-President Man Han Feast Braised Pork Flavor Instant Noodles Bowl – Taiwan
First, the noodles have a little bit thicker a gauge than most instant varieties. Indeed they are premium although a slight bit softer than one might expect. The broth is a sea of rich pork flavor – different than many. As a matter of fact, this really REALLY has a nice pork flavor; most pork varieties don’t have a great pork taste as the pork taste they do have get overshadowed by saltiness. The vegetables hydrated well and the pork was very good. Original review
#8 – Uni-President Man Han Feast Super Hot Pot Beef Flavor Noodles – Taiwan
So the noodles are broad and flat with a light chew and an excellent quantity. The broth is a tour de force of beef taste. It has a good thickness/oiliness to it as well as a good flavor. Indeed as expected, there’s a decent punch of spiciness. Indeed, the chunks of beef are of good size and quality. Moreover, the liquid with the beef in the retort pouch add depth to the broth. Finally, little rings of chilli pepper are here and there, joining the party. Original review
TTL stands for Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor and indeed there’s a sachet of rice wine in here! Add to that a big retort pouch full of decent sized chunks of chicken, good noodles and garnish, This is definitely a bowl to seek out and try. Original review
#6 – Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen Hot – South Korea
A newcomer to the list, however a flavor I’ve known for a while. Samyang Ramen and Samyang Ramen Hot are just plain delicious; a thick and chewy noodle is coupled with a great spicy ham broth which is just sensational. It hit #2 this year on my Top Ten South Korean list. Original review
#5 – Little Cook Tomato Beef Noodles – Taiwan
This one featured a strong tomato flavor broth and chewy, thick noodles. The beef in here is delicious and on great quality. Another example of Taiwanese companies stepping up products to make them more premium. Original review
#4 – Little Cook Braised Beef Noodles With Tendon & Meat – Taiwan
Okay so first off, this is a heavy bowl. There’s a huge retort pouch in here full of beef and beef tendon. The noodles are wide and have a great chew and the broth has a nice flavor. But the start of the show is that braised beef and tendon – it’s perfect and there’s just so much of it. Very impressive! Original review
#3 – Nissin Raoh Kogashi Shoyu – Japan
Premium noodles in this one. Very chewy and with an excellent mouthfeel. The broth just bristles with a rich meatiness. Flavor is just wonderful – an asset to this high end Nissin Japan range. Original review
#2 – Nissin Gyoretsu-no-Dekiru-Mise-no-Ramen (Shrimp Tantanmen) – Japan
Talk about amazing. Now, on most of these bowls, you’ll notice I’ve added my own garnishes. I don’t count them in my reviewing – everything is reviewed prior to any additions I make. This is one where I’ve added nothing and just look at it! This one had very good noodles to start off. The broth was a very thick prawn infused decadent flavor spectacle. Then there’s the little crunchy topping and the other garnish they provide and this is just amazing stuff. Wow. Floored. Original review
#1 – Little Cook Thailand Green Curry Instant Noodle – Taiwan
Wow – I’m so freaking impressed with this one. First, there are two bowls. Peel back the lid of the first bowl and add boiling water. After a short time, you poke holes in the lid and drain the liquid into the second. A sachet of soup base is added and you have a soup with lots of corn and herbs. Next, a huge sachet with chicken and vegetables boasts a great spicy green curry flavor which mixes with the noodle. A really amazing product which is unique and delicious. This is Little Cook Thailand Green Curry Instant Noodle’s third year in the number one spot in a row – congratulations! Original review
This was sent to me by Daniel from Brazil a while back – thanks again! Brazilian varieties fascinate me; the flavors are very unique and so far quite tasty! Let’s check out this light variety.
Nissin Miojo Nissin Lamen Light Legumes – Brazil
Here’s the back of the package (click to enlarge). Possibly meat free but check for yourself. To prepare, cook noodles in 400ml boiling water for 3 minutes. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
The noodle block.
A dry sachet.
The weight on this sachet compressed it.
Finished (click to enlarge). Added scallion, sesame seeds, and shichimi togarashi. The noodles hydrated nicely and sucked up much of the liquid. The broth has a kind of chili taste to it – almost like chili cheese but not quite. It’s quite good – not what I expected from a vegetable flavor noodle. 3.75 out of 5.0 stars. EAN bar code 7891079000397.
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?
Anyways back to more important matters. What’s pancit you ask? Here’s something from Wikipedia –
In Filipino cuisine, pancit are noodles. Noodles were introduced into the Philippines early on by Chinese Filipino settlers in the archipelago, and over the centuries have been fully adopted into local cuisine, of which there are now numerous variants and types. The term pancit is derived from the Hokkienpian i sit (Chinese: 便ê食; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: piān-ê-si̍t or Chinese: 便食; pinyin: biàn shí) which literally means “convenient food.”[1] Different kinds of noodles can be found in Filipino supermarkets which can then be cooked at home. Noodle dishes are also standard fare in local restaurants. Food establishments specializing in noodles are often referred to as panciterias.
Nancy Reyes Lumen of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism writes that according to food lore handed down from the Chinese, noodles should be eaten on one’s birthday.[1] They are therefore commonly served at birthday celebrations and Chinese restaurants in the Philippines often have “birthday noodles” listed on their menus. However, she warns that since “noodles represent long life and good health”, they must not be cut, as that would “corrupt the symbolism.”[1]
Pancit is a derivative of a type of noodle(s) that originated in China but pancit which is different in its own aspect originated in the Philippines. The fact that pancit is eaten and part of Filipino culture means that it was most likely brought over from settlers originating in China or East Asia.
Well, there you go – pancit means noodles. Let us begin.
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains beef.. To prepare, add boiling water to fill line. Cover for 3 minutes. Drain. add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
The noodle block.
A dry and a wet sachet. No contents pics today – we got a few inches of snow last night and I woke up to a big flash and heard electronics clicking. I figure getting everything ready fast as possible’s probably a good plan.
Loose bits from the cup.
Finished (click to enlarge). Added roast beef lunch meat, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, spring onion, and fried garlic. The noodles are slightly broader than others I usually see from the Philippines. They had a nice soft tooth and were of good character. The flavor was definitely on the Filipino side of the spectrum – nice beef with other flavors going on. This seemed more pancit than yakisoba and was pretty good. 3.75 out of 5.0 stars. EAN bar code 4800016551871.
Woot woot! It is so rare these days I can get my hands on a variety from the Philippines that I’ve not reviewed yet and so I’m really stoked on this one. What’s interesting is that there are two Nissin companies in the Philippines. Nissin Monde and Nissin Universal Robina. Nissin Monde is actually a company that first started out selling biscuits. Nissin Universal-Robina is an arm of the well known Japanese empire of instant noodles. Nissin Monde is responsible for the Lucky Me! brand. Kind of interesting and odd. Anyways, let’s check this yakisoba out!
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Looks to be meat free but check for yourself. To prepare add boiling water to fill line for 3 minutes. Drain. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Finished (click to enlarge). Added green onion. The noodles had a little more chewiness than I expected, but that wasn’t a bad thing. The tough part was getting the liquid sachet content to distribute. But once I did, this was quite enjoyable! A nice sweetness, spiciness, and hint of chicken taste worked well. As for being yakisoba, that was a little stretch but whatever you call it, it was good. 4.25 out of 5.0 stars. EAN bar code 4800016551864.
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