Over 5,000 Instant Ramen Noodle Reviews Since 2002
Over the years, I’ve figured out ways to take nice pictures of instant noodles. However, it wasn’t always that way. I’m no pro photographer, but I’ve taken a ton of pictures. Broth and soup is a really big pain in the butt to shoot. Here are tips and tricks I’ve learned through trial and error that really help.
This is one of the varieties sent by a reader named Daniel from Montana – thank you! He mentioned that at the local Walmart, these had replaced all of the MAruchan product. I’ve got a couple theories about this stuff. First, maybe it’s actually a rebranding of Maruchan product; that logo mentioning the 0g Trans Fat looks pretty much like the same logo does on Maruchan’s packs. Not only that, there are a lot of flavors that sound identical to Maruchan varieties. The yellow banner kind of reminds me of the one on the MExican Sopa Maruchan varieties. I dunno – I could be way off on this.
Recently, I was contacted by someone who wishes to remain anonymous about something I mentioned in passing that I’d always wanted. They asked if they could buy one for me and I accepted – thank you so much! But wait – what is it? Watch and find out!
I did a podcast a few weeks ago and met a fellow ramen afficionado who was launching a premium ramen box out of Japan. Well, the first one has arrived! You can pick them up at www.instantramen.jp and don’t forget to use coupon code THERAMENRATER at checkout! Take a look!
It’s been a while – since 2016 – that I’ve put out a list of my favorite instant noodle varieties from Thailand. It seems like forever ago that I was able to look out of a window and see the Chaophraya river winding it’s way through Bangkok, party boats blasting music all hours of the day and night. I truly hope life affords me the privilege of visiting Thailand again someday – it’s really a place to behold. A nice little portable and tasty piece of Thailand can be found in the varied instant noodle varieties that travel to us around the world. These are my favorites out of the 3,9- instant noodle varieties I’ve tried that hail from Thailand. With that, let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Thai Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition.
Do you like eggs? If you don’t, there’s probably a reason. But you can leave the room now, because this isn’t for you. No, I’m not being rude, but if you have no interest in eggs, then why are you here? I mean, just to say you don’t like eggs? That’s an inefficient waste of your time, so do something else.
What is this? Where does it come from? These are all good questions about these Panda Signature products sent by a guy named Daniel from Montana (thanks again!). After looking all over the packaging and just finding they’re distributed here in the United States by Albany Farms, I noticed something. The HALAL stamp. It’s under the authority that gives out HALAL certifications in… Malaysia!
After winning the 2021 Top Ten Instant Noodles for the SIXTH TIME IN A ROW, Prima Taste sent some new stuff to try out! Let’s take a look at see what’s going on inside this box!
It’s time to unbox a Zenpop.jp box – you get seven varieties of instant noodles to try! I would say that almost every time I’ve gotten one of these, I’ve never tried any of them before which is really awesome. Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount! Let’s check it out!
It’s pretty inadvisable to run to the mall and hang out with tons of people. Well, check out these subscription boxes – they come straight to your door and have some neat stuff inside! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles!
Recently, I heard there was a new instant noodle on the market. Aces is producing something interesting – an officially license Huy Fong Sriracha Ramen Noodle Soup! They send me a box full of samples to try out – let’s give it a look!
Well, after a week with the Top Ten stuck to the top of my page, it’s time for the complete opposite list. These are my least favorite. Just know that if there’s one on here that you really enjoy – you’re not a bad person! You just like something I don’t – out of a ton of reviews (This list is a compilation of my favorite and most memorable varieties I’ve tried as of review #3790), the one you enjoy is at the bottom. So, let’s not have dinner together. With that, here’s the Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition.
Okay – you might be wondering what the heck is going on here – what kind of madness is this? Well, it’s bread which is made with noodles and seasoning sachets from Maruchan Chicken Instant noodles. Really? Yes. Seriously? Yes. This has been a project put into action by Matthew Bellah which I’ve added comment and ideas to. This is the second batch he’s sent. Let’s check it out!
Every year I do my Top Ten, I like to try and have a new picture. Well, it’s been a couple years for Mom’s Dry Noodle, so I asked if they could send some – check it out!
After one very turbulent year, The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time is back. My mother died, we had an auto accident, the kids missed in-person schooling, and of course the pandemic. It’s been a really rough go but we’re back. Vaccines are rolling out everywhere and hopefully we can all get back together someday son. One thing I’ve found inspiration and enjoyment from during these times is a book I’d been hoping to find was sent to me by a noodle company exec called Momofuku Ando Speaks. It’s a book of quotes (kind of like the Ferengi Rules Of Acquisition if you’re a Star Trek fan) by the inventor of the instant noodle. I’ve been reading one on my show Instant Noodle Recipe Time every day – a lot of fun and a very interesting perspective. Little things like that have been really important as of late. Today, I’m proud to announce the show hits its 1000th episode!
It’s time to unbox a Zenpop.jp box – you get seven varieties of instant noodles to try! I would say that almost every time I’ve gotten one of these, I’ve never tried any of them before which is really awesome. Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount! Let’s check it out!
This is the second of the Panda Signature variety cup style noodles I’ll be trying today. I must say, the video where I unboxed a ton of varieties a reader in Montana sent me has done really well. Sadly, it’s not because people are excited about the products. They’ve been much maligned by folks who were sad to see their former favorite get replaced by this brand. One thing people have brought up too is the country of origin on these. You see, on the single packs, the closest thing I could find to a country of origin was from the HALAL seal being from Malaysia. People kept saying that they said ‘product of PRC.’ PRC is People’s Republic Of China. Well, this cup says that, so I have visual confirmation that these are manufactured in China. To me, this isn’t a big deal; a LOT of instant noodles are manufactured in China. However, many are incensed by this insofar that the product it replaced was made in the United States. I’m sure some other reasons have led to their anger about this, which I’m not sympathetic to. But I can see their point on the made in the USA viewpoint. More importantly, they’ve been extremely critical of the flavor of these products being different, and have been downright disgusted by them. I won’t say any have been favorites of mine, but I haven’t found them as a range to be incredibly bad or worth of my bottom ten list. This being said, I have heard that 12 packs of the noodles around around $2 – which is pretty inexpensive. I wouldn’t expect filet mignon at under twenty cents per portion,. Anyways, I was able to contact the company that produces these and they’ve mentioned that they are going to be producing a reformulated version (aka a new recipe). So, I’ll of course try them when they debut and hopefully be able to do an interview with them when that time comes. If you’re wondering that since they’re made in China why the title up top says United States, this product isn’t for sale like this in China and specifically made for Walmart stores here. Let’s check out this one out – sounds tasty enough from the name.
Here’s another one of the cups the folks at the company sent – thanks you very much! The Tapatio guy always seems so awake and well rested. Let’s see if the spicy heat will wake me up!
I did an interview a month or so ago after being contacted by a journalist in South Korea. I like to do interviews – they’re fun and I always like to see what kind of questions people will ask me. Anyways, when I do one that ends up in print, I always make the stipulation that I would like to get a copy. Well, she sent five of them! Thank you very much – check it out!
I’ve reviewed the bowls, now here come the cups! This is a shrimp variety and should be a good one – let’s find out!
I’m pretty thrilled – this is the second variety I’ve got from Serbia – and I found it semi-locally in the next town over! Pretty rad. Well, let’s give it a try!
I saw these Tapatio cups at the local Safeway supermarket and inquired with UEC about whether I could get some samples – they arrived a couple of days later. I’ve reviewed the bowl versions, so figured I ought to try the cups too. Perhaps pack versions aren’t far behind? Let’s give this Original flavor a try.
The Tapartio guy is flanked by flames this time! But wait – who is he? How did they end up with this guy on this ramen and of course the zillion bottles of hot sauce bearing the name Tapatio?
Here’s a closer look at some of the sample items sent by Palmetto Gourmet Foods for this special Meet The Manufacturer series! Thank you!
In 1971, Nissin Japan released the first Cup Noodle product. Cup Noodle in Japan has always been a lot different from the one here; lots of garnish. I mean a lot. This one is a version of the original cup you’ll find in Japan today with I’m guessing some slight tweaking. They recently released their Curry and Seafood Cup Noodle version here as well. Let’s check it out!
Following suit with the other major economy pillow pack producer in the United States, Maruchan has retired ‘Oriental flavor’ in favor of soy sauce flavor. Let’s check it out!
This is one that came from a My Ramen Box. My Ramen Box (www.myramenbox.com) is yet another of the ramen subscription boxes out there and features varieties from around the world as well as neat little add-ons. Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for 50% off your first box!
Before you start, no. No you can’t. Get this. You can’t. Well, you can, but it’s going to be hard. Actually not that hard if you really want some. Just commit a crime that gets you incarcerated in a facility that has this stuff. That’s the only place you’re buying it – in prisons and jails and detention facilities. Period.
After years of searching, here we are. Where are we and what is this? This is a pack of instant noodles that is only for inmates in correctional facilities – prisons. I found them on eBay and asked fans on the Facebook page if they would be interested in purchasing them (it was a pack of 24 and I only needed a couple) and send me a couple. A fellow named Nick Bizarro was kind enough to take up the task, and thanks to him, here we are.
Wanna see something different? This is a super premium and high end ramen subscription box from Japan. It’s full of neat stuff and I’ll let you just take a look because it’s pretty rad! Get a Ramen Trunk at http://bit.ly/ramentrunk Use coupon code RAMENRATER20OFF for 20% off a subscription or single gift box!
I’ve reviewed this in the past, but this one has new packaging and so gets a new number. I dunno – could have a new recipe too. Many companies are making subtle below the radar changes on their domestic product lines including lowering sodium. It’s kind of funny; people complain about the amount of sodium in instant noodles, but when presented a lower sodium product that exclaims the feature, they’ll shy away with thoughts of blandness. It just goes to show people are kind of conflicted. Okay, not kind of.
Are you ready? Here’s a recipe from Lane of Antlers, Oklahoma – thanks! Watch me cook it up on a special episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time EXTRA!
Hey look! Tapatio flavor instant noodles? Yeah! I know many of you have loved Tapatio on your noodles for years and they heard that as well, so here we are. Here’s a little about Tapatio from Wikipedia –
Hey look at this! A Tapatio instant noodle! I’ve seen people douse their instant noodles in this stuff for years on Instagram. Here’s a little about it from Wikipedia –
Well would you look at that! Top Ramen. An American original. You might be thinking ‘aww that’s Japanese,’ but this stuff is as American as it gets. The flavor is made to appeal to the local market. What bums me out is when I say ‘an American original’ all I can think about is my favorite political show which is no more. My dad used to watch The McLaughlin Group for years and I finally hit an age after he was gone that I checked it out and got hooked on it. I’d torture poor Andy and make him watch it all the time. But Dr. McLaughlin died a couple years ago, and they ended the series long run. I would be curious how it would have been if he would have stayed alive longer – how the show would be these days. Anyways, I’ve gone way off track. So soy sauce is known as Shoyu in Japan. This is a kind of Shoyu ramen. Let’s check i tout!
This box comes by way of my friend Robert Z. from Kentucky – thanks, man! He’s got a new blog caled DadBert, named after a nickname his daughters gave him. Dadbert.com features a myriad of dishes that he cooks for dinner and they all look real good – should go check it out! Anyways, let’s delve into this box…
Here’s one of the two new flavors of Nissin Foods’ domestic Cup Noodles range from the United States. I’m very curious about this one and the other (Teriyaki Chicken). Let’s crack it open and have a look around!
So this is one that the company sent to me – thanks! So this is one of the new Taste Of Asia series, a range that has some really great varieties. I really liked the Sukiyaki Beef from their first three kinds and then they came out with this one and also a Tom Yum which I would say is my favorite so far.
Well, this is something completely different. Definitely a departure from their usual line . Maruchan’s Instant Lunch range is very popular in the United States. The flavors are generally in the domestic flavor profiles ranging from your standard chicken to California Vegetable to Cheddar Cheese.
