I got a ‘First Taste Club’ box in the mail a couple days ago which Nissin sends out to some people in the media – and me. Well, I found this and two others inside in this Fire Wok range. This one has four of the six peppers red – they have one with five and one with all six. I’ve not done a mukbang in… Months. I’m very curious if this is top class spicy. Definitely worth a try!
Tag: ramen review
#3832: Igarashi Seimen Kitakata Ramen Spicy Umakara Flavor – Japan
Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out.
#3831: Panda Signature Ramen Noodle Soup Spicy Shrimp Flavor – United States
A big thank you yet again to Daniel from Montana for shooting these over! I found that there’s a HALAL stamp on the back of these mentioning Malaysia, so I can only surmise that’s where these were made. Packaging is definitely for the US market. Let’s check it out!
#3830: Itsuki Hakata Ramen – Japan
Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2021 Edition
Note – This list has been superseded by The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls 2022 List – See it HERE
Well, it’s been another year of reviews and these are my favorite bowl varieties out of reviews #1 to #3790. All sorts of bowls from all over the world have been tried. It’s been a crazy year and it seems (at least in this neck of the woods) things are starting to mellow which is truly wonderful. It’s been a crazy month too – today is Memorial Day, May 31st, 2021. I’ve walked over 1 million steps this month, and on Friday did my personal record – 33 miles in a day. Yes, my feet hurt. Anyways, if you have varieties you want to see reviewed whether they be bowls, cups, packs or otherwise, please contact me. With that, let’s check out this Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2021 Edition.
Mom’s Dry Noodle Send Noodle Soups & Snacks – Taiwan
Mom’s Dry Noodle has been producing quality products year after year – they’ve been on my Top Ten Of All Time and Top Ten Taiwan lists forever. They sent some new ultra premium varieties and some snacks! Let’s check them out!
#3829: Panda Signature Ramen Noodle Soup Hot & Spicy Beef Flavor – United States
Thanks again to Daniel in Montana for sending this over! So Since I did the unboxing video, people have been commenting and it turns out these are showing up in Walmarts all over the country. Didn’t expect that – I figured Montana was a test market. I can say that I have made contact with Albany Farms and if all goes well, we’ll be doing a Meet The Manufacturer soon! Let’s check this cup out.
Two New Varieties From Little Couples Dry Noodle
Little Couples Dry Noodle of Taiwan recently contacted me to let me know they had a new variety – well, they sent two of them! Very excited to try them. Let’s have a look at what they’ve been cooking up over at Little Couples!
#3828: Kenko Foods Sesame Flavor Ramen – Japan
3828
Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out.
Exotic Noods Subscription Box – May 2021
Check it out! It’s Exotic Noods! A box every month of absolutely awesome noodles from around the world! Use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
Zenpop.jp Instant Ramen Subscription Box Unboxing + Coupon Code – June 2021
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!
#3827: Lee Kum Kee Hong Kong Style Chow Mein – United States
They did a big reset at the local Safeway. They redid their produce section which was kinda nice. The also really updated their Asian foods section. Lots of instant noodles there! Then, there’s this. These are $4.99 each. The only reason I got one is because we love this brand’s Korean BBQ sauce. I’m guessing there’s a good chance this will be pretty good. Let’s chek it out and see if it warrants this price tag.
#3826: WhatIf? Foods Moringa Noodles With Sesame Garlic Seasoning – Singapore
This is the second of two varieties that were sent to me from Singapore. Not sure about what moringa is, but it sounds healthy. These folks are very into making healthy products – let’s check these out!
#3823: Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry Hot Garlic Chicken Flavor – United States
Recently, Nissin USA sent an unannounced box, which has a take out bag with a stapled receipt and new varieties of their popular Cup Noodles Stir Fry range. Hot garlic sounds really good – and I have some chicken! Let’s hit it! By the way – 2021 is the 50th anniversary of Cup Noodles!
How To Take Nice Pictures Of Ramen & Instant Noodles
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.
#3822: Sichuan Baijia Red Oil Noodle – China
Found this one at 99 Ranch Market in Edmonds, WA. They just keep bringing in these ‘flower pots’ and I couldn’t be happier. It never ends. I like that. This one’s ‘red oil,’ so I’m guessing it’s spicy. Neat artwork on this one – let’s check it out!
#3821: Panda Signature Ramen Noodle Soup Chicken Flavor – United States
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.
#3820: Nissin Cup Noodles Soy Sauce Shrimps Pepper Shoyu Soup – Germany
Yup – Germany! These came by way of the folks at Nissin Germany – thank you! They recently sent a ton of different Cup Noodles varieties they have! Very excited to try them all. Let’s check this one out!
A Wonderful Gift… But What Is It?!
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!
#3818: Sichuan Baijia Luosi Rice Noodles – China
Here’s a big noodle cup I found at the 99 Ranch Market in Edmonds, WA. You might wonder – what’s Luosi mean? Here’s something from Wikipedia –
Premium Ramen Boxes From 5AM Ramen
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!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Thai Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition
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.
#3817: WhatIf? Foods Bamnut Noodles With Sweet Hot Seasoning – Singapore
I did a bunch of preliminary work with an interviewer from Channel News Asia a while back for a program they were developing. They chose to not include me in it, which does happen. I was disappointed, but the interviewer was really nice and connected me with a company who was to be featured on the show. The show was focusing on the trend of more health focused noodles around the world, and these are some from that company, WhatIf? Foods. Definitely a unique box! Let’s look within and give them a try!
#3816: Itsuki Kumamon Kumamoto Tonkotsu – Japan
This is one sent by a reader named Keijiro – thanks! I’ve seen this one many times, but only way I’ve seen to get it is online and in a large quantity. I appreciate it so much when readers share a pack or two of something.
#3815: Sichuan Baijia Hot & Sour Instant Vermicelli – China
Here’s another one that arrived in a box from Exotic Noods. Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
Meet The Swirl Fork – An Innovative Invention
Egg School: Making Perfect Ramen Eggs & Perfect Fried Eggs – A Tutorial
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.
Panda Signature Ramen Noodle Soup Samples From Walmart – An Updtate
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!
Singaporean Product Samples From Prima Taste
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!
Zenpop.jp Instant Ramen Subscription Box Unboxing + Coupon Code – May 2021
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!
Umai Crate Instant Ramen Noodle Subscription Box – May 2021
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!
Aces Sends Official Huy Fong Sriracha Ramen!
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!
The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition
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.
Second Batch Of Maruchan Ramen Bread Unboxing From Matt B.
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!
Mom’s Dry Noodle Sends Some Dandan Noodle From Taiwan
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!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition
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!
Zenpop Japanese Instant Ramen Subscription Box Unboxing – April 2021
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!
#3785: Panda Signature Ramen Noodle Soup Chili Lime Flavor – United States
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.
The Ramen Rater In South Korean “Top Class” Magazine
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!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Trays Of All Time 2021 Edition
I’ve done a bowls and cups list over the last few years annually, but I’ve never done a trays list. Most trays end up being yakisoba – so you could consider this a yakisoba list as well. Some tasty stuff in here! This list is current as of review #3,02. Let’s check out the first The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Trays Of All Time 2021 Edition.