Well, a few reviews back I was bummed as I lost a sachet, making it impossible to review the miso variety… I’m watching this one like a hawk. Let’s cook!
Tag: the ramen rater
The Ramen Rater Needs Your Help!
Summer has started and I’m experiencing a drought. I’m out of varieties to review. That coupled with financial difficulties is putting The Ramen Rater is a tough spot. If you are a manufacturer or just someone with some varieties you’d like to see me review and are willing to send, please contact me! Here is a link to contribute monetarily if you can as well. I do have Patreon which is as little as a dollar a month, and that helps out more than you could imagine. There is also a link to a GoFundMe which is the most direct way to contribute. Aside from noodles, the computer used to do everything is in bad shape – if anyone has a newer model machine that would render video at a reasonably fast speed (the current machine is an OMEN with 880K and 128GBRAM) that would be incredibly helpful. Thanks to everyone who has been following, commenting, and contributing for all these years – it really means a lot and you have my eternal gratitude.
#5236: Ajumma Republic XL Ramen Real Spicy Kimchi Only For Mukbang Challengers- South Korea
Big thanks to James from Lakeside, California for sending this one along! Well, this is the third review I’m doing today- a day full of so much ‘ugh’ that I would’ve expected it was Friday the 13th… First, I lost a sachet for a variety I was reviewing. Next, I decided to review this one while my kids are home sick – they like to chide eachother repeatedly and get ridiculous which isn’t helpful to my train of thought. Third, once this was done as I was making the kids their lunch, a jar of toothpicks fell and went everywhere. Hopefully this gets everything out of the universe’s system. Anyways, let’s cook up this massive tray of noodles!
#5235: Myojo Charumera Chicken & Vegetable Miso Yakisoba – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! These boxes are discontinued, however you can find their stuff at MiauMall – here is what they said about this one – “Let’s start our year off on the right foot with a bit of yakisoba and philanthropy! This tasty yakisoba has a deliciously gentle yet deep miso flavor that is absolutely addicting! Plus, for each yakisoba we got for you, a donation is made to help Ishikawa recover from the earthquake earlier this year!”
#5234: Nissin Demae Ramen Miso – Germany
Once in a while, I have a horrible review day and this is one of them. I was really looking forward to this; given how much I’ve enjoyed the previous Demae Ramen varieties from Germany, I was really stoked. Well, I lost the lone sachet of seasoning. In the video below, I spent most of the time looking through the trash to no avail. Ugh. This doesn’t get a score but it may make you laugh. Hopefully the kind folks will send another.
#5233: Samyang Buldak Sweet Korean Fried Chicken Flavor – South Korea
Big thanks to Noodle Journey for this one! This is a new variety and it’s all in Korean. What might confuse people here is that they may have thought this would be the flavor of it the whole time. This is not. The flavor of Buldak is the flavor of the sauce that goes on Korean Fried Chicken. Original Buldak doesn’t taste like chicken. I have fought with people over this misconception. ‘But there’s chicken seasoning in it!’ Yes, perhaps in some, however in another Korean variety – a beef flavor, there’s pollock (fish) and no beef. Is it fish flavor? In Pumpkin Spice cup noodle, there’s garlic. Is it garlic flavored? No. These different ingredients are part of the arsenal of food scientist ingredients used to approximate different flavors. Anyways, let’s give this a try!
#5232: Nissin Demae Ramen Chicken – Germany
Here’s another one that came in a big instant noodle advent calendar from Germany! Thanks! Let’s cook!
#5231: Prince Katsu My Melody Pho Rice Noodle Soup Chicken Lemongrass – United States
Hey kiddies it’s time to check one out sent by James from Lakeside, California – thanks! Prince Katsu is a branch oof A-Sha Dry Noodle and these are made in Vietnam. Let’s give it a try!
#5230: Nissin x Irvins Salted Egg Flavour – Singapore
This is the last of the Nissin x Irvins I had and honestly I’m sad to se them go – figured I’d save the bowl version of my favorite for the the end! Let’s give it a go and a fond farewell from me.
#5229: Samyang Hot Pepper JjamBbong Ramen – United States
Big thanks to Noodle Journey for this one – thanks again! So jjambbong is a spicy seafood noodle. I’ve been curious about this one and the others in this range… Let’s check it out.
#5228: Sapporo Ichiban Min-Min Ramen Shop Hachoji Shoyu Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! These boxes are discontinued, however you can find their stuff at MiauMall – here is what they said about this one – “Let’s take a break from the scares and head to Tokyo for some tasty cup ramen! This cup comes from the shop Min-Min Ramen, which is famous for its Hachioji shoyu ramen! Take a break and enjoy tasty noodles in a broth with savory pork and sweet onion flavor!”
#5227: Ottogi Japchae Korean Style Instant Vermicelli – United States
This one came by way of James from Lakeside, CA – thanks again! So I haven’t had Japchae in years – it’s a dry sauce vermicelli! Let’s try it out.
#5226: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Red Fiery Spicy Beef Flavor – United States
This came by way of my friend over at Noodle Journey – thanks! The Shin people should be stoked – I’m definitely curious. Let’s give it a try!
#5225: Maruchan Flavorful Chicken Dango Udon – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! These boxes are discontinued, however you can find their stuff at MiauMall – here is what they said about this one – “Let’s kick off our noodle New Year with this tasty bowl of udon! The broth is full of umami with the taste of chicken, mackerel, kelp, shiitake mushroom and veggies used to make the base. Add in tasty balls of chicken meat, and you have a deep, delicious experience”
#5224: Ottogi Red Bean Kalguksu – South Korea
Here’s the first of many that will be from Noodle Journey – a fellow reviewer – thanks! Kalguksu is a knife-cut noodle soup – during the unboxing I mention I thought it referenced clams but I was mistaken. I know, but it happens. Let’s give it a try!
#5223: Thai Authentic Chicken Curry Ramen – United States
Here’s another one sent by James from Lakeside, California – thanks again! This is one of the varieties you can find at Dollar Tree and they’ve generally been quite good. Let’s see how this one stacks up.
#5222: Yamadai Original Kimchi Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! These boxes are discontinued, however you can find their stuff at MiauMall – here is what they said about this one – “As leaves change to shades of warm yellows and fiery reds, let’s reflect the seasons with this bright and spicy Kimchi Ramen! Rich with the taste of kimchi and bursting with garlic flavors, this bowl is sure to warm you up when the weather is cool.”
#5219: Osem Meals On The Go! Spaghetti Bolognese Style – Israel
Update 6/13/25 – did this review 1/17/25 – kind of an interesting day to post…
#5221: Maruchan Birria Beef Ramen Bowl – United States
Well, this is embarrassing. I deleted the picture that should be above and the pictures of the bowl contents. Yes, I used undelete software – didn’t work. So, here we are. I got one from James of Lakeside and one from Noodle Journey, but alas, it was too late. Post processing, post cooking. Well, let’s cook it and try it and… Yeah.
#5220: Nissin Demae Ramen Beef Flavour – Germany
Here’s another of the varieties from Nissin DE that were in the big instant noodle Advent calendar! Thus far they’ve been pretty good! Let’s give it a try.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2025 Edition
I’ve noticed over the years that some people are all about bowls vs packs. Why? I’m not exactly sure. I would reckon that steeped noodle consistency might be more their thing, although many are microwavable these days. To be honest, my take is that I don’t really care what it’s in, I just want to review it. These are my favorite ten bowls, picked from reviews I’ve done up to number 5,150. There’s a few neat changes to the list this year, so I invite you to check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2025 Edition and hopefully you find a few you want to try!
#5218: Prima Taste Singapore Laksa LaMian – Singapore
Well, this is the third of three varieties I’m reviewing from Prima Taste – This one’s the regular laksa – not wholegrain. It’s got a new size – smaller than the original. It’ll show up in the US at some point. I tried this back in 2013 and was floored with how good it was. From the noodle to the broth, it sings. Let’s cook!
#5217: Myojo Megami Roasted Miso Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! These boxes are discontinued, however you can find their stuff at MiauMall – here is what they said about this one – “Before the jingle bells start ringing, let’s say goodbye to fall with a tasty cup of miso ramen! This cup features a smooth yet flavorful broth with roasted white miso that is amazingly fragrant. Add in tasty, chewy noodles and you have a perfect cup to transition to winter!”
#5216: Vecorn Singapore Laksa Soup Noodles – Singapore
Here’s the second of the two Vecorn varieties YeeLee sent – thanks again! Just got done soft boiling eggs – let’s give it a try!
#5215: Nissin Demae Iccho Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Flavor Ramen Noodles – Hong Kong
Found this at the Alderwood Mall at a little import shop. Sounded like fun so, here we are.
Nissin Demae Iccho Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Flavor Ramen Noodles – Hong Kong
#5214: Maruchan Seimen Miso Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! These boxes are discontinued, however you can find their stuff at MiauMall – here is what they said about this one – “Let’s get back to basics with a tasty bowl of miso ramen that will provide that warm, comfy feeling this holiday is about! With plenty of deep, delicious flavor and springy noodles, this pack is sure to satisfy.”
#5213: Vecorn Spicy Sakura Prawn Soup Noodles – Singapore
Time for something prawny! It’s prawn o’clock! Prawn o’yeah! Let’s prawn it up!
#5212: Acecook Wise Man’s Soba Meat Chili Oil Soba – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! These boxes are discontinued, however you can find their stuff at MiauMall – here is what they said about this one – “We’ve got another cup of noodles with a kick that will have you seeing fireworks! This tasty cup soba combines a traditional bonito shoyu broth with the umami of chicken and pork and an accent of chili oil for a slight spicy touch! It also contains GABA to help relieve stress!”
#5211: Samyang Buldak Rose Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor Wide Glass Noodle – United States
Been curious about this one and it was found at 99 Ranch Market – very cool! Haven’t really seen much of any new Buldak varieties around this area recently, so that was a nice find. Well, let’s try it!
#5210: Ayam Singaporean Laksa Noodles – Hong Kong
Well, this is the last of the Ayam varieties – laksa. I’ve got a few laksa varieties I’m doing this week, some releasing in order, some getting out sooner than later. When I make laksa (if possible) there are a few things I really like to include when I garnish. You may have noticed my laksa of mung bean sprout recently – well, that’s a must. Fishball, tofu puff, and mint. That’s the quartet I like to have on hand. Of course, egg as well. This one’s showing shrimp as well, so I think I’ll include that in lieu of fish ball. Well, let’s cook some laksa!
#5209: Myojo Ippei-chan Night Shop Smoked Cheese Yakisoba – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “We’re feasting this winter holiday season, and this bowl is a satisfying addition! This yakisoba comes packed with a delicious smoked cheese flavor that is perfect for staying warm during the winter! With a scent of wood-smoked cheese, this bowl will feel like a feast!”
#5208: NeoStar Ramen Delight Spicy Beef Instant Noodle Bowl – United States
Well, here we are again. Last time wasn’t so great. Let’s see how this one fares. This was sent by James from Lakeside, California – thanks again!
The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Worst Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition
Since 2013, I’ve been compiling an annual list of the varieties I’ve not liked. Well, beyond not liked – abhorred, found wretched, disgusting; not palatable. I’ve dedicated this year’s edition in memory of my good friend Jamie who truly reveled in how bad noodle varieties could be and had a shortlist of terms they would use that were clear indicators of how bad they were probably going to be; such terms as ‘inspired, authentic, and the like. These usually meant that they were anything but. You’ll find that terminology running rampant in here. This list is current up to review 5150. I should note that these are my opinions and so if you like these or manufacture these, keep that in mind. Let’s now peruse The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Worst Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition.
#5207: Nissin Demae Ramen Soy Sauce – Germany
Well it’s my Friday so thought I’d do a few good ones today and this is one. Shoyu Demae Ramen sounded like a good pick, so here we go!
#5206: Nongshim Bae Hong Dong XXX-Picy Ramyun Noodles With Spicy Sauce – United States
Well this in the third in a series of bargain store finds – this was purchased for $299 at Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Kenmore, WA for $2.99. That’s cheap! I reviewed it’s non-export version a little while back, which I found at HMart. I like this – I am guessing its the same but the imagery is very different – and the ‘XXX-Picy’ is really neat/weird! It’s a cold noodle. Let’s prepare it!
#5205: Norita Roasted Pork Miso Tonkotsu Ramen – United States
Here’s the second of my three review series of stuff found at local bargain stores. This is another one From Dollar Tree – and the price there on the label was the price I paid for it. I almost never have seen an instant noodle with a price on it – fascinating! What’s also kind of interesting is this and the last one are 300ml. IDK if that’s a pointer that both may be from the same folks but I don’t think so. I should also mention I reviewed a similar packaged product awhile back. The packaging did change and when the emperor gets new clothes, it gets a new review. Finally, when I reviewed it previously, it was incredibly good – and made in Thailand. Still made in Thailand. Let’s cook it up.
#5204: NeoStar Ramen Delight Spicy Chicken Instant Noodle Bowl – United States
Well, today I went looking for cheap toothpicks. I went to Dollar Tree – which currently should be called Dollar Twenty-Five Tree, and then Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. They’re right next door to each other. I also like to look for instant noodles at these places as well. Today, I found no toothpicks, however I found three instant noodles and this is the first one I found. I’m going to do these three varieties over the next three reviews. Here we go.
#5203: Picantia Cajun Shrimp Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
Found this recently at S*Mart – shop smart shop S*Mart. I’ve been waiting until I had shrimp. I do, so here we go.
#5202: Sapporo Ichiban Tenkaippin Kyoto Kotteri Chicken Broth Mini-Cup Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! These boxes are discontinued, however you can find their stuff at MiauMall – here is what they said about this one – “This mini-cup is a gift straight from Kyoto! This ramen cup comes from Tenkaippin, a popular ramen chain from Kyoto! It features tasty noodles in a deliciously thick chicken shoyu broth with tons of flavor and hint of garlic. This mini-cup will leave an impression!”
#5154: Prima Taste Singapore Black Pepper Crab LaMian – Singapore
Here’s another of the new size/package Prima Taste LaMian series. This stuff is serious business. I’m hoping we don’t lose power as a massive storm rolls in. There’s been talk of the possibility of tornadoes! I live about an hour’s walk from the Seattle city limits, so that’s rather bizarre. Let’s cook this up as we get excited for a lots of thunderstorms to watch tonight.