I did an interview with Devin yesterday over at Pretend Radio – check it out! You can find him on iTunes as well.
Tag: the ramen rater
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2014 Edition

Well folks, it’s that time again. Since the last list, I’ve reviewed another 335 varieties – almost one a day This list reflects the ones I’ve reviewed in the last year as well as those reviewed before that – 1,365 varieties in all. It seems to get tougher each time – so many good ones! Here’s this year’s list – the best of the best. With that, I present to you The Ramen Rater’s top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2014 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s 3rd Annual Momofuku Ando Day


Momofuku Ando (安藤 百福) – (March 5, 1910 – January 5, 2007)
Today is January 19th, 2014 – and you know what that means? Momofuku Ando Day! In 1958, Momofuku Ando invented the very first instant noodles and started Nissin Foods. I do a special video every year to commemorate the occasion (see below). First, here’s what the Nissin Foods USA website has to say about the man:
Momofuku Ando Day: Andy’s Special Review
Tomorrow is Momofuku Ando Day and I thought it would be fun to let my son Andreas do a video review. Just a reminder – today (January 18th, 2014) is the last day to enter the Momofuku Ando Day Photo Contest! The winner will be announced tomorrow. My Momofuku Ando Day video will be up tomorrow!
Interview With The Ramen Rater On Pretend Radio
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Additions To Instant Noodles 2013

I eat instant noodles. Every day. As of writing this list, I’ve reviewed 1,219 different varieties of instant noodles. Many people ask me if I get sick of instant noodles. Part of the reason I always say no is that I add things to my noodles to make them a more complete meal after I’ve reviewed them. I have seen quite a few lists online purporting to ‘hack’ or ‘pimp’ your ramen. Well, I’m not going to say that you will be able program it or hire it out, but it should be a bit more enjoyable and well-rounded. With that, here are my top ten favorite things to add to instant noodles for 2013.
The Ramen Rater Noodle News #32

Here we go with the 32nd edition of The Ramen Rater Noodle News! I scour the Internet for articles about ramen and instant noodles and bring them to you! Here are some recent stories you might find interesting!
Happy National Cheeseburger Day
Since today is National Cheeseburger Day (yeah – it’s a real thing), I thought I’d report my ramyun burger recipe. Thought people might like to see it again.
The Ramen Rater Noodle News #31

Here we go with the 31st edition of The Ramen Rater Noodle News! I scour the Internet for articles about ramen and instant noodles and bring them to you! Here are some recent stories you might find interesting!
Please Vote For The Ramen Rater For Best Food Blog In Western Washington!
Hey everyone! Thanks to those who have voted so far! The contest is the KING5/Evening Magazine BEST In Western Washington – an annual list of the best of the best of Western Washington state here in the USA. I would be extremely thankful if everyone would vote for me – this would really help the site out a lot! Click on the above image or here to vote. I was on Evening Magazine (a local TV show) earlier this year – Jim Dever and a cameraman came into our little apartment and set up a miniature film studio here in Edmonds, WA (the clip is below).
Recipe: The Ramen Rater’s Shin Ramyun Black Burger

Recently, I came up with the ramyun slider. I thought since I’ve got some Shin Black on hand, why not a full-fledged ramyun burger? This recipe came out great and really wasn’t that hard to do.
#1144: Meet The Manufacturer: Asian Thai Foods Krrish Instant Noodles Vegetable Curry Flavour

Here’s another journey into something different. It was mentioned that a lot of people will have these noodles uncooked with the seasoning/oil packets mixed in. Adding tomato ketchup and mayonnaise as well was mentioned. I enquired as to whom the fellow on the package was: “Well it’s the superhero for India. It’s actor Hrithik Roshan on the package. You can Google the movie. Krrsh 3 will be releasing soon this year. Do watch the trailer on YouTube. This product was made to attract kids.” Wow cool! I figured let’s try this out!
#1139: Meet The Manufacturer: Asian Thai Foods Gaurav Chicken Seasoning

Here’s the first review of the Asian Thai Foods Meet The Manufacturer spotlight! Wow – noodles from Nepal! Let’s have a look at these, called Gaurav. I couldn’t figure out what Gaurav means – if anyone knows, please comment! UPDATE – Thanks for KC Gabby for letting me know that gaurav means pride! Let’s check it out!
Product Samples From Asian Thai Foods

All of a sudden, a knock at the door – the FedEx guy! What could it be?

Instant noodles from Nepal! Thanks to Arun and Manish for sending these!
Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With Asian Thai Foods

Interview * Samples From Asian Thai Foods * Asian Thai Foods Gaurav Chicken Seasoning * Asian Thai Foods Preeti Instant Noodles With Veg Soup Base * Asian That Foods Joker Ready To Eat Noodles Chicken Flavor * Asian Thai Foods Miteri Instant Noodles Chicken Flavor * Asian Thai Foods Rumpum Vegetable Soup Base * Asian Thai Foods Krrish Instant Noodles Vegetable Curry Flavour * Asian Thai Foods Fatafat Chicken Flavor * Asian Thai Foods 2pm Precooked Noodles Chicken Curry Delight * Asian Thai Foods Rumpum Chicken Soup Base * Asian Thai Foods Miteri Instant Noodles Vegetable Flavor * Asian Thai Foods Preeti Instant Noodles Chicken Soup Base * Asian Thai Foods Krrish Instant Noodles Chicken Flavour * Asian Thai Foods Fatafat Vegetable Flavor
The Ramen Rater’s Ramyun Sliders
With the recent popularity of the ‘ramen burger,’ I felt it necessary to try them out, but with a twist. South Korean ramyun is easily available by many brand and the noodles are thicker as well as more plentiful than other country’s varieties. Let’s give this a try!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Made In The USA Of All Time 2013 Edition

The instant noodle originated in 1958 in Japan, but since that time, they’ve expanded in popularity all over the world, including of course, the United States. Seeing this, instant noodle companies thought it wise to start building plants here in the 1970s. Since then, many brands operate factories here in the US, mostly in southern California. This is a list of my favorite varieties produced here, encompassing my over 1,100 reviews to date. With that, here’s your top ten, America!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All time 2013 Edition

This year, we’ve got some new fiery additions to this list of spicy and burning hot varieties. If you can find them, you’ll be feeling quite the burn! If you think you’ve found anything hotter or noteworthy of being on this list, please comment below or send me an email. Without further adieu, here’s the 2013 picks for the spiciest instant noodles I’ve found after 1,128 reviews!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Cups Of All Time 2013 Edition

Cups were the second instant noodle innovation that really took the world by storm. Nissin founder Momofuku Ando of Japan decided that a cup would be a really handy way to have instant noodles on the go. His creation came to the market in 1971. Forty-two years later, the instant noodle landscape is filled with many different cup designs and contents – some all inclusive only needing hot water,m and some requiring a little more with packets – and some even with forks! Of all the varieties I’ve tried to date, here are my favorite ten.
#1110: GS25 Gonghwachun Jjajangmyun

This was sent to me by Kristina W. of Arizona – thank you! Jjajangmyun is basically a noodle that is coated in a black bean sauce. Let’s check it out!
Interview With The Ramen Rater On NTD TV!
A couple days ago, I was interviewed via Skype on NTD TV about the recent uproar over The Bottom Ten List as well as what I do. It was a lot of fun and I would like to thank NTD TV for this great opportunity! Thank you! Here’s a direct link to their site.
A STATEMENT REGARDING THE TAIWANESE RESPONSE TO THE RAMEN RATER’S BOTTOM TEN INSTANT NOODLES OF ALL TIME 2013 EDITION
The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time

So after sampling so many varieties of instant noodles over the years, of course there have been some that I didn’t like. There also were some that are so memorable for how awful they were. After people asked what my least favorites were a few times, I thought I should just make a list of them. I should point out that these are on the list because I couldn’t stand them. I’m pretty sure they are all still in production, and the only reason they would be is that people somewhere find them enjoyable. So who knows – you might have a completely different opinion on these than me, but I found them to be absolutely the worst of the worst. With that, here’s The Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time, 2013 Edition.
Meet The Manufacturer: #1081: Deshome Aloe Noodle Sesame Sauce

So we are at the end of the Deshome Meet The Manufacturer. Let’s have a look at their aloe noodles with sesame sauce.
Meet The Manufacturer: #1080: Deshome Black Eyed Beans Noodle Basil Sauce & Sesame Sauce

Well, we’re down to the last two Deshome varieties. Let’s check ’em out.

The stickers from the back of the packaging.
Meet The Manufacturer: #1079: Deshome Aloe Noodle Vegetable Sauce

Today it’s aloe noodles with vegetable sauce – no sesame sauce in this one! Let’s give it a try.
Meet The Manufacturer: #1078: Deshome Black Eyed Beans Noodle Spicy Soybean Sauce & Sesame Sauce

Here’s another flavor variant of the four-types noodle pack. Let’s check it out!

Meet The Manufacturer: #1077: Deshome Aloe Noodle Red Onion & Sesame Sauce

Here’s another one of the aloe varieties from Deshome – this time it’s sesame and red onion. Let’s check it out!

Here’s the sticker from the back of the package.

Here’s the back of the package (click image to enlarge). Vegetarian.

The noodle blocks. Purplish is made with purple sweet potato and the other is just aloe.

The sesame sauce packet.

Again, a earthy color and nice aroma.

The red onion packet.

Red onion in an oil base.

Finished (click image to enlarge). Added a fried egg and some Vidalia onion and ham sauteed in a little soy sauce. The noodles are again really good – nice and wide and perfect texture as well as chew. The flavoring was nice and hearty with a strong sesame and nice red onion notes. This was great – 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.UPC bar code 4716873921224.
Meet The Manufacturer: #1076: Deshome Black Eyed Beans Noodles Vegetable & Sesame Sauce

Another one with four kinds of noodles. Let’s delve into this one.

Stickers from the back of the package.
Meet The Manufacturer: #1075: Deshome Aloe Noodle With Basil Sauce

Today it’s back to the aloe noodles. Basil? Never has basil in noodles except for pho! Let’s check it out!
Meet The Manufacturer: #1074: Deshome Pollen Noodles Sesame Sauce & Soy Sauce

Today I’ll be reviewing pollen noodles. Pollen contains carbohydrates and protein. Sounds interesting – let check these unique noodles out!
Meet The Manufacturer: #1073: Deshome Black Eyed Bean Noodle Red Onion Sauce & Sesame Sauce

Today we have something really interesting here. I often hear and see people raving about how many seasoning packets come with a pack of noodles – heck, I usually find that to be of great enjoyment. This one’s a little different – there are four different types of noodles! Let’s have a look.
Meet The Manufacturer: #1072: Deshome Aloe Noodle With Spicy Soybean Sauce

So here’s the first of many reviews I’ll be doing of products from Deshome of Taiwan! These are very unique – naturally sun-dried as well as containing aloe! Definitely different! Let’s check ’em out!
Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From Deshome

A box of samples from Deshome!

All sorts of different kinds of noodles and different flavors.
Meet The Manufacturer: Deshome Interview

Interview * Product Samples From Deshome * Deshome Aloe Noodle With Spicy Soybean Sauce * Deshome Black Eyed Bean Noodle Red Onion Sauce & Sesame Sauce * Deshome Pollen Noodles Sesame Sauce & Soy Sauce * Deshome Aloe Noodle With Basil Sauce * Deshome Black Eyed Beans Noodles Vegetable & Sesame Sauce * Deshome Aloe Noodle Red Onion & Sesame Sauce * Deshome Black Eyed Beans Noodle Spicy Soybean Sauce & Sesame Sauce * Deshome Aloe Noodle Vegetable Sauce * Deshome Black Eyed Beans Noodle Basil Sauce & Sesame Sauce * Deshome Aloe Noodle Sesame Sauce
Gol Bim Men Recipe – Paldo Bibim Men with Bai-Top Shell

Today, I’m trying a new recipe sent to me by the folks at Paldo! Summer is right around the corner and this cold noodle dish is great to enjoy during the warmer months of the year. It was first introduced on a South Korean TV show on the KBS network called ‘Happy Together’ (click here to see the video). It uses some ingredients I’ve never heard of before, but I’m sure the folks in South Korea are very familiar with them – Cho Gochujang and Bai-Top Shell. Cho Gochujang is a gochujang infused with vinegar. But what’s bai-top you ask? Sea snails! Never had snails from the sea or otherwise before. Thank you to Moses over at Paldo America for sending me everything to make this! Always excited to try something new.
#1058: Meet The Manufacturer: A-Sha Dry Noodle Mandarin Noodle – Original Sauce

Here’s the last of the varieties that A-Sha sent. This has been a really interesting Meet The Manufacturer – I’ve immersed myself in Taiwan documentaries and listening to music from Taiwan and checking out the architecture. I really never knew anything to speak of about Taiwan, but I must say it looks like an amazing place! Today, I’ll try the original flavor – A-Sha told me it’s their most popular.
#1057: Meet The Manufacturer: A-Sha Dry Noodle Hakka Noodle – Spicy Sesame Oil Sauce

The A-Sha Meet The Manufacturer is winding down here is the next to last of the varieties I’ll be reviewing. Spicy and sesame – two words I like! Let’s check it out.
#1056: Meet The Manufacturer: A-Sha Dry Noodle Mandarin Noodle – Onion Oil Sauce

As most of you have probably noticed, I like onions. I usually pick sweet onion since it tends to smell up the freezer a bit less as I get a ton of them, prep them, then put them in a freezer bag. One time I got some at a grocery that were simply called brown onions, and they stunk up the entire fridge! Looking forward to this one by A-Sha – onion oil flavor!
#1055: Meet The Manufacturer: A-Sha Dry Noodle QQ Thin Noodle – BBQ Sauce

Today we’ve got the thinnest noodles I think I’ve seen in a pack. I was curious about the whole QQ thing so I looked it up and found this on Quora:









