Over 5,000 Instant Ramen Noodle Reviews Since 2002
This is a kind of rare occurrence. I reviewed this one yesterday. Usually the posts you see here every day are from at least 100 days prior – it’s nice being ahead of the game. But, this being a re-review, it doesn’t get a new review number or anything. I was at the store and thought it would be nice to have something easy to do up and post.
Here we go again. It always surprises me that I have to put out a new list of these every year. I guess the redeeming fact is that some varieties get to be pushed out of the list, which I’m sure they’re happy about. Anyways, these are my least favorite instant noodle varieties from over 3500 reviews. This list is current as of review #3545. Let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2020 Edition.
Here’s the third of three new single pack offerings from Hakubaku. Miso is a style of broth is either love or hate. I have a feeling this one isn’t going to fall into the latter category. I’ve been trying a lot of instants for a long time and really hoping this one fits the ‘approval’ bill. Let’s find out!
The second of three new single pack varieties from Hakubaku. They’re a pretty neat company – they’ve sent me lots of different products. One I’ve really liked is their Mochi Barley. They also make barley tea as well. The ramen I’ve tried before, but not this specific flavor – it’s brand new! Let’s give it a try!
First things first – thanks to James of Lakeside, CA for sending this one! Alright, so no, this is not produced in the United States, but it’s definitely produced for the United States. It sounds interesting, honestly – miso rice noodles. I don’t know that I’ve seen miso rice noodles before however I could be wrong. Let’s see what we have.
Bowls, cups, , trays, packs, and boxes. Well, I haven’t done a list of boxed or tray-style instant noodles – maybe that will come soon. But I think that separating these is important. The experience that a cup is meant for is different than a cup or bowl. Cups are more for a snack on the go, packs for when you’ve got a stove, and bowls are, well, for lunch. Although in the finished shots of these you’ll see them plated here, generally people will be looking at the bowl they came in, possibly using the plastic fork they came with, and tossing everything once they’re done. These are my favorites, current as of review #3545. Let’s have a look at The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition.
First off, yes – this is produced in Japan, however this product is packaged for distribution in the United States.
This one was sent by Nongshim America – thanks again! Tonkotsu is a Japanese style ramen, usually a creamy pork rich broth. This one is boasting an added spiciness which sound interesting. Not only that, it’s a microwavable variety. Let’s see how it tastes!
Last night, we had to do a Walmart Neighborhood Market run. It’s basically just a grocery store Walmart – kind of nice – wide aisles, lots of stuff… Anyways, I always look in the noodle aisle. There are two areas actually; domestic and ‘ethnic.’ Well, this was in the ethnic category. What is very interesting is that this is made in California. What’s kind of funny is how it says ‘#1 Ramen Noodle Soup In Hong Kong.’ This version is much different. The Hong Kong version includes fishcake with the little delivery guy’s face on it. Also, the bowls are more like the king cups – much taller.
Yet another one of these cups! I think I actually have two more. It’s tough doing a series honestly; but it’s just something I have to do. Let’s see how this shrimp variety does.
Here’s another one of these bowls I picked up at 99 Ranch Market. There’s still a couple more to go too! Let’s give it a go.
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.
Alright so first off, this one won’t be getting a score. It doesn’t come with a seasoning sachet, something required to be scored. However, it’s something I think folks will want to know about. It’s a refrigerated section noodle that is full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. Not only that, it’s really quite tasty I think. Let’s give it a try!
Okay so this one should be interesting. The last one I had from this company was alright. Taiwanese beef noodle is kind of a big deal over in Taiwan. Curious how this one will be. Let’s find out.
Here’s one I found at Walmart. They were kind of expensive in the past, but I believe this one was 99 cents when I found it so figured I’ll give it a try. It mentions it’s got bone broth, something imparting extra protein usually. Let’s check it out!
A very long time ago, I tried their pho as part of a Meet The Manufacturer series – a series of one review! I’ve started seeing their products more and more and thought hey look – it’s in Walmrt – I’ll give it a try. So, here we are. I’m curious how it’s going to be – brown rice noodles! Let’s find out.
This is the third and final variety of the new Top Ramen bowls – Soy Sauce. Originally called oriental flavor, Nissin decided to change it over to soy sauce flavor. It’s kind of interesting; I’ve been to Asia a handful of times and seen the term oriental all over the place, however here in the states I’ve heard of some discontent with the term, possibly the impetus for this change. Anyways, let’s give this one a try!
We has the other new spicy one the other day – the Fire Bowl. Looks like it’s going to be another mukbang! Let’s check this yakisoba out!
Another one of the trove of varieties from Kang Shi Fu I found over at the Edmonds, WA 99 Ranch Market. Let’s give it a go!
Here we have the third and final review of the new range from Nissin Foods USA – Sweet Chili flavor. These have so far been pretty good. This one’s vegetarian as well. Let’s give it a go!
Here’s the second of the new varieties from Maruchan. These are definitely more on the authetic and premium end of the stick. The other variety, Soy Sauce, was quite good. Let’s chek this one out!
Here’s another one the folks at Maruchan were kind enough to send over – thanks! This is a late comer to the ultra spicy category – at least it looks like that. I’m very curious as to how spicy it is exactly though; I’m guessing it won’t throw me down and kick me, but I could be wrong – time to find out.
Continuing the reviews of this new range from Nissin USA, we have the Teriyaki Beef variety of the Stir Fry range. Sounds good to me; Nissin’s take on teriyaki beef has been enjoyable in the past. I saw a comment a day or two ago from someone hoping that they’d be good (specifically this one). So, I figured if someone wants to get my take on it, I’ll expedite it, and here we are. Let’s give ‘er a go!
Okay, so you might be thinking – United States? Why is he marking these as United States? Well, they’re made in Hong Kong it seems, then they’re only distributor from what I’m seeing is in New York.
New packaging and a new recipe. Back again is Vite Ramen! They’ve got 500 calories, 500mg sodium, over 25g of protein and enough vitamins and minerals to kill a greasy pizza. Let’s give it a try!
Here’s something new from Maruchan – a USA version of a premium styling from Japan.
Hey awesome! New domestic product!!! It’s not every day that a new product that’s instant noodle related comes out here in the United States, and when it does I’m always very keen to give them a try. I’m very curious about this one, which is part of a range of three new varieties under the Cup Noodles hood.
Here’s the second of three new Top Ramen bowls from here in the United States. At first I though ‘okay, it’s just Top Ramen in a bowl.’ But the extras in these are very interesting. Definitely excited to try ’em. Let’s do it!
I was visiting a prominent spot in the local Safeway supermarket which I walk to almost daily. That area would be the endcap where the mung bean sprouts are located. I noticed this and another bowl I hadn’t really noticed before sitting there and though what the heck I’ll give it a try.
First off, I’m writing this on my son Miles’ birthday – happy birthday to you, dude! We’re so proud of you and you’re a neat person!
Here we have the last of the three bowls sent on ice by Nona Lim – thanks again! The first two were pretty good – green curry was great and the dan dan was alright – how will this one be? Let’s give it a spin in the microwave and find out!
This one came in a special ‘First Taste Club’ box from Nissin Foods USA – pretty snazzy. So, what’s the big deal? Well, it’s Top Ramen, in a bowl. It also comes with vegetables. It also comes with… teriyaki sauce? I’m very curious about this one – let’s cook it up and ruminate on this…
Here’s the second of the three refrigerated bowl sent by Nona Lim – thanks again! This one contains ‘Beyond Meat,’ a meat substitute that sounds interesting. I know I liked Dan Dan Noodle so let’s see how this measures up!
This is an interesting one and took a little research. Is a plant based diet same as a Vegan diet? Well this video explains that they’re two different things. This is a fresh bowl which requires refrigeration. I really like green curry – let’s give it a try!
I’ve gone to a couple ramen restaurants and hotten something mentioning spicy. Well, it hasn’t impressed me in flavor or spiciness in the past and been, well, bitter. I’m really curious about this one, though. Ramen Hero is based in the Bay Area and serves a few surrounding states at the time of this post – check their site for current service area. You pick your ramen, pay, and they’ll overnight you a set of ingredients to make a bowl of ramen at home – including garnish! Not bad. Let’s give this one a try – they send four and since they’re perishable, I’m going to do them over the next couple days.
So I’m stoked – Chef Ron shot over a big box of samples! Things have changed though – these days the drink is missing, as are the vegetables. He promises that this is still an amazing product and I will still love it. Let’s find out!
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.
I’ve reviewed Mama Pat’s products in the past, however there have been some changesto the packs (no more drink sachet and no vegetable sachet either) and now there are cups (which I’m reviewing for the first time). I think these are neat ranges – very unique varieties Chef Ron is bringing to market. Let’s check out this cup version!
New Stuff from the United States? Yeah! Let’s check it out!
New Maruchan Gold Ramen & Fire Yakisoba – United States
A few months ago I did a Meet The Manufacturer series on Vite Ramen, but the packs I tried were prototypes and not this, the finished product for version 1.0 (version 1.1 will be coming soon and I’ll be giving that a try when it comes out). It’s a neat concept brought to life by Tim & Tom Zheng.
