The Ramen Rater’s Chili Crisp Roundup & Buyer’s Guide

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The Ramen Rater's Chili Crisp Roundup & Buyer's Guide

A couple of years ago, I found out about Lao Gan Ma Spicy Chili Crisp.  A crunch, oil, and a little spiciness. I dubbed it ‘Love Sludge’ – it was so good that I evangelized it to all my friends. Since then, the enamor has most certainly worn off. I don’t know if they changed the recipe, but the last couple of times I’ve gotten some, it’s ended up in the bin, not completely used. Well, I thought a list of alternatives to Lao Gan Ma that are out there that not everyone’s heard of (nor I myself) would be neat. So, I started sending a few emails, asking for samples, and here’s The Ramen Rater’s Chili Crisp Roundup & Buyer’s Guide. I figure 14 varieties is more than enough to show a landscape of flavor and textures that are out in the wild – and I’m sure there are many more. With holidays coming up, if you’ve got a ramen junkie or chilehead to get something for, there’s a lot of different things here that will work that they might not have tried. These are in order of when I received/bought them. Each one has a link to where you can get them. If I end up with more, I will be happy to add them at the bottom. With that, let’s get oily! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition

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The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition

The fiery instant noodle beast is awakened and it’s time for another scorching hot spicy top ten. The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition includes the spiciest stuff you can get. I outline a couple at the bottom that are no longer on the list but were violently spicy as well. Know something I should try? Make sure to contact me about it! Even if it’s not spicy, I definitely want to try it. Want to help support what I do? It’s appreciated This list is current as of review 4881. With that, here’s The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition. ...see full post

Barnacle Foods Sends Unique Kelp Chili Crisp From Alaska!

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Barnacle Foods Sends Unique Kelp Chili Crisp From Alaska!

A few redditors mentioned a few chili crisps they thought should be on my Chili Crisp Roundup post and so I reached out and Barnacle Foods’ Kelp Chili Crisp was one of them. You can get it here. As of publishing this, I haven’t tried it yet, but soon it will be on that roundup post, as well as tried with different ramen! This one sounded particularly interesting as many acquaintances over the years from my hometown of Anacortes would head up to Alaksa to do commercial fishing. I also played with kelp when I was a kid on the shore – yeah we didn’t have a whole lot to do.Maybe your ramen junkie friend would like this for the holidays? Check out the vid and a big thanks to Barnacle Foods for sending it along! ...see full post

#5042: Acecook Gyorantei Yokosuka Navy Curry Ramen – Japan

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#5042: Acecook Gyorantei Yokosuka Navy Curry Ramen - 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 – “Yokosuka, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is known for its naval base and as a curry town. This limited-time curry ramen comes from the very popular shop Gyorantei. It has a deep, flavorful curry soup with plenty of spice that’ll transport you straight to this seaside town.” ...see full post

#5040: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings – Beef Mix – United States

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#5040: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings - Beef Mix - United States

I saw a couple new varieties from Ramen Bae coming out and asked for samples – and here’s a couple of them. Today, I’ll toss in some beef mix and the enoki mushroom mix. Today’s an interesting day – it’s national sunglasses day, bingo day, work from home day, and the big debate. It’s about ten a.m. here and I’m really looking forward to making a pizza, having a couple of drinks, and watching 90 minutes of insanity. This will probably come out well after the election is over, so who knows. My prediction is that Biden does really quite well. Whichever side you’re on, hopefully the world isn’t completely broken when you see this. Let’s make some noodles! ...see full post

T&T Supermarket Comes To Bellevue, WA

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I was so stoked – we used to go up to Canada often to visit the Asian grocery stores up there to hunt for noodles to review. Well, one big player in Vancouver is T&T Supermarket. What’s cool is now they’ve opened one nearby at the site of an old Walmartr. They opened Thursday. We attempted to go Saturday. Watch the video to check it out! Note – I’ll do something more in-depth soon as this is the largest Asian grocery in North America. ...see full post

My Thoughts On The Massive Mukbang Varieties

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My Thoughts On The Massive Mukbang Varieties

Lately, South Korea has been pumping out a new breed of instant ramyeon – the MMV (Massive Mukbang Variety) as I have come to call them. These are generally trays with enormous servings, made for a single person to challenge and consume. It seems to me that the need for attention overrides the need for self preservation at this point. I’ll outline why I really don’t think these are really safe for one to eat on their own, and although I will do a mukbang of something spicy, I will never attempt one of these. ...see full post

#5039: Surfmama Dan Dan Noodles – Taiwan

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#5039: Surfmama Dan Dan Noodles - Taiwan

Well, that’s it. I’m out. No nodles left here to review. Been on a real tear of reviewing lately which is nice, but now I need to find more… Hmmm… It’s May 30th, 2024 as I write this which is kinda crazy. I’m guessing it’s closer to winter in your timeframe? Elections probably over by now… Crazy. Well, let’s cook it up. I’ll figure out where to get more noodles tomorrow. ...see full post

Yun Hai Taiwanese Pantry Sends Taiwan’s Su Chili Crisp!

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Yun Hai Taiwanese Pantry Sends Taiwan's Su Chili Crisp!

When I released my Chili Crisp Roundup & Buyers Guide in late November, it got a lot of attention – from how I called the stuff love sludge to varieties I’d not tried. This was one of the latter, mentioned by a fellow redditor – thank you! Anyways, These are chili crisp varieties from Taiwan you can get at Yum Hai Taiwanese Pantry – let’s have a look! ...see full post

#5029: Sapporo Ichiban Pokemon Noodle Sendai Spicy Miso Ramen – Japan

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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 – “Who’s that cup ramen? It’s spicy miso! That’s right—we’re starting our watch party with a special Pokémon collab cup ramen, complete with Pokémon sticker! This ramen features the fire types Charizard and Fuecoco because it’s sure to give you a spicy fire punch!” ...see full post

#5028: Myojo Authentic Japanese Udon Chicken Flavor – United States

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#5028: Myojo Authentic Japanese Udon Chicken Flavor – United States

Chicken udon time! Myojo sent me two of each of these varieties I’ve been reviewing and I have been taking the udon out of the extras and my wife and been enjoying it a lot. She likes to make a cheese sauce and put slices of hot dog with it. True story! I must admit, that sounds pretty good… Anyways, let make some chicken udon! ...see full post

#5026: Maruchan QTTA Thick & Light Cheese Cream – Japan

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#5026: Maruchan QTTA Thick & Light Cheese Cream - 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 – “Next up is a tasty cup ramen that’s as smooth as JJK’s Gojo! The mad men at QTTA came out with a delicious yet light cheese cream ramen with hints of black pepper to keep things spicy (also like Gojo)!” ...see full post

#5024: Maruchan Seimen Sesame Tare Cold Ramen – Japan

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Maruchan Seimen Sesame Tare Cold Ramen - 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 know it’s getting warm outside, and it’s probably getting warm inside with your watch party marathon. That’s why we got you a tasty pack of cold ramen with a delicious sesame tare sauce that’s sweet, savory and perfect for cooling off!” ...see full post

#5023: Yamadai Utsunomiya Yakisoba – Japan

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#5023: Yamadai Utsunomiya 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 – “”Now, let’s take a quick break to enjoy some more yakisoba from Tokyo’s Utsunomiya area! This yakisoba features a special collab sauce with Tsukihoshi (Moon Star) for a delicious saucy experience. Add the special chewy noodles and you have some delicious yakisoba! ...see full post

#5022: Nissin Donbei Curry Udon – Japan

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#5022: Nissin Donbei Curry Udon - 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 – “If you’re already fired up from the watch party action, this will be sure to set your heart ablaze. This limited-edition Donbei udon features a delicious Japanese dashi stock mixed with curry, cumin and garlic to create a delicious, fragrant curry udon experience!” ...see full post

Trailtopia Camping Ramen Sent By The Fat Hipster

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Trailtopia Camping Ramen Sent By The Fat Hipster

My buddy The Fat Hipster from time to time sends me interesting ramen things. Well, he did it again – thanks! These are camping meals from Trailtopia – good for bringing with you since they have a very light weight, and once you’re done cooking in the bag and eating, you just zip it shut and pack it out, weighing virtually nothing. Let’s have a look! ...see full post

Nakama Noodles Unboxing – November 2024 + Coupon Code

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Nakama Noodles Unboxing - November 2024 + Coupon Code

Today, I’m unboxing MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles box. You can get their monthly selection of 8-10 varieties – and this box they sent was full of varieties I’ve never reviewed before, plus they include PACKS!!!  I’ll be doing unboxings for them and have a coupon code you can use – THERAMENRATER (of course)! Watch the video below – you’ll see why I’m excited. ...see full post

#5021: Nissin Raoh Yuzu Shio Ramen – Japan

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#5021: Nissin Raoh Yuzu Shio Ramen - 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 rounding out our list with a bowl of ramen that’s as refreshing as a new hit anime or an amazing new season! Back by popular demand, this ramen combines the light taste of shio (salt) ramen with yuzu citrus for a complex yet refreshing combo of flavor!” ...see full post

#5019: Nissin U.F.O. Abura Soba w/Chili Oil Mayo – Japan

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#5019: Nissin U.F.O. Abura Soba w/Chili Oil Mayo - 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 – “This bowl of ramen is more than just pretty visuals. This abura soba has a delicious thick shoyu tare (a thicker soy sauce based sauce). Add the chili oil mayo and you have a delicious soup-less ramen bowl with great flavor and a bit of flare!” ...see full post

#5016: Acecook Devil’s Super Cup 1.5x Size Spicy Pork Kimchi Ramen – Japan

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#5016: Acecook Devil's Sup Cup 1.5x Size Spicy Pork Kimchi Ramen - 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 – “Now, let’s switch it up and enjoy a bit more devilish spice from the super cute Pochita. This special Super Cup ramen collab with Chainsaw Man features delicious sweet & spicy pork kimchi, with a hint of garlic to round out the flavor.” ...see full post

#5015: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings Spicy Garlic Mix – United States

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#5015: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings Spicy Garlic Mix - United States

I don’t usually do this. I don’t show you something almost completely enjoyed. But this is because I’ve enjoyed it that much! You should go over to The Ramen Bae and get this stuff. This is a topping you throw in with your noodles as they steep or boil and it’s truly magnificent. It also works well in soups, rice – you name it. Let’s continue… ...see full post

#5014: Myojo Ippeichan Night Shop Addicting Salt Tare Yakisoba – Japan

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#5014: Myojo Ippeichan Night Shop Addicting Salt Tare 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 – “Our next pick is inspired by the nighttime sakura festival food stalls. This yakisoba features a salt base sauce that is packed with flavor. From the onion flavor of the sauce to the sesame and garlic flavor of the mayo, this dish is perfect for any sakura night festival.” ...see full post