This one usually comes out earlier than now, but it’s been rather busy. There’s a couple more lists coming, so stay tuned. These are my favorite varieties I’ve samples thus far. This list is current as of my 4,300th review. Hopefully there will be more great new varieties to try during the next year to add to the list. If you’re a company with some varieties I’ve not tried, please by all means drop me a line! With that, I present The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition
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A special video presented by Hans Lienesch about The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition
#10: Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice Flavor
This has been one of the most controversial picks on my top tens to date. Regardless, I absolutely stand by it and love this stuff. The noodle is great, the flavor is pumpkin spice to a T, and it’s innovative and different. Really enjoyed this one and I think if this is indicative of things we can start seeing in the US market, we’ve got a great ride ahead! Original review
#9: Nissin Cup Noodle Original Ramen Noodle Soup
A made in the United States version of the Cup Noodle variety from Japan that started it all. Full of different garnishes and great flavor, this is what launched the cup style global instant ramen revolution. Original review | Get it here
#8: Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles Chow Mein
Call it chow mein or yakisoba, it’s truly delicious and has graced many of my early annual top ten lists. No broth in this one – a noodle with a nice toothsome nature and a vibrant flavor. It comes with seaweed powder as a topping – use it or toss it, it’s absolutely wonderful stuff. Original review | Get it here
#7: Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup
This one is really a cut above. I find it a smoother version of Shin Ramyun with a very bright flavor and texture. This one’s microwavable and suitable for Vegan folks as well. Original review | Get it here
#6: Maruchan Bowl Taste Of Asia Tom Yum Ramen Noodle Soup
To be honest, I’m about as surprised by this one as you might be! But make no mistake – this US domestic variety is truly amazing. The tom yum flavor is just superb along with a huge quantity of noodles. You’ll fill up and be extremely happy as you do so. Original review | Get it here
#5: Nissin Hot & Spicy Fire Wok Sizzlin’ Rich Pork
This one is really excellent – a kind of spicy pork tonkotsu take. Broth is on the lean side and it ends up more saucy. Spicy level isn’t going to send you away screaming, but it’s solid and the flavor is as advertised. Just typing this makes me want to try it again – easy to find and reasonably priced. Original review | Get it here
#4: Poco Kitchen Pork & Ginger Ramen
Here’s one you might not have heard of before but definitely a tasty one. It takes a little longer to cook, bu that being said, the noodle is excellent. The broth is very giving and flavorful as well. Definitely one to be on the lookout for. Original review | Get it here
#3: Nongshim K-Army Stew Style Noodle Soup With Chili Beans
This one’s just a really great bowl. Budae Jjigae is a Korean dish. It translates to army stew or troop stew. Melding snacks from troops stationed during the Korean War and Korean cuisine, this fusion dish features an East meets West flavor which is hard to beat. Original review | Get it here
#2: Noodie Peanut Chili Irresistible Ramen
Ladies and gentlemen, this certainly is something very different. Green noodles. Tons of vegetables. The flavor is absolutely perfection. Let me introduce you to this 25th century looking instant noodle. It’s Vegan friendly, and has such a nice flavor to it – really should try it! Original review | Get it here
#1: Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen Premium Noodle Soup
This one really took me off guard. Made in the United States by a company that usually produces Korean varieties, we have a Japanese standard. Tonkotsu is a pork bone broth and noodle combo that’s very good, and this is honestly one the the best I’ve tried anywhere. It is microwavable and comes with a sachet of spicy stuff so you can have it spicy or not. Just amazing stuff – bravo! Congratulations to Nongshim America for winning The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2022 Edition! Original review | Get it here
Special Announcements
The Ramen Rater Recipe Experiments
Ever thought of what you can make when instant noodles are an ingredient? Well, if not I have. A lot. I started with making breads last year – even breads with flour make from fried noodles that were ground into a fine powder. Logically, the next step was pizza – everyone likes pizza, right? Finally, I’ve done a few different ice creams. Check the Special Features section to see all of these experiments!
Definitive Guides
This year, I’ve decided to do a special series called Definitive Guides. Recipes, trivia, history, and more on some of the most loved and fascinating varieties of instant noodles around the world! So far, I’ve got one on Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun, and Indomie’s Mi Goreng and Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice! Very recently, I released a Definitive Guide To Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup. Future guides will include MAMA Tom Yum, and more. My plan is do feature one or two products from each country.
Ramen Junkies
Ramen Junkies is a Facebook group devoted to the love of instant noodles. People share their recipes, thoughts, ideas and humor Join the conversation today – over 70,000 members strong!
A Petition To Benefit Those In Need
For the last few years, a thought has been bouncing around in my head. Why is there a spot to donate a dollar to elections on tax returns? I think that little spot can be better by donating a dollar or some set amount to Veterans who are living in poverty. At the end of tax season, the donations can go to all who qualify. I think that would be a good thing. I started a petition to do this, and if you’re in the USA, you can sign it here and please feel free to share it around! Thanks!
The Ramen Rater App For Android
The Ramen Rater App for Android has been given a whole new look and functionality. You can scan bar codes to see reviews I’ve done while at the store, peruse the top ten lists, and do simple searches. It’s really great – even a dark mode! Best of all it’s free and currently ad-free.
