Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

Spaghetti Western Meets Noodle Eastern In Juzo Itami’s “Tampopo”

My father introduced me to this film when I was young and I found it to be quite fascinating. This movie is really quite bizarre; it has a storyline involving a Japanese John Wayne type and a girl attempting to create the perfect noodle. Interspersed throughout are short scenes with different aspects of food culture. The sloppy eater. The seeker of fine gourmet luxury. The glutton. These all come together to create a film experience best enjoyed while having some noodles! I recommend this very highly! I totally love this movie; its strange, weird and funny. It is subtitled, but you’ll deal with it. This is the finest noodle film ever and any true fan should have it. I’m sure you can view it on Netflix, but you can buy it here. ...see full post

Re-Review: Nissin Top Ramen Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup

From time to time, it’s a good idea to revisit a baseline. Top Ramen Chicken is something I compare all noodles to in one way or another. The noodles themselves are classic – they’re not bad and soak up the flavor well. They’re not mushy although not exactly what one would call chewy. When reviewing chicken instant noodles I always think to this stuff. Of course, when I see an article someone has blogged or written on the Internet about ramen, a good 80% of the time there’s a nice big picture of the product you see above. Youtube’s no stranger to this either; there are about a zillion videos telling you simply how to prepare a packet of instant Top Ramen. It’s not only good but its everywhere. Eaten raw or cooked, people seem to like it. Well, I like it too and so I revisit it with a sore throat and runny nose. Here we go! ...see full post

Thanksgiving 2011: Re-Review of Indomie Special Fried Curly Noodles Special Quality Instant Noodles

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Before I start the re-review, I just want to say happy Thanksgiving to all – it’s been a great year for me and I’ve got so much to be thankful for. My health, my job, my son and my wife. I also would like to say thanks for all the great fans and contributors to the site – whether by donations or comments, you help make this site thrive. ...see full post

#578: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black Premium Noodle Soup

UPDATED REVIEW – uses a recipe from EatYourKimchi.com! See it HERE!

First off, I want to thank Greg B. of Florida for sending this one in. Shin Ramyun Black  – wow. So I should mention about the ‘ controversy in South Korea about this product. Nong Shim advertised that it had more nutritional value than it really did and was fined for misleading advertising ( Korean Herald article here ). It was extremely popular and I believe it still is. It costs much more than regular Shin Ramyun too. I’ll have to say that I’ve been waiting for just the right day to review this one! Let’s see what’s inside this interesting package of South Korean instant noodles! ...see full post

#562: Batchelors Super Noodles Bacon Flavour

When I mentioned I would be reviewing this to my friend Matthew B., he exclaimed ‘bacon is the opiate of the masses!’ I would have to agree; there is nothing on this planet as good as the prince of foods, bacon. With that, I present for your viewing pleasure, bacon flavored British instant noodles. Thanks again, Cindy! ...see full post