Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

#2372: Liu Quan Instant Spicy Rice Noodle

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Today we have a variety I found locally. Specifically,I got them at Asian Food Center on 130th & Aurora in Seattle. In any event, this store is actually kind of new and pretty awesome. What’s more, we got to see a shoplifter try to escape a security guard and slink out of her coat and backpack to make a getaway! Exciting, yes – but stupid. I don’t understand why people go and do this. Understandably, many people are poor, but this kind of action will result in more problems. In fact, stealing drives up prices for everyone. Hence, let’s crack open this Liu Quan bowl and see it’s innards! ...see full post

#2371: Daikoku Tanuki Soba Cup

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#2371: Daikoku Tanuki Soba Cup - Japan - The Ramen Rater

This is second of two cups I found at Uwajimaya. Similar graphics on them, the other is Kitsune Udon, this one is Tanuki Soba. So, what is a tanuki anyways? Here, we have some info from Wikipedia: ...see full post

The Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun

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Definitive Guide Series – Samyang Buldak * Nongshim Shin Ramyun * Indomie Mi Goreng

Samyang Foods Carbe Buldak Bokkeummyun       ...see full post

#2370: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Zzaldduck Snack

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#2370: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Zzaldduck Snack - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - 짤떡

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

ZZALDDUCK SNACK / 짤떡 / Zzaldduck / Launch 2014.12

Well, today is my birthday and I’m up at 5am getting this post ready. Actually it’s 6am now – I’ve been getting all my ducks in a row (actually chickens har har) in order to post The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun. It’s a total of 9 posts including the guide itself that I’m putting up today. A lot of work, that’s for sure and I’m rushing to get it up. ...see full post

#2369: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Curry Flavor

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#2440: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Curry Flavor - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - fire noodle challenge

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Curry / 커리불닭볶음면 / Curry Buldak Bokkueummyun   Launch 2016.12 / SHU 3,810

Here’s the newest variety from Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun line. Curry! I make no illusion to the fact that I absolutely think that curry is the finest thing in the universe. I freaking love curry. Here’s a little about Korean c urry from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2368: Samyang Foods Cool/Ice Type Buldak Bokkeummyun

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#2426: Samyang Foods Ice Type Buldak Bokkeummyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Cool/Ice Type / 쿨불닭볶음면 / Cool/Ice Buldak Bokkueummyun Launch 2016.8 / SHU 4,404

Today it’s the cold variety. Indeed, cold noodles with spicy sauce have long been around in South Korean ramyun varieties. However I’m guessing while cold in temperature, these will probably surpass most other in their hot flavor. This particular one is the export version, sent by a reader named Colin from Massachusetts. I noticed that the liquid sachet didn’t say ‘ice’ but ‘cool.’ Was this to be the original name? Well, I asked! ...see full post

#2367: Samyang Foods 2x Spicy Haek Buldak Bokkeummyun

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#2425: Samyang Foods Haek Buldak Bokkeummyun - South Korea - 2x spicy - hot fried chicken

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

GET AN ASSORTMENT OF THE SPICEST INSTANT NOODLES IN THE RAMEN RATER’S SPICY PACK FROM GOURMET RAMEN CLUB – CHECK IT OUT HERE!

2X Spicy HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen / 핵불닭볶음면 / Hack/Haek Buldak Bokkueummyun / Launch 2016.1 / SHU 8,808

Alright. Today’s the day. I heard about the double spicy Buldak Bokkeummyun a couple of months ago. After hoping to simply find it at the store with no luck, I received a few of these packs – first, I got one from Anders from South Korea which is a reader who’s sent varieties in the past – thank you! Since I wanted to try these as soon as possible, I (for the first time) ordered some from an eBay seller called 1theKorea – they’ve got all sorts of neat South Korean varieties, and lots of the spicy ones that aren’t the easiest to find or are unavailable in the USA. I also got a ton of varieties from Samyang Foods – including the bowl versions of this one and the Stew as well as a couple snack variants. ...see full post

#2366: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Snack Noodle

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#2424: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Snack Noodle - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - Instant Noodles

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

Hot Chicken Ramen Snack / 부셔먹는 라면스낵불닭 / Busyeomeongneun Ramyeonseunaek
Buldak / Launch 2016.6

I’ve reviewed a lot of snack noodles in my day and still delight in the comments I get about them. I get people telling me about smashing domestic US varieties, sprinkling the seasoning on them and eating them raw; kind of like they’ve uncovered something fascinating, new and innovative. Unfortunately – I have to break it to y’all, but this isn’t anything new. Moreover, varieties designed and sold in South Korea to be smashed and sprinkled and enjoyed have been around for a long time. ...see full post

#2365: Samyang Foods Stew Buldak Bokkeumtangmyun

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#2423: Samyang Foods Stew Buldak Bokkeumtangmyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - 불닭볶음탕면 - fire noodle challenge

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Buldak Bokkeummyun

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Stew Type / 불닭볶음탕면 / Buldak Bokkueumtangmyun

Launch 2016.8 / SHU 4,705

This one came by way of eBay seller 1theKorea – they’ve got all sorts of neat South Korean varieties, and lots of the spicy ones that aren’t the easiest to find or are unavailable in the USA. ...see full post

#2364: Samyang Foods Cheese Buldak Bokkeummyun

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#2422: Samyang Foods Cheese Buldak Bokkeummyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - Fire Noodle Challenge

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeuymmyun

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Cheese / 치즈불닭볶음면 / Cheese Buldak Bokkueummyun

Launch 2016.3 / SHU 2,323

This one came by way of eBay seller 1theKorea – they’ve got all sorts of neat South Korean varieties, and lots of the spicy ones that aren’t the easiest to find or are unavailable in the USA. . ...see full post

#2363: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun (New Packaging)

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#2363: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun (New Packaging) - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - fire noodle challenge

Part of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun Series

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen / 불닭볶음면 / Buldak Bokkueummyun

Launch 2012.4.16 / SHU 4,404

This one came by way of eBay seller 1theKorea – they’ve got all sorts of neat South Korean varieties, and lots of the spicy ones that aren’t the easiest to find or are unavailable in the USA. This is the variety that set off the Fire Noodle Challenge. In reality, Buldak Bokkeummyun is spicy fried chicken flavor. In South Korea as well as many places in Asia, fried chicken is extremely popular. Korean fried chicken is great; double coated and comes in violently spicy, regular and honey garlic to name a few. ...see full post

#2362: Chuan Wei Wang Bowl Instant Noodles Artificial Spicy Beef Flavor

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#2362: Chuan Wei Wang Bowl Instant Noodles Artificial Spicy Beef Flavor - China - The Ramen Rater

Here’s another one from a reader named Colin from the east coast – thanks again! It amazes me how many varieties he can find from the other side of the USA that I can’t get here. Fascinating; you’d think you could get most things anywhere but apparently companies distribute different things in different places. Anyways, this sounds good – spicy beef! Let’s check it out. ...see full post

#2361: Nissin Demae Iccho Chicken Flavour Instant Noodle (Bowl Noodle)

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#2361: Nissin Demae Iccho Chicken Flavour Instant Noodle (Bowl Noodle) - Hong Kong - The Ramen Rater - Demae Ramen

Today, it’s more chicken. This is another one left over from the Nissin Hong Kong Meet The Manufacturer – they set so many different kinds – it’s awesome! This is a Demae Iccho version – here’s some info bout Nissin and Demae Iccho from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2360: Wai Wai Instant Noodles Artificial Chicken Flavoured

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#2360: Wai Wai Instant Noodles Artificial Chicken Flavoured - India - The Ramen Rater Chaudhary

Here’s yet another one from Colin – thanks, bro! So this is an export version (obviously from all the languages on the front) and a very standard taste – chicken. This one is by CG which stands for Chaudhary Group. Here’s a little info from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Fire Noodle Samples From Samyang Foods

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Fire Noodle Samples From Samyang Foods - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - buldak bokkeummyun

You’re probably thinking ‘wow – he’s sure getting a lot of stuff from South Korea lately’ and you’re right! My birthday is on Tuesday and I’ll be rolling out something special – The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Buldak Bokkeummyun. The ‘Fire Noodle Challenge’ has been done over on YouTube plenty of times and I thought it would be good to give a little background on these noodles and what they’re all about. Let’s have a look in this box. ...see full post

The March Box From Japan

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The March Box From Japan - The Ramen Rater - Javir - www.boxfromjapan.com

Javier over at www.boxfromjapan.com is working hard to bring you the best from Japan! He hand picks the best every month – ones you definitely can’t find here in the United States. Box From Japan is a subscription service – check it out! Here’s this months offering. ...see full post

#2359: Daikoku Kitsune Udon

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#2359: Daikoku Kitsune Udon - Japan - The Ramen Rater - うどん

Animal noodles! Animal noodles? Yup – animal noodles. That’s at least what I used to call these – there are two of them very popular in Japan – kitsune uson and tanuki soba. Kitsune refers to a fox and has fried tofu with it. Tanuki soba usually has either a round disc of tempura or little bits of it. Here’s a little more info from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2358: Sichuan Baijia Pickled Cabbage Flavor Instant Vermicelli

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#2358: Sichuan Baijia Pickled Cabbage Flavor Instant Vermicelli - China - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

A large bowl from a brand I’ve been loathe to try in the past. They used to have some varieties in the Bottom Ten List, and still do – but many I’ve not tried previously I’ve tried and been really impressed with. Indeed, palates change. Let’s give this one a look. ...see full post

#2357: Kamfen Noodle King Artificial Wonton Soup Flavoured

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#2357: Kamfen Noodle King Artificial Wonton Soup Flavoured - Hong Kong - The Ramen Rater - wanton mee - instant noodles

Got this bowl quite a while back – I’ve got lots of new varieties and still trying to clear out the ones that are close to expiration! So let’s ask Wikipedia about wonton noodles – ...see full post

#2356: Nongshim Spicy Shrimp Cup Noodle

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#2356: Nongshim Spicy Shrimp Cup Noodle - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

I’ve had the export version in the past but this is the version that Koreans eat in South Korea. I picked this up in Taipei at a Carrefour store. I’d never been to one before and really didn’t know anything about them other than that I knew they existed in Taiwan. Here’s some info from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Samyang Foods Sends 2x Fire Noodle & Others

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Samyang Foods Sends 2x Fire Noodle & Others

Buldak Bokkeummyun is the Korean name for what people all over the world have been enduring in the Fire Noodle Challenge. It’s a seriously spicy variety – #3 on my Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All Time 2016 Edition. Well, they’ve come out with a spicier version that’s supposed to be just amazing. I contacted them and they sent me some along with other varieties – let’s check it out! ...see full post

#2355: Marutai Nagasaki Agodashi Shoyu Ramen

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#2355: Marutai Nagasaki Agodashi Shoyu Ramen - Japan - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Here’s one that was a gift from the folks at Washoku Explorer – thanks again! This variety from Nagasaki definitely has a fish sense to i, however let’s look at Wikipedia on the subject of Shoyu ramen – ...see full post

#2354: Vifon Viet Cuisine Bun Rieu Cua Sour Crab Soup Instant Rice Vermicelli

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#2354: Vifon Viet Cuisine Bun Rieu Cua Sour Crab Soup Instant Rice Vermicelli - Vietnam - The Ramen Rater - instant noodle

Been awhile since I’ve had something Vietnamese… This one sounds tasty – sour crab! This bowl has a lot of things inside, so let’s get to it! ...see full post

A Package Of Spicy From 1theKorea’s eBay Store

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A Package Of Spicy From 1theKorea's eBay Store - The Ramen Rater - South Korea

Check it out (click to enlarge)! So I decided for the first time to get some noodles off of eBay. 1theKorea has a TON of great South Korean instant noodles – definitely check them out if you’re in the mood for some! Let’s look at what’s inside! ...see full post

#2353: Nissin Cup Noodles Rich Garlic, Egg Yolk & Oxtail

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#2353: Nissin Cup Noodles Rich Garlic, Egg Yolk & Oxtail - Japan - The Ramen Rater

This was sent to me by Ippin, a purveyor of wonderful Japanese items! Thank you again! This is an ultra special one they came out with to commemorate the anniversary of  Cup Noodles – the Cup Noodle Rich line. ...see full post

#2352: Uni-President Minced Pork Flavor Instant Noodles

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#2352: Uni-President Minced Pork Flavor Instant Noodles - Taiwan - The Ramen Rater - 統一肉燥麵

Here’s one I got at 7-Eleven in Taiwan. I’ve seen these for so long with the stripes and they’re very popular in Taiwan. Here’s a little about Uni-President, the company that makes these – from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2351: 1 To 3 Noodles Chatpat Masala

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#2351: 1 To 3 Noodles Chatpat Masala - India - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Here’s one that comes by way of a kind reader named Colin from the US east coast – thanks again! He’s dispatches a TON of instant noodles which I can’t find anywhere! This one looks interesting – these are from India! Here’s a little from Wikipedia about masala – ...see full post

#2350: Nissin Cup Noodles Big XO Sauce Seafood Flavour

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#2350: Nissin Cup Noodles Big XO Sauce Seafood Flavour - Hong Kong - The Ramen Rater - ramen instant

Here’s another left over from the Nissin Hong Kong Meet The Manufacturer. Here’s a little about XO sauce from Wikpedia – ...see full post

Nissin Mexico Sends Cup Noodles Gourmet!

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Nissin Mexico Sends Cup Noodles Gourmet! - Mexico - The Ramen Rater - fideos instantanea

I recently did a Meet The Manufacturer of Nissin Mexico and they said if I needed anything, let them know. Well, there was one thing. I really loved the Nissin Cup Noodles Gourmet Caldo De Camaron, a really  tasty shrimp variety. They were very kind and sent some! Let’s see! ...see full post

#2349: Fantastic Noodles Chicken & Corn Flavour

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#2349: Fantastic Noodles Chicken & Corn Flavour - Australia - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Here’s one of the last ones that were sent by Jen in Australia – thanks! Chicken and corn sounds pretty good – let’s find out! ...see full post

#2348: Ripe’N’Dry Hokkaido Salt Ramen

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#2348: Ripe'N'Dry Hokkaido Salt Ramen - Japan - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Here’s one I got at Jason’s Market at the bottom of the Taipei 101 in Taiwan. I’d been very curious about this line as I’ve seen them before; hard to miss with the angry bear on the front! I’m very curious about how ripe and dry correlate with instant ramen. Lately when I use the term ripe, it’s referring to needing to change a diaper as in ‘ooof Miles – you’re ripe!’ Dry as far as flavor I usually think of when it comes to wine. I’m hoping this doesn’t smell like loaded diapers or taste like wine – I’m guessing it won’t. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post

#2347: Nissin Demae Iccho Tonkotsu Flavour Instant Noodle (Bowl Noodle)

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#2347: Nissin Demae Iccho Tonkotsu Flavour Instant Noodle (Bowl Noodle) - Japan - The Ramen Rater

Yet another left over from the Nissin HK Meet The Manufacturer! Slowly getting these all done – so many SKUs! This is one big bowl of tonkotsu! let’s get to it! ...see full post

#2346: Knorr Chatt Patta Instant Noodles

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#2346: Knorr Chatt Patta Instant Noodles - Pakistan - The Ramen Rater

Here’s another one from Colin – thanks! I did a little research and really came up with very little. I did find there is a kind of spicy, savory snack mix with the same name, but this is a soup noodle and now a snack noodle so I’m a little confused. This one’s being reviewed actually on New Year’s Eve! Let’s check it out. ...see full post

#2345: Sempio Clam Flavor Soup Kal-guksu

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#2345: Sempio Clam Flavor Soup Kal-guksu - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodfles

Here’s one sent by Colin – thanks! I think I saw this one years ago up in Canada – I honestly think I got it but never reviewed it back then. Here’s a little about kalguksu from Wikipedia: ...see full post

Spicy Korean Noodles From Anders & Ji-Min!

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Spicy Korean Noodles From Anders & Ji-Min! - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - Instant noodles

I got an email a few weeks back asking if I’d tried the new 2x Spicy Buldak Bokkeummyun. I hadn’t and really wanted to. The email was sent by Anders and his girlfriend Ji-Min who live in South Korea and were kind enough to send some varieties along! Let’s see what’s inside! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2344: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor A Pollo

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Meet The Manufacturer: #2344: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor A Pollo - Mexico - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Well folks, today is the last day of Meet The Manufacturer. It’s been a definite departure from the flavors I’m used to and it’s been a different way of thinking about noodles. I usually include mung bean sprouts in everything, but that really wasn’t an option. Indeed don’t know if my application of queso fresca was correct, but I had to try. However I tried to find other varieties of Mexican cheeses, however couldn’t find any melty ones – just crumbly. It was fun and something different for me, and I want to thank the folks at Nissin Mexico for the opportunity to try all of these! Let’s check out the chicken Cup Noodles to wrap things up. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2343: Nissin Maxi Sopa Nissin Cuchareable Sabor A Jugo De Carne

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Meet The Manufacturer: #2343: Nissin Maxi Sopa Nissin Cuchareable Sabor A Jugo De Carne - Mexico - The Ramen Rater

Ready? Set? Beef! Here again are the spoonable noodles, this time with a beefy flavor. Let’s give this cup a try! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2342: Nissin Sopa Nissin Sabor A Camaron Sopa Instantanea Tipo Ramen

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Meet The Manufacturer: #2342: Nissin Sopa Nissin Sabor A Camaron Sopa Instantanea Tipo Ramen

Here’s the third of the pillow pack varieties of Nissin Mexico’s Sopa Nissin line. Pink! Shrimp! Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2341: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor A Carne De Res

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Meet The Manufacturer: #2341: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor A Carne De Res - Mexico - The Ramen Rater - fideos instantanea

Time for some beef! I’ve noticed that kind of like in the US, there are only a scant few pack noodle varieties and most varieties are in cups. Cups are great since they’re portable, have their own container to eat out of, and are easily disposed of. Let’s check out this beef variety. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #2340: Nissin RapiFideo Sabor A Tomate Y Pollo

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Meet The Manufacturer: #2340: Nissin RapiFideo Sabor A Tomate Y Pollo - Mexico - The Ramen Rater

This is the second of the two RapiFideo varieties. Translating to Quick Noodles, RapiFideo has short, thin noodles and broth and can be prepared in the microwave. Let’s take a look! ...see full post