This one was sent by Daniel over at ExoticNoods.com – thanks! I reviewed this in late August of 2011 – way back. I reckon 13 years can end up with a lot of changes. The packaging seems to be pretty much the same, but this one’s so far back I wasn’t even scanning packaging. Wow. Well, let’s give this one another look.
Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch
#4995: Nissin Artisan’s Tan Tan 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 – “You can’t celebrate sakura season without a little bit of pink. This tasty ramen bowl has a beautiful pink and brown design and features thick ramen in a deliciously spicy soup. Add in tasty sesame, ground meat and green onion and you have a tasty artisanal tan tan ramen.”
Nakama Noodles Unboxing – October 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.
#4994: Baixiang Sauerkraut Beef Flavor Soup Noodles – China
Anothe S*Mart of Bellevue, WA score. Beefy beef… I like how it uses the term yummy twice on the front here. Let’s give it a try!
#4993: Nissin Cup Noodles Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
You might be thinking ‘almost 5000 varieties this guy’s tried but never this one?’ Yup – never this one. At least not in a paper cup. This is a big change – a timely one as I think there’s a chanbce that unless this change occurres, this wouldn’t be allowed for sale in Washington state. I think. Anyways, yeah – this should be fun to try! Let’s give it a go!
#4992: Omachi Instant Noodles Shrimp Sour & Hot – Vietnam
Really happy I got to try this range thanks to a local Asian grocer. Quite a few, and this is the last. I’m wondering if this will be akin to tom yum? Let’s find out.
#4991: Dujosoo Instant Buckwheat Noodles With Sesame Paste – China
Found this one at S*Mart in Bellevue, Washington. I got two different varieties and as I recall the first was pretty good. Let’s see how this one fares.
#4990: Samyang Foods Buldak Jalapeno Cheese – South Korea
Well, well – another spicy challenge! This one was sent to me by Pher Engi from Australia – thank you very much! Is it me or does it seem like Samyang has a thing for Mexican flavors? Habanero Lime, Quattro – now this. I mean, it lends itself well insofar as spicy variants go. Samyang has done a lot of spicy flavors, so I think they’re having trouble finding new ideas? Maybe… I will say jalapeno cheese is definitely a flavor I enjoy a lot. Let’s give it a try – mukbang below.
#4989: Sapporo Ichiban Shio Tonkotsu 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 – “Did you know that, based on the type of cherry tree, the blossoms can be white? That’s why we chose this tasty shio and tonkotsu ramen with its white packaging and deep flavor. With kombu, fragrant veggies and a slight bit of fish, this tonkotsu broth is packed with umami!”
#4988: Chef Dragon Tom Yum Gung Wide Vermicelli – Taiwan
This one comes by way of Daniel over the Exotic Noods – he asked if I’d tried it and since I hadn’t was kind enough to send one over – thanks! So, here we have a variety with a Thai flavor made in Taiwan. I’m game – let’s give it a try!
#4987: Dough Zone Restaurant Minced Pork Noodles – United States
The day after my wife Kit’s birthday, the kids went and visited family for a couple hours and we had a nice lunch together. Kit wanted to check this place out and so we went.
Celebrate National Noodle Day With A Massive Box Of Noodles You Can Get For $1.06!
National Noodle Day is coming 10/6 and Nissin has an amazing deal to celebrate – check this out –
Hello Straw Sends Paper Forks & I Test Them
I’ll be honest: I never really thought a whole lot about disposable forks and instant noodles. I did at one point have a special page where I displayed different utensils found in instant noodles and a big jar I kept them in. But after a time, a big jar on my desk that was overflowing with fork was cramping my style. Recently, I was asked by a company called Hello Straw if I’d check their disposable forks out. I’ve reviewed a lot of cups in my day and thought sure, why not. Hello Straw makes some really neat looking straws – made of paper. But what they sent me were forks made of paper! Who would’ve thought such a thing could work? I did a video testing them out –
#4986: Red Chef Penang Prawn Mee – Malaysia
The second of these new changed to Red Chef products. This used to be called Sakura Prawn Mee. This usually has a very strong prawn sweetness I can’t get enough of – let’s see how it’s changed!
#4985: Samyang Tangle Kimchi Rose Tangluccine – United States
This sounds really good – I’ve had rose Buldak before but this is something very different. I’ve had the pack version of Tangle which is more of a creamy thing without a kimchi aspect. Looking forward to trying this – the last one I’m reviewing this week.
#4984: Nissin Maneki Station Tempura Soba – 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 head to beautiful Himeji and check out the Himeji station platform where there’s a popular soba shop called Maneki. This soba combines traditional Japanese dashi with Chinese-style soba for a unique experience. Add tasty tempura on top and you’ve got a classic.”
Myojo USA Sends New Bowls & Refrigerated Varieties
I saw on Instagram that Myojo had rolled out some interesting bowls and asked for some samples. I didn’t realize the had new refrigerated premium varieties as well! Let’s open the box and check out all these new things to try! Thanks!
#4983: Taiban Yihao Taihebanmian Pan Mee Instant Noodles Spicy Flavor – China
The second of two varieties by this company I found at S*Mart in Bellevue, Washington. I remember liking the other one immensely. That one was original flavor and this one says spicy. Let’s give it a go!
#4982: Sapporo Ichiban Hakata Junjo Shin Shin Tonkotsu 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 – “Our penultimate destination is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen—Fukuoka! We’re bringing back this classic, creamy Hakata tonkotsu ramen pack from our very first box because it’s so good and we want everyone to try it! This pack comes from a popular shop called Shin Shin.”
#4981: Sapporo Ichiban Chicken Dashi Shoyu 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 – “Our first stop is Asahikawa, Hokkaido, where we’ll enjoy this tasty bowl of shoyu (soy sauce) ramen with a delicious, savory free-range chicken broth. This ramen also features chicken meat, egg and green onion on top for an amazing bowl that is both light and flavorful—an excellent start!”
#4980: Sapporo Ichiban Fujiro Tonkotsu Shoyu 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 – “Get ready for some hiking because we’re conquering Mt. Fuji next with a Fuji-inspired cup ramen! This cup features a hybrid broth of tonkotsu and soy sauce with a
delicious garlic accent and plenty of cabbage—perfect for eating while you watch the sunrise on the summit!”
#4979: JML Super Stew Beef Flavor – China
The second of two Super varieties I found at Evergreen Asian Market up in Everett, Washington. The last one was pretty good as I remember. Let’s give stew beef a try!
#4978: Migelas Rasa Sop Buntut – Indonesia
Here’s the last of the varieties sent by Pher Engi – thank you very much! Sop buntut, you ask? It’s oxtail soup. Let’s give it a go!
#4977: Maruchan Numaru Pepper Nagasaki-Style Champon – 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 – “Last on our trip is the lovely prefecture of Nagasaki! This Chinese-inspired Japanese noodle dish features a base full of umami and delicious pepper that combine to make a delicious champon soup! It comes with a special flavor oil too, creating an addictive cup of noodles.”
#4976: Sichuan Guangyou Mian Yang Rice Noodle Artificial Beef Flavor – China
Here’s a neat one that arrived by way of Exotic Noods. This one has rice noodle – sounds like it may be a good one – let’s find out!
#4975: Ottogi Cheese Ramen In Soup – South Korea
This one comes by way of Exotic Noods – you can get great subscription boxes from them full of interesting varieties. Try using THERAMENRATER coupon code for a discount. Cheese and South Korean noodles go great – let’s give it a go.
#4974: Vifon Instant Bean Thread Crab Flavor – Vietnam
The last bean thread variant I had was really quite nice. Curious how this will be. Let’s give it a whirl!
#4973: Xiaoai Hot & Sour Sweet Potato Noodle – China
I was planning on doing three reviews today, but I got my green screen tee shirt and wanted to do another one and give it a try, so you’ll see the result at the bottom in the Instant Noodle Recipe Time episode. Anyways, this one was a pain to trranslate and unsure if I even got it right. Let’s give it a try – at least the instructions aren’t difficult.
James Sends One More Pack!
Well, James from Lakeside had one more up his sleeve and here it is – check it out!
#4972: 99 Ranch Market Jjamppong Spicy Seafood Ramen – United States
Here’s the second of the 99 Ranch Market varieties. I should mention they’ve also got packs of just noodles in different styles like buckwheat, etc. This is by my calculations probably made by Paldo Vina in Vietnam. Let’s give it a try – jjamppong is one of my favorite varieties.
#4971: Viet Cuisine Sriracha Chili Instant Rice Noodle – Vietnam
This one is only the second I’ve tried from this range. It sounds much better than the first I tried which I think was a mushroom variant years ago. Let’s give it a whirl.
James Sends A HUGE Box!
James of Lakeside, California has been a real booster to my reviewing – lots of varieties I’ve not reviewed before – check out what’s in this one! Something big!
#4970: Tokushima Seifun Kinchan Noodle Do! Ninniku – Japan
After 7 years of unboxings, this the absolute last one from Zenpop, now defunct purveyor of ramen noodle boxes. Guess it’s time to retire this last cup.
#4969: Huafeng Seafood Flavored Instant Noodle – China
Found this one at S*Mart in Bellevue. Took a little research to figure out what it was, but not much. Looks interesting. I like seafood. Let’s give it a try.
#4968: Mamee Chef Creamy Tom Yam Flavor – Malaysia
Found this one at HMart which was kind of a surprise. A welcome one, however. I really like Malaysian variants and this company sure puts out some nice ones. Let’s delve…
#4967: JML Big Soup! Big Taste! Artificial Beef Flavor In Golden Soup – China
Well, it’s Wednesday…. A rainy Wednesday. Really like the universe to comply… Need to get out and walk but my poor little Mimi has a stomach bug which is keeping her home for the third day. So, here I am reviewing again. I’m so far ahead – don’t know when you’re seeing this one (September?) but it’s March 27th as I write this. Really need a break from reviewing as well as getting out of the house. Hopefully I’ll get to next week… Maybe this weeks? Getting my hopes up… Let’s try this one.
#4966: 99 Ranch Market Kimchi Ramen – United States
This is pretty neat. I started reviewing instant noodles in 2002, however I only did about 50-60 reviews by 2010. Well, in 2010, Kit and I moved to Edmonds, Washington. It was within a short walk of a 99 Ranch Market location. I’d never had such easy access to instant noodles before, and that’s what caused me to go full on noodle reviewing at that point. This is the first 99 Ranch Market branded instant noodle product I’ve ever seen. It’s made in Vietnam, and I know there’s an arm of Paldo called Paldo Vina over there and I’m going to bet that’s who made these for them. This is called private label. Anyways, pretty cool – there’s also a jjambbong and I’ll be review that soon.
#4965: New Touch Nagoya Taiwan Mazesoba – 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 – “Back to the shinkansen to head to Nagoya! This Nagoya soup-less soba dish combines the kick of its slightly creamy and deliciously spicy sauce with the taste of yummy green onion and garlic. There’s also a hint of added umami with a light fish powder.”
The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Maruchan Yakisoba
I was approached by Maruchan recently asking if I’d like to review a couple additions to their Yakisoba Japanese Homestyle Noodles range. I’ve been reviewing them here and there for years, and thought since I have samples of their current range, why not go and do a special guide to the current varieties and ones that no longer exist. So, we’ll start with the current varieties and then go backwards after that to now discontinued varieties. Each one will have a link to the full review. I sent some questions to Maruchan regarding the initial release of these varieties and other things, but never got a reply. If I do, I’ll include these in this guide. Let’s check out all the Yakisoba varieties!
#4964: Dujosoo Konjac Liangpi Noodles With Sesame Sauce – China
Another one found at S*Mart in Bellevue, Washington. I still get a kick every time I think of S*Mart. If you’ve seen the film Army of Darkness, you’ll know why. Anyways, this is a cold noodle and from what I’m seeing on the outset, you don’t cook the noodle – you simply rinse it with cold water. Let’s give it a try.