Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

#4996: JML Instant Noodle Artificial Stew Pork Flavour – China

#4996: JML Instant Noodle Artificial Stew Pork Flavour - China

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. ...see full post

#4995: Nissin Artisan’s Tan Tan Ramen – Japan

#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.” ...see full post

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. ...see full post

#4993: Nissin Cup Noodles Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#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! ...see full post

#4990: Samyang Foods Buldak Jalapeno Cheese – South Korea

#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. ...see full post

#4989: Sapporo Ichiban Shio Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#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!” ...see full post

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 – ...see full post

#4984: Nissin Maneki Station Tempura Soba – Japan

#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.” ...see full post

#4982: Sapporo Ichiban Hakata Junjo Shin Shin Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#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.” ...see full post

#4981: Sapporo Ichiban Chicken Dashi Shoyu Ramen – Japan

#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!” ...see full post

#4980: Sapporo Ichiban Fujiro Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen – Japan

#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!” ...see full post

#4977: Maruchan Numaru Pepper Nagasaki-Style Champon – Japan

#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.” ...see full post

#4973: Xiaoai Hot & Sour Sweet Potato Noodle – China

#4973: Xiaoai Hot & Sout 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. ...see full post

#4967: JML Big Soup! Big Taste! Artificial Beef Flavor In Golden Soup – China

#4967: JML Big Soup! Big Taste! Artificial Beef Flavor Is 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. ...see full post

#4966: 99 Ranch Market Kimchi Ramen – United States

#4966: 99 Ramen 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. ...see full post

#4965: New Touch Nagoya Taiwan Mazesoba – Japan

#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.” ...see full post

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! ...see full post

#4964: Dujosoo Konjac Liangpi Noodles With Sesame Sauce – China

#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. ...see full post