Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

#3169: Myojo Mapo Men – Japan

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#3169: Myojo Mapo Men - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Mapo Tofu is one of the most popular Chinese dishes you can eat in Japan. Chungking Chinese Szechwan Restaurant located in Yokohama’s Chinatown serves authentic Mapo Tofu with Szechwan pepper. Myojo has succeeded in reproducing the taste of that Mapo Tofu with their original techniques. Enjoy the hot and sharp taste of Mapo Tofu Ramen!’ ...see full post

#3168: New Touch Chashu Ramen – Japan

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Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one -“Chashu (roast pork slices) makes ramen special, and this bowl of ramen is super-special because it contains three slices of it! The simple and light shoyu soup has a mingled flavor of pork, chicken and stir-fried vegetables. Add a boiled egg and make it beyond special!” ...see full post

#3163: Mom’s Dry Noodle Spicy Hot Pot Noodle – Taiwan

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#3163: Mom's Dry Noodle Spicy Hot Pot Noodle - Taiwan

Here’s a fancy new one from Taiwan! Lots of brands with boxed versions these days. You might see my logo on this one – Mom’s Dry Noodle has been on the top ten Taiwan as well as my annual top ten for the last two years! I will say I haven’t tried this one until today though, but given their track record, I’ll bet it’s good stuff! Let’s find out! ...see full post

#3162: Sapporo Ichiban Mentaiko Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

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#3162: Sapporo Ichiban Mentaiko Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Mellow tonkotsu soup meets with piquant mentaiko (spicy cod roe)! The dish uses Kanefuku’s mntaiko, one of the main mentaiko manufacturers in Fukuoka. The smell of sesame oil and roasted sesame will definitely make your stomach anticipate this bowl.’ ...see full post

#3161: Sakurai Foods Vegetarian Soymilk Spicy Noodle – Japan

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#3161: Sakurai Foods Vegetarian Soymilk Spicy Noodle - Japan

I was contacted in January 2019 by the nice folks at Sakurai Foods in Japan. They’ve sent samples before and participated in Meet The Manufacturer as well. They’ve released a series of three varieties of Vegan friendly products – thought this sounded good and would make for a good mukbang as well! Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3160: Mazendo Noodles With Chili Mala Sauce – Taiwan

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#3160: Mazendo Noodles With Chili Mala Sauce - Taiwan

This one arrived yesterday and I decided hey – how about a mukbang. So since they sent two four packs I went ahead and did one. Timing just worked well – crack it open after the unboxing video and give it a try – why not? I’ve been battling a cold that’s been going around – my son had it then gave it to me and my daughter – only ne left is my wife and I hope she doesn’t end up with it… But some spicy noodles fit the bill yesterday. Let’s check ’em out! ...see full post

#3159: Sichuan Baijia Big Boss Hot & Sour Sweet Potato Vermicelli – China

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#3159: Sichuan Baijia Boss Hot & Sour Sweet Potato Vermicelli - China

Found this one up in Canada at Foodyworld and it looks really neat! The kids are really interested in this one but I’m sure it’s definitely off the charts spicy for them. I’m always curious when I see a cartoon or comic character on a product. Definitely looks interesting, that’s for sure! Let’s crack it open! ...see full post

Top Ten Japanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 by The Ramen Rater

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Top Ten Japanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 by The Ramen Rater

This list usually comes out in January but there was an accident. Basically, I deleted the video I recorded back then! I redid the video earlier this month and so here we are. This list is current as of review number 3058. These are based solely on my personal taste and opinion. Some folks don’t like that and I was recently lectured that a company didn’t want to send samples because they were afraid I might not like their product and that I couldn’t be persuaded to give on company a better review over another. This made me proud I’m doing my job right. Let’s check the top ten Japanese list! ...see full post

#3158: Simply Asia Singapore Street Noodles Classic Curry – United States

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#3158: Simply Asia Singapore Street Noodles Classic Curry - United States

So near us we have this interesting grocery store called WinCo Foods. Everything’s pretty cheap there and they’ve got a pretty good selection. Last time when we were in the checkout lane, I noticed these sitting on the sideline. I’ve known some pretty serious people when it comes to Singapore street food and the heritage it portends. Not only that, when it comes to curry, I’m very particular. Could this little box hold within a reason for ex-pats and hawkers to stay home and not bother visiting Singapore again or going to work? Guess I’d better find out! ...see full post

#3157: TIEasy Traditional Scallion Sliced Noodle – Taiwan

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#3157: TIEasy Traditional Scallion Sliced Noodle - Taiwan

I got an email asking if I’d like to try a new noodle and of course I said yes. Turns out the fellow who wants to distribute it is up in Vancouver, BC. So I emailed him while we were up there and we met up at Foodyworld in Richmond. He gave me this and another variety as well as a pack with different kinds of noodles that contain vegetable – like a purple yam noodle, pumpkin noodle, etc. This was really cool – we chatted for a few and two days later, I’m giving these noodles a try. Let’s check them out! By the way TIEasy is short for Take IT Easy. ...see full post

#3156: Nongshim Spicy Gamjatang – United States

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#3156: Nongshim Spicy Gamjatang - United States

What a week! So last week I didn’t do a single regular review. I was knee deep editing all sorts of unboxings and episodes of The Chocolate Break. While we were out I found this one. I’ve seen it many times before, but buying 5 packs isn’t something I like to do at all anymore as first they’re expensive and second I end up with three extra packs to give a home to. ...see full post

#3155: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Slow Roast Beef Flavor – United States

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#3155: Jinmailang Cup Noodles Slow Roast Beef Flavor - United States

Okay so this one is interesting to me. First, I thought the name Cup Noodles was a Nissin thing? But then I thought Jinmailang was owned by Nissin, but then not anymore? I should note Jinmailang is most definitely a Chinese company, but it’s pretty obvious from the labeling that this is specifically for the United States.  Interesting. Also, the nutrition facts seem a little interesting to me. It’s a pretty big cup – is everything actually doubled in reality? Unsure. Either way, I found this at Fred Meyer, a chain of grocery stores in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho. Was surprised to see this brand there! Anyways, I’ve found a couple varieties there recently I’ve not seen elsewhere. Curious. Let’s check this one out! ...see full post

#3154: Acecook Super Cup Pork Kimchi Ramen – Japan

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#3154: Acecook Super Cup Pork Kimchi Ramen - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Spicy but tasty tonkotsu shoyu soup with garlic and red pepper. Add pork kimuchi flavored oil to enjoy delicious smell of kimchi. Ingredients are well seasoned pork, two kinds of kimchi seasoned with special sauce, green onion, and red pepper.’ ...see full post

#3153: Maison De Coree x Samyang Ramen Gout BBQ Coreen – France

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#3153: Maison De Coree x Samyang Ramen Gout BBQ Coreen - France

Here’s another interesting one from South Korea for a French company. Pretty neat I must say. Korean BBQ is one of my absolutely favorite things. Marinated meats cooked at your table and served with a myriad of banchan; an array of small plates with different pickled and otherwise modified vegetables and tofu. Let’s give this a close look. ...see full post

#3152: Maruchan QTTA Curry Ramen – Japan

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#3152: Maruchan QTTA Curry Ramen - Japan

Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘QTTA (kuu-ta) gives your stomach a satisying feeling because it means ‘I ate enough.’ The curry soup with wavy noodles coming in the golden packaging is nice and spicy. Contains meat, potato, onion and green onion, too, which will make you shout ‘QTTA!’ when you finish the meal.’ ...see full post

Top Ten Best Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019

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Top Ten Best Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019

This is my list of my all time favorites (compiled up to review #3132). These are the best and most memorable varieties – some you’ll be able to find easily, some you won’t. In the images you see, you’ll see garnished bowls of noodles. Note – reviewing is done BEFORE products have anything externally added by myself, and I follow directions on the package – for better or for worse. I should also note that going forward, the official last day for companies to submit varieties to be considered for the annual top ten will be January 31st. That’s enough – let’s have a look at The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: Hakubaku Mochi Barley – Japan

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Well, the last one didn’t get a review and this one doesn’t get a number, but I really wanted to let you guys check it out. I’ve been enjoying this stuff for the last few weeks and it’s good! Lots of great health benefits. I usually drop a 1/4 cup of it into a pot of soup and let it cook up for 15~20 minutes. Let’s check i tout! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From Hakubaku USA (2 of 2)

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Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From Hakubaku USA (2 of 2)

This is the second box of samples from Hakubaku USA. I want to say that I have really fallen in love with one of these products – the Mochi Barley. No, it’s not ramen. But it’s become a big part of my diet lately and it’s really good! Breaking away from the standard way I just focus on ramen, I’ll do a special review of it as well as I’ve been eating it almost daily for a couple of weeks now. ...see full post

#3147: Samyang Foods Hek Buldak Bokkeummyun Mini – South Korea

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#3240: Samyang Foods Hek Buldak Bokkeummyun Mini - South Korea

This is a new one – a smaller Buldak Bokkeummyun! However it packs a big punch. This one’s clocking in at 12,000SHU, the highest heat level to date in the range. This is to celebrate the 7th anniversary of Buldak Bokkeummyun – happy birthday! What’s cool too is that the character Hochi’s birthday is the same as my wife’s! I thought hey – I should put this out on her birthday! Let’s give it a try. ...see full post

#3146: Nissin Yakisoba Instant Pancit Spicy Chicken Flavor – Philippines

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#3146: Nissin Yakisoba Instant Pancit Spicy Chicken Flavor - Philippines

Woot woot! It is so rare these days I can get my hands on a variety from the Philippines that I’ve not reviewed yet and so I’m really stoked on this one. What’s interesting is that there are two Nissin companies in the Philippines. Nissin Monde and Nissin Universal Robina. Nissin Monde is actually a company that first started out selling biscuits. Nissin Universal-Robina is an arm of the well known Japanese empire of instant noodles. Nissin Monde is responsible for the Lucky Me! brand. Kind of interesting and odd. Anyways, let’s check this yakisoba out! ...see full post

#3145: Maison De Coree x Samyang Foods Ramen Gout Poulet Feu – France

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#3145: Maison De Coree x Samyang Foods Ramen Gout Poulet Feu - France

I was looking on Facebook and a friend from Samyang Foods posted something about developing a range specifically for France. Having never reviewed anything for the French marketplace, I thought this would be really great to try. Well, they arrived recently and so today we start with this interesting variety. What is it? Well, most likely it’s the standard buldak bokkeummyun fire noodle in different clothes. But we’ll find out. Let’s have a look! ...see full post

12,000 SHU Buldak Mini Limited Edition Fire Noodles!

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12,000 SHU Buldak Mini Limited Edition Fire Noodles!

So a happy birthday is in order for Samyang’s Buldak Bokeummyun range. They started 7 years ago with the first variety. What’s more, the birthday of their mascot Hochi is on April 13th – same as my wife’s! Pretty rad. So Let’s unbox this one and we’ll have a look at it up close and personal on Saturday! ...see full post