Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

Sapporo Ichiban’s New ‘Momosan’ Iron Chef Morimoto Ramen – United States

I was contacted recently by Sapporo Ichiban regarding a new range of products. In collaboration with Iron Chef Masaharu Miromoto and his Momosan Ramen restaurants, here’s the new varieties for the USA! Let’s check them out! ...see full post

A Spicy Zenpop Box for January 2019 – Japan

Here’s the latest and greatest box from www.zenpop.jp! Use coupon code RAMENRATER at checkout for a discount! Let’s have a look. ...see full post

Mazendo Restaurant Dry Noodle From Taiwan | Unboxing Time

Something new from Taiwan? Believe it! Lots of new things arriving here all the time. Let’s crack open this box and find out more! ...see full post

Umai Crate: Japanese Instant Ramen Box – January 2019 – Unboxing Time

Another month, another box! We have a new Umai Crate to unbox!  Japan Crate curates these and there’s always something interesting going on in these boxes – usually quite a few somethings! Coupon code below – check it out! ...see full post

Unboxing Time: Japan Ramen Box – January 2019

Here’s the most recent Japan Ramen Box – a subscription box full of instant ramen from Japan! Curious as to what’s inside? Let’s have a look! ...see full post

#3098: Lau Liu Tou Hand-Made Noodles Spicy Beef Flavor – China

#3098: Lau Liu Tou Hand-Made Noodles Spicy Beef Flavor - China

Here’s one we found up in Richmond, BC at China World. That was a tough store. Mainly it was because we went there and got a ton of noodles and then find out they only accept cash. That sucked. So we ended up coming back! Let’s look at this one! ...see full post

#3097: Yum Yum Tem Tem Squid With Lime – Thailand

#3097: Yum Yum Tem Tem Squid With Lime - Thailand

Here’s a variety from Yum Yum – really interested in this one since I really like squid. I even have a brand new pack of frozen carved squid to delve into! Let’s squid it up! ...see full post

#3096: Prima Taste Singapore Black Pepper Crab Flavoured La Mian – Singapore

#3096: Prima Taste Singapore Black Pepper Crab Flavoured La Mian - Singapore

Here’s something pretty cool – I was contacted by the folks at Prima Taste who said they had a new product. Now their Whole Grain Laksa has been number one on my top ten for 3 years now, so naturally I want to try something new from them. They don’t come out with new stuff often and never had anything I didn’t like. ...see full post

#3095: Daikoku Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

#3095: Daikoku Tonkotsu Ramen - Japan

Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this Daikoku variety – ‘If you’re a fan of pork bone soup and love the rich, delicious
taste of pork, then Daikokuken Tonkotsu Ramen is a perfect meal for you! It’s a gem of a pig bone soup, and is finished with the rich taste of pork extract. The noodles are mediumfine,
slightly transparent, and the perfect additions to an already flavorful broth. If you’re in the mood, you can even add your favorite ramen soup ingredients to enhance the
experience! Go wild!’ ...see full post

#3094: Nongshim Oolong Men Beef – United States

#3094: Nongshim Oolong Men Beef - United States

Found this one up in Canada. Nongshim products in Canada are interesting because unlike in the United States where you can find ones made here as well as from South Korea, Canada also has products that come from the Chinese Nongshim factory. That’s a lot of sources for one brand! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3093: Sichuan Baijia Green Curry Shrimp Flavor Instant Vermicelli – China

#3093: Sichuan Baijia Green Curry Shrimp Flavor Instant Vermicelli - China

Here’s one I found up in Canada – can’t remember where. Green curry is one of my favorite flavors, however not one that I think I’ve ever seen coming out of China. Sichuan Baijia has been coming out with more and more different varieties – and different little cartoon characters on their packaging. Let’s give this one a try and see how it fares. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3092: Way Premium Foods Authentic Penang Asam Laksa – Malaysia

Meet The Manufacturer: #3092: Way Premium Foods Authentic Penang Asam Laksa - Malaysia

Today, we bid a fond farewell to this great series of products from Way Premium Foods of Malaysia with a Malaysian favorite, Asam Laksa. Here’s some info about it from WIkipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3091: Way Premium Foods Authentic Chili Crab Noodles – Malaysia

Meet The Manufacturer: #3091: Way Premium Foods Authentic Chili Crab Noodles - Malaysia

Yesterday, we looked at Singapore Laksa. Today we look at another well-known Singaporean dish – Chili Crab. Here’s some info from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3090: Way Premium Foods Authentic Singapore Laksa – Malaysia

Meet The Manufacturer: #3090: Way Premium Foods Authentic Singapore Laksa - Malaysia

Bringing us to the midpoint of this special Meet The Manufacturer series is some Singapore Laksa. Here’s some info about it from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3089: Way Premium Foods Authentic Penang Prawn Mee – Malaysia

Meet The Manufacturer: #3089: Way Premium Foods Authentic Penang Prawn Mee - Malaysia

One thing’s for sure – when I visited Penang, Malaysia in 2014, I tried a lot of prawn mee. A lot. I think upwards of 5 different bowls from different hawkers and restaurants. It’s serious business, folks! Strong prawn flavors, a sweetness, just plain amazing stuff that’s delicious and addictive. When it comes to prawn mee, I’m very interested. Let’s delve into this new one from Malaysia and see what makes it tick. ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3088: Way Premium Foods Authentic Thai Laksa – Malaysia

Meet The Manufacturer: #3088: Way Premium Foods Authentic Thai Laksa - Malaysia

Well here’s something new to me – Thai laksa. I’ve had Singapore and Malaysian laksa befroe, but never Thai. Here’s a bit about laksa from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3087: Way Premium Foods Premium Scallop Noodles – Malaysia

Meet The Manufacturer: #3007: Way Premium Scallop Noodles - Malaysia

Today we begin a special spotlight series of six different and new varieties from Malaysia. We start with this scallop noodle. Here’s a little something about scallops from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From Way Premium Foods – Malaysia

Here we go with a big box of samples from a company that has it’s main roots in sauces and now makes a range of noodle products! Let’s check it out! ...see full post

Interview With Way Premium Foods – Malaysia

#3086: Nissin Raoh Kogashi Shoyu – Japan

#3086: Nissin Raoh Kogashi Shoyu - Japan

Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this Nissin Raoh variety – ‘First released to the public in 1992, Nissin Roa received the title of “Noodle King” for incorporating noodles, soup, and other ingredients together into one amazing dish. As the times have begun to change and technology has allowed
further advancement in the science of ramen, Nissin Rao has also evolved. By creating a dish with deliciousness that cannot be tasted at a ramen shop, this new sensation incorporates the peppery sweet, three-times straightened, and all around delicious fried noodles with their garlic flavored soy sauce. Enjoy pork bone flavors combined with white miso, accented with peppers, and garnished with garlic oil. You’ve never tasted Nissin Rao ramen like this before!’ ...see full post

#3085: Sapporo Ichiban Oil Soba Shrimp – Japan

#3085: Sapporo Ichiban Oil Soba Shrimp - 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 – ‘This is a special kind of “yakisoba” soupless noodle dish. Shoyu and miso based sauce is flavored with a toasty taste of shrimp, and the curly noodles catch the delicious sauce well. The savory sauce, the crunchy cabbage, and the meat. Everything in the bowl intensifies your appetite.’ ...see full post

#3084: Itomen Yamaimo Soba – Japan

#3084: Itomen Yamaimo Soba - Japan

Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out. ...see full post

#3083: Burung Layang Terbang Kweitiau Kuah Rasa Ayam Bawang – Indonesia

#3083: Burung Layang Terbang Kweitiau Kuah Rasa Ayam Bawang - Indonesia

Here’s one I found over at Waroeng Jajanan, the amazing Indonesian store on 99 in Edmonds. If you’re in Washington state and interested in anything Indonesian entering your stomach, go there. Trust me on this. ...see full post

#3082: Mivina Banana Flavor Instant Noodles – Ukraine

#3082: Mivina Banana Flavor Instant Noodles - Ukraine

A big thank you to Artur, a friend of The Ramen Rater! This is the very first dessert-style instant noodle I’ve ever tried. Ever! Not only that, It’s fromthe Ukraine! I’ve seen dessert yakisoba before in chocolate as well as strawberry shortcake flavor, and I expected those would be what I would eventually get to try. But this was way out of nowhere. Thank you again! Let’s give it a try! It’s banana time! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3081: Fu Chung Village Dry Noodles With Sauce – Garlic & Sesame Flavor – Taiwan

Meet The Manufacturer: #3081: Fu Chung Village Dry Noodles With Sauce - Garlic & Sesame Flavor - Taiwan

We bid a fond farewell to Fu Chung today and I hope we will see more of their products in the future! Let’s try this one – sesame and garlic! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3080: Fu Chung Village Dry Noodles With Sauce – Basil & Clam Flavor – Taiwan

Meet The Manufacturer: #3080: Fu Chung Village Dry Noodles With Sauce - Basil & Clam Flavor - Taiwan

Here we have the second of three varieties from Fu Chung – a basil and clam flavor! Sounds interesting – let’s hit it up! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3079: Fu Chung Village Dry Noodles With Sauce – Spicy Sichuan Pepper With Vinegar – Taiwan

Meet The Manufacturer: #3079: Fu Chung Village Dry Noodles With Sauce - Spicy Sichuan Pepper With Vinegar - Taiwan

Here’s the first of a trio from Fu Chung – a spicy Sichuan variety with vinegar. No doubt this includes Sichuan pepper. Now, it’s not like a fleshy chili pepper – it’s a peppercorn. Here’s a little about Sichuan pepper flavor from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From Fu Chung – Taiwan

When I received them, I did an unboxing video showing what came in the box from Fu Chung. Let’s see what’s inside! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: Interview with Fu Chung – Taiwan

#3078: Itsuki Kurume Ramen – Japan

#3078: Itsuki Kurume Ramen - Japan

Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out. ...see full post

Tokyo Treat Valentine’s Day Chocolate Break!

I recently was contacted by Tokyo Treat about trying their box and thought it would be neat to do an episode of The Chocolate Break with it – so we did! Check it out and hey – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount – something great for Valentine’s Day! ...see full post

#3077: Acecook Yuzu Somen – Japan

#3077: Acecook Yuzu Somen - Japan

Today, we have one that was part of Japan Crate’s Umai Crate. So Japan Crate is a subscription service which has all sorts of different options for you. pretty neat stuff from Japan! There’s a coupon code for you too – just use THERAMENRATER to get a special discount at check out. ...see full post

#3076: Rooster Chili Chicken Flavour Noodle Soup – Canada

#3076: Rooster Chili Chicken Flavour Noodle Soup - Canada

Here’s one of the many varieties I still have from Rooster, a range made in China for Canada’s Loblaw’s company. Loblaw’s owns The Real Canadian SuperStore, and that’s where I found these. Just think of Walmart, but slightly different and Canadian owned – not American. Let’s check this one out – the others in this range have been surprisingly good despite the very plain look to them. ...see full post

#3075: Sapporo Ichiban Spicy Otafuku Okonomiyaki Sauce Yakisoba – Japan

#3075: Sapporo Ichiban Spicy Otafuku Okonomiyaki Sauce Yakisoba - 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 – ‘Ripe jalapeno peppers are used to make the Yakisoba addictively spicy. Adding mayonnaise brings out the sour and savory taste of the okonomiyaki sauce. Even in this hot weather, the smell of the yakisoba will always intensify your appetite.’ ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition

It’s January 2019, and so it is time for the first of many Top Ten Lists. I always start the year with the latest South Korean Top ten. This list was compiled as of posting 3,058 unique reviews of instant noodles, 349 of which are South Korean. All varieties are manufactured in South Korea. If you are a company interested in having your products showcased, please drop me a line. Let’s begin! ...see full post

#3074: Maggi Pedas Giler Perisa Ayam Bakar Mi Goreng – Malaysia

#3074: Maggi Pedas Giler Perisa Ayam Bakar Mi Goreng - Malaysia

This was one in a box sent by Mohd from Selangor, Malaysia – thank you again! So I was trying to figure out how to translate this one. Basically, Pedas Giler is ‘crazy spicy.’ I’m all in on this one. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3073: Trader Joe’s Miso Ramen Soup – United States

#3073: Trader Joe's Miso Ramen Soup - United States

A lot of people enjoy visiting Trader Joe’s and trying their products. Actually, there aren’t many products if any that I think are actually ‘their’ products – they get companies who make a good product to do a ‘private label,’ often the same product or some with a couple tweaks and then packaged with Trader Joe’s graphics. I believe this one to be actually a cup of Mike’s Mighty Good Craft Ramen. Anyways, let’s check this new cup out! ...see full post

#3072: Canton Instant Noodles Beef Flavour – Bangladesh

#3072: Canton Instant Noodles Beef Flavour - Bangladesh

Here’s one I found up in Richmond, BC Canada at The Real Canadian SuperStore. They had a ton of interesting stuff in there not only in their ethnic section, but their domestic section. Let’s take a look. ...see full post

#3071: Uncle Sun Dry Chili Crab Noodle – Malaysia

#3071: Uncle Sun Dry Chili Crab Noodle - Malaysia

The second of two new varieties (the first being Black Pepper Crab) that Uncle Sun sent my way. Chili Crab is considered the national dish of Singapore. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#3070: A-Sha Gourmet Traditional Taiwanese Soybean Paste Noodle – Taiwan

#3070: A-Sha Gourmet Traditional Taiwanese Soybean Paste Noodle - Taiwan

Time for dry noodle! This is the second from a set of four new A-Sha varieties. Soybean paste noodles impart a kind of meaty hit to them usually. Let’s give ’em a try! ...see full post