Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch

#2394: Nissin Cup Noodles Prawn Flavour

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#2394: Nissin Cup Noodles Prawn Flavour - Hong Kong - The Ramen Rater

I realized I had a problem recently. Indeed, all my shrimp in the freezer was freezer burnt and I needed to just toss them out and get some new ones. I can’t remember the last time I got new shrimp – I want to say it’s been a few months. So, I got some 31-40 ones. So the way they gauge size of shrimp is by the number you get per pound. I have been able to get the 16-20 ones before, but the place I get them doesn’t have any of them that are pre-cooked and tail on but the 31-40 it is. So it’s prawn today – sounds like a good time to test out the new shrimp, eh? So let’s check out this prawn flavor instant cup noodle from Nissin of Hong Kong. ...see full post

#2393: Ripe’N’Dry Hokkaido Miso Ramen

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#2393: Ripe'N'Dry Hokkaido Miso Ramen - Japan - The Ramen Rater - instant ramen

Here’s one I got at Jason’s Market at the bottom of the Taipei 101 in Taiwan. Indeed this Ripe’n’Dry miso is one I’d been searching for for a very long time! I reviewed the Shio version about 45 reviews back and wasn’t extremely impressed. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t ‘holy cow this is awesome.’ I will say that I really love this packaging though – very nicely done! However, the name evokes thoughts of, well… Flatulence. Smelly dry farts immediately come to my mind. I thought I’d look and see what wikipedia has to say about flatulence: ...see full post

#2392: MyKuali Penang Red Tom Yum Goong Rice Vermicelli Soup

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#2393: MyKuali Penang Red Tom Yum Goong Rice Vermicelli Soup - Malaysia - The Ramen Rater - rice vermicelli

Hey awesome! So I’ve been trying to get my hands on the full range of MyKuali rice vermicelli bowls for a while now. Indeed, they are only sold in Southeast Asia which can make it difficult. However, the kind folks at MyKuali sent me quite a few of their newer varieties and so I’ve got them all including a couple others! So today, it’s Penang Red Tom Yum goong. So, what does this mean? Wikipedia, if you please: ...see full post

The Ramen Rater Interviews: Happy Souper Of Germany

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The Ramen Rater Interviews: Happy Souper Of Germany

This is the 15th year that I’ve been running The Ramen Rater and I thought it was about time I did some of the things I thought might be kind of fun during the past years. One of these is the idea that it would be interesting to find out about other bloggers who review instant noodles. Indeed, there are a few of us out there. ...see full post

#2388: Hua Feng Three Fresh Delicacies Flavor Noodle

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#2388: Hua Feng Three Fresh Delicacies Flavor Noodle - China - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Here’s one that was sent to me by Mengzhe Z. all the way from China! Thank you! He contacted me a while back asking me if I’d ever reviewed these Hua Feng noodles and I hadn’t. He says they’re his favorite. So, what are the three fresh delicacies? Well, we’re going with chicken, shrimp and egg from the package, however it might not be egg but onion or perhaps shallot. Maybe mushroom. Let’s check out this variety from Hua Feng, all the way from China! ...see full post

#2387: Nissin Demae Iccho Sesame Oil Flavour Instant Noodle

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#2387: Nissin Demae Iccho Sesame Oil Flavour Instant Noodle - Hong Kong - The Ramen Rater - instant noodle

This one is a left over from the Nissin Foods Hong Kong Meet The Manufacturer – thanks again for sending so many! So lately I’ve noticed quite a few of the Demae Iccho varieties in local stores around where I live. I’ve also found them in the past in Canada including this one. What’s the difference? Well, it all comes down to meat. ...see full post

#2385: Uni-President Man Han Feast Chilli Beef Flavor Instant Noodles

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#2385: Uni-President Man Han Feast Chilli Beef Flavor Instant Noodles - Taiwan - Ther Ramen Rater - 札幌一番 滿漢大餐 麻辣鍋牛肉麵

Well, it has been a long time coming but here it is. This is the one I’ve been looking for. For three years. Why so hard to get? It’s really popular in Taiwan – why couldn’t I get it? Simple. Beef. There’s a big pouch of beef in here – not artificial beef, but real beef. I got this in Taiwan and brought it back with me. It’s kind of stupid; if someone sent this to me in the mail, it’d get stopped by the USDA inspectors that check the mail. I go there and pack it in my stuff, it comes through fine. What’s nice too is that it is in perfect condition; like I went to the store here and bought it and brought it home. Let’s crack this thing open and take a gander at this huge pack of noodles. ...see full post

#2383: Nissin Cup Noodles Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup (New Recipe)

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#2383: Nissin Cup Noodles Beef Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup (New Recipe) - The Ramen Rater - USA - instant noodles

Okay so here’s another one of the new recipe Cup Noodles from Nissin Foods USA – thanks again for sending ’em over! I did a kind of experiment a while back – one that ended pretty well. See, on Instagram I often see people enjoying their instant noodles alongside a beer as well as some form of Chee-Tos, whether they be regular, Flamin’ Hot or Flamin’ Hot Limon. What’s kind of funny about it is that it sort of makes sense. See, Chee-Tos kind of have the same effect on instant noodles as tempura. Weird but true – they’re crunchy but also work well in broth. It’s alright if you think I’m crazy, but I do find this somewhat poetic. Let’s check it out. ...see full post

#2382: Nongshim Seaweed Instant Noodle Cup

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#2382: Nongshim Seaweed Instant Noodle Cup - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

Here’s a cup I found at Carrefour in Taipei, Taiwan during my trip in November of 2016. I’ve never seen this one before and from what it looks like, it’s made for the Chinese/Taiwanese market. At least the packaging in Chinese gives that away. Also, I can see that it’s referencing www.nongshim.com – not a .cn or .tw, so these should be made in South Korea. It also has a little banner proclaiming ‘number one’ but unsure what that’s referring to. Anyways, let’s see what we have here and give these seaweed noodles a try! ...see full post

#2381: Nissin Demae Iccho Seafood Flavour Instant Noodle (Cup Type)

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#2381: Nissin Demae Iccho Seafood Flavour Instant Noodle (Cup Type) - Hong Kong - The Ramen Rater

One of the waning few left from the Nissin Foods Hong Kong Meet The Manufacturer – thanks again! Indeed, Nissin Hong Kong was more than generous in sending over 50 different varieties! Nothing better than a great big injection of noodle varieties into my noodle hampers. At one point, I had to have them staying in their original box since they wouldn’t fit into the containers I have under my desk. Today, we have a seafood Demae Iccho cup. Looks pretty good from the picture of the front -. Let’s have a look at this one. ...see full post

#2380: Pulmuone Non-Fried Ramyun With Spicy Beef Broth

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#2380: Pulmuone Non-Fried Ramyun With Spicy Beef Broth - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

So here’s something new I found at HMart. This is going to be battle for me, however you might wonder why. Well, much of the package is shiny gold colored. Unfortunately, shiny gold and silver packages are evil. I mean, not really, but really at the same time. Indeed they look nice, but they add a bit of an issue to my process. Indeed, scanning gold or silver foil packs presents a real problem. No matter what, there are wrinkles in the packaging, and ones I usually can use Photoshop to get rid of. However, these wrinkles when in a shiny foil wreak havoc with the scanner and the images come out extremely light and dark in spots. Anyway, just a little behind the scenes on what I do when putting out a post. ...see full post

#2379: Nissin Cup Noodles Hot & Spicy Shrimp Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup (New Recipe)

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#2379: Nissin Cup Noodles Hot & Spicy Shrimp Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup (New Recipe) - United States - The Ramen Rater

Well, this is it. Right now, I’m listening to the inauguration of Donald J. Trump. It’s January 20th, 2017 and kind of a weird day. I thought it would be fitting to review something from the United States today. Finally, after decades of sticking with the same recipe, Nissin has decided to go with something new. On Cup Noodles’ 45th anniversary here in the USA, they’ve changed it to make it healthier. Some changes are no added MSG and no artificial flavors. Furthermore they’ve lowered the amount of sodium in these cups from the previous versions using potassium chloride.  So, let’s give this Hot & Spicy Shrimp a try! ...see full post

#2378: Sau Tao Non-Fried Mix Noodle Black Pepper XO Sauce Flavoured

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#2378: Sau Tao Non-Fried Mix Noodle Black Pepper XO Sauce Flavoured - Hong Kong - The Ramen Rater

Today, I’m reviewing something from Hong Kong. These are in 5 packs – and the individual packs haven’t got bar codes. Indeed, I have wondered why I couldn’t find individual servings of this one, but that definitely makes sense now; hard to sell a variety without a bar code. Why don’t they put bar codes on them? I don’t know, but they definitely want you to buy a pack.  For those who aren’t in the know about XO sauce, here’s a little something from wikipedia: ...see full post

#2377: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle (Japan Version)

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#2377: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle (Japan Version) The Ramen Rater

Wow check this out! This is one I’ve reviewed many times before but this is a new version that comes in a little box! Thank you to MyKuali for sending this along! Indeed, their Penang White Curry was #1 on my annual top ten list is 2014, and it’s appeared on top ten lists since then. It’s amazing stuff; very strong flavors and aroma. When I visited Malaysia in 2014, I got to get a real sense of the foods there. In fact, I got to try many, many varieties of their cuisine! I tried lots of seafood of which I really liked the sunfish. ...see full post

#2375: Uni-President Man Han Feast Braised Pork Flavor Instant Noodles

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#2375: Uni-President Man Han Feast Braised Pork Flavor Instant Noodles

Here’s one I got at 7-Eleven in Taipei, Taiwan in November of last year. I’ve been wanting to review these bowls for a very long time, but never have been able to get any through – nobody’s ever tried though. So what is this ‘Man-Han Feast’ anyways? Here’s some info from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2374: World O’Noodle Mi Goreng Garlic Flavour Fried Noodles

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#2374: World O' Noodle Mi Goreng Garlic Flavour Fried Noodles

Here’s one I got in the Jason’s Market on the first floor of the Taipei 101 in Taiwan last November. I believe this World O’Noodles line is from a big grocery store chain in Southeast Asia – not 100% sure on that, but pretty sure. Garlic Mi Goreng? Oh yeah – sign me up! I’m hoping that this will be a delightful and delicious instant from Indonesia. Let’s have a look at this World O’Noodle variety. ...see full post

#2373: Nissin Top Ramen Atta Noodles Masala

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#2673: Nissin Top Ramen Atta Noodles Masala

After a long time, I finally go to visit a little store I used to frequent a lot. I went to visit Indian Sweets And Snacks yesterday in north Seattle/Shoreline. First off, you’ll note that these are indeed Nissin Top Ramen. Second, you’ll note that they don’t look like any you’ve seen before. Indeed, these are from India – where masala, curry and other flavors are very popular. Who is the character on the front? Top Boy! We usually don’t see a lot of this kind of thing in the United States. In conclusion, Ultimately, I call on all noodle companies to have a cartoon character! I think it’s kind of fun. Let’s check this Top Ramen Masala out. ...see full post

#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

#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

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