Here’s one that Jen from Australia sent – thanks again! Braised beef sounds good… I’m mostly familiar with Taiwanese braised beef flavors – excellent stuff! Curious how this one will be – let’s have a look!
Author: Hans "The Ramen Rater" Lienesch
#2273: Uni-President A Q Bucket Noodle Koream Kimchi Flavor
Here’s another one I found in Taipei – this one was the last instant noodle I bought there.
#2272: Nissin Demae Iccho Spicy Kimchi Pot Flavour Instant Noodle
Here’s one big bowl of noodles! I like these – they kind of remind me of what we have here in the US – Nissin makes a line called the ‘Souper Bowl’ and it’s big too. OF course, there aren’t any Black Garlic Tonkotsu or Kimchi Pot flavored ones here. I always wish there were, but tthe fact that every country has it’s own flavors is what I really love about reviewing, and since the USA is a country, we’ve got our own. Anyways, Spicy! Kimchi! A friend of mine sent me a jar of kimchi in the mail and I go t it yesterday! Perfect timing! Let’s check this one out!
Introducing Miriam!
On Saturday, our daughter Miriam was born! 6lbs 1 oz (2.75kg) and 18 inches (46cm). We’re really proud and happy!
#2271: Sichuan Baijia Chongqing Noodles Burning Dry Noodles
Leave to my wife Kit to notice things I don’t. This is art of a series of three varieties that they got in at 99 Ranch Market in Edmonds, Washington that I’d not seen before – but she did! I asked her which of the three to review first and here’s what she picked. Burning! Here’s a little snippet from Wikipedia –
A Special Announcement
Well I’d first like to say Happy Holidays to everyone who reads the blog and follows it. Second, this will be the last post for a couple days. Why? Because we’re off to the hospital to have our baby girl today! It’ll be a day or two for new posts to start up, – don’t worry there will be picture 🙂
#2270: Samyang Foods Fresh Bibimmyun Fried Noodle
The first time I tried bibimmyun a long time ago I really didn’t get it. Spicy, sweet, and worst of all, it was cold. Yep – when I first started reviewing, the thought of cold noodles made me cringe. I found this one recently at HMart and honestly have been holding back on it since I just reviewed a bibimmyun a couple weeks ago – but no more. It’s getting colder outside – rainy too. Bibimmyun is really a dish for the hot summer months when something cool and refreshing really hits the spot. Well, maybe there will be a sun break today even though the forecast is for 10 days straight of rain… Let’s check this one out!
#2269: Wai Wai Instant Noodles Veg Masala Flavour
Here’s another one that was sent by Marvin R. of Fort Worth, TX – thanks again! So you may have seen Wai Wai before coming from Thailand. This is a Wai Wai for India – by the Chaudhary Group. Let’s have a look!
#2268: Nissin Nupasta Neapolitan Flavour Instant Noodle
This one is leftover from the Nissin Hong Kong Meet The Manufacturer I did a little while back! They sent almost 60 different unique varieties of instant noodles! Thanks again – rarely does a company do something like this! So these Nupasta varieties have been really enjoyable thus far. This one looks like a noodle with marinara sauce. Let’s check it out!
#2267: Shirakiku Karami Ramen Spicy Chili Flavor Japanese Style Noodle With Soup Base
Here’s another one sent by a reader named Colin from the east coast – thanks again! I’m giving this one not a re-review but a full new review. I tried it in the past – it was review #125. Why a new review and not a re-review? Well, I don’t see anything on the old one mentioning non-fried noodles and think that maybe this has changed. The packaging has changed, but unsure if that’s denoting a difference. The brand Shirakiku is one of Nishimoto. Basically, kind of think of Trader Joe’s – they source foreign/domestic brands and re-brand them for sale in the USA under their name. That’s the case usually with Shirakiku. Let’s have a look!
#2266: Nissin Disney Cuties Instant Noodle Crab Flavour
Here’s one that Janenate from Nissin Thailand sent – thank you! Very sad times in Thailand currently; they’ve lost their King. I’ve read a lot and viewed some documentaries about him and I’m amazed. He was an amazing man – he really did a lot for him people. I look at our elections here at home and just feel a sickness from it. I send my sincere condolences to the people of Thailand and I hope the King’s philosophy continues on. Let’s have a look at this cup from Thailand with some familiar and friendly faces!
New Advertising Samples From CarJEN
I like to collect posters and advertising stuff dealing with instant noodles and really wanted one of the new CarJEN posters featuring their new Hot Curry – so they were kind enough to send some! Thanks! Let’s check them out among the other neat stuff they sent!
#2265: Nissin Cup Noodles Rich Soft Shelled Turtle Soup
Thhis was sent to me by Ippin, a purveyor of wonderful Japanese items! Thank you again! I heard about this variety a few months back and was immediately interested. I’ve never had turtle soup although I’ve heard it’s a very fancy dish. This new Cup Noodle Rich line is supposed to be very fancy and quite nice – excited to try it! This one isn’t available as it has been discontinued by the manufacturer and I don’t think anyone is selling it anymore (Ippin mentioned that they weren’t selling it either). There was some concern by animal rights activists over it being turtle flavor. Kind of confused by this since turtle seems to be available most places. But that’s a conversation for a different day – today is about flavor – let’s give it a try!
#2264: Unif Tung-I Instant Vegetarian Beehoon Rice Vermicelli
I think I should explain the symbol in the upper right hand corner before anything else. While the symbol may bring up thoughts of World War II, this actually has nothing to do with oppression; this is a Buddhist symbol denoting that it is safe for those who practice strict vegetarianism. Here’s a little from wikipedia about it:
#2263: Sichuan Baijia Broad Noodle Artificial Beef Flavor Hot Pot
When it says these are broad noodles, its definitely not an understatement. I’ve had mixed feelings about the offerings from this brand in the past – let’s see how this one pans out!
#2262: Dream Kitchen Curry
Here’s one we found when in Renton, Washington’s Uwajimaya a while back. From what it looks like on the label, this is a private label for a big distributor here in the USA by a company in Singapore.I love curry but have been a little confused by this series. Let’s give it a looksie.
Re-Review: Samyang Ramen
A few weeks back I was at an HMart – the one on 184th next to Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Washington state. I saw this perky orange pack practically jumping off the shelf at me saying ‘pick me, pick me!’ I’ve reviewed this one a couple times in the past, but it just screamed eat me. Today, I’ve got so much craziness going on – I’ll let you in on it. First, I want to say that if you take really long flights, you should get up and walk around every hour or so. Why? Well, when you don’t, you can end up with blood clots in your legs. Then those blood clots can get into your lungs. Then you can end up in the hospital like I did last weekend with my first IV in my arm and a very timid feeling for the universe. Luckily, I’ll be fine, but it could’ve been much worse (i.e., no more The Ramen Rater). I’ve been having to get my blood checked, get injections this week… Not much fun. On the up side, I should be fine – the only pain I’m in is from shots (fleeting little bits of pain when I’m jabbed) and the clots will go away naturally. The other crazy business is that in 9 days Kit and I expecting our second child together! We’re very excited and I’ll definitely post pictures of her when she’s born! Those are the bigguns – aside from those, I have a sore tooth (drove me bonkers in the last 24 hours but totally eased up now), it’s about to snow any minute now, and oh yeah – Christmas is just around the corner! A lot in a small period of time. New life and dodging a bullet. Wow. Today, I slept in a little and decided to skip reviewing. Well, couldn’t figure out what to have for lunch – I didn’t want anything that would anger the tooth again, and so again this orange pack of noodles was staring at me. Today is your day!
#2261: TableMark Tohokuno Aji Yonezawa Ramen
Here’s another one sent to me by Javier from Box From Japan. Box From Japan has subscriptions for all sorts of neat Japanese things. I regret to say that I was informed that they won’t be taking subscriptions for their ramen boxes for now – hopefully that will start again soon. He mentioned that you can purchase instant noodles from them here. Here’s what he had to say about this particular variety:
Help Support The Ramen Rater When You Shop On Amazon!
Just wanted to let everyone know – when you go to Amazon and do any shopping during the holidays (actually, any time of year) and use this link, The Ramen Rater gets a referral bonus! When you click the link, it brings you straight to Amazon – but if you look, the link will have a little mention in it of ‘theramrat’ (short for The Ramen Rater). It helps a lot and I appreciate those who already do – thanks! Bookmark the link now!
#2260: Uni-President Science Noodle (X’Mas Edition)
Since Christmas is just around the corner, I thought I ought to review this one that I found in Taiwan during my visit to Mom’s Dry Noodle in mid-November! This usually has a different packaging actually – a wizard with a wand.
#2259: Farmer’s Heart Pho Beef Flavor Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup
Let’s start with the brand name of this one – Farmer’s Heart. I think many of you will be surprised that it’s a translation of a brand that’s very well known – Nongshim. Usually Nongshim’s flavors lean towards Korean flavors – logically. But this one’s definitely Vietnamese. I’m really curious about it also because not only are these rice noodles, but they can be made in the microwave. Let’s check it out!
#2258: Kamfen Instant Wonton Noodles Scallop Lobster Soup Flavor
Been a while since I’ve had a Kamfen bowl… Scallop and lobster wonton favor? Definitely Hong Kong. It’s a seriously rainy day today and we’re going to have a power outage I predict. Ahhh. It’s not like we live in the middle of nowhere; we’re in the city! Weird. Noodle time!
The Ramen Rater Visits Taiwan – Day 5: A Fond Farewell
The Ramen Rater Visits Taiwan – Day 4: Media, Malls & Raohe Night Market
The Ramen Rater Visits Taiwan – Day 3: Taichung Noodle Factories & Taipei’s Huaxi Night Market
Day 1 * Day 2 * Day 3 * Day 4 * Day 5
Woke up at the Silks Place hotel and had some breakfast. Then we were off to the Tainan rail station. We said goodbye to Darren there and then goodbye to Perry who had to head back to Taipei as he was off to travel on business the next day. The rail stations were really fascinating; almost like a mall to themselves! Tons of people, but everything seems to work very logically. We took the train from Tainan to Taichung where three more noodle factories were to explore! Met Jason, Erickk and Paul and went out for lunch at a hot pot restaurant. Got to try plum drink – kind of tasted like American barbecue sauce to be honest, but went very well with the Taiwanese beef. Was an enjoyable meal for all and then we were off to visit three noodle factories. These factories are all part of a company called Hung Guang.
The Ramen Rater Visits Taiwan – Day 2: South To Tainan
The Ramen Rater Visits Taiwan – Day 1: Arrival & Immersion
Day 1 * Day 2 * Day 3 * Day 4 * Day 5
A couple of months ago, I was invited by Kyle Kao of Mom’s Dry Noodle – a company in Taiwan – to visit and check out their operation. Just like last time I traveled (last May to Thailand), my wife is pregnant and the trip would happen when she was too far along. Again, just like last time, she said it was alright to go and I was accompanied by my sister Sue. Like many of you know, I can’t see very well so I need a little help when travelling. In the following posts, I will chronicle everything we saw and did while there. Thank you so much to Kyle for extending this invitation, as well as to Perry, James and everyone else we met there – You made us feel welcome and we had an amazing time! I hope you all enjoy the posts!
#2257: Fuku Tom Yum Soup Instant Noodle
This one sounds really good. I really like tom yum and this looks like it’ll be good – I’ve liked most of the Fuku products I’ve tried so far and hoping this will be a continuation of that trend! Let’s dig in!
#2256: Goku-Uma Ramen Noodles Artificially Flavored Tonkotsu
I haven’t reviewed anything by this brand in a long time – they were ubiquitous for a while then kind of disappeared, then came back with more traditional Japanese ramen flavors. Let’s check out this tonkotsu bowl!
#2255: Daikoku Hiroshima Flavor Yakisoba
Saw this one at Uwajimaya a few weeks ago after visiting the Living Computer Museum and walking around the Seattle International District – good times with my homie Matt B. I thought today I’d make my lovely wife Kit some yakisoba – she really likes yakisoba and she’s been pretty miserable lately so I thought it’d be a nice treat. Let’s check it out!
#2254: Nissin Disney Cuties Instant Noodle Seaweed Flavour
Here’s another one of these neat little cups from Nissin Thailand! Let’s check it out!
#2253: Singa-Me Instant Noodles Mi Goreng Flavour
This is one from Australia sent by an Australian named Jen who sent out a big box of noodles a few months back – thank you very much! Mi Goreng – it’s beeh a while! Let’s do this!
#2252: New Touch Sugomen Sano Ramen
Here’s another one sent to me by Javier from Box From Japan. Box From Japan has subscriptions for all sorts of neat Japanese things. I regret to say that I was informed that they won’t be taking subscriptions for their ramen boxes for now – hopefully that will start again soon. He mentioned that you can purchase instant noodles from them here. Here’s what he had to say about this particular variety:
#2251: Ottogi Ramyon Sabor Camaron
Here’s another one sent to me by a reader named Colin from the east coast – thanks again! This is one he got on a recent trip to Mexico. Let’s check it out!
#2250: Nissin Demae Iccho Spicy XO Sauce Seafood Flavour Instant Noodle
Here’s yet another leftover from the Nissin HK Meet The Manufacturer! This is a really large bowl and sounds pretty good! If you’re unsure about what Xo sauce is, here’s an excerpt from Wikipedia:
#2249: Love Cook Sun Dried Noodle – Fruity Soy Bean Paste
A few months back I did a Meet The Manufacturer with Love Cook. Well, they’ve come out witha new flavor and sent me some to try! Let’s check it out!
#2248: Nongshim Shin Noodle Soup
Every year in January I come out with a Top Ten list of South Korean varieties. Much to the disappointment and anger of many people, this will never be on that list. Why? Simple. It’s made in the United States. People have debated me into the dirt on it too ‘so, why does it matter?’ Well, if I put Nissin top Ramen on the Top Ten Japanese list that would be a little ridiculous, wouldn’t it? The differences between the Nongshim Shin Cup manufactured here and manufactured in South Korea might be only geographic and packaging, but those are the rules. This could be on the Top Ten Made In The USA list at some point (I haven’t come out with a new one of those lists in a while – maybe next year perhaps). I’m working on getting some South Korean varieties soon, so I guess we’ll see this January!
#2247: Nissin Sapporo Noukou Miso Ramen
Here’s one that Javier from www.BoxFromJapan.com – thanks! Box From Japan is a monthly subscription service where you can get 4 unique bowls of ramen from Japan a month. It’s pretty awesome – I haven’t gotten a duplicate yet! Here’s what he had to say about this variety:
#2246: Dream Kitchen Soy Sauce
The last Dream Kitchen variety I had wasn’t all that great; it was tonkotsu but didn’t seem to really scream tonkotsu to me. This one is soy sauce (shoyu) and hopefully will be a good one. Let’s find out!
#2245: Nissin Vietnamese Chicken Coriander Flavour Vermicelli
If you follow my daily reviews, you might have noticed not just a lot, but a lot a lot of Nissin reviews lately. This is because I’ve done a few Meet The Manufacturers and they were kind enough to send more varieties than I review in a Meet The Manufacturer (15 maximum). Nissin Hong Kong sent around 50 different product varieties! That’s what we have today. Let’s check out this chicken flavor vermicelli!