Category: Maruchan

#5053: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Cajun Chicken Flavor – United States

No comments

#5952: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Cajun Chicken Flavor - United States

First, I’d like to send big thanks to a person who works at a prison who doesn’t want to be identified. This is something some of you might know, but many will not. This is prison ramen. Notice the package has a lot of clear space? That’s to make it hard to conceal contraband people might like to bring in. Maybe not bring in per se, maybe things that were brough in and wanted to be hidden? I know a lot of you will ask where you can get this. Prison. Jail. Grocery store? No. Will the distributor sell it to me? No. They’re very clear on that – I’ve contacted them in the past and it’s definitely not going to happen. Yeah. So if you want some of these noodles, you’ll have to do something to end up in a corrections facility, or luck out and be contacted by someone that works at one and offers you some. I will say if you are really wanting this stuff check on eBay as you might be able to find it there from time to time. Anyways, let’s cook it up. ...see full post

#5026: Maruchan QTTA Thick & Light Cheese Cream – Japan

No comments

#5026: Maruchan QTTA Thick & Light Cheese Cream - 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 – “Next up is a tasty cup ramen that’s as smooth as JJK’s Gojo! The mad men at QTTA came out with a delicious yet light cheese cream ramen with hints of black pepper to keep things spicy (also like Gojo)!” ...see full post

#5024: Maruchan Seimen Sesame Tare Cold Ramen – Japan

No comments

Maruchan Seimen Sesame Tare Cold 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 – “We know it’s getting warm outside, and it’s probably getting warm inside with your watch party marathon. That’s why we got you a tasty pack of cold ramen with a delicious sesame tare sauce that’s sweet, savory and perfect for cooling off!” ...see full post

#5005: Maruchan Zubaan! Tonkotsu & Seafood Ramen – Japan

No comments

#5005: Maruchan Zubaan! Tonkotsu & Seafood 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 – “With a package that captures the beauty of traditional Japan, this choice was inspired by the night sky at night sakura events. This pack combines a tonkotsu base and dried fish base for a unique, full flavor. Add thick, springy noodles and you’ll have tasty ramen (or tsukemen)!” ...see full post

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

No comments

#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

The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Maruchan Yakisoba

No comments

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

#4960: Maruchan Yakisoba Teriyaki Chicken Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles – United States

No comments

I realized that to have my complete Definitive Guide I needed this one I hadn’t reviewed. Tried the local store. Nope. Tried a Dollar Tree. Not this one but a different one I wanted to redo. A couple days later, I decided to try the local store again. Found it! So that rounds out the currently available varieties. Completion is good for the soul. Let’s cook it up – I know I really like the teriyaki beef, so let’s give this a try. ...see full post

#4954: Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles – United States

No comments

#5102: Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles - United States

Here’s one I thought I ought to revisit. I got a couple boxes of samples from the kind folks over at Maruchan recently and this was in there. I wasn’t going to review it again, but my daughter Mimi asked to try it the other day. It smelled really nice, so I figured let’s give it a go. I really love Korean BBQ – some of the best meals I’ve had have been at a now gone Korean BBQ place called Secret Garden. The banchan was great, the servers were super kind, and usually in the back at the bar people were doing karaoke. It was fascinating and nice little cultural microcosm. Anyways, let’s cook this up and give it a go.

Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles – United States

#5102: Maruchan Yakisoba Korean BBQ Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles - United States

Detail of the packaging (click to enlarge). Contains beef. To prepare, add room temp water to line and clear sachet contents. Microwave for 4 minutes at 1000W. Add powder base. Finally, stir and enjoy! ...see full post

#4953: Maruchan Yakisoba Chicken Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles – United States

No comments

#5101: Maruchan Yakisoba Chicken Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles - United States

Wow it sure has been awhile – repackaging and over 14 years! I thought hey – I’m planning on doing a Definitive Guide to these, why not revisit chicken. My last sampling was review #215. There’s something about these trays that drives me nuts. Now, they’re not designed with the thought that there’s a guy somewhere will be scanning the bottom of the tray. Well, this guy here does and it’s horror. They’re shrink wrap, so they dont want to lay flat and fold over, etc. They also get tons of reflective glare. Anyways, yeah. But whaddaya do. Best ya can. Let’s cook it up! ...see full post

#4952: Maruchan Yakisoba Cheddar Cheese Flavor – United States

No comments

#5083: Maruchan Yakisoba Cheddar Cheese Flavor - United States

It was 2011. Nobody’d heard of COVID?. Everything was somewhat peaceful as far as I remember. 13 years ago. That was the last time I’d tried this one. There are a ton of these Yakisoba varieties – some are no longer made – the taco one was my 1000th review. Four Cheese, Tomato & Basil, Sweet * Sour – if you want to see them all here you go. But today, it’s cheese! Let’s cook it up. ...see full post

Maruchan Ramen x Funyuns Onion Flavored Rings Collaboration Snacks

No comments

Maruchan Ramen x Funyuns Onion Flavored Rings Collaboration Snacks

If you’ve thought ‘hey I wonder what a Funyuns and Maruchan Instant Lunch had a baby, what would it taste like?’ then you’re a very strange individual. But that’s what we have here. Granted, these aren’t the product of some strange snack mating ritual, but hey it’s a snack nonetheless. I’ve seen them just about everywhere lately. I’ve also seen people’s thoughts on them, ranging from dislike to completely evangelism. Well, here’s an unboxing time of the product accompanied by a taste test. Thank you to @officialfunyuns and Maruchan  for scooting this my way! ...see full post

#4929: Maruchan Yakisoba Spicy Chicken Flavor – United States

No comments

#4929: Maruchan Yakisoba Spicy Chicken Flavor - United States

Well, a couple reviews ago I started with how my back was screwed up from doing a lot of work on the weekends setting things up. Well, it still is sore, and today I planned on walking a lot but there were three D’s that kind of ruined that plan… Damn cold, damn windy, damn rainy. So, damn. I walked to the local store and got a couple things including this one to review. I don’t think I’ve reviewed it in a great while, so here it is and here I go. ...see full post

#4925: Maruchan QTTA Carbonara Ramen – Japan

No comments

#4925: Maruchan QTTA Carbonara Ramen - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box – here’s what they had to say about it – ‘What is this?? Did my Japan box turn into an Italy box? Look again, it’s QTTA Carbonara(men)! Wordplay aside, this is really ramen noodles in the famous Italian sauce. Japan is an island nation with many people not finding many opportunities to travel abroad, which leads to foreign flavors being very interesting. How close is this ramen carbonara to the real thing? You be the judge!’ ...see full post

#4905: Maruchan Wonton Ramen Noodle Soup Hot & Spicy Chicken – United States

No comments

Was surprised to find this where I did but there it was so I got this and the non-spicy version. Maruchan had a bit of a fanfare about this – that it was bringing back something people were clamoring for. I completely expected their often asked about tomato flavored Ramen Noodle Soup, but this ain’t that which I think really disappointed a lot of folks. Regardless, this sounds interesting so let’s give it a try. ...see full post

Maruchan Prison Ramen Noodles Sent Anonymously

No comments

It’s only been a couple of times I’ve been sent instant noodles that are available only if you get in trouble and go to prison. Both times have been from folks who work in correctional institutions and want to remain anonymous, so thank you anonymous donors! This video below will go over four varieties you might have never heard about unless you have been to jail/prison. They have a lot of clear space on them to dissuade folks from trying to hide stuff in them to bring in – drugs, weapons, etc. I’m really excited to receive these and not have to go to prison to try them – I’ve tried contacting Maruchan’s distributor in the past and gotten a firm ‘no’ as to getting samples. ‘You’re saying I have to go to prison to sample the product?’ ‘Yes. We won’t send you any.’ Rude! Well, again thank you to my anonymous friend who sent me these and didn’t make me adopt a life of crime to give them a taste. If you’ve had to be on ice for a period of time and tried these varieties, how did you prepare them? I’ve done prison ramen burritos aplenty, but I kind of want to do something different. Please comment below with the particular variety and what you did with them. On with the video! ...see full post

#4895: Maruchan Men-no-suke Tategata Kamodashi Soba – Japan

No comments

#4895: Maruchan Men-no-suke Tategata Kamodashi Soba - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box – here’s what they had to say about it – ‘Toyo Suisan delivers a symphony of flavors and ingredients with this duck, bonito based ramen cup. The soba noodles are a perfect transistor for the tingle of the seven spice chili seasoning. But this tingle dances upon not only the elegant fatty duck flavor, but also the umami of shiitake and seaweed. Duck based stock is known to be a healthier alternative in Japan, though we won’t promise any effect in that department… That said, the amount is very satisfying, especially coming in a convenient cup!’ ...see full post

#4893: Maruchan QTTA Shoyu Tonkotsu – Japan

No comments

#4893: Maruchan QTTA Shoyu Tonkotsu - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop box – here’s what they had to say about it – ‘Soy and tonkotsu in umami harmony. The QTTA series is beloved in Japan for the warm, satisfying feeling you have after eating it. People let out an “aaaah! That hit the spot!” and continue their day a little more positively than before. Sporting an elegant purple fit, this cup is no trick and all treats, so don’t sleep on it!’ ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2024 Edition

No comments

This is a list I come out with every year – what’s different this year is now there’s a new rule: only one product per company. Seems fair to me – and also a way for more things to be seen. I don’t think it’s a bad idea and honestly, I think insofar as this list goes, it won’t be very hard to pull off. Anyways, here we go with The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2024 Edition! ...see full post

#4878: Maruchan Gekimen Kouhaku Mochi Ramen – Japan

No comments

#4878: Maruchan Gekimen Kouhaku Mochi Ramen - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box. Here’s what they had to say about it – ‘We’re entering the celebration season and for Gekimen Wonton noodles, it’s not just new years that’s cause for celebration! It’s the 45th anniversary of this product, so Toyo Suisan is releasing a special version which you are looking at in your box! This special wontonmen is topped with red and white mochi to create a feeling of festivity, as both the colors and mochi represent just this. And we haven’t even mentioned the taste yet! Gekimen is all about young people living passionately, and this bowl embodies this with a hearty stock and honest crunchy and flavorful toppings like green onion, bamboo shoots and Naruto.’ ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition

No comments

The Ramen Rater's Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition

You know, this list while very exclusive isn’t one that brings me great joy. I really like instant noodles and the people who produce them, but some varieties just give me real disgust. I just can’t stand them, don’t recommend them, and wish they were different so I would like them. These are the ones I really, really dislike. This list is current as of review #4830. Be sure to check out announcements below – lots of neat stuff going on! With that, allow me to introduce you to The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition. ...see full post

#4738: Maruchan Seimen Goma Abura Kaoru Toridare Hiyashi – Japan

No comments

#4748: Maruchan Seimen Goma Abura Kaoru Toridare Hiyashi - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box -here’s what they had to say about it – ‘This is a delicious cup of chilled Mazesoba.🍜 The noodles have a chewy texture, combined with a flavorful chicken sauce infused with sesame oil and green onions🍗✨ It’s a refreshing and savory dish, perfect for summer.🏖️🍉 冷やし中華 (Hiyashi Chuka) is a popular Japanese summer dish.🌞 It features chilled noodles topped with ingredients like cucumber, ham, and eggs, drizzled with a tangy soy-based sauce. This Toridare Hiyashi takes inspiration from this dish, offering a unique twist with its chicken sauce and sesame oil😊🍽️ Enjoy this delightful, cool meal to beat the heat!👊🌞 ‘ ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition

No comments

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition

This list is coming a bit late this year, but I figure late is definitely better than never. This one’s comprised of varieties made in, and specifically for the US market. Some really tasty stuff here is your backyard if you didn’t know! These are my favorite US varieties out of reviews up to review 4,650 that are currently on the market. Got something I’ve not tried? Hit me up! Anyways, let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition

No comments

The Ramen Rater's Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition

Quite a few years ago, July 8th, 2013 to be precise, I came out with my first The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time. I got the idea from a guy who worked at one of the world’s leading instant noodle companies. He asked ‘you have top tens, why not a bottom ten?’ I weighed the idea carefully. I could really piss off a great deal of people with my list. But what the hell – I do that already with my top tens – people are always disagreeing, and that’s fine. Ten years later, it’s time for my tenth installment of The Ramen Rater’s Bottom Ten Instant Noodles list. These are the worst (in my personal opinion) varieties I’ve ever had – mind you this is out of 4,400 reviews. Definitely not a list anyone wants to be on. What companies like I’m sure is when a product falls off the list and a new one gains my ire. This time it’s a horror show theme, done up with AI. Well, let’s check them all out – and remember, if you like some of these, that’s fine with me – just don’t expect me to eat them with you. ...see full post

#4532: Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce Flavor Craft Ramen Noodles – United States

No comments

#4532: Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

I think this is the last of the varieties that Maruchan sent for the Meet The Manufacturer series. Haven’t had this since it’s initial launch many years ago. These look very much like Maruchan Seimen, a range which is very popular in Japan. So, what’s the different? No pork. Let’s give it a go! ...see full post