Bowls, cups, , trays, packs, and boxes. Well, I haven’t done a list of boxed or tray-style instant noodles – maybe that will come soon. But I think that separating these is important. The experience that a cup is meant for is different than a cup or bowl. Cups are more for a snack on the go, packs for when you’ve got a stove, and bowls are, well, for lunch. Although in the finished shots of these you’ll see them plated here, generally people will be looking at the bowl they came in, possibly using the plastic fork they came with, and tossing everything once they’re done. These are my favorites, current as of review #3545. Let’s have a look at The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition.
Category: Nissin
#3547: Nissin Miojo Nissin Lamen Sabor Galinha Caipira – Brazil
This one came from Mr. Saturn – thanks again! I know galinha is a kind of young hen – a little oilier than standard chicken, but not exactly up on the whole caipira. I’m getting ‘bush cutter’ which seems a little odd. Maybe one of you will know. Not only that, this is review #3470 and I think 3470 was a standard of terminal emulation from back in the finer days of computer stuff. Let’s give it a try!
#3538: Miojo Nissin Lamen Sabor Costela – Brazil
Costela translated in Google to ‘rib.’ I don’t know if this is pork or beef rib though, that is something I would like to know. I looked on google and found more pork than beef, so going with pork. Fingers crossed.
#3513: Nissin Demae Ramen Original Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
Last night, we had to do a Walmart Neighborhood Market run. It’s basically just a grocery store Walmart – kind of nice – wide aisles, lots of stuff… Anyways, I always look in the noodle aisle. There are two areas actually; domestic and ‘ethnic.’ Well, this was in the ethnic category. What is very interesting is that this is made in California. What’s kind of funny is how it says ‘#1 Ramen Noodle Soup In Hong Kong.’ This version is much different. The Hong Kong version includes fishcake with the little delivery guy’s face on it. Also, the bowls are more like the king cups – much taller.
#3438: Nissin Cup Noodles Big Extra Spicy Tonkotsu – Hong Kong
I haven’t reviewed something for Hong Kong in a little while and this one was sent by a reader residing over there – thanks again! I remember getting about 56 varieties from Nissin HK when I did the Meet The Manufacturer series – that was pretty intense! Let’s check the temperature on this spicy tonkotsu!
#3435: Nissin Cup Noodle Smoky & Spicy Sio – Japan
Here’s one that was in a box from Zenpop. Their monthly boxes feature a slew of varieties from Japan – use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount!
#3432: Nissin Eco Style Refill Chikin Ramen – Japan
This is one that wad sent to me by a reader named Breeze – thank you again! It’s a refill. So there are cups you can get that are specifically made for these – you just pop this thing into the cup and it fits like a foam cup but it’s reusable, so no need for more foam to be thrown away. Yep. So let’s check it out!
#3431: Nissin Raoh Grapefruit Shio Ramen – Japan
I’m getting grapefruit from a Google translation, but it might be yuzu. Got this up in Canada at a rad store called Smart’n’Save – it’s my personal Disneyland I think. They’ve got a lot of varieties I’ve not seen elsewhere – like a specialty shop for snacks, noodles, and treats from Hong Kong and China and Japan. Let’s give this one a try!
#3425: Nissin U.F.O. Chow Mein Noodles Spicy Beef Artificial Flavor – Hong Kong
It’s like a parallel universe! Where am I?! WHO CAN EXPLAIN THIS??
Okay so what’s the problem? This is from Hong Kong. It says flavor not flavour. I don’t understand.
#3418: Nissin Miojo Lamen Hot Sabor Calabresa – Brazil
Here’s another one sent by Mr. Saturn – thank you! I translated calabresa and Google spat out linguica and kielbasa. So, looks like we have sausage juice broth with noodles? Let’s find out!
#3409: Nissin Asahikawa Hokkaido Shoyu Ramen – Japan
Here’s one that we found at my personal Canadian Disneyland, Smart’n’Save at the Lansdowne Centre Mall up in Richmond, BC. Man, I love that little store! Anyways, yeah this one looks pretty neat – shoyu’s on the menu today! Let’s hit it!
#3397: Nissin Myojo Cremoso Carne Com Chilli – Brazil
These Cremoso varieties have been a blast! This one’s meat with chili – let’s give it a try!
#3394: Nissin Top Ramen Soy Sauce Bowl – United States
This is the third and final variety of the new Top Ramen bowls – Soy Sauce. Originally called oriental flavor, Nissin decided to change it over to soy sauce flavor. It’s kind of interesting; I’ve been to Asia a handful of times and seen the term oriental all over the place, however here in the states I’ve heard of some discontent with the term, possibly the impetus for this change. Anyways, let’s give this one a try!
#3393: Nissin Anpanman Soy Sauce Flavor Cup Noodle – Japan
A huge shout out and thank you to Breeze K – a regular reader and commenter – for sending these along! She got them from a friend who visited the Cup Noodle museum in Japan! Man, I want to check that place out someday – what a humbling experience that would be… All those Cup Noodles… Anyways, the guy on here’s name is Anpanman. He’s a comic/cartoon hero of sorts from Japan you may have seen before. This cup is very small – only calls for 170ml boiling water to cook it. Shall we give it a try? Let’s!
#3389: Nissin Menshokunin Tantanmen – Japan
Here’s one that was in a box from Zenpop. Their monthly boxes feature a slew of varieties from Japan – use coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount! Here’s what they have to say about this one – “Why not bring this ramen for your lunch at work? Whole wheat flour is added to the non-fried noodle so it is a healthier but delicious choice! The authentic noodles and appetizing savory soup match very well. Plus we really like the package of this cup too. It has Japanese modern and beautiful designs so that’s another reason for you to bring it to work.”
#3384: Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry Sweet Chili Flavor – United States
Here we have the third and final review of the new range from Nissin Foods USA – Sweet Chili flavor. These have so far been pretty good. This one’s vegetarian as well. Let’s give it a go!
#3383: Nissin Miojo Lamen Sabor Frango Assado Com Toque De Limao – Brazil
Here’s another Brazilian variety from a reader – thanks again!! This one’s roast chicken with a touch of lemon – sounds good to me – let’s give it a go!
#3381: Nissin Pasta U.F.O. Sabor Alitas Hot – Mexico
Alas, we come to the end of the road on the samples from the last box from Nissin MExico. They were all fascinating and different, but this I’m hoping is a case of saving the best for last. Their Intensos Cup Noodles Alitas Hot was sensational, and hoping that same flavor carries over to this one. Let’s find out! By the way – Alitas Hot means ‘hot wings.’
#3372: Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry Teriyaki Beef Flavor – United States
Continuing the reviews of this new range from Nissin USA, we have the Teriyaki Beef variety of the Stir Fry range. Sounds good to me; Nissin’s take on teriyaki beef has been enjoyable in the past. I saw a comment a day or two ago from someone hoping that they’d be good (specifically this one). So, I figured if someone wants to get my take on it, I’ll expedite it, and here we are. Let’s give ‘er a go!
#3371: Nissin Miojo Cremoso Sabor Estrogonofe De Frango – Brazil
I was initially very confused by this one but it seems to have fallen in place with a little translation from Google. Chicken stroganoff flavor! What a unique one here! Never have I seen a stroganoff instant before. Let’s give it a go!
#3365: Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry Korean BBQ Flavor – United States
Hey awesome! New domestic product!!! It’s not every day that a new product that’s instant noodle related comes out here in the United States, and when it does I’m always very keen to give them a try. I’m very curious about this one, which is part of a range of three new varieties under the Cup Noodles hood.
#3362: Nissin Pasta U.F.O. Res Teriyaki – Mexico
I’m so curious how this is going to go. Most of the Nissin Mexico varieties tend to have a local spin as far as flavor goes. Will this one? I don’t know.
#3358: Nissin Top Ramen Shrimp Flavor Bowl – United States
Here’s the second of three new Top Ramen bowls from here in the United States. At first I though ‘okay, it’s just Top Ramen in a bowl.’ But the extras in these are very interesting. Definitely excited to try ’em. Let’s do it!
#3350: Nissin Miojo Cremoso Costela Barbecue – Brazil
I really like it when readers send me a ton of varieties from somewhere I’ve never been able to get them before. This is one of those! I know there’s lots of cups and other brands out of Brazil to try as well. Brazilian varieties have very savory flavors, centering mostly on meat. This one’s barbecued ribs flavor! Let’s check it out.
#3344: Nissin Miojo Lamen Sabor Frango Com Alho – Brazil
Brazil certainly has a myriad of flavors and instant noodles reflect those very nicely. This one, garlic chicken, sounds really good! I’d better get some chicken defrosting. Let’s check out these noodles sent by a reader!
#3338: Nissin Pasta U.F.O. Camaron Fuego Salsa Habanero Picante – Mexico
Here’s another one of the Nissin Mexico varieties I received recently – thanks again! Spicy? Let’s find out! It mentions that it’s got kick from habanero which is most definitely spicy.
#3336: Nissin Top Ramen Chicken Flavor Bowl – United States
This one came in a special ‘First Taste Club’ box from Nissin Foods USA – pretty snazzy. So, what’s the big deal? Well, it’s Top Ramen, in a bowl. It also comes with vegetables. It also comes with… teriyaki sauce? I’m very curious about this one – let’s cook it up and ruminate on this…
#3329: Nissin Cup Noodles Dark Dragon Sabor Salsa Negra Y Limon – Mexico
I just have to say – what an ominous name for an instant noodle! I really dig that! When I saw this, I had to contact Nissin Mexico and see if I could get some. Well, they sent it! They also sent three U.F.O. Yakisoba varieties as well which you’ll see on upcoming reviews.
#3326: Nissin Miojo Nissin Lamen Hot Sabor Galinha – Brazil
I was told a while back that Brazilians don’t go all in for ultra spicy and that this range does have varieties that are spicier than others, but not super duper spicy. Either way, this sounded like a good one for today, so here we go.
#3313: Nissin Raoh Kogashi Spicy 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 – ‘This is called geikikara’ (extremely hot); however, it’s not as hot as it thinks it is. We bet you will like this even if you are not a big fan of spiciness. The rich tonkotsu soup contains delicious ma-yu (burnt sesame oil and garlic), and it creates an irresistable smell for your appetite. The unique octagonal form of the box is to let it stand out from other noodles.’
#3310: Nissin Miojo Cremoso Sabor Molho De Queijo – Brazil
Here’s another one from a reader in Brazil – thank you very much! So from translation, it sounds like this is a cheese sauce noodle. It mentions ‘menos agua’ which means ‘less water,’ probably meaning this will have a thicker broth/sauce. Let’s give it a try!
#3302: 7-Eleven Premium / Nissin Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto – Japan
I saw an article mentioning two new ‘super spicy’ noodle coup out of Japan. Well, I found one of them (actually I found both but this one was cheap on eBay while the other required buying six and that wasn’t happening). I keep seeing that this is a spicy Mongolian miso tanmen which sounded interesting.
#3290: Nissin Men Shokunin 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 – ‘Indulge yourself freely with this dish because these are non-fried noodles with whole grains. We LOVE how healthy the noodle tastes, and no wonder it is very popular. The tonkotsu soup has much depth of flavor matching perfectly with garlic. Toppings are chashu, wood ear mushrooms and scallions. Since it is the lightest one out of this month’s pack, when you crave ramen in the middle of the night, this is the best bet.’
Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry – First Taste Club #004 Unboxing
Yep – new stuff from Nissin USA! Cool stuff in this box! Let’s take a look!
Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry First Taste Club #004 Unboxing – United States
Nissin First Taste Club Box 003 – Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater
So I’m in the ‘First Taste Club,’ so when a new product from Nissin Foods USA drops, I get a sample. Here we go!
#3233: Nissin Cup Noodles Soup’D Up Zesty Chicken Flavor – United States
This came by way of Robert over at www.dadbert.com – thanks! I’ve never seen hide nor hare of this variety ever before – anywhere. Test market in Kentucky? Perhaps. It looks like these are a meat version of the Very Veggie really; lots of meat instead of vegetables. My thought – screw it – I mean put lots of meat AND vegetables in there. In fact, screw that – do a retort pooch with meat and vegetables – now you’re talking! Nissin – you’re here in the United States already – use real meat! Retort pouches are the salvation – they shall bring a whole new age to the domestic instant noodle industry in America! At least that’s my vision. Let’s check it out!
#3225: Nissin Cup Noodles Singapore Laksa – 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 – ‘Laksa, a spicy noodle soup dish of Singapore, joins Zenpop Ramen this month to try and win the Zenpop Ramen Cup. The creamy coconut flavor is spiced up with chili and coriander. How do you like this iconic Asian taste?’
#3204: Nissin Edo Soba – Japan
Here’s one from Japan Ramen Box – a subscription service out of Japan. Here’s what they have to say about this Nissin variety –
#3186: Nissin Miojo Nissin Lamen Light Legumes – Brazil
This was sent to me by Daniel from Brazil a while back – thanks again! Brazilian varieties fascinate me; the flavors are very unique and so far quite tasty! Let’s check out this light variety.
#3181: Nissin Yakisoba Instant Pancit Savory Beef Flavor – Philippines
This one was found up in Richmond, BC at the SuperStore. What’s funny about this one? Well, it shows chopsticks on the cup and has a fork inside. I’ve been given a ration of insults and criticism for using a fork. I really don’t understand why; I mean, here’s an Asian variety with a fork. I think it’s common for Westerners to immediately go to ‘Asian people use chopsticks and if you use them wrong you suck’ kind of thing. My logic is that if I’m in Asia, I’ll use a pair of chopsticks. In Thailamd they use a fork to push food onto a spoon and then eat it, so I did that while there. It really doesn’t matter what tool you decide to use, it’s about eating a meal, right?