Category: * Stars 0 – 1.0

#5021: Nissin Raoh Yuzu Shio Ramen – Japan

#5021: Nissin Raoh Yuzu Shio 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’re rounding out our list with a bowl of ramen that’s as refreshing as a new hit anime or an amazing new season! Back by popular demand, this ramen combines the light taste of shio (salt) ramen with yuzu citrus for a complex yet refreshing combo of flavor!” ...see full post

#4909: Pulmuone Doenjang Stew Ramen – South Korea

#4909: Pulmuone Doenjang Stew Ramen - South Korea

Had a great day yesterday – went and walked all the way to my wife’s work for the first time which was fun, going through forest, construction areas galore and under/over passes. Then we hit Costco and then HMart! Found this at HMart which was very cool. Haven’t heard of doenjang jjigae – a regular popular stew from South Korea before. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4883: Yamadai New Touch Char Siu Men from – Japan

#4883: Yamadai New Touch Char Siu Men from - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box. Here’s what they had to say about it – ‘Here’s a perfect start to the Christmas season: the mouthwatering delight of Yamadai’s New Touch Char Siu Men! Crafted with love and care, these noodles are a symphony of flavor that celebrates the heartiness of homegrown ingredients. Made from 100% domestic wheat, with a dashi of Japanese charm, we bring you “豚骨” (tonkotsu) – a special, velvety broth that’s the soul of every ramen bowl, filled with the love of “国産” (kokusan – domestically produced) pork chashu. These savory slices of chashu are tender, juicy, and slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring that each bite is an adventure in itself. This instant noodle cup also comes with a tantalizing mix of spices, carefully chosen to awaken your taste buds. Unlock the hidden flavors of “だし” (dashi) and “しょうゆ” (shoyu) as you savor the authenticity of Japanese cuisine.’ ...see full post

#4878: Maruchan Gekimen Kouhaku Mochi Ramen – Japan

#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

#4871: Snapdragon Spicy AF Ramen Super Spicy Noodle Soup – United States

#4871: Snapdragon Spicy AF Ramen Super Spicy Noodle Soup - United States

Okay so yes, these are made in Vietnam but made for the US market. Interesting name for starters – kind of surprising. That aside, I’m kind of curious about thsi one. I’m guessing it isn’t going to be AF’ing spicy as the nomenclature connotes. I am noticing in the ingredients this stuff employs capsicum oleoresin which is extractive of peppers.  Let’s find out – an eating video at the bottom. ...see full post

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

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

#4823: Omsom Saucy Noodles Coconut Lemongrass Curry – United States

#4823: Omsom Saucy Noodles Coconut Lemongrass Curry - United States

Well, this is the last of the products from this brand that I have. I think this is all of them. This sounds good in name. What I expect is a kind of sauce with a light sweetness, maybe a seafood element, a a little heat and lemongrass bite. I’m hopeful we don’t have yet another one that has a strong  Italian vinaigrette element to it, but it won’t surprise me. My mind is open – and hopeful. ...see full post

#4821: Omsom Saucy Noodles Garlic Black Pepper – United States

#4821: Omsom Saucy Noodles Garlic Black Pepper - United States

This one’s a little different from the last two I tried. The last two at the top mentioned Vietnamese rather than Chinese on the packaging. So far, no good for this company insofar as my reviews. The last two scored very low – rather non-nom –  and I’m hoping there’s going to be one that I like as these were pretty expensive. With an open mind, let’s give it another go. ...see full post

#4814: Twisted Noodles Ramen Soup Chicken Flavor Ramen – United States

#4814: Twisted Noodles Ramen Soup Chicken Flavor Ramen - United States

Big thanks to James from Lakeside for sending this one over! I think I’ve heard of this brand – kind of curious one here. Who’s making this? It’s made in the US it says – and lists a distributor. Private label? The cup itself is on a design that I’m not familiar with for any co-packer, so kind of weird. Noodle itself looks unfamiliar as well. Hmm. Well,, let’s delve into this chicken cup. ...see full post

#4812: Yumei Spicy Braised Instant Vermicelli With Pickled Cowpea – United States

#4812: Yumei Spicy Braised Instant Vermicelli With Pickled Cowpea - United States

Here’s one my lovely wife Kit looked at and said ‘what about this one?’ I’ve found there’s a universal truth in the universe: when she sees one and questions me about it and if I’ve not had it, it’s one I should review. This one’s made in China, let packaged for sale in the United States. So, let’s do so! ...see full post

#4801: Omsom Saucy Noodles Chili Sesame – United States

#4801: Omsom Saucy Noodles Chili Sesame - United States

Been wanting to try these for a while. We found them at Whole Foods market in Lynnwood, Washington. I’ve tried emailing the company a couple of times, but never received a response. Ah well. These are curious – they really look like Taiwanese dry noodles. Let’s check out this one with more to follow soon. ...see full post

#4798: Sugakiya Men Dokoro Inosho Kansyu Kara Kara Uo Ramen – Japan

#4632: Sugakiya Men Dokoro Inosho Kansyu Kara Kara Uo Ramen - Japan

Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – here’s what they had to say about this one – ‘Get ready to spice up your taste buds with the “Spicy fish ramen” (辛辛魚らーめん) supervised by the famous restaurant “Mendokoro Inosho” (麺処井の庄) in Shakujii, Tokyo! This ramen has been causing a stir since its release and has been on the market for a whopping 15 years – that’s some serious longevity for a single cup of noodles! But that’s not all – Sugakiya has upped the flavor ante with a special spicy fish powder and tantalized taste buds with delicious bonito flakes that bring out the full flavor of the soup. With every slurp, you’ll feel like you’re dining at the “Inosho” restaurant and savoring their rich and savory flavors. So why not give your taste buds a wild ride and spice up your day with this irresistible cup of ramen? (It’s quite spicy: if you’re sensitive, add the powder little by little).’ ...see full post

#4760: Kracie Popin’ Cookin’ Tanoshii Ramen – Japan

Kracie Popin' Cookin' Tanoshii Ramen - Japan

This one was for a special occasion – the 2,000th episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time. I thought hey – why not let my wife and daughter have some fun making this one. I figure I’m not going to be doing a great job on this one lol – gooey and gummy stuff sounds frustrating, so I figured I’d leave it to them. They’ve never done an episode together either, so I thought hey – why not? The episode is at the bottom. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

#4720: Trader Joe’s Garlic Sauce Thai Noodles – United States

#4719: Trader Joe's Garlic Sauce Thai Noodles - United States

Well folks, this is the last of the Trader Joe’s stuff I had. Honestly, these pouch noodles and sauce bowls have been surprisingly decent. The only problem are the bowls – you can’t just cut it up and scan it before you use it – rather irritating for yours truly, however my issues with the bowl itself probably aren’t an issue for 99.99% of those eating this. Let’s see how the garlic one is. ...see full post

#4718: Bulramen Extra Hot Stir-fried Ramen – South Korea

#4718: Bulramen Extra Hot Stir-fried Ramen - South Korea

Well, hmm. I think it’s time for something spicy. It’s early August 2023 and you know – spicy food. It’s funny – the chicken here kind of looks like Terminator with a chili pepper machine gun or something. I should note that this is the first review using my new tool – the RPFD – the ramen packaging flattening device. What’s that? Well, it’s a suction cup shower handle attached to a clear piece od thick Plexiglas which does a great job of flattening packs of instant noodles on the scanner. After over 4,000 reviews and trying different things to aid in scanning problem wrinkly packs, this came to me after using a tablet screen to hold down a metallic pack a few reviews back. You can see the post I did about it here. By the way, while it’s definitely got export info for the US, it’s got it for many countries, so this isn’t specific for the US and so it gets a South Korea label. Let’s try some fire? ...see full post

#4712: Little Sheep Signature Soup Noodle – China

#4712: Little Sheep Signature Soup Noodle - China

Man, where did I find this one. Hmm… I think I found it at 99 Ranch Market in Edmonds, Washington, but I could be totally wrong. It looks as Sichuan Baijia is making this one, however they’re making it in Inner Mongolia which I find fascinating.  I’m really curious about this one, that’s for sure. Let’s give it a a try! ...see full post

#4658: Shen Gong Fried Rice Noodles Artificial Beef Flavor With Chili Oil – United States

I’ve been reviewing instant noodles since 2002, doing episodes of Instant Noodle Recipe Time, The Chocolate Break with my wife, Professional Mukbang, Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater and more. Right now, we’re in a pretty crummy financial situation and hoping that some of the fans will be able to help out. I really loathe asking like this. I’ve set up a GoFundMe. It really is strange – you hear about statistics like ‘this percentage are one paycheck away from financial ruin.’ I love going to the thrift store and finding some trinket on the cheap. Right now, that’s a luxury I can’t even fathom, really. What’s crummy too is the time of the year that this is happening. Holidays plus my daughter’s birthday is a week before Christmas. Ugh. Here’s the link if you can help out. ...see full post

#4652: That’s Asia Sweet & Sour Sauce With Noodles – United States

#4652: That's Asia Sweet & Sour Sauce With Noodles - United States

Well, here’s this. The last time I tried something from these folks I came up with only one thing to say; that’s not Asia. I’ve an open mind, but guessing I’m in for disappointment. But I’ve got an open mind, dammit! I think chicken should pair rather well with this and I do have chicken. Well, it’s made in Thailand for the Us market. That being send, let’s That’s. ...see full post

#4509: Cup O’ Crazy Gummy Noodles United States

#4509: Cup O' Crazy Gummy Noodles United States

In December, we went to Party City. They had a new one opened up next to us and so we were getting stuff for our daughter Miriam’s birthday. Well, they had two candy noodle things and this was one of them. A Cup O’ Crazy. That’s pretty weird. It’s got goo, edible chopsticks, and gummy noodles. I really don’t like things like this so much but I have to review it of course. Qho knoqa; it could be masterfully crafted; like a jelly noodle with a sauce that’s made from fine ingredients and chopsticks of sweet coconut powder that melt in your mouth. But I wouldn’t count on it. Let’s commense this, the 4,509th session of my personal congress of noodling. ...see full post

#4504: Kikkoman Noodle Kit With Sauce Teriyaki Sesame – United States

#4503: Kikkoman Noodle Kit With Sauce Teriyaki Sesame - United States

This is a gluten free product we found at a local store. My wife does the gluten free thing, so making this for her today. It’s currently 23 degrees outside with a wind chill as low at 15. That’s pretty cold for these parts. I’ve got to go to the store to get some stuff, so I’ll probably be talking about how cold it is. Anyways, let’s cook this one up. ...see full post

#4471: Nissin U.F.O. Korean Hot Chicken Flavour – Singapore

#4471: Nissin U.F.O. Korean Hot Chicken Flavour - Singapore

This is definitely a challenge to the popular spicy Korean varieties that are so popular right now. I’m really curious if it will also bring a Singaporean savoriness. Logically, this will be formulated to appeal to Singaporeans; like how we have American Chinese cuisine here, perhaps there’s a Singaporean Korean cuisine there? I don’t know but I think I’ll find out shortly! ...see full post

#4469: Pran Mr. Noodles Instant Noodles Beef Flavour – Bangladesh

This is one of the waning varieties I found at a store called JD’s Market right between Edmonds and Lynnwood. I end up checking them out usually right around Halloween every year as it’s right next to the Spirit Halloween store. Usually something I’ve not tried in there and this year was great for something new as well. Let’s try this beef instant from Bangladesh. ...see full post