Category: * Stars 4.1 – 5.0

#4661: Trader Joe’s Red Curry Thai Noodles – United States

#4661: Trader Joe's Red Curry Thai Noodles - United States

Time for some more fare from Trader Joe’s. I’m really curious about this but honestly don’t know on this one. Why? Well, the other day I did a review of a variety which looks identical and was just horrible.  I really hope that this does indeed taste like red curry – that would be great. However, I’v got my doubts. Let’s find out. ...see full post

#4649: Indomie Mi Instan Mi Keriting Goreng Spesial – Indonesia

#4649: Indomie Mi Instan Mi Keriting Goreng Spesial - Indonesia

Massive thanks to Pher Engi of Australia for sending this as part of a huge haul of Indonesian varieties. Another from this range is in the 2023 Top Ten global list. They both used to be available in the United States, but not anymore – which is very sad. They really should bring these back… Special noodle, excellent flavor. I’ve not reviewed this is years and years so with new packaging heralding their 50trh anniversary, away we go. ...see full post

#4648: MAMA Oriental Kitchen Dried Instant Noodles Truffle Flavour – Thailand

#4648: MAMA Oriental Kitchen Dried Instant Noodles Truffle Flavour - Thailand

Here’s the first of two new varieties from MAMA of Thailand that they were kind enough to send – thank you very much! Truffle! I’m really curious about this one. Truffles I’ve always thought a musty, old book kind of flavor – and I like the scent of old books and that transmitted as flavor is truly fascinating to me. I’m curious how strong this will be. Only one way to find out! ...see full post

#4647: Ottogi Jin Jjajang Smoked Black Bean Flavor – United States

#4507: Ottogi Jin Jjajang Smoked Black Bean Flavor - United States

Found this one while looking for something completely different recently at HMart. I could tell they had the new noodle type (flat/broad) and thought that could be interesting, so here we are with today’s review. I should mention I have a special guest on today’s Instant Noodle Recipe Time at the bottom, so check it out. Anyways, let’s cook it up and give it a try! ...see full post

#4646: Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen – United States

#4646: Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen - United States

So here’s one I’ve really enjoyed for a long time. Indeed, it has also been in exitence for quite awhile as well. It’s the original variety that was introduced to the South Korean market back in 1963. Initially, it was mistaken as a textile which is kind of funny, but that didn’t last long at all. This is the packaging for export, but it’s the same as what you’ll find in South Korea. ...see full post

#4642: NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle – Rice Noodle – Taiwan

#4630: NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle - Taiwan

This one seems a little different. So, it says 3 flavors in 1 noodle.

NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle – Rice Noodle – Taiwan

Detail of the packaging (click to enlarge). Looks to be meat free but check for yourself. To prepare, boil noodle for 5~6 minutes, then 30 seconds with lid on. Drain. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy! ...see full post

#4634: The Han Kitchen Budae Ramyun – South Korea

#4634: The Han Kitchen Budae Ramyun - South Korea

This one was found at HMart in Lynnwood, Washington. Never have seen this brand before. I’m guessing this is going to be budae jjigae, aka ‘troop stew,’ a combo of a classic Korean spicy ramyun along with bits you would find in Army rations like hot dog, salami, macaroni – stuff that will last a long time in the field. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4630: NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle – Guanmiao – Taiwan

#4630: NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle - Taiwan

This one seems a little different. So, it says 3 flavors in 1 noodle.

NoodleMix 3 Flavors In 1 Noodle – Guanmiao – Taiwan

Detail of the packaging (click to enlarge). Looks to be meat free but check for yourself. To prepare, boil noodle for 5~6 minutes, then 30 seconds with lid on. Drain. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy! ...see full post

#4625: Samyang Tangle Bulgogi Alfredo Tangluccine – United States

#4780: Samyang Tangle Bulgogi Alfredo Tangluccine - United States

Found this one recently at Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington. I rarely buy a multipack, but I found this one so compelling that I figured why not. Bulgogi is a delectable dish which usually isn’t represented well when not in it’s original form, and marrying it to something as western as an alfredo pasta seemed really fascinating – if it works. Let’s see if they can manage to balance the authenticity of both dishes well. ...see full post

#4621: Tapatio Ramen Noodle Soup Birria Flavor – United States

#4449: Tapatio Ramen Noodle Soup Birria Flavor - United States

Very curious about this one. So here’s a little background on birria –

Birria (Spanish: [ˈbirja] (listen)) is a Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco. It is a traditional soup or stew made from a combination of chili pepper-based goat meat adobogarliccuminbay leaves, and thyme, and cooked at a low heat. Birria is slow-stewed in a pot (olla), and differs from barbacoa, which is cooked underground. Beeflambsheepchicken, or vegan meat substitutes are alternatives for goat. It may be seasoned and garnished with onioncilantro, and lime. It is commonly accompanied with handmade corn tortillas.[1] Birria is one of the most famous dishes from Central Mexico including Jalisco and Michoacan. Each municipality and state is said to have its own version of this dish. The most famous are goat birria from ApatzinganMichoacan and from Guadalajara, Jalisco San Pedro Tlaquepaque, are also well known for the quality of their birria.[2] ...see full post

#4616: Nissin Chicken Ramen Donburi – Japan

#4616: Nissin Chicken Ramen Donburi - Japan

Back in 2016, I reviewed this one before my son Miles was a year old. This was my 2000th review at that time, and I found it to be really quite good. It came in a special sunscription box (which I’ll tell you about below), and I figured it was due another look. Nissin Chikin Ramen was the first variety on the market in 1968 – and it didn’t have a seasoning sachet; the seasoning was in the noodle. This one is that way as well, and includes a freeze dried block with egg and other ingredients. This was also the first instant noodle I fell in love with when my favorite at age 8 or so was discontinued (Nissin Roasted Ramen). When my parents took me to Seattle to Uwajimaya, a big Japanese grocery, they asked them what was comparable and they steered me towards Nissin Chikin Ramen. I also saw all the different varieties on hand as well and was instantly transfixed; so much foreign text! Exotic flavors! I’m making this bowl today and going to let my daughter Mimi try it when she gets home from school. ...see full post

#4614: Cielo Pozole Flavor Instant Ramen Noodle – United States

#4614: Cielo Pozole Flavor Instant Ramen Noodle - United States

You might not be familiar with pozole – I have tried a pozole ramen in the past but unfortunately I still haven’t sampled the actual dish. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about it – ‘Pozole (Spanish pronunciation: [po’sole]; from Nahuatl languagespozolli, meaning cacahuazintle, a variety of corn or maize) is a traditional soup or stew from Mexican cuisine. It is made from hominy with meat (typically chicken , but possibly pork), and can be seasoned and garnished with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chilli peppersoniongarlic, radishes, avocado, salsa or limes. Known in Mesoamerica since the pre-Columbian era, today the stew is common across Mexico and neighboring countries, and is served both as a day-to-day meal and as a festive dish.’ ...see full post

#4606: A-Sha Meteor Noodles With Braised Beef Sauce – Taiwan

#4799: A-Sha Meteor Noodles With Braised Beef Sauce - Taiwan

This sounds great and I’m really quite curious. Braised beef noodle is a really wonderful thing in Taiwan. I’ve had the fortune of trying it over there and it’s just spectaular – rich flavor and beef that’s melt in your mouth wonderful. A-Sha also makes a boxed premium noodle with beef that’s been on the global top ten for a couple of years now. Let’s see what this new braised beef noodle tastes like – it can be prepared two different ways, too! ...see full post

#4603: Nissin Cup Noodles Tom Yam Seafood Flavour – Singapore

#4603: Nissin Cup Noodles Tom Yam Seafood Flavour - Singapore

Back in 2017 when the world was young (before I started Instant Noodle Recipe Time), this one graced my desk with its packaging exclaiming ‘more shrimptacular.’ The packaging has changed a bit and I got this one as part of a media kit espousing the virtue of their new Cup Noodles Fish Head Curry (which were quite good, I might add). Nissin Singapore has sent some really quite amazing and well thought out media kits as of late – can’t wait for more of them! Let’s give this new packaging cup a try. ...see full post

#4596: Red Chef Sesame Clear Soup Noodles – Malaysia

#4596: Red Chef Sesame Clear Soup Noodles - Malaysia

Of all the Red Chef varieties, this one I understand the least. I like to revisit it again once in a while as it’s something I just don’t quite understand. That’s most certainly not the product’s fault . So that being said, I walk towards it again in hopes a new sampling will bring me closer to understanding it. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#4595: Burung Layang Terbang Mie Goreng Rasa Sambal Terasi – Indonesia

#4595: Burung Layang Terbang Mie Goreng Rasa Sambal Terasi - Indonesia

Thanks again to Pher Engi for this crazy train of neat Indonesian varieties, of which I’ve barely scraped the surface! This is a shrimp paste flavored mi goreng – and it’s not like anything I’ve seen thus far in my reviewing – look at everything in this thing! Let’s get cooking! ...see full post

#4593: Red Chef Green Tom Yum Soup Noodles – Malaysia

#4593: Red Chef Green Tom Yum Soup Noodles - Malaysia

Haven’t has this in a while, and since they often change recipes and tweak them to bring customers better experiences with their products, I figure they’re due for another try. This one’s been on my top ten global list for a few years now. I also like to make sure these varieties should still hold their spots. My guess is this is still going to be good. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post