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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.
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!
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!
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.
Got these a little while back – thanks to the folks at Best Wok! I’ve been saving this one as the last one which wasn’t the hot and spicy was so good. Let’s give this one a try! Oh, and yes – these noodles are made completely from CORN!!
This one seems a little different. So, it says 3 flavors in 1 noodle.
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!
Yet another one found at HMart. I’ve seen adverts with these a lot recently – there’s another version as well, but I thought I’d start with this one. These are manufactured by a Chinese company called JML – Jinmailiang.Shall we commence?
The last one of these I tried was really nice – and this should be no different with Mom’s Dry Noodle’s track record to date. But you never know, so let’s check it out.
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!
This came via ZenPlus – a special marketplace where you can get some of the best of Japan easily.
Well this sounds interesting. A-Sha pairing it’s Meteor Noodle, which is like a regular noodle with an extra ‘fin’ on top, and a hot and sour flavor. Let’s give it a try on this rainy day.
This one seems a little different. So, it says 3 flavors in 1 noodle.
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!
Okay so you know mi goreng, right? Well, this is mi goreng with a noodle made from corn. Yep – corn. What’s great about it is that it’s low cal and gluten free. Unlike rice vermicelli, its not dry, and unlike bean thread, it’s not extremely sloppy. This is the perfect balance. Let’s give it a go.
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.
The last one by this brand I tried was spectacular – a wide and chewy dry noodle with a savory sauce. This one brings a thinner noodle. I’m really curious – let’s give it a try!
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 adobo, garlic, cumin, bay 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. Beef, lamb, sheep, chicken, or vegan meat substitutes are alternatives for goat. It may be seasoned and garnished with onion, cilantro, 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 Apatzingan, Michoacan and from Guadalajara, Jalisco San Pedro Tlaquepaque, are also well known for the quality of their birria.[2]
Here’s one that came in a Zenpop.jp box – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount!
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.
This time, we have the third of this series – a hot and sour plain konjac noodle. The other two were really quite good – very curious about this one. Let’s find out!
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 languages: pozolli, 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 peppers, onion, garlic, 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.’
This came via ZenPlus – a special marketplace where you can get some of the best of Japan easily. Try using coupon code THERAMENRATER at checkout!
The last one of these I did contained lion’s mane mushroom – and it’s just amazing stuff I’d never heard of. Today though, it’s kelp and seasonal vegetables. I’m really curious and can’t wait to give this a try – let’s do it!
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!
Big thanks to Pher Engi for sending this over! So, this variety I figured to be just a chicken mi goreng, but it isn’t. Ayam Pop is a dish from Sumatra – and while the image on the package seems to be a plain piece of chicken, looks can be deceiving! On Taste Atlas, I found this –
Here’s a new and improved Chili Pan Mee from Meet Mee of Malaysia! Tried this initially a couple of years ago. If it’s better than back then, hold onto your hat! Let’s check it out.
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.
While I tried this in May of 2022, I heard through the grapevine that there may be some changes to this one so I thought hey – I like beef noodle – can’t hurt to give it another try. Nothing better than Taiwanese beef noodle, that’s for sure. Let’s check out this premium boxed variety.
Here’s yet another Indonesian variety sent by Pher Engi – thanks again! Okay, so this isn’t ramen, or a noodle. It’s porridge – rice porridge to be exact. I’ve reviewed quite a few porridges, but never one from Indonesia. This looks crazy – lots of sachets! Let’s check it out!
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!
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!
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!
Here’s an interesting one from Japan found in a Zenpop box – check out zenpop.jp and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
Here’s another one of Kung Fu Noodles’ tasty varieties – and it’s got the goose oil! It’s rich and tasty – let’s give it another go – now with a new sticker!
Another one that came by way of Pher Engi – thanks again! This one came out with a big promotion a few years back. What’s funny too is that I had this ten years ago. How do I know? Look at the pack here! So, what’s cabe ijo? Translates to green chili – and what’s neat it that the noodle ends up greenish from the sauce. Let’s give it a go!
Again, thanks to Pher Engi for sending this, among many other neat Indonesian varieties. This is a newer variety – and I’m sure you’re wondering what ayam geprek is – I certainly was. From the looks of things, ayam (chicken) and geprek (crushed) is basically breaded and fried chicken. Kind of like chicken strips. I found a recipe for it, but it’s looking like it might just be easier to buy a chicken strip from the local deli counter already prepared. Kind of a busy day so that might be the route I take but I’m unsure. Let’s give this a try.
BonCabe (bone-chabay) is an Indonesia spice mix which packs serious heat. This one’s heat level 15 – curious how ho it’s going to be! Thanks again to Pher Engi for sending this! Let’s give it a go!
Well, I had the pack version the other day and it was fantastic. I’m really looking forward to this one too – curious how the noodle will hydrate in this one. Let’s find out!
Well, they have this sticker with a guy on it, so I figure I’ll do this one again. I tried it last, deep in the heart of the pandemic. Mashed ginger – that sounds interesting – don’t remember how I felt about this one, so once I’m done with the review I’ll go have a look. Let’s try it!
Alright – from the start here I’ll say it – I’m not a big mushroom fan. Recently, I reviewed one of these Daebak varieties that was seaweed flavor. I’m not particularly fond of seaweed either, but I really liked that one. Let’s see how this goes.
Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles!
