Category: United States

Ramen Made Simple: A New Book By Chris Toy

I was contacted recently by the author of this book who asked if I’d share it with my readers and do a review. I can happily say that’s it’s neat book – it runs through how to make various broths as well as garnishes like ajitama and chashu – two things right there I see questions about on my group Ramen Junkies all the time. Check it out! ...see full post

#3750: Nongshim Soon Kimchi Noodle Soup – United States

#3750: Nongshim Soon Kimchi Noodle Soup - United States

I’ve long been a fan of the Soon line of products from Nongshim. If asked whether I’d want Shin Ramyun or Soon, I’d hit the Soon. Why? It just has a really nice smooth finish (it sounds like I’m describing a beer but really it does). This time they’ve got a trifecta of new versions – kimchi, a spicy tomato and a miso tofu. Today kimchi is on the menu – let’s check it out. ...see full post

Ramen Forever: A New Book Of Ramen Art & Lore by Yarrow Slaps

Ramen Forever: A New Book Of Ramen Art & Lore by Yarrow Slaps

A couple of years ago, I got a message from someone who was going to publish a book about ramen and asked for an interview. I almost never turn down an interview so I did one and forgot about it long ago. Well, I got an email saying the book had been published and was asked where a copy could be sent. Well, it arrived! Let’s open it up and check it out! ...see full post

#3744: Pamana Instant chicken Sotanghon – United States

#3744: Pamana Instant chicken Sotanghon - United States

Here’s another one for the Filipino market here in the states by Pamana. Sadly, this is the last Filipino variety I’ve got so I’m hoping someone who’s reading from the Philippines might be kind enough to send some new varieties I’ve not reviewed. Very hard to come by these days for me I’m afraid! Let’s check it out – but first, a little snippet from Wikipedia about Sotanghon – oh wait, I guess not. It appears it’s being confused with rice vermicelli – which this dish does use, but the translation in this instance would be to bihon instead so I don’t know what to do… A little research yielded use of mushrooms, however in my years reviewing, I’ve seen a lot of varieties including saltine crackers. We shall see. ...see full post

#3731: Cheetos Mac’N Cheese Flamin’ Hot Flavor – United States

#3731: Cheetos Mac'N Cheese Flamin' Hot Flavor - United States

Here’s the other spicy variety from the Cheetos Mac’N Cheese series. I should note that we tried the non-spicy regular cheese flavor today. Wasn’t bad; wasn’t amazing. Anyways, I also want to point out something – this isn’t macaroni; it’s rotini. Macaroni is pasta shapen in tubes. Rotini isn’t. Just saying. Alright – let’s give this spicy one a try. ...see full post

#3728: Menraku Restaurant Style Ramen “Seafood Tonkotsu” Taste – United States

#3638: Menraku Restaurant Style Ramen "Seafood Tonkotsu" Taste - United States

Here’s one the guys at Exotic Noods sent over – thanks! Looks like you can make it in the traditional style or as tsukemen (pronounced ‘skeh-men’). Tsukemen involved noodle dipping kind of like zaru soba so I’ll make it the regular way as I’m kind of a messy eater to begin with. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3721: Dream Kitchen Curry Udon – United States

#3721: Dream Kitchen Curry Udon - United States

I went to Uwajimaya in Bellevue today and looked at all the noodles they had and honestly, this was the only one that piqued my curiosity. I’ve reviewed Dream Kitchen stuff before, but it certainly looked like private label KOKA product – but this one doesn’t seem to be that way. It says it’s a product of the USA, so I’m a little perplexed as to who is actually making these. But either way, it’s curry udon and of that I’m not perplexed and I know I’m partial to curry, so let’s see how it is. ...see full post

Panda Signature Varieties From A Reader Include A Mystery!

Panda Signature Varieties From A Reader Include A Mystery!

What is this? Where does it come from? These are all good questions about these Panda Signature products sent by a guy named Daniel from Montana (thanks again!). After looking all over the packaging and just finding they’re distributed here in the United States by Albany Farms, I noticed something. The HALAL stamp. It’s under the authority that gives out HALAL certifications in… Malaysia! ...see full post

New Nissin Cup Noodles Stir Fry Varieties!

Nissin’s Cup Noodles Stir Fry varieties have been pretty good so far. I would say the Korean BBQ one is amazing – it actually tastes like Korean BBQ and not some kind of weird acidic strangeness so many things that bear that nomenclature here in the states offer. Well, there’s two new varieties added to the lineup! I found a pretty good deal on them online. Let’s see what they sent! ...see full post

#3671: Kiseki Foods Kiseki Ramen – United States

#3671: Kiseki Foods Kiseki Ramen - United States

Alright so here we have a prototype. I love prototypes; I feel so honored and humbled that companies would let me try a product before it goes on the market. This one’s a little different – here’s why. It’s 20 calories. For the pack. That’s it. Konjac noodles – these things are like eating food on the holodeck on Star Trek (note – for the ultra nerdy out there who do know that holodeck food is actually replicator food – yeah I know that too – but if the food was holographic – that’s what I’m getting at). At this point they have shared with me their pending Kickstarter campaign but it will be live soon and I’m guessing by the time this posts. Anyways, let’s see how good 20 calorie ramen can be! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With Palmetto Gourmet Foods

Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With Palmetto Gourmet Foods

A trip to the grocery store awhile back yielded some nice results. It’s pretty rare I go to our local store and find something new, but I found these Ramen Express cups – which said they were from the United States! This required swift action to reach out and learn more, and that’s how this Meet The Manufacturer was born.  A big thank you to Reza Soltanzadeh, CEO & President, Palmetto Gourmet Foods for granting this interview – let’s get started. ...see full post