The Definitive Source For Instant Noodle Reviews Since 2002
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!
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.
The first thing I noticed about this one was toward the top where it mentioned it has real beef and real pork. I so seldom come across varieties from the Philippines that this was a real score. I think I found it up in Canada but I’m not sure. Let’s see what Wikipedia has to say about La Paz Batchoy real quick –
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.
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!
This. This created quite a stir (no pun intended) in the Instant Noodles – The Ramen Rater Facebook group. The spicy crowd was fascinated, and the ramen crowd espoused disdain. Cries of ‘that’s not ramen’ rose up in protest. Obviously not; it is pasta – rotini to be exact.
Yes, bread. This is one of many loaves I’ve tried, crafter by the esteemed author Matthew Bellah. Check it out.
Nissin sent me another one of their ‘First Taste Club’ boxes – and inside was a new range of spicy varieties. They range from 4 out of 6 pepper heat. 5 out of 6 and the 6 out of 6 which I really wanted to try first but I figured I’d start with the 4 out of 6 and see the progression.
The Tapartio guy is flanked by flames this time! But wait – who is he? How did they end up with this guy on this ramen and of course the zillion bottles of hot sauce bearing the name Tapatio?
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.
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!
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!
Are you a procrastinator? Well, look no further. Head over to Exotic Noods and get your friends and family the gift of noods! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! These boxes have a great variety of Flavors from around the world! Super rad! Check it out!
I recently did a series of the Mr. Lee’s UK varieties – and now I’m doing a series of the ones now available in the United States! This one looks like the Laksa from the UK, but they’re calling it curry. Is it different? Let’s find out!
Nissin came out with this range of Raoh varieties for the United States a few years ago to meet the demand for this premium product here. The difference? Raoh usually contains pork, something none in the range do. They’re produced in Japan for here. Let’s see what this one is like.
This is the third and final variety of Rap Snacks Icon Ramen Noodles I received from The Fat Hipster – thanks again,man! This one features Master P on the lid and some quotes from him. Let’s check it out!
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!
We come to the end of this series with some chicken flavor. I should note again that all three varieties are vegetarian friendly. Let’s see how this one tastes as we bid a fond farewell to this range.
Got an email the other day from a fellow named Yukhong from Golden Bay Supply asking if he could send some samples for me to check out. Golden Bay Supply distributes is located in the Bay Area and distributes Thai products. Let’s have a look at what he sent – and thanks!
9
Hot and spicy – I tried this one in a mukbang soon as these arrived (see below). So… Is it packing heat? It’s definitely the right color! Let’s find out.
Here’s the first of this three review series on Ramen Express’ range. They’re all pretty low cal and Vegetarian to mention a couple features. This one’s beef flavor. Let’s give it a try!
Here’s a closer look at some of the sample items sent by Palmetto Gourmet Foods for this special Meet The Manufacturer series! Thank you!
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.
We had a great Thanksgiving yesterday – Kit made a wonderful turkey, chocolate chip banana bread too! My buddy Matthew Bellah (the highly acclaimed author) brough over homemade cornbread and traditional stuffing, mashed potaoes, and a loaf of fancy bread.
Thanks again go out to The Fat Hipster on YouTube for sending these along. This one feature a rapper that I’ve never heard of. Boosie is on the lid so you’ll see him below. Anyways, I’m hoping this is really a spicy one. Let’s find out!
Made in Japan for the US market, this one comes by way of a recent www.exoticnoods.com box – thank you! Use coupon code RAMENRATER15 for 15% discount over there! Curious about this one – let’s do it up!
I heard about these a while back and have been curious… These came by way of The Fat Hipster – big thanks, man!
I got the chance to try the range of Mr. Lee’s products when they were only available in the UK. Now, they also are making them here! This one’s got freeze dried beef and vegetables, plus it’s gluten free. Time to see if this one’s the same as what I’ve tried from the UK!
In 1971, Nissin Japan released the first Cup Noodle product. Cup Noodle in Japan has always been a lot different from the one here; lots of garnish. I mean a lot. This one is a version of the original cup you’ll find in Japan today with I’m guessing some slight tweaking. They recently released their Curry and Seafood Cup Noodle version here as well. Let’s check it out!
A lot of things have changed in the last year. I decided it would be a great time to come out with the Top Ten American instant noodles list; it’s November 2nd. Tomorrow is the last day to vote in a crucial election – whichever candidate you support, go exercise your right to vote! The video this year is very different. With the pandemic and my kids home from school doing about 25 Zoom meetings a week, my time has been critically limited. This way however, I’ll be able to bring you more top ten lists I think. This list is comprised of my favorite American varieties out of all the reviews up to #3,636, which count 446 varieties. Let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition!
Okay so yes these are produced in Japan, however they’re for the US market. These were in an Exotic Noods box – check out their site and use coupon code RAMENRATER15 for a discount!
Last year, I decided I’d bow to some readers who thought maybe like cars, lists should have the following year in the title. This caused some confusion; but I really can’t just undo this. So, going forward, lists that come out in the latter half of the year, August and beyond, will have the next year’s name in the title. We’ll see how that goes. These are my favorite cup varieties of all reviews up to number 3,545. Now, let’s look at The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Cup Noodles Of All Time, 2021 Edition.
Today, we come to the fourth and final review of the Myojo USA Meet The Manufacturer on their Ramen range. Just got back from the store – got some vegetables to dress this one up a little – let’s check it out!
I was told this one’s their most popular product! I’m very curious – I recently tried a nice seafood tonkotsu so I’m curious how a fresh one’s going to be. Let’s check it out!
The second of four reviews of Myojo USA products – garlic miso. This again is one you’ll find in the refrigerated section. Excited to try this – let’s check it out!
Today, we have the first of four varieties from Myojo USA, a shio tonkotsu. That pic on the from of the pack says it all – this should be a milky and savory pork bone broth with really good noodles. Let’s check it out!
I received a couple of boxes with samples of products for this Meet The Manufacturer series – thank you! These are fresh varieties you’ll find in the refrigerated/frozen section. Let’s have a look at them!
Today, we start a new Meet The Manufacturer! This time its a US company called Myojo USA down in California. They produce fresh ramen, udon and yakisoba varieties. I conducted an interview with Mr. Taku Yokoyama, President of Myojo Foods USA –
I was curious about a variety that it turns out has been retired, but happily a few new ones are now in the game – Nongshim sent those over! Thank you very much! Let’s have a look.
Okay so this one comes with an included… story! One day, the family went up to Canada to do the regular stuff – get some toys, peanut butter, hit up the Asian markets, etc. Well, we went to Smart’n’Save at Lansdowne Centre and saw these bowls. Got one and eventually drove home.
