I’ve reviewed the bowls, now here come the cups! This is a shrimp variety and should be a good one – let’s find out!
Category: United States
#3773: Ottogi Mac & Tomato Spaghetti – United States
This one came by way of Exotic Noods! Check ’em out and use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a nice discount! While made in South Korea, this one’s made for North America and distributed by Ottogi’s American arm. Sounds like fun – let’s give it a go!
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!
#3769: Menraku Japanese Ramen “Spicy Miso Tonkotsu” – United States
Here’s one that came in a box from Exotic Noods – use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
#3768: Nora Kitchen Chicken Sotanghon – United States
Can’t remember exactly where I picked this one up, but it’s Filipino. What’s more is that it says it’s a product of the USA. Don’t think I’ve heard of this Nora Kitchen brand before – I suspect maybe it’s the same as Pamana but I could be wrong. Anyways, sotanghon time – let’s check it out!
Exotic Noods April 2021 Instant Ramen Noodle Box Unboxing + COUPON CODE
Want to try a nice variety of instant ramen noodles from around the world? Look no further than Exotic Noods – subscription boxes featuring global varieties on a monthly basis! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Check out the video to see what’s in the most recent offering.
#3763: Nongshim Soon Miso & Tofu Noodle Soup – United States
Another expansion of the Soon range. Very curious how this one will be – and I even have some kimchi on hand. I’ve been replacing snacks with kimchi – been enjoyable to say the least! Let’s check this one out.
#3760: Nongshim Soon Chili Tomato Noodle soup – United States
Recently, Nongshim added some new flavors to their Soon Vegan range and sent them to me (thank you!) – this one has piqued my curiosity in particular. Spicy tomato sounds nice – let’s give it a try! By the way – it’s Vegan!
#3757: Tapatio Ramen Noodle Soup Original Flavor Cup – United States
I saw these Tapatio cups at the local Safeway supermarket and inquired with UEC about whether I could get some samples – they arrived a couple of days later. I’ve reviewed the bowl versions, so figured I ought to try the cups too. Perhaps pack versions aren’t far behind? Let’s give this Original flavor a try.
#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.
Meet The Manufacturer: #3749: LonoLife Chicken Bone Broth Noodle Soup – United States
Here’s the second review of the series. Again, we have 20 grams of protein in this one, coming from the inclusion of bone broth in with egg noodles. Let’s give it a try!
Meet The Manufacturer: #3748: LonoLife Beef Bone Broth Noodle Soup – United States
Here we go with this short Meet The Manufacturer series. This sounds interesting – 20 grams of protein in a cup noodle? That’s pretty good – calorie count isn’t too bad at all either. Let’s see how it tastes!
Meet The Manufacturer: Product Samples From LonoLife – United States
Jesse over at Lonolife sent some samples recently to try out of their new chicken and beef bone broth instant noodle cups! 20g of protein per cup is pretty impressive! Let’s check them out!
Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With LonoLife – United States
A while back I was contacted by Jesse Koltes, COO at LonoLife about a new high protein bone broth noodle cup he was developing. Well, it’s done and here’s an interview I did about the products he’s got! They’re all high protein for those looking to add more of that essential to their diet.
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!
#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.
#3733: Pamana Instant La Paz Batchoy – United States
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 –
#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.
#3728: 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!
#3727: Cheetos Mac’N Cheese Cheesy Jalapeno – United States
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.
Instant Noodle Bread Comes To The Table
Yes, bread. This is one of many loaves I’ve tried, crafter by the esteemed author Matthew Bellah. Check it out.
Nissin Hot & Spicy Fire Wok!
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.
#3723: Tapatio Ramen Noodle Soup Extra Spicy Flavor – United States
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?
#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.
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!
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!
Last Minute Holiday Gifts: Exotic Noods Subscription Boxes!
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!
#3688: Mr. Lee’s Noodles Coconut Chicken Curry Rice Noodle Soup – United States
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!
#3685: Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
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.
#3680: Rap Snacks Icon Ramen Noodles Creamy Chicken Gumbo – United States
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!
#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!
Meet The Manufacturer: #3670: Ramen Express By Chef Woo Chicken Flavor – United States
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.
Golden Bay Supply Sends Unique Thai Samples
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!
Meet The Manufacturer: #3669: Ramen Express By Chef Woo Hotter & Spicier – United States
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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.
Meet The Manufacturer: #3668: Ramen Express By Chef Woo Beef Flavor – United States
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!
Meet The Manufacturer: Ramen Express Product Samples
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!
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.
Thanksgiving Leftovers – Dark Meat Tom Yum Kung
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.
#3664: Rap Snacks Icon Ramen Noodles Louisiana Hot & Spicy Chicken – United States
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!
#3650: Menraku Japanese Ramen “Chicken Paitan” taste – United States
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!