Category: United States

The Ramen Rater Is Retiring

APRIL FOOLS!

emaillogo

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has been a part of The Ramen Rater over the past years. Without you, the site wouldn’t be what it has become; a community of people from around the world sharing one common interest: the instant noodle.  ...see full post

#5500: Cielo Ramen Mariscos Instant Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5500: Cielo Ramen Mariscos Instant Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Mariscos? Seafood! I’ve wanted to visit the Mexican coast and try all the seafood – I bet it’s really great. I’ve had a lot of seafood outside the US in Asia – and it was amazing. My guess is it’s the same in Mexico. Let’s give this a try! ...see full post

#5496: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Tteokbokki Flavor – United States

#5496: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Tteokbokki Flavor - United States

HAPPY NO KINGS DAY3! Those who don’t get it won’t get it. Enjoy the party!

Found these are Saar’s Super Saver on Aurora in Seattle. I haven’t reviewed these since their packaging change – it’s been years. Take the power back with a portable snack! Let’s give it a go. ...see full post

#5490: Cielo Ramen Birria Instant Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5490: Cielo Ramen Birria Instant Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Been waiting to get my hands on this one for awhile! I tried Cielo products a while back and been curious about the Birria and Mariscos varieties! This is the Birria and it sounds good – we shall see indeed! Time to cook. ...see full post

#5482: Otoki K-Pop Star’s Secret Spicy Beef Flavor – United States

#5482: Otoki K-Pop Star's Secret Spicy Beef Flavor - United States

Here’s a low cal variety from Otoki (formerly Ottogi). Interesting. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first variety, hopefully this one will fare better. ...see full post

#5481: Nissin Cup Noodles Protein Rich & Savory Beef Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5481: Nissin Cup Noodles Protein Rich & Savory Beef Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Here’s the counterpart to the chicken version, found at the local grocery store. What bums me out is no Thai Curry Hot Pot Fusiuon  Nissin variety at the local store. Idk… Hopefully I’ll run into it soon. Let’s give this one a try. ...see full post

#5480: Jif Stir-Fry Style Noodles Peanut Butter Flavored Ramen – United States

#5639: Jif Stir-Fry Style Noodles Peanut Butter Flavored Ramen - United States

For years, I’ve heard a popular thing to do is add peanut butter to noodles. It does make sense; think of Thai food; Americanized phad thai usually has a lot in there. I was even consulted in the past on my thoughts of such a thing as a product. Today, I’m trying one that came to market, although at the time of posting, I don’t think it’s available just yet. It certainly sounds like something that could be really quite good. Let’s give it a try and see what happens. ...see full post

JIF Sends New Peanut Butter Stir-Fry Noodles!

What? No! Yep – really! Just watch the video – this looks really interesting and the review will be out extremely soon – possibly tomorrow. This is a fascinating thing and I think that it should be good. ...see full post

#5478: Samyang Buldak Potato Chips Original Spicy Chicken Artificially Flavored – United States

#5478: Samyang Buldak Potato Chips Original Spicy Chicken Artificially Flavored - United States

Well here we are with the last of the series of three – starting with the Habanero Lime (not very spicy, overwhelmed by lime), the Quattro (decently spicy and cheese-like), and now the original. Let’s pop open the bag and see what is within. ...see full post

#5463: Samyang Buldak Taco Spicy Ramen – United States

#5463: Samyang Buldak Taco Spicy Ramen - United States

Found this at the Target next to the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, WA. Very curious about this as it seems ‘south of the border’ flavors keep popping up – Quattro, Habanero lime, Corn, and now the Taco. I got some garnish just for this one. Let’s cook it up! ...see full post

#5460: Samyang Rose Buldak Spicy Ramen – United States

#5460: Samyang Rose Buldak Spicy Ramen - United States

Found this at the Target in Lynnwood, WA by the Alderwood Mall. I tried the cup version a few days ago and was rather disappointed. I’m hoping this is more pleasing. Let’s cook it up. ...see full post

#5458: 3 Mien Thai Shrimp Instant Noodles – United States

#5458: 3 Mien Thai Shrimp Instant Noodles - United States

Thanks going out to James from Lakeside, California! The last couple of these cup have been meats flavored but this one sounds pretty good – they’re made in Vietnam so they might to tom yum some justice? We shall see. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#5457: Paldo Volcano Chicken Carbonara – United States

#5457: Paldo Volcano Chicken Carbonara - United States

The video for this one came out of Christmas Day, 2025 – you can see it at the bottom. I think there’s probably a lot of you that don’t know about my show Instant Noodle Recipe Time – it’s on pretty much every single day at 9am Pacific Time (Vancouver/Los Angeles). I’ve been doing the show for years and I think a lot of YouTube don’t know about me on www.theramenrater.com. Didn’t know I’d find this one over at HMart. I tried the pack version recently… Let’s try the bowl! ...see full post

#5456: Samyang Buldak Potato Chips Quattro Cheese – United States

#5456: Samyang Buldak Potato Chips Quattro Cheese - United States

Here’s the second of three varieties of Buldak potato chips – Quattro Cheese. Definitely one of the latest and popular varieties where their noodles are concerned. Let’s give em’ a try! ...see full post

#5454: Otoki Jin Ramen Spicy – United States

#5454: Otoki Jin Ramen Spicy - United States

Alas, another new package Otoki variety! It used to be Ottogi, however they changed the brand name here in the United States. I’m in the mood – found it at HMart – let’s do it. ...see full post

#5451: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Toomba Stir Fry – United States

#5451: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Toomba Stir Fry - United States

Having deja vu? Well, I made this wrong the first time. It clearly states to fill to the line, however it was a lower line than I saw – so I put in too much water. Prepared in that way, I really enjoyed it – 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. This time, I’m doing it right. Let’s give it a whirl. ...see full post

#5450: Samyang Buldak Potato Chips Habanero Lime – United States

#5450: Samyang Buldak Potato Chips Habanero Lime - United States

Found these at Target – got the other two varieties as well to review. This is weird; I dunno – will they be good? Spicy? Sounds interesting at the least – let’s try ’em. ...see full post

#5449: 3 Mien Ribs Flavored Noodle Soup – United States

#5449: 3 Mien Ribs Flavored Noodle Soup - United States

Another one from James of Lakeside, California – thanks again! Ribs… Hmmm. I guess we will find out. This could go different ways. ...see full post

#5448: Samyang Buldak Rose Spicy Ramen – United States

#5448: Samyang Buldak Rose Spicy Ramen - United States

Had a nice outing last weekend and found a lot of Buldak I’d not reviewed including this one. Ahh, rose. This is one I did a mukbang video of but before I had the chance to edit it, I had deleted it… Oops. Well, not today but soon as I have the pack version as well. Let’s give it a go – I remember I loved the South Korean local pack version immensely. ...see full post

#5447: Nissin Top Ramen Hot Pot Fusions Japanese Garlic Tonkotsu Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5447: Nissin Top Ramen Hot Pot Fusions Japanese Garlic Tonkotsu Pork Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

The local grocery store keeps providing more stuff all the time it’s really quite interesting. Wasn’t sure of the Korean one but this should be good and last will be the Thai Curry – should I be able to find it. Months later, I still haven’t and would have truly enjoyed finding it, but to no avail everywhere I’ve looked. ...see full post

#5444: Nissin Cup Noodles Hot Wings Garlic Parmesan Flavor – Unites States

#5612: Nissin Cup Noodles Hot Wings Garlic Parmesan Flavor - Unites States

Well, here’s the third. The first was buffalo/ranch flavored – 1 star. Lemon pepper next – 2 stars. This is the last chance. Can we get a good one out of the set? Read on. ...see full post

#5443: Bias Apgu Red Chili Instant Noodles – United States

#5443: Bias Apgu Red Chili Instant Noodles - United States

Say! Here’s a new one – I was contacted by Bias about a new non-fried, Vegan friendly, and low-cal ramyun that’s supposed to be really tasty. Time to find out! ...see full post

#5442: Nissin Cup Noodles Hot Wings Lemon Pepper Flavor – United States

#5610: Nissin Cup Noodles Hot Wings Lemon Pepper Flavor - United States

Well, here’s the second of the trifecta of wings variants from Nissin. The ranch one I did previously? No thanks. Let’s give this a try – I see something promising. ...see full post

#5441: Nissin Cup Noodles Protein Rich & Savory Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#5441: Nissin Cup Noodles Protein Rich & Savory Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

Another one I found at Safeway which wasn’t there the day before when I found that Hot Pot Fusion one I reviewed this week. I’ve got strong opinions on this one. If it is indeed rich and savory, that’s what should be concentrated on. I don’t see people looking to instant noodle cups for protein; they’re health conscious. Another point on the whole of the big ‘protein push’ is that chicken is gram for gram protein. You sauté up a small piece of chicken breast – it’s ALL protein. I’ve seen a lot of things come and go in the instant noodle world and I hate to say it, but this looks like it’ll be gone possibly before this posts. But hey – it’s a competitive market and companies have to throw a lot of products at the wall to see which ones stick. Good luck – maybe it will, but I have my doubts. ...see full post

#5440: Nissin Cup Noodles Hot Wings Buffalo With Ranch Flavor – United States

#5609: Nissin Cup Noodles Hot Wings Buffalo With Ranch Flavor - United States

This is a special limited edition – one of three that I’ll be rushing out over the next few days. So soon is the Super Bowl. American Football. What’s more, local team the Seattle Seahawks will be in it. I couldn’t care less – it gets really silly here when football is going on. We like baseball. But hey, we’ll watch it. Honestly, I’m hoping to go out during the Super Bowl – it’ll be like when we had the COVID lockdowns – I really liked those. Anyways, let’s try an instant noodle that should be a little weird. Sure with they’d do cheese burger, taco, and pizza, but so far they haven’t heard my (and the throngs of other people’s) call. On with it. ...see full post

#5439: Nissin Top Ramen Hot Pot Fusions Korean Spicy Beef – United States

#5439: Nissin Top Ramen Hot Pot Fusions Korean Spicy Beef - United States

Hey Nissin you’ve been holding out! This is a new one I found at my local Safeway supermarket of all places. There are two siblings in this range – a tonkotsu and a coconut curry – both of which I’m all over. Let’s try this one. ...see full post

#5437: Samyang Buldak Birria Spicy Ramen Spicy Chicken Artificially Flavored – United States

#5437: Samyang Buldak Birria Spicy Ramen Spicy Chicken Artificially Flavored - United States

I’m very excited about this one – so first off, it is looking like you can only get it from Albertson’s chain store like Safeway, Von’s, Jewel Osco, etc. Second, my son Miles spotted it in our local Safeway. He’s been really keen on doing mukbang lately and trying these variants. What’s a surprise is that he’s autistic and always been very particular about what he eats – never eating hot food, nothing squishy and chewy… That all changed – he’s actually eating this stuff – he even voiced interest in Cheetos mac and cheese. While not the most healthy stuff out there, he’s exploring new foods and that’s a big deal. Anyways, this is new and so I’m rushing it out. It should be noted that birria is primarily beef, goat, or sheep meat and the idea of chicken birria tends to be pretty unheard of in research I’ve done. Let’s go! There will be a cooking video below as well as a mukbang with Miles. ...see full post

#5436: Paldo Volcano Carbonara Chicken Noodle – United States

#5436: Paldo Volcano Carbonara Chicken Noodle - United States

Found this at 99 Ranch Market and really stoked. I am not a huge fan of the flavor of the ol’ Volcano Curry, and expecting great things from this one. Let’s give it a try! ...see full post

A Couple Neat Varieties Sent By James From Lakeside, California

A Couple Neat Varieties Sent By James From Lakeside, California

I really should try and wrangle a count of how many boxes James has sent over the years – it’d be a lot, that’s for sure. I’ve dubbed him ‘the noodle whisperer’ as he always tends to find stuff I don’t get here and 9 out of 10 are ones I’ve never reviewed! Amazing! Let’s crack this box open and look at what’s inside! ...see full post

A Box Of Rad Stuff From The Fat Hipster

I was recently contacted by my friend The Fat Hipster about an incoming package he was sending. You should check out his channel – he reviews a lot of really interesting stuff on there. In this one is a lot of interesting and rad stuff as well – let’s take a look at everything; some you’ll see reviewed very, very soon. ...see full post

#5434: Samyang Tangle Garlic Oil Pasta – United States

#5434: Samyang Tangle Garlic Oil Pasta - United States

This one came by way of James from Lakeside, California – thanks again! I must admit that this range seems to be pretty good stuff. Maybe this is a kind of aglio olio thing? Let’s find out. ...see full post

#5430: Otoki Jin Ramen Spicy Noodle Soup – United States

#5430: Otoki Jin Ramen Spicy Noodle Soup - United States

Here’s another form factor of the Jin range – cups. I’ve reviewed the mild as well. Let hit the spicy! ...see full post

#5429: 3 Mien Beef Flavored Noodle Soup – United States

#5429: 3 Mien Beef Flavored Noodle Soup - United States

Another neat one from James of Lakeside, California. This is an export for the US market from Vietnam. The first one I tried was chicken and it was pretty good. In comes beef. Let’s give it a whirl. ...see full post

#5427: K-Town Spicy Hula Ramyun – United States

#5427: K-Town Spicy Hula Ramyun - United States

Big thanks to James from Lakeside, California for this one! Never seen this before. I don’t know who makes it, however its distributed in New Jersey. Neat packaging… Let’s try it! ...see full post

#5424: Paldo Volcano Chicken Curry Noodle – United States

#5424: Paldo Volcano Curry Chicken Noodle - United States

Found this one at a Grocery Outlet bargain market here in town over the weekend. $2.99 for a 4-pack is pretty good I figure. Last time I tried this it had different packaging – back in 2017. This one took a long time to edit as the pictures had the expiration date over the words ‘That’s Crazy Hot.’ But it came out nice. Let’s cook it up! ...see full post

#5423: Nissin Top Ramen Picante Beef Flavor – United States

#5423: Nissin Top Ramen Picante Beef Flavor - United States

A big thank you to Aimee J. for sending this one! This is the first time I’ve gotten a Nissin product for the corrections industry. This is prison ramen. The packaging is clear in order to make it difficult to hide things. I’ve never had a reason to hide things in a pack of noodles so I find that fascinating. I wonder what other flavors there are out there? Would like to review them all, so if you’ve got any, please contact me! Well, let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#5422: Simply Asia Soy Ginger Noodle Bowl – United States

#5422: Simply Asia Soy Ginger Noodle Bowl - United States

I dedicate this one to my late friend Jamie. These were the kinds of noodle things we generally poked fun at a lot. I must say though that the absence of the words inspired, authentic, and fusion seem to be missing where something like this may even have all three. Those are generally the opposite of what is found. Let’s give this one, found at Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. ...see full post

#5420: 3 Mien Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup – United States

#5420: 3 Mien Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup - United States

Here’s another one from James of Lakeside, California. This an interesting one – he sent a bunch by this brand. These are made in Vietnam for the US market and say ‘made with Korea technology.’ Curious how they are. Let’s find out. ...see full post

#5417: Ramen-Aid Electrolyte Soup Supplement + Immune Support – United States

#5417: Ramen-Aid Electrolyte Soup Supplement + Immune Support - United States

Okay I’m really fascinated by this. Ramen-Aid is a ramen supplement, containing vitamins and minerals. There’s this version and an energy version – with caffeine! I’m thinking the best way to review this will be to add it to a standard instant and see if it modifies the flavor. I don’t think it will. ...see full post

#5415: Samyang Cream Carbonara Buldak Spicy Ramen – United States

#5415: Samyang Cream Carbonara Buldak Spicy Ramen - United States

Just over 2 years ago, I reviewed the local Korean version of this one. Found this at HMart which was a bit of a shock; their single pack selection has been abyssmal recently… I wish we had the RT Mart that was in Taiwan I got to visit – holy crap that place had the mother of all noodle aisles – singles and multipacks of everything – both sides, long as a Costco aisle – no joke. Anyways, enough thinking about that – let’s give it a try. ...see full post