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.’
Category: United States
#4610: Thai Kitchen Garlic & Vegetable Instant Rice Noodle Soup – United States
I tried this 11 years ago. That’s a long time as far as my reviewing has gone. Back then it was review #761 – I still have the same bowl and I think I’ll use it again! Funny, I thought I got this from my mother in law and that I mentioned it in my review, but maybe it wasn’t this one. Hmm. Well, I gave it a 3.5 back then. Curious if I’ll like it now. It’s gluten free which I’ll mention to my wife. Let’s give it a try!
A-Sha Sends Meteor Noodle Trifecta!
Back in 2013, I gained the ire of many Taiwanese netizens when varieties from over there didn’t make the top ten, and some made the bottom ten. In a ‘noodle diplomacy’ initiative, I asked companies who thought they had some special stuff to send it. A-Sha was the first to answer the call, introducing me to the Taiwanese dry noodle. Ten years later, here we are with their Meteor Noodle – a threesome of flavors with a unique noodle.
#4605: Thai Authentic Sriracha Shrimp Ramen Noodle Soup Meal Kit – United States
This one came by way of James from Lakeside, California – thanks! This is made in Thailand for a company in Kentucky. They really want you to know how wonderful this one is with its ‘best flavor ever!’ I guess I’ll have to see if that’s the case. Let’s find out!
An Unannounced Box From James Of Lakeside, California!
From time to time, James sends me a box of noodles and he usually shoots an email – if he did this time I didn’t see it. This is a neat box of things I’ve not tried! Thank you very much!
#4598: Raindrops Gummy Noodles Soft Candy Mix – United States
Here’s something I found at a Party City store while we were getting stuff for our daughter Mimi’s birthday. Says it’s made in The Netherlands which I think is interesting – I don’t know why, but I do. This looks pretty weird so let’s just get started.
Vite Ramen Sends New v3.0 Healthy Lineup!
A lot of you have asked me if there’s lower sodium ramen. A lot of you have asked about a healthier ramen. Vite Ramen does both of these things and more – tons of vitamins as well as protein and fiber – like Soylent is to a complete nutrition beverage but in ramen form and quite honestly tastes a lot better. Check ’em out!
From The Ramen Rater Labs: Introducing The RPFD
The other day, I was working with instant noodles, specifically, taking photos of noodle blocks and sachets, and packaging. Well, watch the video and I’ll continue…
#4552: Nongshim Bowl Noodles Spicy Kimchi Flavor – United States
This should be pretty easy to be found by just about everyone in the United States. Good ol’ Bowl Noodles. They’ve gone through numerous changes over the years insofar as packaging, and this is the latest I’ve seen. It’s got a plastic wrap around it with the labeling. Thanks guys – makes it more difficult for me to scan when things are shrink-wrapped!
#4550: GS Retail Premium Gonghwachun Instant Noodle With Black Bean Sauce – United States
This one ame by was of Daniel over at Exotic Noods – thanks again! This one’s a jjajangmyeon style noodle, so it’s got a thick and hearty black bean sauce with it. I’ve seen varieties made for GS Mart (a Korean chain) by Paldo, and everything about this package screams Paldo manufacture. If you look on the back by the barcode, you can see it’s made specifically for Us distribution. Anyways, let’s give it a try!
#4532: Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce Flavor Craft Ramen Noodles – United States
I think this is the last of the varieties that Maruchan sent for the Meet The Manufacturer series. Haven’t had this since it’s initial launch many years ago. These look very much like Maruchan Seimen, a range which is very popular in Japan. So, what’s the different? No pork. Let’s give it a go!
The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls 2023 Edition
Been lagging on doing top ten list editing – my apologies. The weather’s been really good for walking, and in May I did over 500 miles. I included a special post at the bottom about it. I also included something of a change from how I’ve been doing things as well involving AI. Anyways, this is the annual The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls – these are my favorite varieties out of review up to #4440 which are in the bowl style. Hope you enjoy! Top Ten Cups and Bottom Ten lists should be coming soon!
#4528: Wang Malatang Udon – United States
A week. Last week I mean. Feeling crummy. Started Sunday and went on until Thursday. Then Friday happened and it was like I was pretty much at 100% again, which was really nice. Went out for a nice walk, then went out shopping. I definitely wanted to see what was up at Asian Family Market – the next day would be Lunar New Year. Got a few things, this being one of them. Looks interesting; let’s check it out!
#4525: Nissin Top Ramen Soy Sauce Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
Back in mid 2018, I reviewed this right after their ‘new recipe’ change for review #2910. Around that time, it seemed that US manufacturers decided to change the product names of economy pillow packs that were initially known as ‘Oriental’ flavor to Soy Sauce. The term ‘Oriental’ has come under fire in recent years, hence the change. What does Oriental mean? Basically it derives from Latin, meaning ‘of the east’ – the opposite being Occidental being ‘of the west.’ From what I’ve gathered from running the Ramen Junkie facebook group for a while as this has come up from time to time is that many things and businesses will use the term; ‘insert city name here’ Oriental Market for example, however it isn’t a term to be used for people, at least that’s what I found. I read an L.A. Times article about this very subject that I thought was very interesting – you can read it here. One particular quote from the author I found fascinating was ‘A funny thing I noticed is that my Caucasian colleagues, not my Asian colleagues, are most eager to remove Oriental from public discourse.’
#4521: Nissin Chow Mein Teriyaki Beef Flavor Chow Mein Noodles – United States
The other day I did the competitor’s tray noodle – that was teriyaki beef as well. Been years and years since I’d reviewed either of them. They’re both economy tray varieties and they both dwell on the soup aisle. Let’s give this one a try.
#4518: Maruchan Yakisoba Teriyaki Beef Flavor Japanese Home Style Noodles – United States
Eventually, I’ll get through everything I want to do for the Maruchan Meet The Manufacturer series – there’s a lot of them to go through and then unite all together. I’m cobbling everything together slowly. I got this one at the Kenmore, Washington Safeway store – your standard American domestic grocery store. In these stores, there are two areas you will commonly find instant noodles. There’s the soup aisle, and the ethnic foods aisle. These are in the soup aisle. They’ve got a few varieties of trays – some Maruchan, and some by a competitor . I think I’ll have to see what other Maruchan ones they’ve got, but thought this might be a good one for the trays. Let’s check it out!
#4516: Wicked Foods Late Night Rice Noodles – United States
Here’s the second of two of these Wicked Foods varieties we found recently at the Lake City Fred Meyer grocery store. The last one was pretty slimy. Let’s see what this one has in store…
#4514: Nongshim Bowl Noodles Ramen Noodles With Seasoning Mix Hot & Spicy Flavor – United States
New clothes for the classic! Originally, it was a foam bowl with a paper lid in shrinlkwrap. Then, they reformulated for microwave and had a cardboard sleeve. Now, it’s a plastic wrap with the graphics on that. This is classic – ubiquitous with gas stations and little corner shops, many o which are run by Korean Americans. I used to live in a place that had a little grocery/deli mini mart across the way. The fellow there was Korean American and he had these in there, but with a ridiculous markup. I asked him why once. ‘Because that’s my lunch!’
#4512: Wicked Foods Spicy Coconut & Rice Noodles – United States
Here’s one we found at the Fred Meyer store in Lake City. These are made in the UK – unsure if they’re related to the Naked Noodles line of someone else’s. Either way, it’s something I’ve not seen before, so I’m reviewing it.
#4509: Cup O’ Crazy Gummy Noodles United States
In December, we went to Party City. They had a new one opened up next to us and so we were getting stuff for our daughter Miriam’s birthday. Well, they had two candy noodle things and this was one of them. A Cup O’ Crazy. That’s pretty weird. It’s got goo, edible chopsticks, and gummy noodles. I really don’t like things like this so much but I have to review it of course. Qho knoqa; it could be masterfully crafted; like a jelly noodle with a sauce that’s made from fine ingredients and chopsticks of sweet coconut powder that melt in your mouth. But I wouldn’t count on it. Let’s commense this, the 4,509th session of my personal congress of noodling.
#4506: A-Sha Mandarin Style Noodle With Original Soy Sauce 40% Reduced Sodium – United States
While we’re knee deep in 2023, I reviewed this one on January 4th – and actually it’s the first review I’ve done in 2023. Big thanks to the nice folks at A-Sha for sending this over – they said it’s available at Costco. Let’s give it a shot.
#4505: Maruchan GOLD Spicy Miso Ramen – United states
It’s a couple days after Christmas and one of the last reviews of 2022. Obviously, it’s not coming out in 2022, but that’s when I did this up. I used some things I got for Christmas, including leftovers from dinner – let’s give this one a try – I reviewed it quite a while back but figure it’s due another looksie.
#4504: Kikkoman Noodle Kit With Sauce Teriyaki Sesame – United States
This is a gluten free product we found at a local store. My wife does the gluten free thing, so making this for her today. It’s currently 23 degrees outside with a wind chill as low at 15. That’s pretty cold for these parts. I’ve got to go to the store to get some stuff, so I’ll probably be talking about how cold it is. Anyways, let’s cook this one up.
#4497: Ottogi Jin Ramen Veggie – United States
Found this one at HMart recently. Looks to be a Vegan version of Jin Ramen and that sounds neat as a change of pace. I’m in the mood for something different – haven’t done a lot of Korean varieties lately. This one is of course made in South Korea but packaged for sale in the United States. Let’s give it a try!
#4493: Miliket MiliOne Huong Vi Suon – United States
This one came by way of James from Lakeside, California – thanks! This is an export version for the US from the looks of it. Spareribs flavor eh? I’m enthused. Let’s have a look.
#4490: Vite Ramen Roasted Soy Sauce Chicken v3.0 – United States
Here’s another one from Vite Ramen – another cup! Really liking these new v3.0 variants they sent – this is an older flavor I’ve liked in the past. Is it good? Should be interesting. Let’s find out!
#4480: Myojo Ramen Spicy Tantanmen – United States
Here’s another new one made here in the US! Plus, its tantanmen! Enough of me talking – let’s make this!
#4479: Samyang Buldak Stew Type Ramen Soup – United States
Here’s the new label export version of Samyang’s Buldak Stew. Haven’t had this in years and what’s more, I never did a mukbang before. A lot of mukbang lately – kind of crazy. Let’s give this a try.
#4477: Norita Lo Mein Dan Dan Noodle Spicy Teriyaki – United States
This was an interesting find in the Asian foods section of Fred Meyer on 164th in Lynnwood, Washington. Never heard of this brand; only thing I can think of with this name is Pat Norita who played Mister Miyagi in The Karate Kid. He was also on M*A*S*H a few times. Oh snap – that’s Pat Morita not Norita. Anyways, this sounds interesting and worth a try, so let’s give it a try. Made in China for a distributor in Kentucky.
#4468: Vite Ramen Beef Pho v3.0 – United States
This is another departure from the more Japanese styled flavors they had originally and I’m really curious as to what it will taste like. I’m doing a few beef reviews this morning – I tend to cook a certain protein and then see if I’ve got some of the same flavor profiles to go along with it and I have three. So, let’s start out on the healthy end of the stick!
#4466: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Creamy Chicken Flavor – United States
Well, it’s time to revisit a variety that grazes through my mind from time to time. This is creamy chicken and the name delivers. Definitely has been my favorite Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup flavor in the past, but how is it going these days? It’s been since 2018 – so much has happened in the world since those salad days. Let’s give it another go.
#4464: Samyang Buldak Carbonara Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen – United States
I figured out – I’ve never reviewed the cup version of this one, nor the export version either. So, let’s do it!
#4463: Vite Ramen Vegan White Miso v3.0 – United States
Here’s another one from Vite Ramen – another cup! So last time, I didn’t use the cup and this time I’m going to. Should be interesting. Let’s find out!
#4461: Vite Ramen Garlic Pork Tonkotsu v3.0 – United States
Well this is new – a cup version of Vite Ramen. Sounds interesting – l suppose we should get to it!
#4459: Samyang Buldak Quattro Cheese Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen – United States
Here’s another export version for the United States. Four cheese Buldak! What are the four cheeses you ask? Mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, and camambert. It says so in the ingredients. I’ve had the pack version of this and was very impressed. Let’s give the bowl version a try – time for a spin in the microwave.
#4458: Paldo Teum-Sae Ramen – United States
Are you scared? Well, I’m not. I’m curious. This is an export package version of this one and it doesn’t mention the SHU (Scoville heat unit) number. What’s interesting also is that they’ve hyphenated Teumsae. Well, they must have a reason.
#4457: Vite Ramen Vegan Japanese Curry v3.0 – United States
Another new one from the Vite Ramen folks – thanks again! If you don’t know about this brand, check out the nutrition facts below. Tons of fiber, lower sodium, packed with protein, and a ton of vitamins. Let’s cook it up!
#4454: Vite Ramen Massaman Curry v3.0 – United States
Yep – another Vite Ramen. This has been really neat trying all these new versions and varieties! You should take a look at the image below of the nutrition facts – they’re very impressive. Curry. This is a serious thing for me – let’s tale a look.
The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Nissin Cup Noodles Breakfast
A couple years ago, Nissin Foods USA came out with something called Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice. Honestly, I really enjoyed it and made many different recipes out of it, stretching it to the limit. This time, it’s a breakfast variety. I couldn’t find it, but luckily Stumpy from North Little Rock, AR, James from Lakeside, CA and Nissin Foods sent me cups which I truly appreciate. Here, I will go into meticulous detail about the product, and create five different things with it. With that, here’s The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Nissin Cup Noodles Breakfast.
#4451: Vite Ramen Yuzu Shoyu v3.0 – United States
This is one of their newer ones and I’ve not tried any version of it previously (I don’t think there has been one?). This one is in collaboration with Girl_DM. Never heard of that – okay what does Google have to say?