This one’s an interesting specimen . You might be a hardcore instant noodle fan and notice the font of ‘premium’ and the color scheme. Definitely might remind you of something completely different. This one’s definitely packaged for US sale. I’ve had quite a few varieties from Dragonfly and found them generally to be quite good. Let’s check it out!
#4282: Nissin U.F.O. Truffle Carbonara Flavour Yakisoba – Singapore
This is pretty cool – it only arrived a day or so ago and it’s only around for a short time I believe, so I’m rushing it out. I definitely like carbonara. Truffles are interesting from what I’ve experienced of them. I used to visit a restaurant every once in a while called Perche No in Seattle – an Italian restaurant whose head chef was Malaysian! Anyways, he made all sorts of fascinating fusions. Was at a special dinner there once and he brought out a big container of truffles and let us check them out. Truffles are hard to describe; kind of like the finest old book smell but edible. It’s really different and compelling. Well, this yakisoba has aromatics of truffle which is very interesting to me. Big thank you goes out to Nissin Singapore for contacting me about these and sending some! Let’s get to it.
New Truffle Carbonara Yakisoba From Nissin Singapore!
I got an email from Nissin Singapore recently telling me about a new product being released and asking if I’d like to try it. Of course I said yes! This is really neat – Truffle Carbonara Yakisoba from their U.F.O. range – really curious about it. Alien characters, Halloween coming up soon – let’s check it out! It came in a really fascinating box! Thanks to the folks from Nissin Singapore for sending this over!
Zenpop Japanese Ramen Subscription Unboxing – October 2022
It’s time to unbox a Zenpop.jp box – you get seven varieties of instant noodles to try! I would say that almost every time I’ve gotten one of these, I’ve never tried any of them before which is really awesome. Great as a gift or to hoard for yourself! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a groovy discount! Let’s check it out!
#4281: Wu-Mu Mandashi Sesame Paste Flavor Noodle – Taiwan
The last one of these I tried was quite good. This one is a sesame paste flavor. Many would liken it to peanut butter, but it’s a bit different usually. It’s really a nice way to liven up dry noodles, that’s for sure. I’ve had it cold on the streets of Taipei – and it was really delicious. I have to say, visiting Taiwan has been a highlight of my days on Earth. It’s a vibrant place full of new things to try. Yeah – don’t be a square – visit the beautiful island of Taiwan.
#4280: Sempio Korean Spicy Noodle Soup – South Korea
You know, I can’t find anything anywhere about this one and what it’s actually called; I’m guess it’s an apt title, and the label looks to be an import label from the actual company itself. However, I bet the name is different. I bet. A dollar. I have a dollar. I’d have to open the piggy bank to get the cash out, but I’m good for a buck. It’s definitely a rice noodle as opposed to a wheat noodle – and I’m guessing that would be mentioned on the packaging. I looked further on the Sempio website –
#4279: Lotus Foods Tom Yum Rice Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
Well, hmm. Last time wasn’t so ultra wonderful. I’m hoping this one is super awesome! Going to use the microwave directions this go-round. Tom Yum is a soup out of Thailand with bright, spicy, and strong flavors. I’m hoping it’s reflected here; time to find out.
#4278: Yumei Noodle With Peas And Miscellaneous Sauce – China
You know, my favorite foods always have ambiguous and generalisms in them. Well, not really, but my favorite titles do. Miscellaneous sauce? Could be assorted sauce? This is one where the distributor’s label has a bit of a translation error I’m guessing. But this is how you’ll find it if you get it here in the United States, so I’ll leave it. Anyways, let’s give it a try.
#4277: Annie Chun’s Vegan Tonkotsu Ramen Soup Bowl – United States
This sounded interesting enough. Well, hopefully it’s alright. I dunno. I haven’t had all that much luck with this brand lately so we shall see. The last one was a shoyu and really kind of tame/bland. Hoping this will be a nice luxuriant and creamy tonkotsu with a lot of flavor.
#4276: Menraku Japanese Ramen Flaming Hot Miso – United States
Found this (as well as review 4275) over at H-Mart the other day. I swear Menraku just keeps coming out with new varieties constantly – it’s pretty hard to keep up with but that’s fine – the more the merrier. This is made in Japan but for the US market. Flaming hot, eh? Let’s find out.
#4275: Ollebadang Jeju Red-Banded Lobster Cup Ramen – South Korea
It took a little finagling to wrap my head around this one – insofar as translation. Bar code was a no-go and the only English text referred to the caloric content and not much else. But what helped was that phone number with the 070 prefix. Boom! They were even kind enough to have an English version of their website. So, let’s check out this South Korean variety!
Happy National Noodle Day 2022! Cup Noodles Bath Bomb!
October 6th is National Noodle Day! I knew it existed, but every year I find out when it’s too late to do a special post or something to commemorate the day. This year, Nissin Foods USA overnighted me a box especially for National Noodle Day – and it arrived the day before! So, I’ve spent the day before National Noodle Day shooting video, doing special research, and sitting in the bathroom. Well, it’s been fun, and now it’s time to show you what you may have or have not heard about – the Nissin Cup Noodles Soup Soaker. It’s a bath bomb which came in this special box in a noodle cup. What’s more is it’s kind of chickenny. Yeah. A chicken broth bath bomb. Watch it fizz!!!
#4274: Maruchan Ramen Bowl Chicken Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
Here’s another one of the Ramen Bowl varieties from Maruchan here in the United States. This is one of those varieties I figured I’ll leave as they’re so easy to find and save for a rainy day. Well, it’s raining – I’ve kind of hit a low amounts of instant noodles slump – happens from time to time. So, let’s get our chicken on.
#4273: Wu-Mu Mandashi Mala Spicy Flavor Noodle – Taiwan
I did a Meet The Manufacturer series with this company about four years ago – really good stuff, especially with this range. This variety features a straight noodle and a sauce. Looking forward to seeing how it is.
#4272: A-Sha Dry Noodle Badtz-Maru Mandarin Style With Sesame Boss Sauce – United States
Well, folks – this is it. I’ve had a lot of fun reviewing this special Sanrio tie-in series over the last short while. Everything’s quite good. Now we come to the end of the line with this Badtz-Maru variety. Badtz-Maru is one of Hello Kitty’s friends – let’s give it a try.
#4271: Lotus Foods Garlicky Veggie Rice Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
I haven’t tried anything from these guys in quite a while. Their pillow packs were definitely not well received by this reviewer, but that was a very long time ago. These cups look interesting. These folks also make rice which is quite good – especially the ‘forbidden rice.’ Let’s give this thing a try.
#4270: Sichuan Baijia A-Kuan Big Boss – Instant Vermicelli Spicy And Sesame Flavor – China
A while back I discovered some of this brand’s Big Boss varieties – and it looks like there are more now, so that’s neat. Spicy and sesame sounds good enough – let’s find out.
#4269: Annie Chun’s Japanese Style Shoyu Ramen Soup Bowl – United States
Lately, I’ve found myself in a slight pickle. I’m low on varieties of review… Well, it’s mainly my fault – I think for over two weeks I’ve been in such a good groove that I’ve been able to do three reviews a day and walk about ten miles per day as well. That’s a lot of unique varieties of noodles… So, I’ve had to resort to finding a bunch in a bit of a hurry. I found this one locally at the grocery store today. In fact, I found five different varieties. Let’s see what this is all about – it sounds a little bit interesting. Guess we’ll see.
#4268: A-Sha Dry Noodle Keroppi Mandarin Style Noodles With Silly Spicy Sauce – United States
Onto the third review! There are four varieties of these you can find over at www.ashadrynoodle.com. This one is another of Hello Kitty’s friends. I don’t believe it’s frog flavor, but probably more akin to the Hello Kitty supercute soy sauce flavor with some heat. Let’s give it a try!
New Sapporo Ichiban Sriracha Yakisoba Samples!
Here’s something from a company that doesn’t put out new varieties here in the United states very ofte, but when they do – they’re usually quite good. This is a spicy yakisoba and I’m very curious – let’s have a look!
Umai Crate Unboxing October 2022 + Coupon Code
Check this out! These subscription boxes come straight to your door and have some neat stuff inside! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles! Here’s the latest unboxing of the October 2022 Umai Crate!
#4267: Hai Chi Jia Sour & Spicy Sweet Potato Noodle – China
Well, folks – this is it. The end of the road on these Hai Chi Jia varieties with Bobby Yip on them. At least the last one I’ve got. They’ve been pretty good – I get it. Definitely. Let’s check this last one out.
#4266: Maruchan Ramen Bowl Hot & Spicy Shrimp Flavor Ramen Noodle Soup – United States
Oh man – so I’ve been digging. I’ve dug through everything in my hampers and assorted boxes. This is it. This is the last one I have that’s kinda old. It’s not expired. It expires next motn though. I know at the local grocery store there’s a couple more I can get so there’s 2/3 of a day of reviewing. I think I’ve been doing three reviews a day for at least 15 days now. Honestly, it’s kind of nice. I’ve got my groove on. It’s going. I’m doing it on the weekends. Full tilt. A slurp, a bite. Let’s see how this new one fares.
#4265: Kenko Foods Michio Kawamura Miso Ramen – Japan
Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles!
#4264: A-Sha Dry Noodle My Melody Mandarin Style Noodles With Friendly Scallion Sauce – United States
Here’s the second in a series of four Hello Kitty & Friends varieties from A-Sha Dry Noodle of Taiwan. This one’s made for the US market. So far, impressed as the soy sauce one was excellent. Let’s continue on with some friendly scallion sauce noodle – should be able to find them at www.ashadrynoodle.com.
#4263: Sapporo Ichiban Cup Star Kitsune Udon – Japan
Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles!
#4262: A-Sha Dry Noodle Hello Kitty Mandarin Style Dry Noodles With Supercute Soy Sauce – United States
Well, I’ll have you know that my daughter is incredibly pleased this was sent to me. She’s a big fan of Hello Kitty and her friends. My daughter’s name is Mimi, which is the name of Hello Kitty’s sister. Now where it gets weird is that the creator of Hello Kitty says is that she is NOT a cat. She is a girl named Kitty White. Oddly though she does have ears, whiskers, and no mouth. Well, she does in the cartoon and she talks too. Let’s give them a try – definitely one Hello Kitty fans will want to try – should be able to find them at www.ashadrynoodle.com.
A Reader Sends New Nongshim Shin Varieties
First there was Shin Ramyun, then Shin Black. Now there’s Green and Gold – thanks to James from Lakeside, California – thanks again! He’s been a serial donor of noodles I’ve not tried yet! Very cool – check ’em out!
Chocolate Instant Noodles & More From Brazil!
Big thanks to a reader named Cian for sending some amazing instant noodles from Brazil! I’ve always truly enjoyed Brazilian variants and this mix of varieties is truly fascinating as it contains two dessert varieties! Check it out!
#4261: Hai Chi Jia Golden Soup Sour Spicy Vermicelli – China
This is the third variety of the Hai Chi Jian varieties I got. They’ve been pretty fascinating so far and this one sounds pretty good -let’s give it a go! But wait – who is the guy on the cup (image is below)? I have found out. I found it on a website called GoodyFeed.com – here’s what they had to say –
Instant Noodle Recipe Time – Episode 1500
A number of years ago, I thought I’d see what would happen if I cooked up some noodles and ran a camera as I did it. It’s kind of funny – a lot of the large projects in my life have started with ‘let’s see what happens.’ I had thought for years the idea of shooting video while I cooked noodles for reviews was a purely idiotic idea; I would have to edit every video, which would take so much more time than the way I did things. Well, I found a way around that.
#4260: Knorr Shrimp Spinach Cream Gratin – Japan
Here’s one I found in an Umai Crate from Japan Crate! They have boxes full of neat Japanese varieties! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to score a sweet discount and get some neat noodles!
#4259: Hai Chi Jia Seafood Flavor Sweet Potato Noodle – China
This is the second of four varieties, very popular in China and now abroad. I still am not sure who the man on the packaging is just yet, but I will say the last one I tried was absolutely wonderful. Let’s give this one a try – everything I’ve found about it points to it having a clam flavor.
#4258: Ocean’s Halo Plant Based Vegan Beef Instant Noodle Soup – United States
I’m hopeful for this one, although my recent sampling of the chicken flavor variety didn’t go so well. Fingers crossed.
Prima Taste Laksa & Chili Crab Pizza Party!
Firstly, thanks to Prima Taste for sending some samples! I thought this would be a nice duet of pizza pies to try. I know – ‘why do you do these things?’ Because I have to in order to feed my curiosity to see what different combinations and different vehicles will deliver when it comes to foods. Today it’s singaporean pizzas! Let’s do it!
#4257: Naked Noodle Chinese Chow Mein – United Kingdom
I’m hoping that this variety does not do to the idea or history of Chinese cuisine what they did to Japanese teriyaki. Chow mein and teriyaki are generally not known to have soup, or a ton of gravy in excess. Let’s find out what we got here, folks.
#4256: Hai Chi Jiao Ma Guo Ba Fen – China
Found a whole series of these locally at 99 Ranch Market (yeah that’s how you say it). They all have this fellow on them who I’m pretty sure is a comedian or a magician – I’m not sure. This one is immensely popular in China and features a mala (spicy) broth with chicken notes and special crisp rice. Let’s look within…
#4255: Ocean’s Halo Plant-Based Vegan Chicken Instant Noodle Soup – United States
This was one of three my lovely wife Kit found at Whole Foods a while back. These are really large noodle bowls – as you’ll see below, they have two noodle block in there. I just baked some chicken for the review so it should look somewhat nice. Let’s give it a go!
#4254: Oyatsu Baby Star Crispy Ramen Snack – United States
Nearby where I live, I walk past a community free books/food pantry. I’ve found some interesting things in there – most recently a canned ham. I found this in there and there were a ton of them but only needed one. What is it? It’s a snack, that’s what it is! Let’s check it out.
Maruchan Sends Samples For Special Series
For years, I’ve wanted to do a Meet The Manufacturer series with Maruchan – the company was kind of a missing piece to a puzzle of American companies producing noodles here. Well, that’s now going to happen. I’d also like to let you know that a special Definitive Guide To Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup is forthcoming as well with tons of info and history on the pillow packs everyone knows. With that, let’s crack this box open and look inside!