The instant noodle originated in 1958 in Japan, but since that time, they’ve expanded in popularity all over the world, including of course, the United States. Seeing this, instant noodle companies thought it wise to start building plants here in the 1970s. Since then, many brands operate factories here in the US, mostly in southern California. This is a list of my favorite varieties produced here, encompassing my over 1,100 reviews to date. With that, here’s your top ten, America!
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Countdown To Review #1,000
The wall above my screen at The Ramen Rater HQ
Right now, I’m at number 996 and going to pause. I will start reviewing again on Sunday, March 10th 2013. Why? Well, I figured I’d give myself a birthday present. #997 on Sunday, #998 on Monday and #999 will be on Tuesday. #1,000 will be reviewed and videotaped on Wednesday and posted on Thursday, which is my birthday!
Re-Review: Indomie Chicken Curry Flavour Instant Noodles
My son went and picked out a bunch of instant noodles at the Asian grocery a couple weeks ago and today he would like to try this one. A good pick – nothing’s more interesting than curry! I put curry up there with garlic, bacon and kimchi… Indescribably tasty.
Re-Review: Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles & Original Flavored Soup
We went to Walmart on Black Friday! Well, let me explain – it was at 6pm or so, so the amount of crazy people was lower. It seems though that the Walmart we always go to has a surplus of crazy people usually. I imagine the early morning Black Friday folks would’ve been a scary lot. One thing I noticed was that they hadn’t bought all of the noodles, so I thought I’d get a couple to re-review. Here’s one of them last time I tried it, it was revirew #207. Hoping some new things to review come soon – only have one in the hamper that’s needing review… Re-reviews are fun though since they’re not been visited in so long.
#922: Sunlee Shitake Mushroom Instant Vermicelli
Here’s one we got during our summer vacation. Found it at the Uwajimaya in Beaverton, Oregon. Mushrooms… Well, Let’s give it a go!
#898: Long Kow’s Crystal Noodle Soup Savory Shoyu
Here’s one I don’t have high hopes for as I’ve had a few other ones that weren’t very enjoyable in the past. But hey – this could be really awesome, right? I’m hoping so!
Meet The Manufacturer #889: Yamachan Ramen Rich Shoyu Ramen
This is the last of the samples I got from Yamachan Ramen! Must admit I’m sad to see them go! Very tasty fare and it’s been a lot of fun! This one’s shoyu. Let’s give it a try.
#877: Nongshim Shin Bowl Noodle Soup (New Version)
Realized I haven’t reviewed the new version of the Shin Bowl. A lot of people have asked if I noted any difference from the old version (non-microwaveable) and the new one. Well, I guess we shall see!
#867: Indomie Mi Instan Rasa Coto Makassar
This is a real treat – this is one of the varieties not available in the United States and was kindly sent by Edwin N. of Vancouver, BC! Thank you again so much! So what is Coto Makassar anyways? Well, here’s something I found here:
#854: Long Kow’s Crystal Noodle Soup Hot & Sour
Here’s an interesting one. This one’s got bean thread, something I am not usually thrilled with. Let’s see what happens.
#845: Nongshim Doong Ji Authentic Korean Cold Noodles in Chilled Broth
Well, time for another try with cold noodles! Been really enjoying them recently – curious how these will fare – look pretty fancy!
#805: Acecook Super Big Ramen Soy Sauce Flavor Japanese Style Instant Noodle
So the last one of these I had was super salty. hoping this one isn’t going to be like that; I couldn’t really eat the last one because of it.
#800: Mr. Noodles Instant Noodles Chicken Simulated Flavour
Here it is – number 800! Gonna hit that four digits sooner or later. Thanks go to Mark K. and Erika L. for getting these to me! I had to decide on an appropriate variety for today’s big 800, so I though Canadian chicken (simulated flavor) instant noodles was fascinating enough to do the trick! So, here we go!
#792: Nongshim Bowl Noodle Soup Spicy Chicken Flavor (New Version)
The 200th review I did was the old version of this stuff! Over 500 reviews later, we come to the new version. So far, these new ones have been quite good.
Re-Review: Meet The Manufacturer: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup
It’s been a heck of a long time since I had one of these – over three years! Shin Ramyun is Nongshim’s most well known product – let’s see how it goes now, after trying over 600 varieties since I last tried it!
#750: Meet The Manufacturer: Nongshim Bowl Noodles Spicy Kimchi Flavor (New Version)
I figured for Meet The Manufacturer Week: Nongshim, I would start with a Bowl Noodles I saw get made while I was at their plant! They were cranking them out en masse! I’ve reviewed the old packaging / version in the past and these new ones are very different. They’re made to be cooked in the microwave, so that’s how I’ll cook them.