I get asked to do different top ten lists often – ones for people with dietetic restrictions, one for specific types of noodles, etc. The return of the Japan list should satisfy those who have wanted it to return. The problem with the Japan list is that Japanese varieties often come and go very quickly like the seasons; they are to be enjoyed and then remembered. Hopefully you’ll be able to find most of these, but if not it is because of this reason. This list is comprised of my ten favorite varieties from Japan out of my reviews up to number 4,400. If you’re in Japan and have varieties you think I should try or are a manufacturer there, please contact me. With that, here is The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Japanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition.
Tag: “A”
#2937: Vedan Wei Wei “A ” Series Instant Noodles Chicken Flavor XL
Here’s another one that was sent by a University student working on her master’s thesis. She asked me to review a set of six instant noodle varieties by Vedan. Sure! I’ve tried this before in an export version and really didn’t like it. Let’s give this local variety a try.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2344: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor A Pollo
Well folks, today is the last day of Meet The Manufacturer. It’s been a definite departure from the flavors I’m used to and it’s been a different way of thinking about noodles. I usually include mung bean sprouts in everything, but that really wasn’t an option. Indeed don’t know if my application of queso fresca was correct, but I had to try. However I tried to find other varieties of Mexican cheeses, however couldn’t find any melty ones – just crumbly. It was fun and something different for me, and I want to thank the folks at Nissin Mexico for the opportunity to try all of these! Let’s check out the chicken Cup Noodles to wrap things up.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2341: Nissin Cup Noodles Sopa Nissin Sabor A Carne De Res
Time for some beef! I’ve noticed that kind of like in the US, there are only a scant few pack noodle varieties and most varieties are in cups. Cups are great since they’re portable, have their own container to eat out of, and are easily disposed of. Let’s check out this beef variety.
Meet The Manufacturer: #2338: Nissin Sopa Nissin Sabor A Pollo Sopa Instantanea Tipo Ramen
Okay folks, what we have here is the baseline. Every company has a chicken flavored instant noodle, and this is Nissin Mexico’s. I should actually say not every company has a chicken flavor – but most do. Chicken is pretty open to interpretation and I don’t think (other than vegetarians and vegans) there are any cultural groups that don’t eat chicken. I could be wrong and if I am let me know. Let’s have something chicken flavored and dress it up Mexican style!
Meet The Manufacturer: Re-Review: Nissin RapiFideo Sabor A Chile Y Limon
The name of this one – RapiFideo – is a combination of two words. ‘Rapido,’ meaning ‘Quick’ and ‘Fideo’ which means ‘Noodle.’ I reviewed these a while back – let’s revisit them for this Meet The Manufacturer!
#2049: Ottogi Ramyon Sabor a Res
Here’s another one sent by Colin, a reader from back east – thank you! He went to Mexico recently and sent me a ton of varieties that he found there. You’d think with Mexico being next door I’d be able to find more varieties, but actually it’s been really hard. This one’s made in South Korea for the Mexican market. Instant noodle are hugely popular in Mexico, and with spicy flavors coming out of South Korea, it’s a pretty good fit. Let’s have a look!
#1873: Vedan Wei Wei A Instant Noodles Chicken Flavor
The last one from the trip we took to Canada for my birthday. This is a Taiwanese variety I found up there. I see a picture of a chicken on the package, but that’s as far as it goes as the serving suggestion doesn’t look very ‘chickenny.’ Let’s see how it goes!
Our First Experience With Kamaboko & Narutomaki
I’ve seen many times mentions of Kamaboko and Naruto in ramen dishes and looked all over for them. This last Saturday we went to Uwajimaya and I found both! Hah! First, let’s check out Kamaboko. It’s surimi, which comes in many ways – for example, imitation crab is one form of surimi.
#623: Wei-Wei “A” Series Instant Noodles Vegetarian Flavor
Here’s another one that was sent to me by Michelle L. of New York! I know… Yep – it’s a swastika, the symbol of the national socialist party of Germany in WWII, the Nazis. Well, Wei-Wei isn’t a Nazi company or has anything to do with oppression. On the complete opposite side, in the far east it represents the whole of creation as well as Buddhism. Wikipedia says:
#610: Wei-Wei “A” Series Instant Noodles Artificial Chicken Flavor
Here’s yet another from Michelle L. of New York. I am really digging the “A” series so far!