Tag: hans lienesch

#3677: Samyang Foods Challenge Buldak Bibimmyun – South Korea

#3677: Samyang Foods Challenge Buldak Bibimmyun - South Korea

A little while back, Samyang Foods produced a variety called Buldak Mini. It was a smaller noodle block, however it clocked in at 12,000 SHU. Since people like to go big or go home, they came out with this – Challenge Buldak. This time it’s a full size noodle block, and it is served cold. Again, this one comes in at 12,000 SHU. They even have a hashtag mentioning this challenge attribute. I decided to give it a go and in the video below, you’ll see I conquered in in just over 3 minutes. Let’s give this one a look! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3674: Noodles Accompanied By Happiness Red Oil Sesame Paste – Taiwan

Meet The Manufacturer: #3674: Noodles Accompanied By Happiness Red Oil Sesame Paste - Taiwan

Okay so here’s another one with really colorful graphics. Silhouetted celebratory humands, against a scenic backdrop with the night sky. This one has ‘red oil’ – which I’m guessing is going to be a spicy one – but I could be wrong. Let’s find out! ...see full post

Unboxing: Zenpop Subscription Box – October 2020

It’s not too late to get a holiday gift for people you care enough about to shop for at the last minute! Zenpop boxes are pretty cool – you get 7 varieties of instant ramen from Japan delivered to your door every month! Head over to www.zenpop.jp and use the coupon code RAMENRATER for a discount. Here’s what the October 2020 box looks like! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: #3673: Noodles Accompanied By Happiness Fragrant In Original Taste – Taiwan

I really have to give it to Noodles Accompanied With Happiness – their packaging is really nice. The photo doesn’t fully get the vibrancy in color of the packaging – really nice. This variety is a wider gauged Taiwanese dry noodle – let’s give it a try! ...see full post

#3671: Kiseki Foods Kiseki Ramen – United States

#3671: Kiseki Foods Kiseki Ramen - United States

Alright so here we have a prototype. I love prototypes; I feel so honored and humbled that companies would let me try a product before it goes on the market. This one’s a little different – here’s why. It’s 20 calories. For the pack. That’s it. Konjac noodles – these things are like eating food on the holodeck on Star Trek (note – for the ultra nerdy out there who do know that holodeck food is actually replicator food – yeah I know that too – but if the food was holographic – that’s what I’m getting at). At this point they have shared with me their pending Kickstarter campaign but it will be live soon and I’m guessing by the time this posts. Anyways, let’s see how good 20 calorie ramen can be! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition

THIS LIST HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY THE RAMEN RATER’S TOP TEN SPICIEST INSTANT NOODLES OF ALL TIME 2022 EDITION. SEE IT HERE.

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition

I’ve been enjoying spicy instant noodles for years now and these are some pretty lethally spicy ones. Personally, I go for savory over ultra spicy, but I certainly like a challenge and these bring that for sure. Got one you think is hotter but don’t see it here? Drop me a line. Also, check out Instant Noodles – The Ramen Rater group on Facebook – lots of great people in there talking about ramen from all over the world. Well, let’s check out the new The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition! ...see full post

Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With Palmetto Gourmet Foods

Meet The Manufacturer: Interview With Palmetto Gourmet Foods

A trip to the grocery store awhile back yielded some nice results. It’s pretty rare I go to our local store and find something new, but I found these Ramen Express cups – which said they were from the United States! This required swift action to reach out and learn more, and that’s how this Meet The Manufacturer was born.  A big thank you to Reza Soltanzadeh, CEO & President, Palmetto Gourmet Foods for granting this interview – let’s get started. ...see full post

Holiday Ramen Gifts – Umai Crate from Japan Crate + DISCOUNT!

Holiday Ramen Gifts – Umai Crate from Japan Crate + DISCOUNT!

Well the holidays are upon us among other things. This time, it’s pretty inadvisable to run to the mall and hang out with tons of people. Well, check out these subscription boxes as gifts – that way they come straight to your door and have some neat stuff inside! Check out www.japancrate.com and use the coupon code THERAMENRATER to get a sweet discount and get some neat noodles! ...see full post

#3659: Single Grain Spicy Beef Tripe Noodles – China

#3659: Single Grain Spicy Beef Tripe Noodles - China

I went to 99 Ranch Market looking for mung bean sprouts and found seven different varieties of these big cups! I love these things. I like to call them flower pots. Very curious about these – last time I found some was up in Canada. I miss Canada… But these have a ton of sachets – so if you’re a fan of lots of sachets, take a look at these style cups. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Taiwanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Taiwanese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition

I’ve got to give it to Taiwan. They’ve really done well with the pandemic, that’s for sure. Just another reason why I love that place; I’ve visited twice and hope I get to again soon. People there are nice, Lots of interesting things going on, and of course… the food! This list is born out of controversy – in 2013 when Taiwan wasn’t on my annual top ten, their media took notice and they got mad. So, I decided to try some ‘noodle diplomacy’ and asked companies to send some samples and they did – and they have been for years now. All sorts of neat innovations, unique styles, and more. If you have a company or a favorite variety you’d like me to review, contact me. Also, I invite everyone to join the Instant Noodles – The Ramen Rater group on Facebook – a large community of people who enjoy noodles and share their thoughts on them. Let’s check out this years shortlist of my favorites from this beautiful and fascinating place. ...see full post

#3658: Samyang Foods Buldak HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Tomato Pasta – South Korea

#3659: Samyang Foods Buldak HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Tomato Pasta - South Korea

Well, here’s the first of a whole slew of new Buldak varieties. If you’ve never seen or heard about this range (you’ve probably been under a rock), just know these are probably the most popular spicy range of products around when it comes to noodles. They came out with a Christmas themes variety – meat spaghetti. I’m wondering if this one will be similar? Let’s find out. ...see full post

Holiday Buying Guide: Exotic Noods Sampler Boxes!

If you like instant noodles or know someone who does, these boxes from Exotic Noods are really a nice find. They always do up a nice assortment of varieties from around the world – not just one country. You don’t have to go into a store full of people which is a bonus lately, and you get a box full of noodles and a little pamphlet which gives you lots of info all about them. What’s more, use the coupon code THERAMENRATER and get a nice discount! HOW CAN YOU GO WRONG?! Below I open the November 2020 box and extol it’s virtue. Check it out! ...see full post

#3647: Nissin Cup Noodle Original Ramen Noodle Soup – United States

#3647: Nissin Cup Noodle Original Ramen Noodle Soup - United States

In 1971, Nissin Japan released the first Cup Noodle product. Cup Noodle in Japan has always been a lot different from the one here; lots of garnish. I mean a lot. This one is a version of the original cup you’ll find in Japan today with I’m guessing some slight tweaking. They recently released their Curry and Seafood Cup Noodle version here as well. Let’s check it out! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition

A lot of things have changed in the last year. I decided it would be a great time to come out with the Top Ten American instant noodles list; it’s November 2nd. Tomorrow is the last day to vote in a crucial election – whichever candidate you support, go exercise your right to vote! The video this year is very different. With the pandemic and my kids home from school doing about 25 Zoom meetings a week, my time has been critically limited. This way however, I’ll be able to bring you more top ten lists I think. This list is comprised of my favorite American varieties out of all the reviews up to #3,636, which count 446 varieties. Let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten American Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition! ...see full post