Over 5,000 Instant Ramen Noodle Reviews Since 2002
I remember when we’ve flown to Taiwan, when they ask what you want to eat, they’ll go up and down the aisles and say ‘pork porridge?’ I’ll admit, I usually got pork porridge. It was kinda funny. Anyways, found this one at Evergreen Asian Market in Everett, Washington. Let’s cook.
This one comes by way of James from Lakeside, CA. So it’s not ramen but I’m sure he found this right next to the ramen. Let’s try it!
Time for something spicy from South Korea for the US market. Definitely a clone but I must say I’ve been rather impressed with the Harim varieties I’ve tried recently. Found this at Boo Han Market on 99 in Edmonds. Let’s cook!
A few languages on this export version. I half expected this to have come from their Turkish factory. Despite the multiple languages (and use of the word flavor spelled flavour), this is for the US market as you can see the long distributor list with US telephone numbers. Let’s cook!
Here’s another found at Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington. I generally like rapokki but jjajang I’m honestly hit or miss with. Guess we’ll find out, eh?
Looked all over for these and finally found them. Now we will see how it goes.
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge).Contains shrimp and beef. To prepare, fill to line with room temp water andmicrowave at 1000W for 2.5 minutes. Let stand 3 minutes. Finally, stir and enjoy!!
I’ve tried the local version from overseas previously, and here’s one version packaged for sale in the United States. I love tom yum and it so happens we have some shrimp – let’s get this one going!
Here’s a new Geki variety I found at Fred Meyer in Woodinville. What’s kinda funny is that I tried this flavor before, although it was from Indonesia! Let’s try the US version.
I’m really happy about finding this one at Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington! If you’ve not tried it, I highly recommend it – as long as the new packaging doesn’t mean new recipe at least. This came out quite a while back after a Korean comedian – Lee Kyung Kyu I believe – mentioned it. This is a jalapeno and chicken flavored broth variety. What’s interesting is that it does not have chicken in this one where it once did. It’s made in South Korea – so they would export US chicken to Korea, process it, then send it back in the product. Crazy, eh? Anyways, let’s cook it up!
Found this at Fred Meyer the other day (Kroger). It wasn’t in the Asian foods area, but with the domestic stuff which was interesting. I wasn’t a big fan of their initial variety (standard ultra spicy dry clone) but this has promise. Says it’s spicy too – let’s find out.
Found this one at Boo Han Market along with another one. Rapokki is a great thing I really enjoy – a pairing of tteokbokki (cylindrical rice cake) and ramyun (Korean instant noodle). That texture combo alongside a sweet and spicy sauce is really wonderful. Let’s try this variety.
Okay, this is a big deal I think. I know – it looks very generic; very plain. But this isn’t what Ii see. This is a product of Brazil. It’s a Kroger store brand. Who is making this for them? I’ve no idea. I look at the big players in the Brazilian instant noodle market and mainly see a lot of Nissin Miojo stuff. However, the noodle and sachet style doesn’t lean me in that direction. A six pack – and it’s cheap – I think it was $4 for 2 of these – so I got both this and the chicken yesterday. I’ve also noticed that on the directions, it’s referring this noodle as pasta. Pasta? Hmm.
This came by way of the creator of Slurp Now, Crunch Later – a blog dedicated to Korean food! Thanks again! I’ve seen this on Amazon and been fascinated. Let’s see what’s within!
Here’s another one from James – thanks! So, Smoko? Hmm – Gemini says…
‘A “Smoko character” is a character from Smoko, an LA-based company that sells cute and whimsical products, such as plush toys and office supplies. The name “Smoko” itself is Australian slang for a short break from work. The company’s characters are based on food, animals, and other adorable concepts, with popular characters including Tayto Potato, Pearl Boba, and Lil B Dumpling’
Okay what is this MEP thing all about? Gemini says “MEP is a new brand of instant ramen by Samyang Foods, standing for Maptaeng (매떵), which is a Korean term that combines “map-da” (spicy) and “taeng-ha-da” (firm, chewy texture).” Ah okay. – now it’s a little more logical, however I think it could have a little more accessible name… Anyways – garlic and clams. Let’s do this.
So this is an interesting deal here. I’ve had the Korean version of this before. It was noted that the Rose US version reminds me of Chick Fil A sauce while the Korean version was amazing. Hmm… I’m curious how this will be… Let’s dive in!
Here’s another from James of Lakeside, California – thanks! Macaroni… Soup? I think this is a Filipino one yet again. Thewse are interesting and so far not bad. Let’s cook it up!
Big thanks to Jame from Lakeside, California for sending this one! So this brand is interesting. Mainly in that they make as lot of Filipino varieties, however it says they’re product of the USA. Are they made here? I dunno I guess they must be? Pancit Canton usually is pretty darn good – let’s give it a try!
Tried this awhile back in the pack form. It was really quite decent – tasted like taco seasoning and sauce and noodle. It works. Let’s see how it is in this configuration.
Here’s the last of these sent by The Fat Hipster – thanks! So this is camping ramen. I must say the prior varieties were quite bland. I guess we will see on this one.
Found these at Saar’s Super Saver on Aurora neat Seattle. So it is just vexing me – those little words by the hammer kid – don’t boil it – smash it. I’ll follow the rules, but honestly, I have to try this as a dry noodle soon. Boil it, drain it, add seasoning, stir it up. I bet it’s good! I’ll get one next time at a store. I will reveal the upshot to you! For free! I am happy to! Anyways for now, let’s smash it.
Recently, I got an Instagram message from someone interested in this variety. Not to see what I thought of it, but asking if I had a recent scan of the packaging. They make rad little keychains for sale at events and Etsy soon, so I figured I haven’t done this newer packaging version, so why not? I’m in the mood I think, let’s give it a go.
I’ve tried these before. This one is fat free though. I found it while on a long walk looking for something else. I like it when that happens. Let’s try this out; it’s made in Singapore.
I went out on a walk looking for noodles to review. I found this and another Ramen Bistro variety – been searching for them for over a month. Let’s give this one a try!
Mariscos? Seafood! I’ve wanted to visit the Mexican coast and try all the seafood – I bet it’s really great. I’ve had a lot of seafood outside the US in Asia – and it was amazing. My guess is it’s the same in Mexico. Let’s give this a try!
Found these are Saar’s Super Saver on Aurora in Seattle. I haven’t reviewed these since their packaging change – it’s been years. Take the power back with a portable snack! Let’s give it a go.
Been waiting to get my hands on this one for awhile! I tried Cielo products a while back and been curious about the Birria and Mariscos varieties! This is the Birria and it sounds good – we shall see indeed! Time to cook.
Here’s a low cal variety from Otoki (formerly Ottogi). Interesting. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first variety, hopefully this one will fare better.
Here’s the counterpart to the chicken version, found at the local grocery store. What bums me out is no Thai Curry Hot Pot Fusiuon Nissin variety at the local store. Idk… Hopefully I’ll run into it soon. Let’s give this one a try.
Found this at the Target in Lynnwood, WA by the Alderwood Mall. I tried the cup version a few days ago and was rather disappointed. I’m hoping this is more pleasing. Let’s cook it up.
The video for this one came out of Christmas Day, 2025 – you can see it at the bottom. I think there’s probably a lot of you that don’t know about my show Instant Noodle Recipe Time – it’s on pretty much every single day at 9am Pacific Time (Vancouver/Los Angeles). I’ve been doing the show for years and I think a lot of YouTube don’t know about me on www.theramenrater.com. Didn’t know I’d find this one over at HMart. I tried the pack version recently… Let’s try the bowl!
Here’s the second of three varieties of Buldak potato chips – Quattro Cheese. Definitely one of the latest and popular varieties where their noodles are concerned. Let’s give em’ a try!
Having deja vu? Well, I made this wrong the first time. It clearly states to fill to the line, however it was a lower line than I saw – so I put in too much water. Prepared in that way, I really enjoyed it – 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. This time, I’m doing it right. Let’s give it a whirl.
Found these at Target – got the other two varieties as well to review. This is weird; I dunno – will they be good? Spicy? Sounds interesting at the least – let’s try ’em.
Another one from James of Lakeside, California – thanks again! Ribs… Hmmm. I guess we will find out. This could go different ways.
Had a nice outing last weekend and found a lot of Buldak I’d not reviewed including this one. Ahh, rose. This is one I did a mukbang video of but before I had the chance to edit it, I had deleted it… Oops. Well, not today but soon as I have the pack version as well. Let’s give it a go – I remember I loved the South Korean local pack version immensely.
The local grocery store keeps providing more stuff all the time it’s really quite interesting. Wasn’t sure of the Korean one but this should be good and last will be the Thai Curry – should I be able to find it. Months later, I still haven’t and would have truly enjoyed finding it, but to no avail everywhere I’ve looked.
Well, here’s the third. The first was buffalo/ranch flavored – 1 star. Lemon pepper next – 2 stars. This is the last chance. Can we get a good one out of the set? Read on.
Say! Here’s a new one – I was contacted by Bias about a new non-fried, Vegan friendly, and low-cal ramyun that’s supposed to be really tasty. Time to find out!
Well, here’s the second of the trifecta of wings variants from Nissin. The ranch one I did previously? No thanks. Let’s give this a try – I see something promising.
