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Alright so first off – this is made in China, however the package is definitely made for sale in the United States. Second, I found this at Asian Food Center on Hwy 99/Aurora by Shoreline, WA – definitely a great place to visit every couple of months. I’ve found tons of unique variants there. Let’s check it out!
To be honest, this makes me very happy. I’ve really found the Ramen Express varieties to be quite good, and now they’re easily found at Walmart. I’m not extremely keen on the cup versions (although I haven’t had the new shrimp variety so maybe they’ve changed; I will soon), but the packs have a great noodle and very nice flavors. I’m unsure if this is different than the origininal hotter and spicier variety; this one tacks ‘chili’ on the end and has different packaging. Saw it at Walmart a couple of days ago.
This one came from Exotic Noods! Exotic Noods has great monthly subscription boxes with products from around the world. Worth a look! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
This one came from Exotic Noods! Exotic Noods has great monthly subscription boxes with products from around the world. Worth a look! Use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
An older package of Maruchan Chicken flavor Ramen Noodle Soup
You may have seen that I was in the hospital this week. I can describe the whole thing in the video below since it has been typed a lot of times and I had a TON of blood draws in the past few days and to put it short, they had to get them out of my dominant hand and it’s a little sore after being poked so many times, so my apologies.
Back in 1986, a South Korean company called Nongshim 농심 (which translates to Farmer’s Heart), introduced a product called Shin Ramyun. Since then it has been one of the most popular varieties around the world. In this post, I’ll do a deep dive into the product – a tear down of the package and it’s contents, my tips of preparation, and some things you might not know about it. While not my favorite variety I’ve tried, chances are it may be yours. I run a group called Ramen Junkies on Facebook and the topic and focus of the bulk of posts on there surround this product.
Today, I have something that should get some folks in a tizzy but that’s just fine. I’m reviewing instant noodles. Well, sort of. Well, not really. This is a toy. Don’t eat these. I mean, you could I suppose, but I’m telling you not to. See, it says that this toy is for ages 3 and up. So, they’re figuring you and small children will have the sense not to try and cook them and eat them. Let’s check out these sproigy and stretch things.
Yup – another newer version Vite Ramen! Once I get through all these, the prototypes for version 1.3 will be next! I remember I really liked this one – let’s see how this improved version does!
So what I love about what these guys do is they come out with new versions. This particular variety is version 1.2. This one is a special collaboration with a company called Fly By Jing that makes Sichuan Chili Crisp, one of the true flavor delicacies. Let’s check it out!
I received an email a few weeks ago from Isabel, CEO and Founder of Noodie. She extolled the virtue of her product (non-fried, 16g of protein, lower sodium, load of veggies, and Vegan-friendly) and asked if I’d like to try it. Never one to turn down the chance to try something new, I accepted – and here we are. I write this before tasting, but I’ve got it say I’m already impressed. The presentation here is just impeccable – downright revolutionary to be honest. You can cook these noodles in their container (which is plastic by the way). You can cok it like a cup noodle, however the noodle block is in a standard flat shape – which works with the container. The graphic design and fonts are great – you can’t tell from the above picture, but the contents of the bowl image are done with gold leaf! This honestly feels like a futuristic instant noodle. Isabel sent a very nice note about how my review would be a big milestone in the timeline of her product. Like I said at this point of writing, I’ve not tried it yet – but I definitely wanted to say that this is one of the neatest packaged noodles I’ve seen. With that, let’s begin.
I saw these on Amazon recently and though I should contact Maruchan about giving them a try – and they kindly obliged. Thank you! There’s a couple interesting things I’ve noticed that I’ll mention as you scroll down and look at the images and text. With that, let’s check out this, the biggest change I’ve seen to date of the Instant Lunch cup. Actually first, look at the lower left corner. See that? Microwavable – unbeknownst to many, no – you’re not supposed to microwave the foam cups – but these aren’t foam cups.
Well, I’ve come to the end of the fresh varieties from Myojo USA which is a bummer because they’ve all been quite good. This one is kind of like a seafood tonkotsu and I’m really curious how it will be. Let’s give it a go!
I have this and one more fresh variety that I need to cook up of these great Myojo USA refrigerated varieties – they’ve been extremely good! My wife has been a fan of yakisoba for a long time as have I, but my daughter could be heard while I was finishing up the reviews that day I tried the savory miso version. ‘Mama, can I have another bite?’ She’s definitely one for repetitiveness, and like a happy broken record, I want to say I heard her say it a good couple dozen times. Curious how they’ll like this one – I think they will!
Well, didn’t I just hit one of those big numbers a few weeks ago? Well, much earlier than I hit my 4000th review, the video at the bottom of this one got published. See, my episodes of Instant Noodle Recipe Time come out sooner that the posts they’re for. It’s nice having things staggered a bit to be honest. Well, the epiosde at the bottom of this review is my 1200th episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time! A couple interesting things about this episode are the fact that I’m sure the kitchen will be incredibly hot – tomorrow (I get the posts ready for the review the night before) is probably going to be the last ultra hot day of the summer (if we’re lucky. Today it got up to 93F here if not hotter. It’s also kind of humid. We also have a lot of smoke from forest fires. So, I’ll be slaving away in a hot kitchen tomorrow – I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you for watching the show.
I recently got couple more varieties from Aces of their Sriracha Ramen Noodle Soup range – this lobster and an extra spicy! First, the lobster. Let’s check it out!
Here’s one that came via Exotic Noods – check ’em out and use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount!
Saw there was some neat new things going on over at Myojo USA so I contacted my friend Taku-san and he sent some great fresh varieties! I’ve had a ton of different yakisoba varieties but never have I seen a miso flavored one. Let’s give it a try!
Here’s one I found at the local grocery store. The shoyu I tried previously wasn’t bad, so hopefully the miso will be good and not a boatload of red miso. Warning – there will be corn in this. If you’re not afraid of corn, smooth seas ahead. But if corn freaks out your tender sensibilities, turn back!
Big thanks to Daniel at www.exoticnoods.com for sending this one over. There’s been a noodle drought lately! Very uncool, but people have been kind enough to help! Check out Exotic Noods and use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s crack this one open and give it a try!
Vite Ramen is a fascinating phenomenon – instant noodles married to healthy ingredients. It’s pretty fascinating! What’s neat is they keep coming out with different versions of their products – always on a mission to improve. Well, let’s give this one a try! Don’t forget to look at the scan of the back of these below – it’s pretty impressive!
This one was sent by the folks at www.exoticnoods.com – check them out and use coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! This one was sent during the great noodle drought of 2021 – long story short, I ran out of noodles and asked folks to send anything I’ve not reviewed. By the way – this is made in Japan, however it’s packaged for the US market. Was surprised I’d not tried this one! Let’s check it out!
Well my friends, this is it. This is the last of the Aces/Huy Fong Sriracha Ramen Noodle Soup varieties. The first two were good; especially the chicken – that was dare I say yummy. Now we only have a short time left, and it’s with beef. Let’s savor it. Here we go…
Recently, Noodie send samples of their Peanut Chili Irresistible Ramen – great stuff! Well, they followed up with a 3 pack showcasing all three varieties – check em out!
Here’s another one I found at Uwajimaya a couple days ago when getting some narutomaki. I think the last time I tried this it was called Umami Tonkotsu. Anyways, ;et’s give it a go!
Today, we combine a noodle made in Hong Kong with a broth concentrate from the United States. I decided this would be a great venue to try out the homemade chashu we made this weekend – I’ll include the recipe in a video below as well. Let’s give this combo a try!
Here’s the second of the two Vida Food Group varieties that were sent. I was somewhat familiar with what Menudo was, but aside from seeing a meme online, I know absolutely northing about Pozole. Wikipedia, if you please –
So this is an interesting one today. Yamasa sent me some ramen broths and I found this simple block of instant noodles from Jongga to pair it with. Both products are either made in the United States or just for the US market. Time to make some miso ramen!
I’ve of course reviewed Top Ramen chicken flavor before. However, this is a special release version for their 50th Anniversary. Since 1971, Nissin’s been churning out Top Ramen – and I really appreciate that. The first variety I tried was a Nissin product, which is fitting since they were the makers of the first instant noodle in 1958. Let’s pay tribute and required honor to this, the noodle that introduced the United States to instant noodles.
Here’s another Panda Signature product to check out. These are new at Walmart and this is the first one I’ve gotten there. A lot of controversy in the Walmart world of instant noodle fans. Let’s check this one out!
Here’s a neat one made in the USA! These cups have 20g of protein in them! Flavor sounds interesting too. Let’s check it out!
Here’s I think the last one from James of Lakeside, CA. Thanks again! Pho sounds nice – we shall see! Let’s check it out.
Here’s the second of the three Aces / Huy Fong Sriracha sauce varieties (after this there’s still the beef too). The original was very nice – let’s see how the chicken fares!
Well, would you look at that! An officially licensed Huy Fong Sriracha sauce variety. Sounds good to me – let’s see how it tastes! Very curious about this one Let’s hit it!
Well this was a little unexpected – found this at the Uwajimaya in Renton, WA. Yeah, it’s not instant noodles, but I figure it was definitely unique and should be checked out, so let’s give it a try.
Found this one at Evergreen Asian Market up in Everett, Washington. I don’t often make my way that far north for instant noodles but I did find one or two things there (including Chocolatey Tree Stumps). This one is made in the Russian Federation for the US market – even says on the label which I find interesting. Anyways, let’s check this one out!
Here’s one that the folks from Chef Woo sent over – thanks! So these cups have 20g or protein. What’s more is this is a Vegan friendly cup. Shall we?
It’s Top Ten time again! These are my favorite cups from my reviews up to #3790. Cups are a neat thing – very portable. They’ve come under fire for ‘tipping themselves over’ in the past, but I assure you they don’t have any intelligence that would be required for them to move of their own volition. It should be said also not to give these or any other super hot things to little ones. Common sense is a good thing. Anyways that aside, you can get some really tasty instant meals in a cup! Let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Cups Of All Time 2022 Edition, and don’t forget to have a look at the big announcements at the bottom!
As it’s the weekend of the Fourth Of July, I thought what better time to repost last year’s Top Ten American varieties list. Hope everyone has a good weekend! By the way – from July to the end of the year, lists get the following year’s date on them, so this list came out in 2020. A little confusing, I know… Check the bottom of this post for some special announcements including a series of instructional videos geared to help you elevate your ramen cooking! Happy Fourth Of July to all!
This one gets the USA tag since it’s an export version for the United States. It’s from South Korea though – spicy beef! Sounds great for a Friday – let’s check it out!
This one’s made in Japan, however it’s definitely for sale in the United States and so that’s why it’s getting that country at the top. I found this at a local grocery store this morning and have been thinking about giving it a try. Well, today’s the day – and it’s going to be a post featuring the 1001st episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time – one probably very hurried as my kids are doing online schooling and everything is such a rush with what I do these days. It will be interesting to look back at this time in our lives. Hopefully somewhat findly, but with some relief. Let’s check this one out.
