The Definitive Source For Instant Noodle Reviews Since 2002
This one was sent by Nongshim America – thanks again! Tonkotsu is a Japanese style ramen, usually a creamy pork rich broth. This one is boasting an added spiciness which sound interesting. Not only that, it’s a microwavable variety. Let’s see how it tastes!
Last night, we had to do a Walmart Neighborhood Market run. It’s basically just a grocery store Walmart – kind of nice – wide aisles, lots of stuff… Anyways, I always look in the noodle aisle. There are two areas actually; domestic and ‘ethnic.’ Well, this was in the ethnic category. What is very interesting is that this is made in California. What’s kind of funny is how it says ‘#1 Ramen Noodle Soup In Hong Kong.’ This version is much different. The Hong Kong version includes fishcake with the little delivery guy’s face on it. Also, the bowls are more like the king cups – much taller.
Here’s one from Menraku – these are indeed made in Japan, but definitely for the US market. This was sent by James, a reader from Lakeside, CA. I’ve reviewed a slew of Menraku varieties in the past, but recently seen a few new varieties and have been rather impressed. Let’s check this one out.
Yet another one of these cups! I think I actually have two more. It’s tough doing a series honestly; but it’s just something I have to do. Let’s see how this shrimp variety does.
Here’s another one of these bowls I picked up at 99 Ranch Market. There’s still a couple more to go too! Let’s give it a go.
Before you start, no. No you can’t. Get this. You can’t. Well, you can, but it’s going to be hard. Actually not that hard if you really want some. Just commit a crime that gets you incarcerated in a facility that has this stuff. That’s the only place you’re buying it – in prisons and jails and detention facilities. Period.
Alright so first off, this one won’t be getting a score. It doesn’t come with a seasoning sachet, something required to be scored. However, it’s something I think folks will want to know about. It’s a refrigerated section noodle that is full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. Not only that, it’s really quite tasty I think. Let’s give it a try!
Okay so this one should be interesting. The last one I had from this company was alright. Taiwanese beef noodle is kind of a big deal over in Taiwan. Curious how this one will be. Let’s find out.
Here’s one I found at Walmart. They were kind of expensive in the past, but I believe this one was 99 cents when I found it so figured I’ll give it a try. It mentions it’s got bone broth, something imparting extra protein usually. Let’s check it out!
A very long time ago, I tried their pho as part of a Meet The Manufacturer series – a series of one review! I’ve started seeing their products more and more and thought hey look – it’s in Walmrt – I’ll give it a try. So, here we are. I’m curious how it’s going to be – brown rice noodles! Let’s find out.
This is the third and final variety of the new Top Ramen bowls – Soy Sauce. Originally called oriental flavor, Nissin decided to change it over to soy sauce flavor. It’s kind of interesting; I’ve been to Asia a handful of times and seen the term oriental all over the place, however here in the states I’ve heard of some discontent with the term, possibly the impetus for this change. Anyways, let’s give this one a try!
We has the other new spicy one the other day – the Fire Bowl. Looks like it’s going to be another mukbang! Let’s check this yakisoba out!
Another one of the trove of varieties from Kang Shi Fu I found over at the Edmonds, WA 99 Ranch Market. Let’s give it a go!
Here we have the third and final review of the new range from Nissin Foods USA – Sweet Chili flavor. These have so far been pretty good. This one’s vegetarian as well. Let’s give it a go!
Here’s the second of the new varieties from Maruchan. These are definitely more on the authetic and premium end of the stick. The other variety, Soy Sauce, was quite good. Let’s chek this one out!
Here’s another one the folks at Maruchan were kind enough to send over – thanks! This is a late comer to the ultra spicy category – at least it looks like that. I’m very curious as to how spicy it is exactly though; I’m guessing it won’t throw me down and kick me, but I could be wrong – time to find out.
Continuing the reviews of this new range from Nissin USA, we have the Teriyaki Beef variety of the Stir Fry range. Sounds good to me; Nissin’s take on teriyaki beef has been enjoyable in the past. I saw a comment a day or two ago from someone hoping that they’d be good (specifically this one). So, I figured if someone wants to get my take on it, I’ll expedite it, and here we are. Let’s give ‘er a go!
Okay, so you might be thinking – United States? Why is he marking these as United States? Well, they’re made in Hong Kong it seems, then they’re only distributor from what I’m seeing is in New York.
New packaging and a new recipe. Back again is Vite Ramen! They’ve got 500 calories, 500mg sodium, over 25g of protein and enough vitamins and minerals to kill a greasy pizza. Let’s give it a try!
Here’s something new from Maruchan – a USA version of a premium styling from Japan.
Hey awesome! New domestic product!!! It’s not every day that a new product that’s instant noodle related comes out here in the United States, and when it does I’m always very keen to give them a try. I’m very curious about this one, which is part of a range of three new varieties under the Cup Noodles hood.
Here’s the second of three new Top Ramen bowls from here in the United States. At first I though ‘okay, it’s just Top Ramen in a bowl.’ But the extras in these are very interesting. Definitely excited to try ’em. Let’s do it!
I was visiting a prominent spot in the local Safeway supermarket which I walk to almost daily. That area would be the endcap where the mung bean sprouts are located. I noticed this and another bowl I hadn’t really noticed before sitting there and though what the heck I’ll give it a try.
Here we have the last of the three bowls sent on ice by Nona Lim – thanks again! The first two were pretty good – green curry was great and the dan dan was alright – how will this one be? Let’s give it a spin in the microwave and find out!
This one came in a special ‘First Taste Club’ box from Nissin Foods USA – pretty snazzy. So, what’s the big deal? Well, it’s Top Ramen, in a bowl. It also comes with vegetables. It also comes with… teriyaki sauce? I’m very curious about this one – let’s cook it up and ruminate on this…
Here’s the second of the three refrigerated bowl sent by Nona Lim – thanks again! This one contains ‘Beyond Meat,’ a meat substitute that sounds interesting. I know I liked Dan Dan Noodle so let’s see how this measures up!
This is an interesting one and took a little research. Is a plant based diet same as a Vegan diet? Well this video explains that they’re two different things. This is a fresh bowl which requires refrigeration. I really like green curry – let’s give it a try!
I’ve gone to a couple ramen restaurants and hotten something mentioning spicy. Well, it hasn’t impressed me in flavor or spiciness in the past and been, well, bitter. I’m really curious about this one, though. Ramen Hero is based in the Bay Area and serves a few surrounding states at the time of this post – check their site for current service area. You pick your ramen, pay, and they’ll overnight you a set of ingredients to make a bowl of ramen at home – including garnish! Not bad. Let’s give this one a try – they send four and since they’re perishable, I’m going to do them over the next couple days.
So I’m stoked – Chef Ron shot over a big box of samples! Things have changed though – these days the drink is missing, as are the vegetables. He promises that this is still an amazing product and I will still love it. Let’s find out!
I’ve reviewed Mama Pat’s products in the past, however there have been some changesto the packs (no more drink sachet and no vegetable sachet either) and now there are cups (which I’m reviewing for the first time). I think these are neat ranges – very unique varieties Chef Ron is bringing to market. Let’s check out this cup version!
New Stuff from the United States? Yeah! Let’s check it out!
This is the last of the four varieties sent to me by Ramen Hero – I will say I’ve asked if they want to send more. I really love working with this product – it’s a lot of fun for me. Not only that, they’re really quite good. Hopefully it’ll pan out – and I’ll also find out how that fancy seaweed is done up!
I got an email asking if I was interested in trying overnight delivery ramen. Hey – why not, right? So, here we are! Ramen Hero is based in the Bay Area and serves a few surrounding states at the time of this post – check their site for current service area. You pick your ramen, pay, and they’ll overnight you a set of ingredients to make a bowl of ramen at home – including garnish! Not bad. Let’s give this one a try – they send four and since they’re perishable, I’m going to do them over the next couple days.
So when Yamachan contacted me about a gluten free ramen, I was interested. Really? How does that work? Well, only one way to find out! One thing is these are konyak noodles. I’ve had thick gauge konyak and really disliked it. I have to admit though seeing the gauge of these I’ve got hope. Let’s check it out!
A few months ago I did a Meet The Manufacturer series on Vite Ramen, but the packs I tried were prototypes and not this, the finished product for version 1.0 (version 1.1 will be coming soon and I’ll be giving that a try when it comes out). It’s a neat concept brought to life by Tim & Tom Zheng.
This came by way of Robert over at www.dadbert.com – thanks! I’ve never seen hide nor hare of this variety ever before – anywhere. Test market in Kentucky? Perhaps. It looks like these are a meat version of the Very Veggie really; lots of meat instead of vegetables. My thought – screw it – I mean put lots of meat AND vegetables in there. In fact, screw that – do a retort pooch with meat and vegetables – now you’re talking! Nissin – you’re here in the United States already – use real meat! Retort pouches are the salvation – they shall bring a whole new age to the domestic instant noodle industry in America! At least that’s my vision. Let’s check it out!
Here’s something new from MAma Pat’s – cups! I recently reviewed the chicken taco variety and was disappointed that they removed the vegetable sachets from their packs. Well, they’re still in these cups and that should be interesting. Let’s give it a try!
Here’s the second of the two initial varieties of the Momosan Ramen range from Sapporo Ichiban. These feature a collaboration with Iron Chef Morimoto , one is a tonkotsu and this is the Tokyo Chicken. Let’s crack into it and give it a try!
I thought hey I’ve got this other one – I should review it too. So here we are. It’s funny how there are two crowds; one that likes this brand and one that likes the other economy class instant here in the United States. They’ve both got their strengths, and the one with Maruchan I would say is the variety of flavors in their Ramen Noodle Soup range. There’s a ton of them – many of which are kind of hard to find. This is one I haven’t seen often. I think the first time I had this was back in early 2010 – yep that link is good old review #66. Looks like I re-reviewed it the next year.
I’ve reviewed this in the past, but this one has new packaging and so gets a new number. I dunno – could have a new recipe too. Many companies are making subtle below the radar changes on their domestic product lines including lowering sodium. It’s kind of funny; people complain about the amount of sodium in instant noodles, but when presented a lower sodium product that exclaims the feature, they’ll shy away with thoughts of blandness. It just goes to show people are kind of conflicted. Okay, not kind of.
