The instant noodles found in prisons and corrections facilities differ a little from what you find going to the local grocery store. Given the response to the ones I’ve tried, I figured I’d put them all into a single post. I know there are more – for example a regular chicken flavor variety. Also, I know that Maruchan isn’t the only brand that packages them this way. I’ll go into the specifics of what makes them a little different and why.
Tag: 方便麵
#5067: Acecook Local Shop One Cup Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Time to head to Hakata for their interpretation of the Gion Festival and some tasty tonkotsu ramen! Hakata is famous for its creamy pork bone ramen, but this cup kicks it up a notch with pork fat for a deep, rich flavor and accents of onion, garlic and sesame!”
#5066: Sapporo Ichiban Spicy Miso Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Here’s another selection that will set your mouth aflame in a great way! This ramen features a tasty miso base with the addition of beef and gochujang to create a soup that is nutty, full of umami and deliciously spicy!”
Nissin Germany Sends Instant Noodle Advent Calendar!
In early December-ish, I found a neat post on Instagram about Nissin Deutschland’s Instant Noodle Advent Calendar. I thought it would be a great thing to show peopole for Christmastime! Well, I contacted them a little late, and so it literally arrived yesterday (Jan 2nd). Well, it’s way too cool not to show and if they do one again next year, I’ve set a reminder to find out at the beginning of November – I think it would be fun to do one every day until Christmas and do a video cooking it. Today, I’m going to open all of them one by one! Let’s give it a look! Big thanks to the folks at Nissin DE for sending this over!
#5065: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Hot-n-Spicy Vegetable Flavor 40% Less Sodium (Prison) – United States
A final big thank you to the person who sent me these – they work in a prison and didn’t want to be identified, so if you’re reading this, thank you very much! This is the last of the four prison varieties they sent. A little background – they’re clear so as to make it hard to smuggle in or hide contraband – stuff you mustn’t have in prison. This flavor is one you won’t find outside of prisons or correctional facilities; period. A special distributor deals with these for Maruchan. They definitely aren’t interested in hearing from you – I called them up once and they were very uninterested in selling or sending me samples and said try going to prison. So don’t bother them as you’d be wasting your time. Well, with that, let’s try this one.
#5060: Vifon Hoang Gia Spicy Crab Hotpot – Vietnam
Another variety that was sent by James of Lakeside, CA. The last of these Hoang Gia varieties I tried was really pretty good. Curious if this is just going to be the same thing with a little bit of heat. Time to find out!
#5064: Green & Sunny Mee Krob Pad Thai – Thailand
A really neat one from James of Lakeside, CA – thanks again! So this is a snack noodle concoction. I don’t know exactly how to present it other than in a bowl at the end so that’s probably all I will do and the video will be short but hey – I’ll give it it’s day in the sun. Sounds really good – let’s check it out!
#5063: Nissin Sauce Yakisoba With Soup – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “We love yakisoba, and while it can be found all over Japan, one of our noodle staff has fond memories of eating this by the ocean at summer festivals. This yakisoba features a traditional yakisoba sauce with tons of flavor and tasty chicken soup to enjoy on the side!”
#4942: Taiban Yihao Taihebanmian – Original Flavour – China
This one took a little digging, but found what it was eventually. It’s a pan mee – a flat noodle. Curious what a Chinese pan mee will be like – guess we’ll find out!
#5062: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Chili Flavor (Prison Ramen) – United States
Okay – so no, you can’t really get this outside of a rison. Why? It’s just the deal. The clear packs don’t allow contraband. Who makes these? Maruchan. Who distributes them? Folks who want nothing to do with you so don’t bother them. I got some from a person who works for a prison as an employee. No. He’s anonymous. Anyways, there’s a lot of interest in these varieties. So, I’ll review it. They’re pretty good and different.
#5061: Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – Let’s slow it down and take a break from the festival fun with some tasty shio ramen! This bowl combines the umami of chicken and pork with a tasty salt base that is light yet full of flavor. With accents of pepper”
#5059: Nissin Raoh Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Last on our list is the revamp of Raoh’s classic tonkotsu shoyu pack! This pack features the classic plump and chewy noodles Raoh is famous for as well as a special broth that incorporates Kagoshima black pork with shoyu and hints of garlic!”
#5058: Surasang ’88 Seoul Jjang Topokki – South Korea
Big thanks to James from Lakeside, CA for sending this along. I have to say, I don’t understand what jjajang has to do with Italian influence. Chapagetti, Chacharoni – and this guy. Jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodle) is a fusion of Chinese and South Korean cuisine. I will say the chef is kinda funny insofar that if his moustache was larger, he could be dastardly twisting it like a bad guy in an old cartoon. Nothing bad about topokki though – let’s give it a try!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Chinese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition
It’s been awhile since my last roundup of Chinese varieties and I thought a new one would be good. There’s been a flood of great Chinese varieties that I’ve found here in the US lately. I do know that there’s a lot I’ve not had the chance to try and would very much like to. If you’re a manufacturer or distributor of instant noodles from China, I’d love to hear from you and sample your products. With that, let’s take a look at The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Chinese Instant Noodles Of All Time 2025 Edition.
#5057: Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup Cajun Shrimp Flavor – United States
Here’s another one you can only find… In prison. Yup – clear packaging is a giveaway. You can’t get these elsewhere – you will never see them in a grocery store. They are distributed by a company called Keefe Group – don’t call Keefe Group. They don’t want to talk to you – trust me I found out by calling them. This and three other varieties were sent by an anonymous donor – thanks again! Let’s give this a try.
#5056: Myojo Charmera Donburi Miyazaki Spicy Noodles – Japan
This one came out of a Zenpop box a while back. I didn’t get any explanation of what we have here, but the research I did via bar code came up with the title. Sounds good to me – let’s check it out!
#5055: Miliket Shrimp Flavor Instant Noodles – Vietnam
Thanks to James from Lakeside, CA for this one. This pack had a particular problem which could’ve been far worse and made it unusable. The problem? Sometimes when packs are sealed, sachets get in there as well. This one has that particular issue. You’ll see it below. Anyways, there’s a few scenarios. Maybe they just had one that did this. Maybe a hundred or a thousand. Maybe they didn’t know when this started happening in a production run. Maybe they didn’t care. Anyways, it was a dry sachet so thats okay, but still. Let’s give it a try.
Nissin SG Sends Irvins, Ippudo, Pepper Lunch Collabs & More
I look at Instagram and often see new varieties and things I’ve not tried. That was the case with this new range so I went ahead and contacted Nissin Singapore and they sent a gigantic box! Let’s crack it open and see what’s inside!
#5054: ABC Selera Pedas Mi Goreng Cup Pedas Nampol – Indonesia
Thanks go to Pher Engi for sending this one – much appreciated! This one’s got quite a long name. I think this is a spicy beef variety. Let’s find out.
#5052: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings Kimchi Mix – United States
I really wanted to demo this stuff with something like, oh I dunno – Buldak Kimchi – which would’ve been fun. Unfortunately, they have so curtailed their individual pack options at HMart that there were literally only two Korean varieties. Yep. I ended up getting a pack of Meoguri at the local grocery store – pretty sad. I went with Neoguri though because it’s quite nice stuff, and I believe I saw a video of this kimchi mix being used with Neoguri – seems an apt pairing. Well, let’s give it a shot!
Nakama Noodles Unboxing – December 2024 + Coupon Code
Today, I’m unboxing MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles box. I’d say this is a great gift for someone who loves ramen – it won’t get to them for the holidays, however you can let them know they’ll be getting some really awesome Japanese ramen in the new year! You can get their monthly selection of 8-10 varieties – and this box they sent was full of varieties I’ve never reviewed before, plus they include PACKS!!! I’ll be doing unboxings for them and have a coupon code you can use – THERAMENRATER (of course)! Watch the video below – you’ll see why I’m excited.
#5051: Sapporo Ichiban Premier Rich Kagoshima Black Pork Dashi Miso Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Miso ramen is famous in Hokkaido, but this pack changes things up by taking it to coastal prefecture of Kagoshima. This tasty pack combines rich miso with a Kagoshima pork dashi (Japanese soup stock) to create an extra savory bowl of ramen!”
#5050: Miliket Bowl Noodle Soup Beef Flavor Instant Noodles – Vietnam
Here’s another neat one by way of James from Lakeside, CA. This is another one where I dunno who they think they’re foolin’ but it sure looks like a different brand. Regardless, it’s time to cook, so lets.
Happy 8th Birthday Miriam! Repost: #2330: Ve Wong Little Prince(ss) Brand Snack Noodles Artificial Mexican Pizza Flavor
So I did this review the morning that my daughter Miriam was born eight years ago today. Happy Birthday, Miriam! I’ve been reposting it every year with a little update. So, here it is!
#5049: Surasang ’88 Seoul Topokki Rice Cake With Hot Sauce – South Korea
Another one sent by James of Lakeside, CA – thanks again! Nope – no noodles here, but definitely something you’ll find on shelves next to instant ramyun bowls, that’s for sure. tteokbokki are tubes of rice cake which are soft and chewy – and in this one they’re in a spicy, sweet sauce. Let’s check it out and give it a try!
#5048: Acecook Siu Kay 7 Level Spicy Noodles Beef – Vietnam
Another one from James of Lakeside, CA – thanks! The last one of these Siu Kay variants was seafood – and incredibly good. I’m curious about this one – let’s cook it and maybe a mukbang at the bottom.
Prima Taste Changes Packaging & Size
As you may know at this point. I’m a huge fan of Prima Taste’s Laksa and Curry LaMian for ages now. Awesome noodle and broth – really worth trying. It’s been on my global top ten – it’s that good. Well, the package is changing as well as the size of serving. Let’s do and unboxing – soon there will be in depth reviews!
#5047: Acecook The Back Local Shop Sapporo Black Shoyu Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Next up, we’re heading up to Sapporo (which doesn’t directly touch the ocean but it’s SO close). This cup ramen is a powerful combo of flavors, combining shoyu (soy sauce) with mayu (scorched black garlic oil) from Kumamoto to create a black shoyu soup!”
Choi Sends New Sriracha Ramen Cups!
This stuff has been enjoyable in the past and if it’s what I think it is, it should be even better. The Choi restaurant ramen is excellent – curious to see how it goes – but for now let’s take a look at it !@
James From Lakeside, CA Strikes Again
Usually when I’m least expecting it or if I’m low on noodles to review, a box shows up from James of Lakeside, California. It’s pretty crazy. This one has some really great stuff in there – some of which I’ve now tried and really enjoyed reviewing, so thanks! You’ll all get to see the reviews soon. Until then, check out some noodles!
#5046: Miliket Bowl Noodle Soup Shrimp Tomyum Flavor – Vietnam
Big thanks to James from Lakeside, CA – awesome! What a day. July 1st. Well, it’s the first day I’ve dragged the kids out for a long walk. They did really quite well – just a smidge over 6 miles. The weather was crappy though – warm, yes – but very cloudy and humid; like walking through a world that feels like walking into a bathroom after someone took a shower. I was going tyo get these posts ready to do my reviews this morning, but I slept in a little bit, and when I got home with the kids and planned on doing it then, I got to call my internet service provider since my bill went up $40 a month, then when they screwed my downgrade up, I had to call back. Sheesh. But lunch is over and I’ve got some caffeine at my side. Let’s get ‘er done.
#5045: MAMA Oriental Style Instant Noodles Shrimp Flavor (Tom Yum) – Thailand
This is a special one. I’m doing a collab with a bar in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood called Time Warp, and this is the variety I’ve picked for July 2024 for their menu. This is the pack version and they’ve got the cup version – for some reason, nobody’s got any cups around here of this one which is a bummer, but it’s very similar. So, let’s cook it up!
#5044: Acecook Siu Kay Wok 7 Level Spicy Noodles Seafood – Vietnam
Another one sent by James from Lakeside, CA – thanks! This is really fascinating. Is it going to be incredibly spicy? It sounds good… Well, no way to know until I cook it and give it a try.
Barnacle Foods Sends Unique Kelp Chili Crisp From Alaska!
A few redditors mentioned a few chili crisps they thought should be on my Chili Crisp Roundup post and so I reached out and Barnacle Foods’ Kelp Chili Crisp was one of them. You can get it here. As of publishing this, I haven’t tried it yet, but soon it will be on that roundup post, as well as tried with different ramen! This one sounded particularly interesting as many acquaintances over the years from my hometown of Anacortes would head up to Alaksa to do commercial fishing. I also played with kelp when I was a kid on the shore – yeah we didn’t have a whole lot to do.Maybe your ramen junkie friend would like this for the holidays? Check out the vid and a big thanks to Barnacle Foods for sending it along!
#5043: Dujosoo Soba Noodles With Spring Onion Oil Sauce – China
Here’s one sent by James from Lakeside, CA – thanks! This one’s kind of funny – I’ve reviewed products by Dujosoo before, but this is like My Little Pony meets Pokemon meets onions! Let’s see what happens!
#5042: Acecook Gyorantei Yokosuka Navy Curry Ramen – Japan
Here’s a variety that I found in one of MiauMall’s Nakama Noodles subscription boxes! Inside, they have 8-10 different varieties from Japan! If you’d like to get one, don’t forget to use the coupon code THERAMENRATER for a discount! Let’s see what they had to say about this one – “Yokosuka, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is known for its naval base and as a curry town. This limited-time curry ramen comes from the very popular shop Gyorantei. It has a deep, flavorful curry soup with plenty of spice that’ll transport you straight to this seaside town.”
#5041: Vifon Hoang Gia Banh Da Cua – Vietnam
This comes by way of James from Lakeside, CA – thank you again! So these look interesting – they employ brown rice noodles. Let’s give it a whirl!
#5040: Ramen Bae Dried Ramen Toppings – Beef Mix – United States
I saw a couple new varieties from Ramen Bae coming out and asked for samples – and here’s a couple of them. Today, I’ll toss in some beef mix and the enoki mushroom mix. Today’s an interesting day – it’s national sunglasses day, bingo day, work from home day, and the big debate. It’s about ten a.m. here and I’m really looking forward to making a pizza, having a couple of drinks, and watching 90 minutes of insanity. This will probably come out well after the election is over, so who knows. My prediction is that Biden does really quite well. Whichever side you’re on, hopefully the world isn’t completely broken when you see this. Let’s make some noodles!
T&T Supermarket Comes To Bellevue, WA
I was so stoked – we used to go up to Canada often to visit the Asian grocery stores up there to hunt for noodles to review. Well, one big player in Vancouver is T&T Supermarket. What’s cool is now they’ve opened one nearby at the site of an old Walmartr. They opened Thursday. We attempted to go Saturday. Watch the video to check it out! Note – I’ll do something more in-depth soon as this is the largest Asian grocery in North America.
My Thoughts On The Massive Mukbang Varieties
Lately, South Korea has been pumping out a new breed of instant ramyeon – the MMV (Massive Mukbang Variety) as I have come to call them. These are generally trays with enormous servings, made for a single person to challenge and consume. It seems to me that the need for attention overrides the need for self preservation at this point. I’ll outline why I really don’t think these are really safe for one to eat on their own, and although I will do a mukbang of something spicy, I will never attempt one of these.