TOP TEN BOWLS 2020

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition

Bowls, cups, , trays, packs, and boxes. Well, I haven’t done a list of boxed or tray-style instant noodles – maybe that will come soon. But I think that separating these is important. The experience that a cup is meant for is different than a cup or bowl. Cups are more for a snack on the go, packs for when you’ve got a stove, and bowls are, well, for lunch. Although in the finished shots of these you’ll see them plated here, generally people will be looking at the bowl they came in, possibly using the plastic fork they came with, and tossing everything once they’re done. These are my favorites, current as of review #3545. Let’s have a look at The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition.

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition

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A visual presentation of The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition.

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition

#10 – Ve Wong Dah Wei Wong Artificial Premium Garlic Pork Flavor – Taiwan

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition

To me, one of the most important things in scoring an instant noodle is whether or not it tastes like it is claimed to in the title of the product. This one comes with a good noodle, and a broth that’s just wonderful. It has the taste of stewed pork and garlic. It’s milky and just works so well. What’s more, this one was pretty inexpensive. Try it if you see it! Original review

#9 – Qi Shi Liu Ren Back To Henan – China

This one was not at all what I expected when I picked it up at a store called Foodyworld up in Canada. The noodle is broad – like biang biang or belt noodle. The broth has a milky way about it – and it’s supposed to be lamb flavored! I guess that what the animal character on the lid is supposed to be. Whatever is going on here, I think Henan must have a seriously great food culture – these were quite good and if I see another from these folks, I’ll go back to them to try again. Original review

#8 – TTL Sesame Oil Chicken With Rice Wine Noodle – Taiwan

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition

TTL stands for Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor and indeed there’s a sachet of rice wine in here! Add to that a big retort pouch full of decent sized chunks of chicken, good noodles and garnish, This is definitely a bowl to seek out and try. Original review

#7 – Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen Hot – South Korea

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition

A newcomer to the list, however a flavor I’ve known for a while. Samyang Ramen and Samyang Ramen Hot are just plain delicious; a thick and chewy noodle is coupled with a great spicy ham broth which is just sensational. It hit #3 this year on my Top Ten South Korean list. Original review

#6 – Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen Premium Noodle Soup – United States

Extremely happy about this one – this is super good. This variety is microwaved. The noodles came out just perfect – even a nice chew on them. The broth is a milky and luxuriant tonkotsu – deep and tasty. The nice part is it comes with a spicy sachet, so you can make it spicy or non spicy tonkotsu, depending on your taste/mood. One of the best tonkotsu varieties I’ve had. Original review

#5 – Little Cook Braised Beef Noodles With Tendon & Meat – Taiwan

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition

Okay so first off, this is a heavy bowl. There’s a huge retort pouch in here full of beef and beef tendon. The noodles are wide and have a great chew and the broth has a nice flavor. But the start of the show is that braised beef and tendon – it’s perfect and there’s just so much of it. Very impressive! Original review

#4 – Nissin Raoh Kogashi Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

Noodles are exemplary – the standard that Raoh always brings with thickness and  a great premium mouthfeel. Broth is very meaty and full with a nice heat level that doesn’t detract from the rich flavors within. Lots of meat and vegetables included. Original review

#3 – Nissin Gyoretsu-no-Dekiru-Mise-no-Ramen (Shrimp Tantanmen) – Japan

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition

Talk about amazing. Now, on most of these bowls, you’ll notice I’ve added my own garnishes. I don’t count them in my reviewing – everything is reviewed prior to any additions I make. This is one where I’ve added nothing and just look at it! This one had very good noodles to start off. The broth was a very thick prawn infused decadent flavor spectacle. Then there’s the little crunchy topping and the other garnish they provide and this is just amazing stuff. Wow. Floored. Original review

#2 – Maruchan Oshima x Tanaka Shoten Miso Tonkotsu Ramen – Japan

The noodles are premium – worth the 5 minute wait too. Excellent backbone and strong tooth. The broth is downright voluptuous; imparting a sludginess of rich salty pork flavor but not too oily. The included garnish had a seriously impressive amount of minced pork which was delectable. One of the best bowls I’ve seen from Japan. – Original review

#1 – Little Cook Thailand Green Curry Instant Noodle – Taiwan

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2020 Edition

Wow – I’m so freaking impressed with this one. First, there are two bowls. Peel back the lid of the first bowl and add boiling water. After a short time, you poke holes in the lid and drain the liquid into the second. A sachet of soup base is added and you have a soup with lots of corn and herbs. Next, a huge sachet with chicken and vegetables boasts a great spicy green curry flavor which mixes with the noodle. A really amazing product which is unique and delicious. This is Little Cook Thailand Green Curry Instant Noodle’s third year in the number one spot in a row – congratulations! Original review

Announcements

The Ramen Rater Shop

The Ramen Rater Shop Top Ten Instant Noodles 2020

People have been asking where to get a lot of varieties and so I’ve partnered with Exotic Noods to bring you The Ramen Rater Shop. Here you’ll find an expending variety of instant noodles at a pretty decent price. Spend $35 and get free shipping. You’ll be able to try a wide array of varieties and not have to buy a ton of each variety. I really wanted to have a way you could just buy a single pack of two at a time. The same way I do when I visit an Asian grocery.

The All New The Ramen Rater App For Android

The Ramen Rater App Android Play Store

The Ramen Rater App for Android has been given a whole new look and functionality. You can scan bar codes to see reviews I’ve done while at the store, peruse the top ten lists, and do simple searches. It’s really great – even a dark mode! Best of all it’s free and currently ad-free.

In Memory Of Barbara Lienesch

Sadly, this is the second time this year I’ve had to add a memorial to the bottom of my list. Early June 30th, my mother passed after a pretty rough ride. In the end, she died peacefully in her sleep. Here’s an interview I did with her when I had family down for review #3000.