TOP TEN BOWLS 2012

I received an email recently from someone asking if I could do a Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls list as they found the bowls to be more convenient. I figured why not as soon as some immediately came to mind. I spent some time thinking and the list was complete. So now we have the Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time – according to The Ramen Rater.

10 – TableMark Japanese Style Soup Noodle Soybean Paste Flavor – Japan

It’s not very often that an instant noodle comes with a lot of vegetables in the dry packets. This one however did – a nice variety. Also has great soy flavor. Great on its own. Full review here.

9 – Myojo Ramen-Desse-Shio Japanese Style Soup Noodles Oriental Flavor – Japan

Like eating candy. The noodles are very thin and of high quality. The broth had a nice salt taste (Shio means salt) and a good sesame flavor from the oil. I think some chicken, pork or beef would go great in this.
Full review here.

8 – Vifon Korean Style Instant Noodle Kim Chee Flavor Bowl – Vietnam

This one has four seasoning packets as well as a fork! Also has some interestingly fluffy noodles – fluffy but not spongy. A spicy broth and some little bits of garlic made this very memorable. Great with a couple of fried eggs. Full review here.

7 – Nissin Gozen Kitsune Udon – Japan

Wider udon noodles and a nice chunk of fried tofu. When I had this, I added some fried shallots, eggs and some kizami shoga (pickled ginger) and it was magnificent! Full review here.

6 – Sunlee Crab Flavour Instant Noodle – Thailand

When I first sampled this one, I didn’t expect a lot out of it. I was very happily surprised – the noodles had a very nice and unique quality to them and the slightly spicy crab flavor broth was perfect. Went absolutely perfect with a couple fried eggs – the soft yolk intermingles favorably with the broth. Full review here.

5 – Nong Shim Bowl Noodle Soup Spicy Seafood Flavor – USA

Good noodles, nice depth and spiciness to the broth and a bit of flair with the veggies – some corn and some naruto in there! Excellent with a couple of fried eggs – and leftover seafood pancake from a local Korean BBQ! Full review here.

4 – Maruchan Instant Oriental Noodles Akai Kitsune Udon – Japan

Flat, broad noodles combine with a very ample piece of fried tofu to make this a delectable bowl of noodles. The tofu comes out as wonderfully sweet and salty. Great on its own or perhaps try with some extra veggies or fish. Full review here.

3 – Tat Hui Koka Instant Rice Noodles Laksa Singapura Flavor – Singapore

These are the only rice noodles on the list – and they’re really good! Excellent flavors including the only powdered coconut packet I’ve ever seen make it a simply wonderful bowl of noodles. Best in its unadulterated form. Full review here.

2 – Menraku Japanese Ramen “Shio” Authentic Ramen Soup – Japan

This was one of the first instant ramen Shio varieties I sampled and it got me hooked. Salt is used here as a flavoring and not a flavor enhancer if that makes any sense. Combined with nice veggies like seaweed, cabbage and corn, this one goes really well with a couple fried eggs on top. Full review here.

1 – Maruchan Midori No Tanuki Instant Soba Bowl – Japan

In this nice little green package beats the heart of a legendary figure in Japanese culture! The tanuki (also known as a raccoon-dog) can be found in front of many ramen shops in the form of a small statue. Tanuki brings good fortune and luck! In this bowl is a round disk of tempura – and it’s really good! Along with excellent buckwheat noodles and a fine broth, add nothing as it’s just perfect. Full review here.

4/12/2012 – Hans Lienesch – The Ramen Rater – www.theramenrater.com – www.facebook.com/theramenrater – www.twitter.com/theramenrater – hans@theramenrater.com

31 comments

  19. Hi TRR,

    Thank you for your wonderful site! I’m a big, huge fan of instant noodles. They’re my perfect comfort food! ^^ Just had Tom Yum instant noodles (with an egg) for lunch today! 🙂

    I’m from Singapore and am honoured to have my little island represented on your site!

    Your food reviews are tantalizing, the pictures are superb and your site is fun, clear and easy to navigate! You’re a true talent in the instant noodle business!

    Please keep the reviews coming 🙂

    Cheers,
    Jadebitbit

    Reply

  26. it’s odd, I have no idea what Nong Shim Bowl Noodle Soup Spicy Seafood Flavor – USA is called here in Korea, is it exclusive to US market?

    Reply

      1. I really don;t think this is exclusive to the US. I was station at Osan AB and bought these outside the gates for a quick snack in my dorm. I can’t imagine it was imported from the US to Korea. That seems backwards.

        I was extremely excited when I actually found these stateside. Best Instant Raman I ever had.

        Reply

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