Noodle Journey Episode 78: Ramen Talk Tom Yum

This time, I’m continuing my exploration of the premium lineup from Ramen Talk with their Tom Yum “Goong” flavor… sort of (more on that below). I recommend checking out the previous review of their Golden Sour Beef Soup first, since I go over a lot of background on the company there. But for the uninitiated: Ramen Talk is a Chinese instant noodle company that takes pride in using real whole ingredients, which they freeze-dry and pack alongside their sun-dried noodles. Everything you see on the packaging is in the product – yes, even the seafood.

This particular variety was picked up from S Mart and is also available online through Ramen Talk’s US and UK storefronts for about $6–$7. The packaging lists this as “Tom Yum Goong,” which traditionally includes shrimp (“goong”), but the version I received (and the one currently available through most sources) contains squid and octopus instead. Just be warned that despite the shrimp imagery on the Ramen Talk website, there’s no actual shrimp here. Also worth noting for the review: a packet of freeze-dried cilantro is included, but I opted not to use it due to my genetic aversion to the flavor.

Noodles:
These are a thinner, rounder take on Ramen Talk’s sun-dried craft noodles. They’re cooked separately for four minutes, and they come out with excellent texture. Firm, chewy, and wheaty, just like last time.
• 10/10

Spiciness:
Even though this variety is included as part of Ramen Talk’s “mild” bundle on their site, there’s a subtle but present bit of chili pepper. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s not totally absent either. If you’re spice-averse, you might notice it.
• 2/10

Overall:
The broth here is a rich, flavorful rendition of tom yum: sour, citrusy, slightly sweet, with a very faint hint of coconut milk. The tomato and lime elements stand out, and while the seafood pieces (squid and octopus) aren’t as plentiful or as picture-perfect as the packaging suggests, they’re impressively tender and taste correct. Still, I can’t help but feel like this bowl could’ve used a bit more, either in terms of garnishes or extra seafood. Yes, I did omit the cilantro packet, but that doesn’t really have any additional texture or body. Compared to the Golden Sour Beef Soup, this feels a little underwhelming in substance, even though the flavor itself is excellent. I’m docking it slightly for the value proposition, but if you’re a fan of tom yum, this is absolutely worth trying.
• 8.5/10