by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 35: Mom’s Dry Noodle Dandan Noodles

Notes since filming: Sadly, shortly after filming this review, my local Asian market stopped stocking Mom’s Dry Noodle products entirely, and so I was unable to buy any of their other varieties for review. Hopefully someday soon I can rectify that! It’s worth noting that in 2024, Mom’s Dry Noodle’s export products now go by the name “Surfmama” if you happen to spot this or any other noodles with that branding.

Original video description:

You may not have heard of this brand of noodles before, but they are incredibly popular among those who’ve had them. Today I’ll review the channel’s first product from Mom’s Dry Noodle with their spicy sesame Dandan noodles. Will these live up to the hype?

Links to purchase:

https://www.bokksumarket.com/products/moms-dry-noodle-traditional-dan-dan-mian
https://smile.amazon.com/Howsler-Noodles-Instant-Chinese-Oriental/dp/B07KQ5QBHQ

Scores:

  • Noodles: 10/10
  • Spiciness: 2.5/10
  • Overall: 10/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 34: Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce

Original video description:

Following up on my review of Maruchan Gold Spicy miso, I’m taking a quick look at the only other Maruchan Gold product currently available on US shelves, their Soy Sauce flavor. Will this be my new favorite soy sauce noodle soup?

Links to purchase:

5-pack: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B081DB5DDH/ref=twister_B0821ZL6ZR

Check your local Asian grocery store or supermarket as well!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 10/10
  • Spiciness: 0/10
  • Overall: 9/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 32: Ottogi Jin Ramen (Spicy)

Original video description:

Ottogi’s Jin Ramen is a Korean red chili soup that comes in both mild and spicy versions. In the last episode, I reviewed the mild version, and so today we’re taking a look at the spicy version, which has more dried chili flakes and chili powder than its mild counterpart.

Links to purchase:

Single pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ottogi-asian-style-instant-noodle-jin-ramen-spicy-120g/1021065541
4-pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ottogi-jin-ramen-spicy-5packs/1021002831
https://smile.amazon.com/OTTOGI-JIN-RAMEN-SPICY-PACK/dp/B089P3X44P
https://www.hmart.com/10010102
Bowl: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ottogi-jin-ramen-hot-110g/1021019191

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 6/10
  • Overall: 8/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 31: Ottogi Jin Ramen (Mild)

Original video description:

Ottogi’s Jin Ramen is a Korean red chili soup that comes in both mild and spicy versions. Today we’re taking a look at the mild version, which has a slight entry-level spice that will appeal to people who want this flavor without all the heat.

Links to purchase:

Single pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ottogi-asian-style-instant-noodle-jin-ramen-mild-120g/1021065531
4-pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ottogi-jin-ramen-mild-5packs/1021002821
https://smile.amazon.com/Ottogi-Jin-Ramen/dp/B089P2FFWQ
https://smile.amazon.com/OTTOGI-Jin-Ramen-Mild-Flavor/dp/B005RU9JHI
https://www.hmart.com/10010103
Cup: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ottogi-asian-style-instant-noodle-jin-ramen-mild-65g/1021006021
Bowl: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ottogi-asian-style-instant-noodle-jin-ramen-mild-110g/1021025191

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 3/10
  • Overall: 7.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 30: Samyang Buldak Jjajang

Notes since filming: If you’re looking for a spicy jjajang noodle and found this one to be lacking in flavor, check out Samyang’s Hot Pepper Jjajang instead. I really enjoyed this one at the time, but the Hot Pepper one beats it by a mile.

Original video description:

Time to dive back into the Samyang Buldak product line with their spicy black bean sauce: this is Buldak Jjajang!

Links to purchase:

5-pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/samyang-hot-chicken-flavor-ramen-multi-black-bean-5packs-700g/1021042381
https://smile.amazon.com/Samyang-Buldak-Chicken-Korean-Jjajang/dp/B07DMPSK24
https://www.hmart.com/10010085
Bowl: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/samyang-hot-chicken-big-bowl-jjajang-105g/1021070121

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 7.5/10
  • Overall: 8/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 29: Myojo Shio Tonkotsu Ramen

Notes since filming: One of my good friends thinks that reviewing frozen ramen is cheating. What do you think? I think this was absolutely amazing.

Original video description:

I found this in the refrigerated section of my nearest H Mart and knew I had to review it. Myojo has a stellar reputation among instant noodle lovers. How will Noodle Journey’s first foray into refrigerated instant noodles go? Watch and find out!

Check out your local Asian market to purchase this. I imagine it will be difficult to find a place online that ships a fresh product without steep shipping costs.

Scores:

  • Noodles: 10/10
  • Spiciness: 0/10
  • Overall: 9.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 28: Paldo Bibimmen

Original video description:

We’ve had some crazy heatwaves this summer, so what a perfect time to take a look at a cold noodle product from the always-reliable Paldo!

Links to purchase:

https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/paldo-korean-instant-cold-noodles-5-packs-650g/1021001891
https://smile.amazon.com/Instant-Brothless-Seasoning-Oriental-Soupless/dp/B084YYCF3M

Scores:

  • Noodles: 9/10
  • Spiciness: 3/10
  • Overall: 9/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 27: Snapdragon Miso Ramen

Notes since filming: It boggles my mind that there are people online who defend this brand. My experience was that this was one of the most offensively flavorless cups of ramen I’ve ever eaten, and I’m still mad about it. Of special note is that this is the first “1” I ever gave as an overall score.

Original video description:

Following up on the last video, here is Snapdragon’s Miso Ramen flavor. Will this one turn out to be a dud just like its predecessor?

Links to purchase:

https://smile.amazon.com/Snapdragon-Sapporo-Style-Miso-Ramen-2-2oz/dp/B08BW7Z3NN

Scores:

  • Noodles: 5/10
  • Spiciness: 1.5/10
  • Overall: 1/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 26: Snapdragon Spicy Tonkotsu

Notes since filming: One of the commenters on my video said he found a way to make this taste good:

Honestly, I love the product. You’re completely right talking about the water level. I usually cook the noodles and veg pack in plain water first. Once noodles and veggies are done. I dump half the water out, then add in oil and pork packet. This helps intensify the flavor of the broth. Once you get the true flavor of the broth. You can kind of justify the price point.

So there you go. It seems there’s an unconventional way to make this taste better at the cost of some broth volume, but I’m not giving Snapdragon anymore money for this cup to experiment with it.

Original video description:

Found this one in one my local supermarket chains and thought I’d give it a try. Can Snapdragon hold its own against other cup products out there? Watch and find out!

Links to purchase:

https://www.amazon.com/Snapdragon-Tonkotsu-Authentic-Noodles-Kyushu-Style/dp/B08MV43NCZ

Scores:

  • Noodles: 5/10
  • Spiciness: 2/10
  • Overall: 2/10