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
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 25: Nongshim Neoguri

Notes since filming: What’s really interesting about this review is that I haven’t seen any other reviewers notice the recipe differences between the American Neoguri and Korean Neoguri. What I have noticed, however, is that very frequently someone on Reddit will complain about Neoguri not tasting like they remember it tasting, and my suspicion is that it has to do with the domestic vs. export recipe changes.

Original video description: A 25th episode special review! I was going to review the Korean import of Nongshim Neoguri until I spied a really drastic difference between it and the U.S. version. Check out the video to learn what I found and hear the verdict on which one is the better product!

Links to purchase:

Single Pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/nongshim-neoguri-noodle-soup-spicy-seafood-flavor-120g/1021024991
Cup Version: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/nongshim-neoguri-cup-spicy-seafood-flavor-75g/1021024941
Bowl Version: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/neoguri-udon-big-bowl-113g/1021087191
4-Pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/nongshim-neoguri-noodle-soup-spicy-seafood-flavor-4packs/1021000771
https://smile.amazon.com/Nongshim-Korean-Variety-Selection-Neoguri/dp/B07FYPFG18
Mild Version 4-Pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/nongshim-neoguri-mild-120g/1021067091

Cokoyam is apparently undergoing maintenance and a possible rebranding, so here’s the link I mentioned in the review, but be aware that it might not work right now: https://www.cokoyam.com/collections/sale/products/cokoyam-amazing-k-ramen-jumbo-sets-over-50-ramens?variant=31324060614756

There are plenty of options from various sellers on Amazon depending on how many you want to buy at a time. Also check your local Asian supermarket!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8.5/10
  • Spiciness: 6/10
  • Overall: 7.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 24: Indomie Mi Goreng

Notes since filming: Indomie Mi Goreng is still one of the first things I recommend when someone asks for instant noodle suggestions. These show up in Walmart and other grocery stores now and are still dirt cheap with amazing flavor. There’s no excuse not to try them unless you just don’t like stir-fried noodles at all.

Original video description:

Today’s review is one of the most popular instant noodles in the world: Indomie Mi Goreng. We’ll talk about why it’s so popular and what you’re missing out on if you haven’t tried these noodles yet!

Links to purchase:

Single Pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/indomie-mi-goreng-fried-noodles-85g/1021003821
5-Pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/indomie-mi-goreng-fried-noodles-5pc-425g/1021004301

There are plenty of options from various sellers on Amazon depending on how many you want to buy at a time. Also check your local Asian supermarket!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 7/10
  • Spiciness: 3/10
  • Overall: 9/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 23: Mama Pa-Lo Duck

Original video description:

This is Noodle Journey’s first review of a Mama instant noodle product, and we’re starting with the ever-popular Pa-Lo Duck flavor. This is a super cheap pack of noodles and it has the bonus of being vegan. But is it any good? We’ll find out!

Links to purchase:

30-pack: https://www.amazon.com/MAMA-Oriental-Instant-Noodles-Artificial/dp/B00C8XYYNG

Check your local Walmart or Asian grocery store before you commit to ordering in bulk online!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 7.5/10
  • Spiciness: 2.5/10
  • Overall: 8.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 22: Nongshim Chapagetti

Notes since filming: I had no idea Chapagetti was such a divisive flavor when I reviewed it, but there are a lot of people out there who hate this. But there are also a lot of people who love it, and I’m one of them. I’ve since discovered that way better jjajang noodles are out there, but if I hadn’t tried Chapagetti first, I wouldn’t have known that I even liked jjajang sauce at all. Make sure you understand what kind of flavor Chapagetti is before you commit to buying it, because that sweet and earthy black bean flavor is not for everyone.

Original video description:

Time to review something completely different! You might be passingly familiar with Nongshim’s Chapagetti flavor because of the movie Parasite, but how does this black bean sauce actually taste, and more importantly, is it worth buying? Watch and find out!

Links to purchase:

Single pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/nongshim-chapagetti-127g/1021002341

Big Bowl version: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/chapagetti-noodles-big-bowl-114g/1021087181

4-pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/nongshim-chapagetti-family-pack-4packs/1021002351
https://smile.amazon.com/Nongshim-Chapagetti-Noodle-Pasta-Chajang/dp/B0170PR9D8

(Other third party sellers on Amazon may have the 4-pack cheaper, so do a little price comparison before you buy!)

Link to Cokoyam Korean Ramen Jumbo Combo: https://www.cokoyam.com/collections/sale/products/cokoyam-amazing-k-ramen-jumbo-sets-over-50-ramens?variant=31324060614756

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 1/10
  • Overall: 7/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 21: Paldo Namja Ramyun

Notes since filming: Some people have said that the recipe for this one has changed since I filmed it (for the worse), which makes me think an eventual re-review might be in order. This is hands-down my favorite shin-style soup that I’ve had on this channel despite the beef flavoring being artificial compared to real beef in Nongshim USA’s Shin, and while I kept up with buying Namja for a while after this review, it just made more sense to eventually go back to buying Shin since it was so much cheaper and easier to find in grocery stores.

Original video description:

Checking out another Paldo product today, we’re looking at Namja ramyun. This is a red chili and garlic soup that’s supposed to pack quite a punch. How does it rate? Check it out!

Here’s Paldo’s official commercial for this product as promised in the video: v=4kIlYK5lIOk @ youtube

Links to purchase:

Bowl version: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/paldo-namja-ramyun-hot-garlic-flavor-105g/1021050941

5-pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/paldo-instant-ramen-garlic-flavor-5-packs/1021001921
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BRY0MMO

Other third party sellers on Amazon may have it cheaper, so do a little price comparison before you buy!

Link to Cokoyam Korean Ramen Jumbo Combo (where I got this originally): https://www.cokoyam.com/collections/sale/products/cokoyam-amazing-k-ramen-jumbo-sets-over-50-ramens?variant=31324060614756

Scores:

  • Noodles: 9/10
  • Spiciness: 7.5/10
  • Overall: 10/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 20: Sapporo Ichiban Soy Sauce Flavor Bowl (US Version)

Original video description:

Today’s review is Noodle Journey’s first taste of a Sapporo Ichiban product, with their original Soy Sauce flavor that started it all back in the 60s. This is Sapporo Ichiban’s Soy Sauce noodles.

Links to purchase:

Bowl version: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/sapporo-ichiban-japanese-style-noodles-original-flavor-82g/1021042991

Pack version is available in various bulk options on Amazon. Check your local grocery stores before committing to a bulk purchase!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 7/10
  • Spiciness: 0/10
  • Overall: 7/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 19: Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen

Notes since filming: I maintain that every tonkotsu fan should try this one once if they are comfortable with the price. This has gotten way easier to find in Asian markets in the US since I filmed this video, so if you can score it for a bargain, it’s a no-brainer.

Original video description:

Time to review the world-famous Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen! This is the most expensive instant noodle product we’ve seen to date, and the Internet is sharply divided about whether or not it is worth the premium price tag. Could this be the best instant tonkotsu ramen ever made? Let’s find out!

Links to purchase:

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=ichiran+tonkotsu+ramen&crid=1CJG0JTC34LTI&sprefix=ichiran+tonaps87&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_11
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ichiran-ramen-hakata-style-thin-noodles-5pcs/1021058161
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ichiran-ramen-hakata-style-thin-noodle/1021066861

Amazon prices will rise and fall all the time like crazy, so keep checking until it hits a price point you’re comfortable with.

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 3/10 (with the spicy powder added, otherwise 0/10)
  • Overall: 7.5/10 without the spicy powder, 8/10 with it

by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey: Momofuku Noodles – The Basic Hack

Notes since filming: I had titled this “The Basic Hack” with the intention of filming a more elaborate “hack” down the road that never materialized. Maybe someday if I get struck with inspiration. The truth is I’m very much over Momofuku’s noodles as a result of David Chang’s shenanigans and so I don’t have a big desire to revisit this.

Also, I can say as a professional software developer (my day job) that it is perfectly acceptable to use the term “hack” when elevating your instant noodles. One entry in Merriam-Webster defines a computer hack as “to write computer programs for enjoyment.” Wouldn’t the equivalent action of customizing your noodles for enjoyment fall into the same category? As someone who quite literally does both things, the answer is yes.

Also worth noting, the furikake I featured in this video goes great with yakisoba and Samyang Buldak.

Original video description: The first Noodle Journey hack video! This is a super fast and simple hack idea for Momofuku’s noodles that gives you some protein and a blast of flavor without breaking the bank. Want some more elaborate hack videos? Let me know, and keep those likes and subscribes coming!

Links to purchase Momofuku noodles:

https://smile.amazon.com/Momofuku-Scallion-Noodles-Servings-Snacks/dp/B09PZVY7D1
https://smile.amazon.com/Momofuku-Scallion-Noodles-Servings-Snacks/dp/B09PZVVZJ3
https://smile.amazon.com/Momofuku-Scallion-Noodles-Servings-Snacks/dp/B09PZVRTD3
https://shop.momofuku.com/collections/noodles

Momofuku’s official YouTube channel with hack videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtT1iprTreAUgZPaS5jmBA

by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 18: Momofuku Soy & Scallion Noodles

Original video description: Today we’re checking out the third and (currently) final variety of Momofuku noodles left to review: Soy & Scallion. Is this an awesome package of noodles on its own? We’ll see!

Links to purchase:

https://smile.amazon.com/Momofuku-Scallion-Noodles-Servings-Snacks/dp/B09PZVY7D1
https://shop.momofuku.com/products/soy-and-scallion-noodles-5-servings

Momofuku’s official YouTube channel with hack videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtT1iprTreAUgZPaS5jmBA

Scores:

  • Noodles: 10/10
  • Spiciness: 0/10
  • Overall: 5/10