MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle Review - Noodle Journey Episode 74
by Noodle Journey -

MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle Review | Noodle Journey Episode 74

I'm reviewing a Malaysian product today that’s been called one of the best instant noodles in the world: MyKuali Penang White Curry. David Chang named it his top pick several years back, The Ramen Rater has given it high praise, and it's been at the top of several “best of” lists. I had to hunt this one down, and while it was hard to find at first, I later spotted it at my local Asian market after overpaying for it online. So if you're in the US, keep an eye out locally before shelling out for a third-party Amazon seller.

Paldo Kokomen Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup Review - Noodle Journey Episode 73
by Noodle Journey -

Paldo Kokomen Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup Review | Noodle Journey Episode 73

I'm checking out a somewhat different flavor, Paldo Kokomen, a clean and spicy chicken noodle soup that’s a little more interesting than your average chicken broth. I don’t usually go out of my way to review plain chicken soups, because they tend to be a bit boring, but this one has an interesting backstory and flavor profile. Kokomen was the result of an amateur cooking contest in South Korea back in 2011, and the recipe became so popular that Paldo turned it into an instant noodle product.

Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen with Kuromayu Review - Noodle Journey Episode 71
by Noodle Journey -

Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen with Kuromayu (Black Garlic Oil) Review | Noodle Journey Episode 71

I'm back with Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen with Kuromayu, this time from one of my favorite South Korean brands! While tonkotsu is traditionally a Japanese pork bone broth, here we've got a Korean company making their interpretation of it with this Kuromayu (black garlic oil) variety. For anyone unfamiliar, kuromayu is made by charring garlic in sesame oil, giving it a deep, bitter, smoky flavor that’s common in tonkotsu ramen, with the word "kuro" literally translating to "black." This isn't the same as fermented black garlic (which is also a valid ramen topper if you so desire), but rather has a different flavor profile.

Mama Phở Gà Review - Noodle Journey Episode 70
by Noodle Journey -

Mama Phở Gà Review | Noodle Journey Episode 70

I’m continuing with the phở reviews with Mama Phở Gà, the chicken counterpart to the Phở Bò I reviewed last time. If you’re unfamiliar with phở, check out that review first - I covered the basics there and want to keep this one more focused. This bowl shares the same spice blend and artificial garnish flavors as the beef version, but swaps in a lighter artificial chicken-style broth.

Mama Phở Bò Review - Noodle Journey Episode 69
by Noodle Journey -

Mama Phở Bò Review | Noodle Journey Episode 69

I'm finally reviewing an instant phở product after nearly 70 reviews: Mama Phở Bò, a Vietnamese-style beef rice noodle soup manufactured by a Thai company. For those unfamiliar, phở is a noodle soup made with rice noodles, savory bone broth, and customizable fresh toppings like bean sprouts, Thai basil, chili peppers, and, unfortunately for me, cilantro (although I omit that part when I'm eating phở at a restaurant).

Ottogi Sesame Ramen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 68
by Noodle Journey -

Ottogi Sesame Ramen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 68

I'm checking out a fairly unique Korean ramen today: Ottogi Sesame Ramen. Unlike most instant noodles that merely contain trace amounts of sesame, this one puts it front and center as its defining flavor. And despite how prolific Korean instant noodles are, this is the only widely available one that openly markets itself as “sesame ramen” (that I am aware of, anyway). Dandan noodles use sesame paste, but those are Chinese. Nissin Demae has a sesame ramen, but it’s Japanese. Ottogi seems to have the Korean sesame ramen space to itself, which makes this an interesting instant noodle entry.

Sapporo Ichiban Chow Mein Review - Noodle Journey Episode 67
by Noodle Journey -

Sapporo Ichiban Chow Mein Review | Noodle Journey Episode 67

I’m reviewing a viewer-recommended pack today: Sapporo Ichiban Chow Mein, which is a misnomer since this is actually yakisoba. You’ll spot “Chow Mein” on the packaging in English, but the Japanese text phonetically spells "Yakisoba," and the ingredients back that up (if in doubt, feel free to fire up Google Lens and aim it at the front of this pack). It includes Worcestershire-style seasoning (minus the anchovies), which is a hallmark of yakisoba, not chow mein. The terms get used interchangeably in American contexts, but this is squarely a Japanese-style stir-fry noodle.

Paldo Jjajangmen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 66
by Noodle Journey -

Paldo Jjajangmen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 66

After enjoying several spicy black bean noodles like Samyang Buldak Jjajang and Nongshim’s Angry Chapaguri, I’m shifting gears and reviewing Paldo Jjajangmen, a basic, non-spicy entry in the world of black bean sauce noodle products. This one seems to be the go-to option for folks who want a rich black bean sauce without the heat. It’s widely available in 4-packs for $6–$10 online or at local Asian grocery stores, but be careful of price gouging on Amazon. According to Reddit, this version is often considered superior to Chapagetti due to its rich sauce and substantial veggie content. And with a 7-ounce pack weight, this is one of the heaviest instant noodles I’ve ever reviewed, most of that coming from a seriously chunky liquid sauce packet.

Trader Joe's Instant Ramen Cups Review - Noodle Journey Episode 65
by Noodle Journey -

Trader Joe’s Instant Ramen Cups Review | Noodle Journey Episode 65

I'm checking out a trio of Trader Joe's Instant Ramen Cups: Miso, Spicy Miso, and Chicken. They sell for $1.69 each at the time of this review and come in light, single-serving cups. These do not exactly appear to be filling, but are priced well below what these usually cost under their original branding. Which brings me to the twist: upon opening the Miso cup, I discovered that these are actually rebranded products from Mike’s Mighty Good Ramen. The oil packet writing gave it away immediately, and sure enough, they’re confirmed to be co-manufactured. If you’re familiar with my past reviews, you know I’ve had my share of issues with Mike’s. That said, the Trader Joe’s versions are cheaper, so if for some reason you like Mike’s ramen, this is the place to buy it.