This one’s been a long time coming. I’m finally reviewing all three of the very popular Mama Tom Yum Noodles flavors: Shrimp, Creamy Shrimp, and Pork. These are everywhere, including Asian grocers, international markets, even Walmart, and they’ve been some of the most requested noodles on my list. Instead of stretching them across multiple videos, I’m covering them all at once, because if any trio deserves a proper showdown, it’s this one.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 156: Mama Tom Yum NoodlesBrand: Mama
Noodle Journey Episode 70: Mama Phở Gà
I’m continuing the phở series with Mama’s 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.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 70: Mama Phở GàNoodle Journey Episode 69: Mama Phở Bò
I’m finally reviewing an instant phở product after nearly 70 reviews: Mama’s Phở Bò, a Vietnamese-style beef rice noodle soup. 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.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 69: Mama Phở BòNoodle Journey Episode 23: Mama Pa-Lo Duck Noodles
In this review, I finally dive into the Mama brand, which has a massive online following thanks to its affordability and wide flavor variety. I’ve never tried any of their products until now, so I’m starting with the Pa-Lo Duck flavor, which was the most interesting flavor I noticed at my local Asian market. From what I was able to deduce in my research, this is inspired by a Thai stew called Kai Pa-Lo, traditionally made with braised pork and egg and seasoned with Chinese five spice. I couldn’t find much information about a duck variant, so I assume this is a vegan interpretation that blends artificial duck flavor with traditional five spice elements.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 23: Mama Pa-Lo Duck Noodles