by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 144: Ramen Talk Tomato Meatball Noodles

Notes since filming:

As I write this, the Tomato Meatball flavor still hasn’t found its way to Ramen Talk’s website, yet I can still find it in S Mart stores where I live. So weird. I can’t imagine this flavor wouldn’t sell well online.

Original video description:

One of the absolute best noodle companies on the planet, Ramen Talk, stealth-released a new variety in the US, and Noodle Journey has the scoop on it! This is a tomato pork broth with a generous portion of meatballs, tomato chunks, and corn. Will this Asian/Italian fusion make your tastebuds sing? Check out the review to find out.

When Ramen Talk starts selling this online, you’ll find it on http://ramentalk.us and http://ramentalk.co.uk.

Also check your local Asian markets and Asian convenience stores!

Please like and subscribe!

Scores:

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

Noodle Journey Episode 143: Samyang Buldak Tom Yum Ramen

Notes since filming:

Here’s another variety I will defend on Reddit frequently. The common complaint is that it doesn’t taste like “authentic” tom yum and that Mama’s tom yum is better. While its authenticity may be a valid critique, it doesn’t change the fact that this I think this is delicious, and its existence in no way invalidates Mama’s existence, or vice versa. I buy Buldak Tom Yum and Mama Tom Yum to scratch different itches.

I have no problem calling out a product when it isn’t authentic to what’s on the label, but if it’s delicious on its own merits then that is certainly worth a good score. That’s the case with this flavor from Samyang: it’s certainly more of a Korean-inspired take on tom yum than an authentic tom yum (you only need to look at the kimchi in the ingredients to see that that’s the case), but that doesn’t make your experience any less valid if you enjoy the flavor of this.

Original video description:

This Tom Yum Ramen is Samyang’s brand-new Buldak flavor launched in the USA in January 2024. With all of the other Buldak varieties out there, is this one worth hunting down? Check out Noodle Journey’s full in-depth review!

Links to purchase:
https://ramenmall.com/collections/ramen/products/samyang-buldak-tomyum-family-pack
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/buldak-spicy-tomyum-hot-chicken-flavor-stir-fried-ramen-23-81-oz/1021111181

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 9/10
  • Spiciness: 6.5/10
  • Overall: 9/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 142: The Han Kitchen Budae Ramyun

Notes since filming:

I bungled/reversed the translation of “budae” and “jigae” in this video and got (rightfully) called out on it. Don’t regret your little mistakes and always take the opportunity to learn from them. If you can’t find Nongshim K Army Stew anymore, this is a great alternative!

Original video description:

This is the last of the three Han Kitchen varities I currently have, and it’s their take on army stew, aka budae jigae. Check out this review of their Budae Ramyun to see how it compares to the king of K Army Stew, Nongshim!

Links to purchase:
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/authentic-army-stew-budae-ramen-119g-x-4pack/1021103661
https://www.hmart.com/10010147

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 5/10
  • Overall: 8/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 141: The Han Kitchen Pocha Ramyun

Original video description:

Today we’ve got Han Kitchen’s version of something that might be familiar to all of you Korean ramyun aficionados. This is their take on a spicy red chili soup, similar to Nongshim Shin or Ottogi Jin. If you’re a fan of those kinds of ramyun, you’re going to want to check out this review!

Links to purchase:
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/spicy-korean-street-pocha-ramen-118g-x-4pack/1021103671
https://www.hmart.com/10010148

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 6/10
  • Overall: 7.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 140: The Han Kitchen Gomtang Ramyun

Original video description:

Today I’m checking out a product that’s been around for a little while globally but only recently started showing up in the US. This is The Han Kitchen Gomtang, a milky beef bone soup with thick and chewy Korean noodles.

Links to purchase:
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/gomtang-premium-beef-ramen-117g-x-4pack/1021103651

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 0.5/10 (Due to black pepper)
  • Overall: 7.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 139: Daebak Ghost Pepper Spicy Chicken Noodles

Notes since filming:

This is currently the hottest thing I’ve ever eaten in any form. If the flavor of the sauce was better, I’d be buying this in bulk to enhance my spice tolerance.

Original video description:

You’ve probably heard of this one or seen it for sale, and there’s no doubt that this is going to be a super spicy cup of noodles, but I’m on a journey of flavor and want to know if this is worth eating outside of all those spicy noodle social media challenges. If you’re at all curious about Daebak Ghost Pepper Spicy Chicken, you’re going to want to check out this review.

Links to purchase:
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ghost-pepper-spicy-ramen-2-82oz/1021084721
https://www.bokksumarket.com/products/daebak-ghost-pepper-chicken-noodle
https://www.amazon.com/Daebak-Ghost-Pepper-Chicken-Noodles/dp/B08FF81JTS

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

I experimented with some more dynamic editing in this video rather than keeping it as the stagnant point-and-shoot approach I’ve been using up until now. Let me know if you like it or if you preferred the older style!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 9.5/10
  • Overall: 3.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 138: Marutai Original Ramen

Notes since filming:

If this had been the first Marutai flavor I’d ever had, it would’ve been a higher overall score than a 7. While this is certainly no slouch in terms of flavor and quality, it’s overshadowed by its siblings.

Original video description:

This flavor was Marutai’s very first stick ramen product dating all the way back to 1959! Here we have a light broth flavored with soy, pork, chicken, and sesame oil. Is this one in the same league as all the other Marutai flavors I’ve reviewed? Watch to find out!

Scores:

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

Noodle Journey Episode 136: Marutai Ikkosha Tonkotsu Ramen

Notes since filming:

As I write this, this is probably tied for first place (or is maybe a close second) as the best tasting instant tonkotsu I’ve reviewed so far. The only reason this one isn’t on my Top 10 list is price and availability.

Original video description:

The Marutai madness continues as I take a look at another restaurant collaboration: a tonkotsu variety supervised by the restaurant Ikkosha. This tonkotsu promises to be a concentrated pork experience, but does it deliver? Could this be the best instant tonkotsu product available? You should definitely check out this review.

Links to purchase:
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/janapese-ichikosha-ramen-115g/1021066891

Scores:

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

Noodle Journey Episode 135: Marutai Seiyoken Tonkotsu Ramen

Marutai Seiyoken Tonkotsu Ramen is the first of three restaurant collaboration products I’m reviewing in a row from Marutai, supervised by Seiyoken in Kurume City, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. Unlike the Local Series packs I’ve reviewed before, these are part of Marutai’s “Famous Store Ramen” line, meant to replicate specific restaurant recipes. This one promises a light yet rich tonkotsu broth made with a liquid soup packet instead of the usual powder for a more authentic experience.

Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 135: Marutai Seiyoken Tonkotsu Ramen