I’m reviewing Itsuki’s Hakata Osshoi Tonkotsu Ramen, a vegan take on the famously rich and milky pork bone broth of Hakata-style ramen. This is my second Itsuki review in a row, and I couldn’t resist trying it after seeing it sitting there unused in the last episode. Hakata tonkotsu is the same style as Ichiran and is known for a deeply savory, oily broth and thin, floury, non-fried noodles. Despite the name redundancy (“Hakata” already implies tonkotsu from Fukuoka) the “Osshoi” in the product name has cultural weight. It’s a cheer shouted during the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, embodying energy and tradition, and adds a festive character to the branding.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 45: Itsuki Hakata Osshoi Tonkotsu RamenAll Reviews
Browse all instant noodle reviews from Noodle Journey. I’ve covered hundreds of different flavors from brands like Nongshim, Samyang, Nissin, A-Sha, and more.
Noodle Journey Episode 44: Itsuki Hokkaido Yuzushio Ramen
I’m trying something completely different today: a Yuzu-flavored ramen from Itsuki, specifically their Hokkaido Yuzushio variety. This is the first time I’ve ever had anything with Yuzu, so I’m going in blind but excited. Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit that falls somewhere between lemon and grapefruit, and while a few ramen varieties use it, this is the first one I’ve come across in person. I picked this up at my local Asian grocery store for $4.79, but it’s also available online from sites like Yami and Asian Food Grocer. This package contains two servings, which makes the price pretty reasonable.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 44: Itsuki Hokkaido Yuzushio RamenNoodle Journey Episode 43: Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice Flavor
I’m diving into what might be the strangest product I’ve ever reviewed: Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice flavor. Yes, it’s real. This seasonal item first launched in fall 2021 and returned in 2022, showing up in stores across the US between September and November. I didn’t expect to find one this late in the season, but there it was on clearance at a local supermarket, because of course it was.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 43: Nissin Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice FlavorNoodle Journey Episode 42: Nongshim Angry Chapaguri
Today I’m trying out the Korean import of Nongshim’s Angry Chapaguri Bowl, a product that blends two existing Nongshim classics: Chapagetti, their mild black bean noodle, and Neoguri, their spicy seafood udon. This mashup has gained global popularity thanks to its appearance in Parasite and seems to be a staple in Korean instant noodle culture, often referred to Ram-don. While the original hack required mixing the two packs, this pre-packaged version offers a more convenient alternative, with an increased spice level (hence the “Angry”).
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 42: Nongshim Angry ChapaguriNoodle Journey Episode 41: Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen Bowl
I’m revisiting the world of Sapporo Ichiban with their Shio ramen bowl, the third member of their original flavor trio alongside shoyu and miso. Despite being the most basic of the three on paper, the ingredient list caught my attention. I’ve reviewed the shoyu bowl before and really enjoyed it, so I was curious whether the shio version could hold its own.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 41: Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen BowlNoodle Journey Episode 40: Samyang Buldak Corn Ramen
I’m diving into what might be the most polarizing Buldak variety: Corn. It’s drawn some harsh reactions online, which bumped it to the top of my curiosity list. I usually enjoy the Buldak product line for its spicy, flavorful reliability, but corn in Korean ramen? That’s new to me.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 40: Samyang Buldak Corn RamenNoodle Journey Episode 39: Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen (US Version)
I’m trying the third Nissin Raoh variety in my lineup: Soy Sauce flavor. After loving the Miso and re-evaluating the noodles in the Tonkotsu version, I’m optimistic about this one. It’s a chilly autumn day, which makes this a perfect time to dig into a shoyu broth. Maruchan Gold Soy Sauce is still my reigning favorite in this category, with Sapporo Ichiban’s original flavor as a longtime staple, so this has stiff competition.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 39: Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen (US Version)Noodle Journey Episode 38: Nissin Raoh Miso Ramen (US Version)
I’m revisiting the Nissin Raoh product line with their Miso flavor, hoping for redemption after being underwhelmed by their American Tonkotsu version. That one had great noodles but an off-putting yeast-heavy broth. This time around, I’m looking for something more balanced. My current favorite miso is Maruchan Gold Spicy Miso, so this also serves as a natural comparison point.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 38: Nissin Raoh Miso Ramen (US Version)Noodle Journey Episode 37: Prima Taste Laksa LaMian
After giving Prima Taste’s Singapore Curry LaMian a perfect 10, I’m finally trying their Laksa variety. Laksa is a Southeast Asian curry noodle soup that typically includes coconut milk, shrimp paste, and milder chili pepper, with a rich flavor profile that leans slightly sweet and seafood-heavy. This version includes a few additional ingredients that distinguish it from the Singapore Curry, and I’m excited to see how it compares.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 37: Prima Taste Laksa LaMianNoodle Journey Episode 36: Hau Huan Luo (Happy Snail) Liuzhou Snail Rice Noodles
To celebrate hitting the 200-subscriber milestone, I’m finally diving into something I’ve been saving for a special occasion: Happy Snail (also labeled Hao Huan Luo) Liuzhou Snail Rice Noodles. This dish is known as luosifen, a regional specialty from Liuzhou, China, made with a fermented snail-based broth, slippery rice noodles, and a huge assortment of intense, funky garnishes. It’s notorious online for its divisive smell and flavor, with some calling it the “world’s stinkiest soup,” but I’ve had snails before and I’m not intimidated.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 36: Hau Huan Luo (Happy Snail) Liuzhou Snail Rice Noodles