Today, I’m checking out a new-to-me Chinese noodle company called JML ( short for JinMaiLang), with their Instant Noodle Artificial Mushroom Chicken Flavour. I’m going into this one with a specific curiosity: there’s been a big swing toward artificial meat flavors in products exported to the U.S., largely because importing real-meat noodle packs is difficult under USDA rules. In practice, “meat” gets approximated with yeast extract, maltodextrin, soy protein, and similar additives – sometimes convincingly, sometimes not – so I’m treating this as a flavor exercise first and seeing where it lands.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 124: JML Instant Noodle Artificial Mushroom Chicken FlavourOrigin: China
Noodle Journey Episode 102: Nissin Cup Noodles Black Pepper Crab
For this episode, I’m trying one of the more intriguing flavors from Nissin’s Hong Kong Cup Noodles lineup: Black Pepper Crab. This variety caught my attention after a Reddit post claimed it was disappearing from store shelves, which made me even more curious to find and review it. Black pepper crab is a Singaporean classic, made by frying whole crabs in black pepper and aromatics, and this cup promises to deliver a version of that rich, peppery seafood experience. Like most cup noodle offerings, I know the noodles themselves won’t be the star, but the flavor could be.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 102: Nissin Cup Noodles Black Pepper CrabNoodle Journey Episode 83: Ramen Talk Pepper Crispy Pork Noodles
I’m closing out this Ramen Talk series with their Pepper Crispy Pork Noodles, the only dry noodle option in their current US lineup. After several soup-based varieties, this one promises something entirely different: a saucy, intense, and potentially crunchy experience. The packaging shows plump pork nuggets and a thick coating of sauce, which sets high expectations. I’ve really enjoyed Ramen Talk’s inventive takes so far, so I was looking forward to this one despite my hesitation around the “crispy pork” concept.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 83: Ramen Talk Pepper Crispy Pork NoodlesNoodle Journey Episode 82: Ramen Talk Tomato Tonkotsu Ramen
Ramen Talk continues to surprise me with their unique and premium lineup, and this Tomato Tonkotsu Ramen is no exception. I’ve never encountered anything quite like it before, a fusion of rich pork bone broth and tomato paste that promises an umami-forward, slightly sweet and acidic twist on a classic tonkotsu. Whether or not this combination is authentic to any region of Japan is unclear, but it certainly caught my attention. Since I found the basic tonkotsu flavor slightly underwhelming, I’m hoping this variation delivers a bit more punch.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 82: Ramen Talk Tomato Tonkotsu RamenNoodle Journey Episode 81: Ramen Talk Japanese Volcano Bolognese Ramen
Ramen Talk has been one of the most interesting brands I’ve explored lately, offering premium-level instant noodles with unique flavor profiles and an elevated presentation. Their Japanese Volcano Bolognese Ramen is their latest release as of March 2023, though I actually spotted it on shelves at my local S Mart a month earlier. The name suggests an Italian-Japanese hybrid, but as you’ll find out, that label may be a little misleading.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 81: Ramen Talk Japanese Volcano Bolognese RamenNoodle Journey Episode 80: Ramen Talk Taiwan Style Braised Beef Noodle Soup
I’m continuing my dive into Ramen Talk’s lineup with their Taiwan Style Braised Beef Noodle Soup, something I’ve been both hopeful and a little apprehensive about. This style of noodle soup has a special place in my heart because I used to frequent a fantastic Taiwanese noodle shop near me that unfortunately shut down recently. Their rich, aromatic beef soup with hand-shaved noodles was one of my favorite meals, and I’ve been craving a good substitute ever since. While I’m reviewing this product on its own merits, I’m quietly hoping it can capture even a fraction of what I used to enjoy.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 80: Ramen Talk Taiwan Style Braised Beef Noodle SoupNoodle Journey Episode 79: Ramen Talk Tonkotsu Ramen
Ramen Talk continues to impress with its premium, shelf-stable ramen kits that go beyond the typical instant noodle experience. This time, I’m digging into their Tonkotsu Ramen, which comes with a pretty wild inclusion: a full slice of pork belly. I’ve reviewed some heavy hitters in the tonkotsu category before, so I’m eager to see how this one stacks up against the likes of Marutai, Myojo, and even Ichiran.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 79: Ramen Talk Tonkotsu RamenNoodle Journey Episode 78: Ramen Talk Tom Yum
This time, I’m continuing my exploration of the premium lineup from Ramen Talk with their Tom Yum “Goong” flavor… sort of (more on that below). I recommend checking out the previous review of their Golden Sour Beef Soup first, since I go over a lot of background on the company there. But for the uninitiated: Ramen Talk is a Chinese instant noodle company that takes pride in using real whole ingredients, which they freeze-dry and pack alongside their sun-dried noodles. Everything you see on the packaging is in the product – yes, even the seafood.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 78: Ramen Talk Tom YumNoodle Journey Episode 77: Ramen Talk Golden Sour Beef Soup
Ramen Talk is a little-known Chinese company, and the name is derived from their Chinese name, Lamianshuo, which translates to “Ramen Talk” or “Ramen Explain,” and they’re bringing something new to the instant noodle scene: restaurant-style bowls with artisanal noodles, real meat and fresh-like toppings, all shelf-stable and packed into a single serving bag. I first stumbled across their products at a store called S Mart in the greater Philadelphia area and couldn’t believe my eyes. I bought it, brought it home, cooked it, took one bite, and I knew I had to order the full lineup and review them all for you. This is a brand that deserves your attention in the premium noodle space.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 77: Ramen Talk Golden Sour Beef SoupNoodle 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