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Nissin Cup Noodles Breakfast Review | Noodle Journey Episode 89

Nissin Cup Noodles Breakfast Review - Noodle Journey Episode 89

In this review I'm taking a look at Nissin Cup Noodles Breakfast variety, a limited‐edition gimmick that pairs ramen with maple syrup, pancakes, sausage and egg flavors. Nissin announced it in March 2023 and many people assumed it was an April Fool’s joke, but it’s real and I was able to buy it from Walmart for about $1.18 at the time of review. It’s a Walmart exclusive and scalpers were reselling it online, which is disappointing because creating artificial scarcity for food is a particularly lousy thing to do.

Sapporo Ichiban Tonkotsu Ramen Bowl Review - Noodle Journey Episode 88
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Sapporo Ichiban Tonkotsu Ramen Bowl Review | Noodle Journey Episode 88

Sapporo Ichiban has become a bit of a sleeper favorite for me, and after really enjoying that miso bowl in the previous review, I wanted to check out Sapporo Ichiban Tonkotsu Ramen, also in bowl form. While Sapporo Ichiban's lineup in the US is limited compared to what's available in Japan, what they do offer tends to be consistent, accessible, and pleasantly flavorful, which are qualities that earn them a permanent spot on my shelves (my daughter in particular is a big fan of their chicken ramen). Today's focus is on this pork bone broth variety that has a lot of competition in the instant noodle world. Given how many excellent tonkotsu options I've already reviewed, this one's got some stiff standards to live up to.

Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen Bowl Review - Noodle Journey Episode 87
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Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen Bowl Review | Noodle Journey Episode 87

This episode covers one of the most well-known instant miso ramen products on the market: Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen, in the bowl version. Thanks to a viral TikTok hack that combined this ramen with a raw egg, Kewpie mayo, and garlic, it skyrocketed in internet popularity. But beyond the hype, there’s some legitimate history here too; this was reportedly the very first instant miso ramen, dating back to the 1960s. It took Sanyo Foods three years to develop their proprietary six-miso blend for this flavor, and the end result is a savory, umami-rich bowl that clearly struck a chord with consumers.

Paldo Jang Ramyun Review - Noodle Journey Episode 86
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Paldo Jang Ramyun Review | Noodle Journey Episode 86

I’m diving into something a bit unusual today: Paldo Jang Ramyun, a soy-flavored noodle soup that stands out because it’s from a Korean company. While soy-based broths are a staple in Japanese ramen, they’re a bit rarer (in my experience) when it comes to Korean instant noodles. This particular variety has a few interesting twists in the ingredients. It’s part of Paldo’s diverse lineup, and given how consistently solid their products are, I’m going into this review with optimism.

Nongshim Guksu Soba with Gochujang Review - Noodle Journey Episode 85
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Nongshim Guksu Soba with Gochujang Review | Noodle Journey Episode 85

This is my first time reviewing a soba noodle product, and I’m kicking things off with something from one of my favorite Korean companies. Nongshim Guksu Soba with Gochujang combines Korean sweet-and-spicy chili paste with Japanese-style buckwheat noodles, creating a chilled noodle dish that’s a refreshing change of pace. And the most interesting part? It comes with two different preparation methods: cold sauced noodles or cold noodle soup. Naturally, I'm reviewing them both.

Nongshim Guksu with Beef Bone Extract Review - Noodle Journey Episode 84
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Nongshim Guksu with Beef Bone Extract Review | Noodle Journey Episode 84

I’m taking a look at a Nongshim variety that completely slipped past my radar until recently: Nongshim Guksu with Beef Bone Extract. The packaging boldly advertises a hybrid of beef and umami dashi flavors, and I picked up a four-pack on sale for $3.99 at my favorite Asian market, marked down from the usual $5.99. Oddly, I haven’t found it on Amazon, but some Walmarts carry it, and other Asian online stores or eBay may have listings.

Ramen Talk Pepper Crispy Pork Noodles Review - Noodle Journey Episode 83
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Ramen Talk Pepper Crispy Pork Noodles Review | Noodle Journey Episode 83

I’m closing out this series with Ramen Talk 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.

Ramen Talk Tomato Tonkotsu Ramen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 82
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Ramen Talk Tomato Tonkotsu Ramen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 82

Ramen Talk continues to surprise me with their unique and premium lineup, and this Ramen Talk 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.

Ramen Talk Japanese Volcano Bolognese Ramen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 81
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Ramen Talk Japanese Volcano Bolognese Ramen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 81

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. Ramen Talk Japanese Volcano Bolognese Ramen is their latest release on their website 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.

Ramen Talk Taiwan Style Braised Beef Noodle Soup - Noodle Journey Episode 80
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Ramen Talk Taiwan Style Braised Beef Noodle Soup Review | Noodle Journey Episode 80

I'm continuing my Ramen Talk marathon with Ramen Talk 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.