Saturday, June 10, 2006

Samyang Ramen

I have been trying a lot of Samyang's offerings recently, specifically Sogoki Myun, Sutah Ramen, Kimchi Ramen, and Pojangmacha U-Dong. But this one has the special privilege of being named after the company: Samyang Foods.

The packaging reminded me of a box of Tide detergent but I didn't let that stop me from trying it. No surprises on the inside...like almost every other Korean ramen in the world, there is a big block of noodles with a spice packet and a dried vegetable packet.


The steam from the broth fogged up my camera lens! But let me tell you, this was quite a tasty ramen with plenty of heat yet plenty of flavor as well. I especially liked the shitake mushrooms included in the veggie packet. You don't see that very often for some reason yet they add a lot of potent bursts of flavor to the whole package. This is quite similar to Samyang's Sogoki Myun, Sutah Ramen and Kimchi Ramen but comes together a little bit better. Very satisfying and deserving of the Samyang name!

Samyang Ramen - 9.0/10

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Saturday, June 03, 2006

Myojo Chukazanimai - Soy Sauce Flavor

Well, this one was quite different from anything I've ever tried before. I suspect this is what Japanese instant ramen is really intended to be, but I can't say for sure since I've never been to Japan. But I suspect Nissin is a bastardized and mass produced version of what the Japanese consider instant ramen.

The packaging here is noticably different than the usual instant noodles. The Myojo Chukazanimai comes in a thin and flat package. As I opened it, I was definitely expecting something different than the usual experience. The biggest difference between this one and other instant ramen is in the noodle quality. Myojo Chukazanimai's noodles were much chewier and flavorful then the usual fare. In fact, they reminded me quite a lot of the fresh ramen I have had at various restaurants...which is a good thing, of course.

The soup had strong flavors of soy sauce and onion. There was a slight hint of sesame oil as well. I felt like the soup's flavor was too strong, but I know a lot of ramen restaurants serve soup that is just as strong as this stuff. This was the closest approximation I have ever had to the fresh ramen that is served in a restaurant. So if you like that kind, you will probably like this kind too!

Myojo Chukazanimai - Soy Sauce Flavor - 6.0/10

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