tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83978351300509126892024-03-12T23:23:07.223-07:00The Noodle FreakReviewing instant noodles and other Asian goodiesCam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-71196137694484169692012-12-06T10:59:00.001-08:002012-12-06T11:11:24.823-08:00Review: Golden Wonder Pot Noodle - Bombay Bad Boy<b>*** This post was originally written in 2010. Do not take this as a sign of coming back from <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2011/10/permanent-hiatus.html">hiatus</a>, but more of a desire to get this post and its pictures out of my drafts folder. ***</b><br />
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Well, I saved what I thought was going to be the best for last. Pot Noodle's Bombay Bad Boy is my last pot noodle I received from my friend in England. Will it be my favorite of the bunch? Click 'Read more' to find out.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Bombay Bad Boy looks different than the other pot noodles I received from my friend. It's black with a picture of red chili peppers being mixed into noodles. My guess was that it was going to be spicy.<br />
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When you open the lid, there is a small sachet of chili sauce resting on top of the noodles and seasoning. It is to be added at the end much like the <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-golden-wonder-pot-noodle-mr-chus.html">Sticky Rib Pot Noodle</a> I tried before.<br />
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The soup is just like all of the other pot noodles I tried. Thick. My guess is this is how they all are. Before I dropped the packet of chili sauce in the cooked noodles, I tasted a drop on my finger. Wow! Spicy! Really spicy! Like, concentrated chili pepper sauce. Thankfully I can handle just about any degree of spice. This was going to be good.<br />
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It's tough to describe the taste of Bombay Bad Boy. It has sort of a bland, but spicy taste. It's better than most of the other ones I tried, but I can't say it's my favorite. But if you are a fan of spicy noodles, this one is the best out of the bunch. Personally, I'll take the Sticky Rib over this any day.<br />
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Julie didn't try this one since she still can't really handle spicy stuff too well. We tested her again the other day with some Thai red curry chicken and she thought it was spicy and spit it out. One day she'll enjoy the fire. As for this, it would probably be good to have a couple times per year, but Bombay Bad Boy is not something I would buy all the time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">More photos:</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4153/5091314953_9d4072d975_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4153/5091314953_9d4072d975_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4126/5091316951_6c27389430_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4126/5091316951_6c27389430_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4088/5091317817_60504f5fd3_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4088/5091317817_60504f5fd3_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4107/5091917392_b7b39fc0be_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4107/5091917392_b7b39fc0be_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-89994390116894049172011-10-24T14:36:00.000-07:002011-10-24T14:36:48.529-07:00Permanent HiatusWith family, work, <a href="http://www.cam-fu.com">website</a>, <a href="http://www.camfuandfriends.com">podcast</a>, and commuting taking up all of my time, I cannot update this site anymore. I have about 10 posts in draft that I will probably never finish. If you are a subscriber, thanks for sticking with me this long, but I will be going on a permanent hiatus.<br />
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What does that mean? It means I'm pretty much done, but wouldn't say that I will never ever come back and continue. It's just highly improbable.<br />
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Plus, <a href="http://ramenrater.wordpress.com/">this guy</a> is doing pretty much the same thing and does a better job of updating (though I wish he would get into more detail).<br />
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Thank you.Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-86273563306179397912011-05-26T14:14:00.000-07:002011-05-26T14:14:59.745-07:00News: Death Cab for Vietnamese: Nick Harmer's Guide to the best Pho in SeattleI know I've been neglecting this blog lately and I promise that I haven't forgotten about it. Truth is, I have a few reviews in draft, but I just don't have time to touch them up and post them. I've been busy <a href="http://camknows.blogspot.com/search/label/movie%20review">watching lots of movies</a>, <a href="http://camknows.blogspot.com/search/label/Foto%20Friday">taking lots of photos</a>, and <a href="http://camknows.blogspot.com/search/label/podcast">working on my new podcast</a>.<br />
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However, today I read a noodle-related article written by the bassist of my favorite band, Death Cab for Cutie. In "Death Cab for Vietnamese", Nick Harmer writes about his top three favorite phở restaurants in the Seattle:<br />
<blockquote>1) <a href="http://www.thanbrothers.com/">Than Brothers</a> (516 Broadway East)<br />
2) <a href="http://phocyclocafe.com/">Pho Cyclo</a> (406 Broadway East)<br />
3) <a href="http://www.cafepho.com/">Cafe Pho</a> (401 NE Northgate Way)</blockquote><a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-samurai-noodle.html">I've stated my complaints</a> against phở restaurants in Seattle on this blog before, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any decent places to grab a bowl of the rice noodles. I have not been to any of Harmer's favorite restaurants before, but am now curious about trying them. If I ever do try them out, and get back to writing on this blog again, I'll be sure to share my experiences.<br />
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Nick Harmer's article can be read <a href="http://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4142743-death-cab-for-vietnamese--nick-harmers-guide-to-the-best-pho-in-seattle">here on Drowned in Sound</a>.Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-73510680830591769952010-10-23T22:35:00.000-07:002010-10-23T22:37:42.300-07:00Review: Golden Wonder The Nation's Noodle - Sweet & Sour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5060568688_7e829136e7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5060568688_7e829136e7_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Golden Wonder The Nation's Noodle - Sweet & Sour.</span></div><br />
Here is the third pot noodle I received from a friend in England. I sort of tried these in order of what I thought would taste the worst to what I thought would taste the best. I expected The Nation's Noodle's Sweet & Sour to be fairly tasty. Was I right or wrong? Read on to find out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5060569618_41edd8b4f9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5060569618_41edd8b4f9_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Top of Sweet & Sour pot noodle.</span></div><br />
I can't say that sweet and sour sauce is my favorite thing in the world, but I'll eat it. I've always had a prejudice against meat being sweet. It's only within the last few years that I've accepted BBQ sauce for what it is and will occasionally buy orange chicken. I was interested to see if this would please my palate.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5059958439_09ec35e963_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5059958439_09ec35e963_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The inside before adding boiling water.</span></div><br />
The noodles are the same texture and quality as <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-golden-wonder-nations-noodle.html">the other Nation's Noodle product I reviewed</a>. It is made the same way, too, and the outcome is a thicker stew-like broth instead of a soupy one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5059959071_5b4490981e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5059959071_5b4490981e_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sweet & Sour soup.</span></div><br />
The taste is not the same kind of sweet and sour that we might be used to over here in America. It actually tasted more like tomato soup. In fact, calling this flavor Tomato Soup instead of Sweet & Sour would make a ton more sense. There were also too many vegetables. Lots of red peppers, green peppers, and carrots. Had bad texture, too. I couldn't even finish it all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5060572230_6d811e8045_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5060572230_6d811e8045_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Spoonful of The Nation's Noodle Sweet & Sour.</span></div><br />
There's nothing special about this flavor of The Nation's Noodle. I don't really know who would especially like this. Juliana didn't really care much for it either. The flavor is just too sour and doesn't really appeal to us.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-vXsyaqgwj7kpGJpyn1xHc4126cq1uaD7E5OedgFiiyX1sde16WeTzvltgl8yXi5fAg_m6RqHBSjaxqn2VzyEhEOgcGKCFXglLkvzDK7Gychyphenhyphenbw9h8rKNMoix3vrndk0WRQggOhJPamC/s1600/the+nation%27s+noodle+sweet+and+sour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-vXsyaqgwj7kpGJpyn1xHc4126cq1uaD7E5OedgFiiyX1sde16WeTzvltgl8yXi5fAg_m6RqHBSjaxqn2VzyEhEOgcGKCFXglLkvzDK7Gychyphenhyphenbw9h8rKNMoix3vrndk0WRQggOhJPamC/s1600/the+nation%27s+noodle+sweet+and+sour.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-76749127975256769212010-10-22T17:17:00.000-07:002010-10-22T20:22:41.563-07:00Video: Ramen and Udon Vending MachineMan, I wish we had something like this here. Quality doesn't look very good, but the machine looks a little dated and the price is only 300 yen ($3.69). I wonder how it tastes.<br />
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<object height="505" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZBA9MDY0tBQ?fs=1&hl=en_GB&hd=1&start=60"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZBA9MDY0tBQ?fs=1&hl=en_GB&hd=1&start=60" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="505" width="640"></embed></object>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-46140094098047796152010-10-20T09:14:00.000-07:002010-10-20T10:54:51.069-07:00Review: Wakuwaku Club Wheat Puff Chocolate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4809044452_8b88490182_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4809044452_8b88490182_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wakuwaku Club Wheat Puff Chocolate.</span></div><br />
I read a favorable review on wheat chocolate a while back and have been wanting to try it ever since. I had never even seen or heard of it before, which is surprising because I'd like to think that I'm in touch with Asian snacks. I finally got the chance to try some a couple months ago and if you want to know what I thought, continue reading my review.<br />
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Wakuwaku Club's Wheat Puff Chocolate is basically chocolate covered barley puffs. The best way to describe it is chocolate covered Smacks cereal. If this sounds delicious to you, trust me when I say that it most certainly is. If you're not a fan of Smacks, then you might not like this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4809046928_4aeea0a0a7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4809046928_4aeea0a0a7_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Little morsels of tastiness.</span></div><br />
Wheat Puff Chocolate looks like a smaller chocolate covered raisin, or maybe a chocolate covered coffee bean. The chocolate is good quality, but is slightly darker than milk chocolate. I wonder how good this would taste with a lighter chocolate. Possibly better. The wheat puff was not as crunchy or crispy as cereal or as I would have liked it. Every once in a while, I would eat one that seemed stale.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4809047234_5ed66fdc64_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4809047234_5ed66fdc64_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A bite into a Wheat Puff Chocolate.</span></div><br />
In a world where we coat everything with chocolate these days, I don't know why the American food industry hasn't tried to make this product. It's very addictive as I remember finishing the whole bag in two days. If you are lucky enough to come across this product or similar ones (Wakuwaku Club is not the only company that makes them) at your local Asian grocery store, definitely give this a try. I know I will, again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kvUekA1AEtBFBr-6h4-CgiQ-uvKZaV5gdinPTfdllblWh9P41OFZuETWg-XoMJax-f4dXHH5Cnt3uEToLhOeI64dEIQKWuROVuFQeRZsTfHeKDUyKr2SqOFxwUrqR6uIEJBYIIdCHDRR/s1600/wakuwaku+club+wheat+puff+chocolate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kvUekA1AEtBFBr-6h4-CgiQ-uvKZaV5gdinPTfdllblWh9P41OFZuETWg-XoMJax-f4dXHH5Cnt3uEToLhOeI64dEIQKWuROVuFQeRZsTfHeKDUyKr2SqOFxwUrqR6uIEJBYIIdCHDRR/s1600/wakuwaku+club+wheat+puff+chocolate.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-79582407276887408142010-10-01T12:32:00.000-07:002010-10-01T12:43:08.064-07:00Video: Replicating Restaurant Ramen<a href="http://www.nhk.or.jp/cooljapan/">NHK's Cool Japan</a> showed a video on how it is possible to replicate the high quality tastes of ramen from ramen restaurants for instant noodle packages. The development manager is an interesting chap as he can replicate ramen simply by smelling it, tasting it, and jotting down notes of what he thinks is in it.<br />
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<object height="505" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/video/xezgbm_cool-noodle_lifestyle?additionalInfos=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/video/xezgbm_cool-noodle_lifestyle?additionalInfos=0" height="505" width="640" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-413218381928939452010-09-06T21:04:00.000-07:002010-09-06T21:05:43.034-07:00Review: Golden Wonder Pot Noodle - Mr. Chu's Golden Noodle No. 7 Sticky Rib<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4929933980_1b10303877_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4929933980_1b10303877_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Golden Wonder Pot Noodle - Mr. Chu's Golden Noodle No. 7 Sticky Rib.</span></div><br />
I present to you the longest title for an instant noodle product ever! Alright, so I don't really have any proof of that, but you do have to admit that it's pretty ridiculous. Sticky Rib Pot Noodle is my second noodle product sent over to me by a good friend I have over in England. They aren't exactly known for their food, so will Sticky Rib stick with me? Find out after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Unlike most Pot Noodle packages, No. 7 Sticky Rib is a little more flashy. It has Asian font, bright red colors, and a dragon. I think this fictional Mr. Chu is supposed to be Chinese, but there is also a picture of a Maneki Neko on it. Chances are, you've seen Maneki Neko before. It's also known as Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money cat, or Fortune Cat. Some people call it Chinese Lucky Cat, but they are WRONG! Wrong! You hear me!? That's wrong!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4929934524_fd22aa1837_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4929934524_fd22aa1837_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gotta love that British humor (humour).</span></div><br />
Ahem, sorry about that folks. Getting back to the review, Sticky Rib's flavor is based on Chinese Spare Ribs. My grandmother used to make this often and she still does! I wasn't sure if a pot noodle was going to be able to capture this unique taste, but I had to give it a try.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4930139844_f8db3a0fe2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4930139844_f8db3a0fe2_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">What Mr. Chu's Golden Noodle No. 7 looks like.</span></div><br />
Like the last pot noodle I tried, <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-golden-wonder-nations-noodle.html">Chip Shop Curry</a>, this one comes with the dry seasoning already mixed in with the noodles. Now, unlike Chip Shop Curry, this one comes with a separate pouch with a wet seasoning mix inside. You do not add it until the end. I tried the noodles before and after the wet mix, but couldn't really tell much of a difference. The broth is not very thick and I'm beginning to think that all of Pot Noodle's products are like this. Kind of interesting how the Americans eat it more as a soup.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4929550523_5bf7e0b7b7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4929550523_5bf7e0b7b7_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adding the Peking Sauce. Not sure how this really improved the taste.</span></div><br />
My first bite of this noodle was amazing. It immediately took me back to the spare ribs my grandma makes. How did they steal her recipe!? Seriously though, the flavor is almost spot on! I would have loved to have thrown some of the meat that she makes in here and it would be my perfect meal. No joke.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4930140898_a94e62f6be_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4930140898_a94e62f6be_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Here is what I think is going on in her mind in each frame: 1. "What is this odd concoction that you have placed before me?" 2. "It tastes kind of weird." 3. "I don't like it! I don't like it!" 4. "My give up."</span></div><br />
As you can tell, Juliana did not like this one at all. I don't really blame her because it's such a bold and different taste. It's really a shame because the flavors are fantastic. Good on Golden Wonder for making such an authentic product. Wish this one was available here. I would get it often. It's fairly low calorie and low sodium, too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsSNVd6zMvclQyXK_rS2DN_MX_Xq1i6CmT_geGBdLoMqXvtRlsLDxq6NBUNqZv-CFYjJEQo4OQvqwt6TngbgBOdAjEPJhfnMlosJO5lXCVGr8AtziiRxd0JJXqMQIVZGuso4LRGcSC2bg/s1600/pot+noodle+sticky+rib.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsSNVd6zMvclQyXK_rS2DN_MX_Xq1i6CmT_geGBdLoMqXvtRlsLDxq6NBUNqZv-CFYjJEQo4OQvqwt6TngbgBOdAjEPJhfnMlosJO5lXCVGr8AtziiRxd0JJXqMQIVZGuso4LRGcSC2bg/s800/pot+noodle+sticky+rib.png" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">More photos:</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4929343075_9c48374e82_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4929343075_9c48374e82_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4929343967_8239cf197b_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4929343967_8239cf197b_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4930140310_39cb086f92_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4930140310_39cb086f92_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-72941324807647935422010-08-30T00:17:00.000-07:002010-08-30T00:59:14.107-07:00Review: Golden Wonder The Nation's Noodle - Chip Shop Curry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4929312425_fa517b5986_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4929312425_fa517b5986_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Golden Wonder The Nation's Noodle - chip shop curry.</span></div><br />
A few months ago, I asked a friend of mine who lives in England to send me a few instant noodle items from there that I wouldn't be able to buy here in the States. He sent me a box of four cup noodles (or as the Brits call them, "pot noodles") and the chip shop flavor of The Nation's Noodle was one of them. Can they make a noodle product as good as Japan, China, or the United States? Check back to read all of my reviews, but if you are interested in this one, click the 'Read more' link.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4929312751_b126bb90cf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4929312751_b126bb90cf_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A thin plastic lid covers The Nation's Noodle instead of paper like Nissin's Cup Noodles.</span></div><br />
Golden Wonder is a British company that manufactures snack foods, most notably potato chips (or crisps). Founded in 1947 by the Scottish bakery owner William Alexander, the company was named after the golden wonder potato, which is a late maincrop russet skinned variety of potato and is reputed by some to have the best flavour of all potato varieties. In 1977, the noodle brand Pot Noodle was developed by Golden Wonder in Japan, before being launched in the United Kingdom in 1979. Pot Noodles are manufactured in Crumlin, Caerphilly, Wales. The range of instant snacks in a pot named The Nation's Noodle and The Nation's Pasta were launched by the same company last year. They come in seven different flavors, and I would say they are separate from Pot Noodle in that the flavors come more from traditional British cuisine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4929313017_63c05d7be8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4929313017_63c05d7be8_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Contents of chip shop curry pot noodle.</span></div><br />
The name chip shop curry was a little confusing to me at first, but I took a stab at it and asked my friend to verify my thoughts:<br />
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<blockquote>ME: What is a Chip Shop? My guess is it's short for Fish and Chip Shop, but do they normally have curry?<br />
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FRIEND: Yep, chip shop is short for fish and chip shop. Most chip shops do curry sauce, which people like to dip their chips into.<br />
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ME: Interesting. I was never given the options to dip my chips in curry sauce. That totally sounds good, especially since I love putting potatoes in my curry.</blockquote><br />
So, I was sort of looking forward to this one. The packaging is actually simple and has nice contrasting colors. The directions are kind of comedic. Only the Brits would make cooking instant noodles funny. This is the first cup noodle where I've been instructed to stir it right after I added the hot water. It also has the longest standing time with the lid closed: five minutes. Being used to the average three minutes, this one took a little while. I'm not sure why it needed to stand longer. You even stir it again half way through its standing time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4929313433_5ccf426cab_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4929313433_5ccf426cab_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Cooking instructions with some British humor.</span></div><br />
When I peeled off the lid when it was done cooking, there was a nice curry aroma. I saw a few chunks of something inside and wondered what it could be. Original thoughts were potatoes, olives, or fenugreek seed. What do you think by this picture?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4929313983_00082edf0f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4929313983_00082edf0f_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">You'll never guess what chunky surprises are waiting for you in this instant noodle.</span></div><br />
If you answered fruit, then you get a cookie! That's right, the chunks inside chip shop curry cup noodle are two kinds of fruit: apples and raisins. I am baffled by this... sort of. I've had sweet Indian curries that have had raisins in them, so that's not too surprising, but I've never had apple in my curry before. Do fish and chip shops in the U.K. normally do this?<br />
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The noodles are similar to Nissin's Cup Noodle, except they might be a little bit wider. The soup itself... well, I wouldn't even call it a soup. It's pretty thick even though I added the correct amount of water. It's more like a watery sauce. The curry flavor is definitely there, but there's a sweetness to it that's undesirable. Oh, and it's not spicy at all.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4929905840_5c3dd2ebf4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4929905840_5c3dd2ebf4_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">At least it looks good.</span></div><br />
Juliana ate the full serving I gave her, but I don't think she really liked them. No mmm's or yummy's from her. As for me, well, I just can't get past the sweetness of the sauce and the fruit. It's silly, IMO. I feel like I'm eating oatmeal or something. I can't recommend this one at all. I'm hoping the rest aren't this bad.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqbx8QSmovQJDgIx8f1DJo-wuJWnQM8oOPaSmjtRyitpcNCg159PpWUtVKpo4fVSMOJaZOEY0eeBuQR0HXqLpVZ-G-bTqujbw9A5LpE656FhOx_eowVuFYyxm2QEkCf9NSI9pfgbrihWK/s1600/the+nation%27s+noodle+chip+shop+curry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqbx8QSmovQJDgIx8f1DJo-wuJWnQM8oOPaSmjtRyitpcNCg159PpWUtVKpo4fVSMOJaZOEY0eeBuQR0HXqLpVZ-G-bTqujbw9A5LpE656FhOx_eowVuFYyxm2QEkCf9NSI9pfgbrihWK/s800/the+nation%27s+noodle+chip+shop+curry.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-59200687181519737562010-08-20T08:26:00.000-07:002010-08-20T10:07:33.942-07:00Review: Calpis Marshmallow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1123/4733629633_ba3bb154b2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1123/4733629633_ba3bb154b2_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Calpis Marshmallow.</span></div><br />
Those who keep up with this blog know that I am <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/03/review-calpis-calpico-water.html">a big fan</a> of <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/06/review-calpis-calpico-water-5-assorted.html">Calpis Calpico Water</a>. So, when I stumbled upon Calpis Marshmallow, I got really excited. After the jump, find out whether or not I liked it.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Calpis Calpico Water is imported into the United States and has appropriately Americanized packaging. This is not the case with Calpis Marshmallow. Aside from the name of the product, the packing is entirely in Japanese. There is a sticker on the back of the bag with the nutritional facts though. The packaging is attractive and in the same color scheme as the original Calpis flavor.<br />
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You can see the marshmallows through a window in the bag and they look attractive. They are more round than they are tubular like normal marshmallows, and they have little nipples. ^^; A small picture on the front of the package reveals that there is a liquid filling. Sweet!...?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/4734267826_feae24ba1e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/4734267826_feae24ba1e_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A bite into a Calpis Marshmallow. It has a liquid center.</span></div><br />
Opening the bag, you certainly get a whiff of straight up plain marshmallows. But when you actually take a bite, you realize it's something different. The texture is good and not too sugary. There's definitely the classic Calpis flavor inside. Looking at the ingredients, this must be because of the lactic acid, citric acid, and milk.<br />
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Now the filling, that's the interesting part. It's gooey and yellowish. The taste is bitter. I like the concept of putting a liquid filling in a marshmallow, but this wasn't pleasant.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1140/4733629979_5fe3b0e021_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1140/4733629979_5fe3b0e021_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A bunch of Calpis Marshmallows. They looks like eggs.</span></div><br />
Juliana took one bite of this and didn't want anymore after. I can't really blame her as I'm not a big fan of it either. For marshmallow fans, this is probably worth a try, but your average person probably would not like it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S-eafctG-Le6KHPnps_bnloVwALkXVHHUEZ8VaNQSyDPWAET4YJLTBebcwMyJVK1vbW3rY9gllZSYByEYqnwidBGzrEI1MVqabJXiOO1hIX1c3QmEmoAKRD9mzQ-JCt305TucP8siTeP/s1600/calpis+marshmallow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S-eafctG-Le6KHPnps_bnloVwALkXVHHUEZ8VaNQSyDPWAET4YJLTBebcwMyJVK1vbW3rY9gllZSYByEYqnwidBGzrEI1MVqabJXiOO1hIX1c3QmEmoAKRD9mzQ-JCt305TucP8siTeP/s800/calpis+marshmallow.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-73722105799979895382010-08-19T14:14:00.000-07:002010-08-19T14:33:11.957-07:00Review: Sun Noodle Tonkotsu Ramen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4809027086_c1d84fd0d0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4809027086_c1d84fd0d0_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sun Noodle Tonkotsu Ramen.</span></div><br />
Sun Noodle makes one of my favorite instant noodles, <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-sun-noodle-hawaiis-original.html">Hawaii's Original Saimin</a>. A big reason for it is because of the fresh noodles. The broth is good, but I'm not crazy about it. One of my favorite flavors of traditional Japanese ramen is tonkotsu ramen, so when I saw that Sun Noodle made their own, I had to try it. Will I love it just as much as their saimin? Continue reading to find out.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>For those of you who don't know, tonkotsu ramen has a thick broth made from boiling pork bones, fat, and collagen. It results in a slightly cloudy white colored broth. I usually get this or shoyu ramen whenever I visit ramen restaurants.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4808407061_3f0d5a48f6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4808407061_3f0d5a48f6_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Contents of Sun Noodle's Tonkotsu Ramen.</span></div><br />
Sun Noodle's tonkotsu comes in a big package with two full servings separated in one bag. I only cooked one serving for this review. The noodles are thin and mostly straight like real tonkotsu ramen should be. They are fresh noodles from the refrigerated section and still have flour on them to make sure they don't stick together. The noodles are cooked separately from the broth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4808403063_2f40e3eec3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4808403063_2f40e3eec3_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Tonkotsu ramen noodles waiting to be dropped in the boiling water.</span></div><br />
The seasoning packet actually has a really thick paste in it. It's really unattractive looking. You're supposed to plop it into a bowl with 1.5 cups of hot water and mix it. The picture below will show you what that looks like before stirring. Hideous, huh? It doesn't get much better either. Now, I know tonkotsu is supposed to be a murky white broth, but the final outcome for Sun Noodle's tonkotsu is just ridiculous. It looks as white as milk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4808403949_cf5981b8ff_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4808403949_cf5981b8ff_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Tonkotsu flavoring turd at bottom of hot water in bowl.</span></div><br />
The broth tastes fine. Actually, it tastes really good. Best instant noodle tonkotsu I've had. But I have a really hard time getting by the Snow White broth. I've never seen it look this cloudy before. I couldn't tell my brain to keep ignoring the fact that I'm drinking pork extract and not milk. It's weird. Other than that, this is a fine bowl of noodles that would benefit from some actual pork meat, or even chicken meat, an egg, and maybe some scallions.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4808405099_ce180006c5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4808405099_ce180006c5_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Crazy milky looking broth in this one. Compare it to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/camknows/4449948358/">the tonkotsu ramen I get at Samurai Noodle</a>. Big difference, huh?</span></div><br />
Juliana liked the noodles and she drank the broth. I think as a child, she doesn't really think about how the soup looks, so she can focus on the taste. So, there you have it. This is something I could eat every once in a while, but not too often. There's gotta be better instant tonkotsu ramen out there. Any suggestions?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRf2ae9UaIEj1BRdV7eGYg6Lr3S6hnJ2BCp5jrxldylSz4QxDlHp9BI02fqDq3EQW1IRlgr0p_tmamxQsWoZwqnipzcMVb8NuYxwg8_hda-dul8_IcPE7hVgGLXxEWhGtvnRFmwtwre6w/s1600/tonkotsu+ramen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRf2ae9UaIEj1BRdV7eGYg6Lr3S6hnJ2BCp5jrxldylSz4QxDlHp9BI02fqDq3EQW1IRlgr0p_tmamxQsWoZwqnipzcMVb8NuYxwg8_hda-dul8_IcPE7hVgGLXxEWhGtvnRFmwtwre6w/s800/tonkotsu+ramen.png" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">More photos:</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4808407793_80b8aa78de_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4808407793_80b8aa78de_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-27545214993467422102010-08-12T09:14:00.000-07:002010-08-12T12:33:23.431-07:00Review: Dr. McDougall's Right Foods Ramen - Chicken Flavor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4789616554_278a79fcf2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4789616554_278a79fcf2_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dr. McDougall's Right Foods Ramen - chicken flavor.</span></div><br />
McChord Air Force Base has a tiny organic/natural foods section in the commissary. I <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-annie-chuns-soup-bowl-hot-and.html">haven't had a great experience</a> with these type of instant noodles, but I'm here to review as much as I can. Dr. McDougall's Ramen is a unique cup noodle in that the chicken flavor comes from a non-meat source. That's right. It's vegetarian. Will I like it? Read on to find out.<br />
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Dr. McDougall's comes in a paper cup that is similar to Nong Shim's Shin Cup. The packaging is actually not too bad, except there's a drawing of the noodles on it instead of an actual picture. Dr. McDougall's Right Foods products are made in San Francisco, CA, and as I mentioned, are all-natural.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4788986673_c6420995eb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4788986673_c6420995eb_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The baked noodles and dried vegetables sitting free in the cup.</span></div><br />
Pop open the top of the cup and inside you'll find a packet of seasoning in the middle of loose noodles and dried veggies. I've never had a cup noodle where the noodles are all loose like that. It must be because they are baked and not fried. Plus, the noodles are really thin and short. About as thin as spaghetti and as short as Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup noodles. No... shorter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4788986813_deba9cb7e2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4788986813_deba9cb7e2_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Unlike Cup Noodles, Dr. McDougall's Ramen has a separate seasoning packet, more typical of a bowl noodle.</span></div><br />
You add the seasoning packet before the water, so I wonder what the point of having the packet is in the first place. Couldn't they have just mixed it in? After cooking, some of the noodles on top looked like they might not have gotten cooked at the way, but after mixing it up good, I couldn't tell a difference. The noodles are pretty tasty and seem to soak up the broth well. The broth is also surprisingly good. I'm surprised that this is true, especially with the lack of natural chicken flavor and sodium content. I could drink this broth a lot. Unfortunately, I think there are too many vegetables in it. It's all good if that's you're thing, but it's not really mine. The carrots, spinach, green beans, and corn were pretty flavorless.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4789616968_60d40792c2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4789616968_60d40792c2_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A spoonful of Dr. McDougall's chicken flavor Ramen.</span></div><br />
Dr. McDougall's Ramen is a case of love the broth, but dislike everything else. Juliana did not get a chance to try it, but she might have liked it. For you vegetarian/natural foods people out there, this might be your cup of tea.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWckh-6X-wRJQaxavHa4HZt-gpuWiFfzOFXZX6TjhDAXQJtgc9SbhQm9Hvc5a_U2-GiPsYLFPtN8RwreVIZSwDCIAC4KdMc2e-WsVpobWsfcqUg3oB2Z6Wqn9KgE35eVZ-h7O5ZpSDpGA/s1600/mcdougall's+ramen+-+chicken.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWckh-6X-wRJQaxavHa4HZt-gpuWiFfzOFXZX6TjhDAXQJtgc9SbhQm9Hvc5a_U2-GiPsYLFPtN8RwreVIZSwDCIAC4KdMc2e-WsVpobWsfcqUg3oB2Z6Wqn9KgE35eVZ-h7O5ZpSDpGA/s800/mcdougall's+ramen+-+chicken.png" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">More photos:</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4788987089_d4930e14f9_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4788987089_d4930e14f9_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4788987453_3cb3661546_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4788987453_3cb3661546_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-34224421337514775792010-08-08T00:04:00.000-07:002010-08-09T13:24:09.308-07:00Review: Nissin Chow Mein - Spicy Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4782358572_aaa24bfc69_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4782358572_aaa24bfc69_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nissin Chow Mein - spicy chicken.</span></div><br />
Nissin USA makes a lot of noodle products. Some good, some bad, but none of them great. Here is the spicy chicken flavor of their Chow Mein line. Americans love their chow mein. I'm not sure why since I think it's pretty tasteless and Americans seem to love bold flavors. So, is Nissin's Chow Mein any good? Find out while reading the full review.<br />
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Nissin spicy chicken Chow Mein comes in a rectangular styrofoam bowl. The packaging is quite attractive with an appetizing picture of the noodles. There are four individuals items inside the bowl: noodles, dried vegetables (they call it "premium ingredients"), liquid seasoning, and powdered seasoning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4781725005_9b9f35e3bc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4781725005_9b9f35e3bc_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The three packets and noodles in Nissin's Chow Mein.</span></div><br />
The cooking directions tell you to put in the dried vegetables with water and noodles in the microwave for five minutes. The seasoning packets are added afterwards. I think there's a bit of a flaw with this. The water is supposed to be fully evaporated and absorbed by the time it is done cooking, but every time I've tried Chow Mein, there's more water at the bottom than there really should be. It causes the meal to be a little more watered down. Now, one could self-drain the noodles if they wanted, but my point is that it doesn't mention that in the instructions.<br />
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The noodles are similarly shaped to Top Ramen, except I would say they are a little thinner and wider. They are definitely a lot more firm. The flavor is okay, but I barely taste anything remotely chicken-like. It's not very spicy either.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4781725875_f3932f267b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4781725875_f3932f267b_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ready to try them out.</span></div><br />
I can't say that I like this Chow Mein flavor very much. If you're just looking for salty, bland, chow mein, this one is for you. If you like flavor and a little bit more freshness, I'd avoid this one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODaWTcSJx_nN_ZWwvgls1iKwU4zjZ3jQNiVY2tWYNZaaZyjrbAW2NrgGqqQBaSYs-AxBe33kcWZ208EnGVKZEYQFQpXqiuO0O0k3UxJ1OI3j7P6pUd2zwDyoWtGQMvTkK5P975ebtpIvb/s1600/chow+mein+-+spicy+chicken.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODaWTcSJx_nN_ZWwvgls1iKwU4zjZ3jQNiVY2tWYNZaaZyjrbAW2NrgGqqQBaSYs-AxBe33kcWZ208EnGVKZEYQFQpXqiuO0O0k3UxJ1OI3j7P6pUd2zwDyoWtGQMvTkK5P975ebtpIvb/s800/chow+mein+-+spicy+chicken.png" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4781724861_549c7c6234_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4781724861_549c7c6234_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4782359004_7327fc1eff_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4782359004_7327fc1eff_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4782359592_ef902cb8b1_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4782359592_ef902cb8b1_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-24001893123964059812010-07-15T09:45:00.000-07:002010-07-15T10:58:56.393-07:00Review: Nissin Top Ramen - Chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4782357588_2bc816c61b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4782357588_2bc816c61b_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nissin Top Ramen - chili.</span></div><br />
My last review for <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/search/label/Top%20Ramen%20Week">Top Ramen Week</a> is for one that's a little newer and slightly less popular. Chili is one in a series of spicy Top Ramen flavors; all of which are in green packages with flames behind the bowl. They've messed with spicy flavors before (remember Cajun Chicken?), but can they finally get one right? Find out after the jump.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4782357756_e599e5576d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4782357756_e599e5576d_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The brick of noodles and seasoning packet for Top Ramen Chili. One difference you might notice between this and other flavors is that the seasoning packet just says "Seasoning" on it. Most of the other flavors have "Chicken Flavor" or "Beef Flavor" on it. Wonder why this is.</span></div><br />
Top Ramen Chili is quite a unique flavor. It has the vague chili flavor, but also a surprisingly strong lime/citrus flavor. It's like if a Mexican restaurant made ramen. Really. The soup base is colorful and has lots of big seasonings inside. It's very similar to Nissin's Hot & Spicy Bowl Noodles, except those have meat flavors to them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4782358090_697e6cc229_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4782358090_697e6cc229_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ready to eat some Top Ramen Chili.</span></div><br />
I love spicy things and can handle quite a bit of spice, so I could have had this be a little spicier. Most people would probably say that it's spicy enough, but not for us pros. The chili flavor is a little bit of a weird fit for Top Ramen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4781724521_31acf80ce5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4781724521_31acf80ce5_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Closer view of the noodle soup.</span></div><br />
Julie did not try this because of the spice. I wonder when I can start giving her spicy foods again?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhFq2A0oHMd8n6WTubJP-rRHnONCp7Zw2QJd2DZ_GbWz_KjaJeMvGwBQtXkWLJuQxM_H4-0Hfui5_k5JlNtHa6qkfH-sO5xlrm-3i3TmuYyCZS36GKsm3xWxzdDonCHtvwb6T6dHBEKYO/s1600/top+ramen+chili.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhFq2A0oHMd8n6WTubJP-rRHnONCp7Zw2QJd2DZ_GbWz_KjaJeMvGwBQtXkWLJuQxM_H4-0Hfui5_k5JlNtHa6qkfH-sO5xlrm-3i3TmuYyCZS36GKsm3xWxzdDonCHtvwb6T6dHBEKYO/s800/top+ramen+chili.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-83044089178682921522010-07-14T09:44:00.000-07:002010-07-14T09:59:22.096-07:00Review: Nissin Top Ramen - Beef<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/4733630435_b014c13dd4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/4733630435_b014c13dd4_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nissin Top Ramen - beef.</span></div><br />
For my third review during <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/search/label/Top%20Ramen%20Week">Top Ramen Week</a>, I'm going from chicken to beef. Beef Top Ramen is another popular flavor and a favorite of some people I know. Find out how much I like it and if it beats <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-nissin-top-ramen-chicken.html">chicken's score</a> after the jump.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1354/4734268664_feaf132777_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1354/4734268664_feaf132777_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beef Top Ramen noodles and seasoning packet.</span></div><br />
When I buy Top Ramen in bulk, the amount of beef packets that I purchase is about the same as the amount of <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-nissin-top-ramen-oriental.html">oriental</a> that I get. This foreshadows the score to come.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/4734268784_e8ba1d04d3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/4734268784_e8ba1d04d3_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beef Top Ramen in a bowl and ready to be served.</span></div><br />
While I think the flavor is good, it still doesn't taste very beefy to me. If you look at the ingredients, the only natural beef flavor comes from beef fat. Other than that, it's mostly spices and soy sauce that's flavoring the base. I find the beef flavor to be similar to the oriental one, but with a touch of beef. Because of all this, I usually don't mind adding poultry meats like chicken and turkey to the soup. And as always, cayenne is a must!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1033/4733630875_9a43be56eb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1033/4733630875_9a43be56eb_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Up close look at the soup.</span></div><br />
The plus side to the beef flavor is that it has the least amount of sodium compared to the other two main flavors. It's not a huge difference compared to oriental, but huge one compared to chicken. Julie enjoys this flavor probably just as much as her daddy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYjO6YAQIBUJr-wJa4Im6oqjwzTltuk5H_rj2nQtN0fQMbKhuYezohb7utUrhhf3B5C833V5fp0c2sB3HKmpjsCM6juHJZQpj09WbwGJadxo3rXSLjsOwD-ZWaR0hoYO9XTocx_SrgJ-6/s1600/top+ramen+beef.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYjO6YAQIBUJr-wJa4Im6oqjwzTltuk5H_rj2nQtN0fQMbKhuYezohb7utUrhhf3B5C833V5fp0c2sB3HKmpjsCM6juHJZQpj09WbwGJadxo3rXSLjsOwD-ZWaR0hoYO9XTocx_SrgJ-6/s800/top+ramen+beef.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-54107217622809386522010-07-13T09:44:00.000-07:002010-07-14T10:00:26.206-07:00Review: Nissin Top Ramen - Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4619895504_569ab2bdef_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" javascript:void(0)width="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4619895504_569ab2bdef_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nissin Top Ramen - chicken.</span></div><br />
For my second review during <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/search/label/Top%20Ramen%20Week">Top Ramen Week</a>, I'd like to review one of the most popular flavors. Chicken Top Ramen is something that I think the majority of us have eaten. I wish I could find reliable statistics that said what the most popular flavors were, but most people I know eat this a lot. Does that mean it'll earn my coveted perfect score? Read on to find out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4619281989_78c508a46a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4619281989_78c508a46a_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The noodles and seasoning packet.</span></div><br />
Chicken is my favorite flavor of Top Ramen. When we buy a bunch of packets by the case, chicken makes up the majority. It is also my wife's favorite flavor. Juliana loves it, too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4619882734_e9a0c4ff9e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4619882734_e9a0c4ff9e_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The chicken Top Ramen cooking in my pot.</span></div><br />
I could eat chicken Top Ramen without adding anything, but I prefer it with some additional substance. Adding chicken or turkey meat to it is the best! Being a fan of spicy stuff, I add cayenne to my chicken Top Ramen almost all the time. And scrambling an egg into the soup is something I like to do often. Would love to hear how you eat your Top Ramen.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/4619883366_b7dede0677_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/4619883366_b7dede0677_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My chicken flavored Top Ramen all cooked and ready to eat!</span></div><br />
What is so awesome about Top Ramen is the natural flavors they use. Yes, it's not completely all-natural, but it's better than completely artificial flavors; especially when it comes to the chicken. In the ingredients, you will find that chicken powder and chicken fat are listed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/4619270783_68bac5012f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/4619270783_68bac5012f_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">You know you want some! You probably have a bag or two in your pantry right now.</span></div><br />
The one negative thing I would say about Top Ramen - chicken is the amount of salt, but you can expect this from a brick noodle. It has 210 mg more sodium than <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-nissin-top-ramen-oriental.html">the oriental flavor</a> has. If you want, you can add more water, or use less seasoning when you cook this. I'm quite alright with a little too much saltiness in this one. The strong chicken flavor makes it completely worth it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SaZL4OyPZWsVAC3kh2CKR86_Qo6DoOSZGskylrgCo66pwHOdcwRrJS2iwzWKDg9Gc9jp1HQOO9IdSB9uAqeDaXXJJA-ftiG53LMgNTe7S7-l_5bxGRC8IyvnbjpspibdeWuSxHbzBqb0/s1600/top+ramen+chicken.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SaZL4OyPZWsVAC3kh2CKR86_Qo6DoOSZGskylrgCo66pwHOdcwRrJS2iwzWKDg9Gc9jp1HQOO9IdSB9uAqeDaXXJJA-ftiG53LMgNTe7S7-l_5bxGRC8IyvnbjpspibdeWuSxHbzBqb0/s800/top+ramen+chicken.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-60652761929825775422010-07-12T08:44:00.000-07:002010-07-14T10:00:36.483-07:00Review: Nissin Top Ramen - Oriental<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/4619886816_5839ae40cf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/4619886816_5839ae40cf_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nissin Top Ramen - oriental.</span></div><br />
Kicking off <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/search/label/Top%20Ramen%20Week">Top Ramen Week</a> is my review for the oriental flavor of Top Ramen. Since most people have eaten it before, this is a good way to tell where I rate other ramen. For example, if you like Top Ramen's oriental flavor, you know that you'll most likely enjoy other noodles that I give the same score or higher to. Continue reading by clicking the jump below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4619274179_702bec6e87_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4619274179_702bec6e87_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Packaging for the oriental flavor of Top Ramen.</span></div><br />
The packaging for all of Nissin's noodles have changed over the years and they still look good now. Much nicer than their chief competitors here in America, Maruchan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4619890332_b7a2d17afc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4619890332_b7a2d17afc_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Only two items in Top Ramen packages. Noodles and seasoning.</span></div><br />
The oriental flavor of Top Ramen is one of the few ramen products that contains no animal products (However, it is manufactured in a facility that also processes milk, egg, peanuts, fish, and shrimp products.). Even Maruchan cannot say the same thing about their oriental flavor as it includes beef in its seasoning packet. So, how does one describe the oriental flavor?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4619278513_171e416970_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4619278513_171e416970_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bowl of Nissin's Top Ramen oriental flavor ready to eat.</span></div><br />
I think Top Ramen's oriental tastes like soy sauce, garlic, and onion. It's actually quite pleasant, and not overly salty. Not being a vegetarian, I like to put turkey, ham, or beef in my soup sometimes. I almost always put cayenne pepper in it as well. I do not personally add vegetables, but I'm sure that adding onions, cabbage, or celery could enhance the soup as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4619268479_4676b54ceb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4619268479_4676b54ceb_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Close up of the noodles and soup.</span></div><br />
Juliana is a fan of the oriental flavor, but I wouldn't say it's her favorite. It's not my favorite Top Ramen flavor either, though when packages are on sale for 10 cents, I will stock up on a few.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHm7ey1YwN3xEqunrtYXHPJQ-6YFwkQG4fYIcVdqFJO2C_Emxe0_BP7wgfAU37YMy1RwuADmxURl_uEDp4HUddQ3UcfhR0GjPEcSjoB_8UEOQPKLO23D-cARxzXLfpHo2iQ3fnvrZ5PKA/s1600/top+ramen+oriental.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHm7ey1YwN3xEqunrtYXHPJQ-6YFwkQG4fYIcVdqFJO2C_Emxe0_BP7wgfAU37YMy1RwuADmxURl_uEDp4HUddQ3UcfhR0GjPEcSjoB_8UEOQPKLO23D-cARxzXLfpHo2iQ3fnvrZ5PKA/s800/top+ramen+oriental.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-23944817418801927912010-07-07T10:01:00.000-07:002010-07-07T10:39:16.146-07:00News: The Three Mysteries of Cup Noodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph5R4Gd-jJQNxwrwsq4tuPG3EfNZiFSjrpDKTfo5pe5Kz-PdZVdAWhJf75SGlexsIVJIvAsFhBFceSZYLC0kXSi4fGXdU2tOORBWduJM4H9MA8zqY1dMgTZjFdvhyphenhyphen0zs5A3zIVYASTM5B/s1600/cup+noodles+cut+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhph5R4Gd-jJQNxwrwsq4tuPG3EfNZiFSjrpDKTfo5pe5Kz-PdZVdAWhJf75SGlexsIVJIvAsFhBFceSZYLC0kXSi4fGXdU2tOORBWduJM4H9MA8zqY1dMgTZjFdvhyphenhyphen0zs5A3zIVYASTM5B/s400/cup+noodles+cut+out.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://consumerist.com/2010/07/secret-void-at-bottom-of-cup-noodles.html">Consumerist.com linked to</a> renowned consumer product investigator Rob Cockerham's website in which he takes a look at <a href="http://www.cockeyed.com/citizen/cupnoodles/cupnoodles.php">three mysteries about Cup Noodles</a>:<br />
<blockquote>Mystery #1: Why is Cup Noodles Triple-Wrapped?<br />
Mystery #2: How is One Supposed to Close the Lid?<br />
Mystery #3: What Happened to the "OF"?</blockquote>It's an interesting little write-up, though I can't say that I'm surprised about anything.<br />
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My Answer to Mystery #1: The paper seal at the top is to keep the contents in the cup, the plastic wrap is to keep all of the contents fresh, and the paper vest adds some needed vanity to the product. Cup Noodles is not the only brand to do these things. In fact, I would say that most cup noodles and bowl noodles are triple-wrapped.<br />
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My Answer to Mystery #2: Very true that the instructions are quite vague, though there might be legal issues of telling people to use something to weigh down the paper. For example, say a bowl of plate is awkwardly placed on top, it could cause the cup to fall over spilling all of the hot food on the table, carpet, or even worse, someone's lap. >.<<br />
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My Answer to Mystery #3: Noodles expand when they are cooked. Some space at the top and bottom is necessary. Take a look after you're done cooking the noodles. Top to bottom, yes siree Bob.Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-24606208619533284122010-07-06T13:45:00.003-07:002010-07-06T13:54:17.514-07:00Top Ramen Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPR2DUS_CfntwmIUiSKJPxUjLzy08E-9u6p3LtK-9zWGCUBtFmp9Yn8aAY1qX9yMle57bMLENHDlV4-nf-9qJ3gs3R1d3jzxHCKINLaG5h5euVwVUOuNRl5LvdYUmEAwxR6B02V8ekseY/s1600/top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPR2DUS_CfntwmIUiSKJPxUjLzy08E-9u6p3LtK-9zWGCUBtFmp9Yn8aAY1qX9yMle57bMLENHDlV4-nf-9qJ3gs3R1d3jzxHCKINLaG5h5euVwVUOuNRl5LvdYUmEAwxR6B02V8ekseY/s400/top.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">It's coming.</div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-45839559967850784322010-06-19T09:56:00.000-07:002010-07-01T15:53:32.689-07:00Video: Jamiroquai Loves Cup NoodleNissin is using Jamiroquai's iconic "Virtual Insanity" music video to promote their Cup Noodles. The original is one of the best music videos ever made, in my opinion. However, I always had trouble with picking up the lyrics. Thankfully, Nissin has made it clearer and it turns out Jay Kay was just explain his love for Cup Noodle. Watch below.<br />
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<object height="505" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1RS2pgJoCk0&hl=en_GB&fs=1&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1RS2pgJoCk0&hl=en_GB&fs=1&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="505" width="640"></embed></object>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-52096349988873627462010-06-16T09:21:00.000-07:002010-06-16T10:12:17.244-07:00Review: Yamachan Shoyu Ramen - Oriental<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4700450287_ec58465176_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4700450287_ec58465176_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Yamachan Shoyu Ramen - oriental.</span></div><br />
Never seen or heard of the Yamachan brand before. It's made by Nippon Trends Food Service, Inc. in San Jose, California. Great... a ramen product that's made in the U.S. Does it have any chance at all of being good? Quite possibly. Read on.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>As you can tell, I am weary about U.S. noodle products. Having tried <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-nissin-bowl-noodles-rich-savory.html">two</a> Nissin USA <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/06/review-nissin-bowl-noodles-hot-spicy.html">products</a> recently, I believe that I have every right to be hesitant. I found Yamachan in the refrigerated section of one of my favorite Asian supermarkets. The packaging is really cheap looking. I picked it up and knew immediately that it was an American product. The font style they used reminds me more of a middle eastern country than Japanese.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1276/4700450671_b867558576_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1276/4700450671_b867558576_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Just noodles and soup base. Simple.</span></div><br />
Yamachan's Shoyu Ramen contents are pretty simple: noodles and seasoning. The noodles look fresh and still have flour on them to keep them from sticking together. They are slender and have a yellowish tint to them. They remind me a little of <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-sun-noodle-hawaiis-original.html">Hawaii's Original Saimin</a>, except a lot thinner. The seasoning is actually a wet mix. You are instructed to cook the noodles and soup base separately. The noodles are boiled for 1 1/2 minutes (or 2 1/2 if frozen) in any amount of water, and then drained. Then you add the soup base packet to 1 1/4 cups of boiling water. Put the two together in the bowl and you are ready to eat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1291/4700451111_8136659487_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1291/4700451111_8136659487_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The ramen noodles in Yamachan's Shoyu Ramen.</span></div><br />
The noodles are actually quite good. They have a very satisfying chew to them and are a bit eggy. They do tend to clump up together if you let it sit too long, but if you keep stirring well, it should be alright. The soup looked like it might be too strong, but it's actually perfect. It's practically restaurant quality and has great ingredients. Check it out: water, soy sauce, salt, vegetable oil, sugar, pork and chicken extract, yeast extract, kelp extract, starch, and malt extract. No MSG in this one. I don't taste much of the chicken, but I do taste a bit of the pork. The soy sauce is obviously the most prominent since shoyu = soy sauce. Still, I don't think it's overpowering. People who may not like soy sauce could still enjoy this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4701085724_2c6479caf8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4701085724_2c6479caf8_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ready to eat some Yamachan Shoyu Ramen! Added the lunch meat myself. Itadakimasu!</span></div><br />
Juliana tried this and seemed to like it. However, I have seen her more excited about other noodles before this one. I, for one, think I've found a new instant noodle that I will be eating regularly. The only two problems are the sticky noodles and the small portion size. But, you know what? I added some lunch meat to it and it filled me up enough. You could probably add even more of the typical stuff you'd find in a shoyu ramen like pork, ham, nori, bamboo shoots, and scallions. I highly recommend this one! It's ramen like this that makes me love what I'm doing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hDhkWohrfDXQPMZEUcRp9_igOwDB4ntV1W52dHx465-rNVV-AiMAZuXjiPwejwjL9W6bpT0jgLbeXrO0E47PN2dTQY8mDS8zyKvQ-STmk62Lm1fOnjbMNQACa16tzcqG69sVuOLMR0c0/s1600/yamachan+shoyu+ramen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hDhkWohrfDXQPMZEUcRp9_igOwDB4ntV1W52dHx465-rNVV-AiMAZuXjiPwejwjL9W6bpT0jgLbeXrO0E47PN2dTQY8mDS8zyKvQ-STmk62Lm1fOnjbMNQACa16tzcqG69sVuOLMR0c0/s800/yamachan+shoyu+ramen.png" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">More photos:</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/4700450943_fc79c3ba75_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/4700450943_fc79c3ba75_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4700451887_80be3d6fb8_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4700451887_80be3d6fb8_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4701084810_16dd697a29_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4701084810_16dd697a29_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4700454077_583174bd2e_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4700454077_583174bd2e_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 150px;" /></a>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-7291112117140260832010-06-11T08:27:00.000-07:002010-06-16T09:50:49.800-07:00Review: Komforte Chockolates - Ramen Noodle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4680199946_89556b3419_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4680199946_89556b3419_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Komforte Chockolates - Ramen Noodle.</span></div><br />
The other day, I came across an article talking about a chocolate bar filled with dry ramen pieces. I immediately perked up and researched where I could purchase this unique item. Thankfully, it was available at one of my local Asian grocery stores, Uwajimaya. Without hesitation, I bought it and sampled it right away. Continue reading to see if the ramen chocolate bar is good or not.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Komforte Chockolates makes three very distinct chocolate bars: Tortilla Lime + Salt, French Toast, and Ramen Noodle. They are made in Orange, California and go into simple and attractive colored wrappers. The Ramen Noodle wrapper says "Crunchy, curly ramen noodle mixed into rich, premium 53% dark chocolate."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4679566997_a1e8a2a69e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4679566997_a1e8a2a69e_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Holding up the Ramen Noodle bar.</span></div><br />
The chocolate bar is pretty basic and the description on the wrapper sort of says it all. The chocolate is great quality. It's not too bitter like I find most dark chocolates. The dried noodle pieces are where it's at. I think most of us have tried a small piece of dry ramen before cooking it (I know people who used to crush up Top Ramen and sprinkle the seasonings in the bag and eat it dry.). The ramen in the chocolate bar is crunchy and just little salty. Not too far off from a Nestlé Crunch bar. It's actually a very pleasurable combination.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4680201590_51cf08407d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4680201590_51cf08407d_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A bite into Komforte Chockolates' Ramen Noodle chocolate bar.</span></div><br />
My only complaint is that there is not enough noodle pieces in it. I'm not sure why Komforte Chockolates felt the need to skimp out a little, but it really is the only thing preventing me from giving this noodle item a perfect score. I highly recommend trying it and sharing it with some brave friends. It's a bit hard to find, but can be ordered online through <a href="http://www.atthemeadow.com/shop/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&zenid=705a3932feb2c2753fb0675197c8f13f&keyword=komforte&x=0&y=0">The Meadow</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4680198468_6808d9037a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4680198468_6808d9037a_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">All three chocolate bars that Komforte Chockolates makes.</span></div><br />
Side review: I also tried the Tortilla Lime + Salt and French Toast flavors. The Tortilla Lime + Salt is bold. My gosh! The lime is great, but the salt is way too overpowering. The crunch of the tortilla chip was good though. The French Toast tasted vaguely like the real thing. It reminded me of General Mills' Cinnamon Toast Crunch spin-off, French Toast Crunch. It was better than the tortilla one, but not by much.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHn_L3MIBAmeyDG4gtxGRcKqThJ1_fk5bNM4DgUlo8ljBo-IyI2CodoHbzDXRYRuJDR86-kXrhH0nmsPvdGtsBoRfC6rUqFVK8jW15XgyCMjCNRJNCb4mTrmpokqw4V9r1Mj0zZfkW9Ox/s1600/komforte+chockolates+-+ramen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHn_L3MIBAmeyDG4gtxGRcKqThJ1_fk5bNM4DgUlo8ljBo-IyI2CodoHbzDXRYRuJDR86-kXrhH0nmsPvdGtsBoRfC6rUqFVK8jW15XgyCMjCNRJNCb4mTrmpokqw4V9r1Mj0zZfkW9Ox/s800/komforte+chockolates+-+ramen.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-35066223643369165512010-06-10T09:39:00.001-07:002010-06-10T10:31:22.559-07:00Review: Nissin Bowl Noodles Hot & Spicy - Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4679415967_f5ef30794d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4679415967_f5ef30794d_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nissin Bowl Noodles Hot & Spicy - Chicken.</span></div><br />
Since I've reviewed <a href="http://thenoodlefreak.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-nissin-bowl-noodles-rich-savory.html">Nissin's Rich & Savory Bowl Noodles</a> before, I figured I should review their Hot & Spicy line as well. Nissin's Bowl Noodles are made in the United States and aren't really available to the Asian market. I've complained about Nissin Foods USA making too many similar varieties of instant noodles, but maybe Hot & Spicy is different. Continue reading if you really want to find out.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4679416223_cb8f45a9df_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4679416223_cb8f45a9df_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The three packets you get with Bowl Noodles - Hot & Spicy.</span></div><br />
Nissin Bowl Noodles Hot & Spicy comes with three packets that we are already familiar with in the Rich & Savory ones: seasoning, dried vegetables and chicken, and "Soup Booster". The seasoning is a deep red color that I can't help but wonder if they artificially made that so. The dried veggies include green onion, corn, red pepper, as well as dried powdered chicken. Yes, you actually get some meat in this one. Always a big plus in my book.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4679416493_7220947ecf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4679416493_7220947ecf_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Seasonings sitting on top of the noodles before adding water.</span></div><br />
The noodles in Hot & Spicy are different from the noodles in Rich & Savory. These noodles are thinner and a bit more circular. No idea why they chose to use a different noodle. Nissin only provides microwaving instructions for Bowl Noodles, so that's how I cooked it once again. I still don't like how the noodles at the top don't really get cooked through enough. The noodles are tasty, but don't seem to absorb the broth enough. I had to drink the soup a lot to get the full experience.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4679417223_469c26db01_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4679417223_469c26db01_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ready to eat Nissin's Hot & Spicy Bowl Noodles.</span></div><br />
Speaking of the broth, it's interesting. It's good, but not great. Chicken flavor doesn't exactly jump out at me. I was surprised at how strong of a citrus flavor it had. There's a picture of a lime on the packaging, but I didn't think it would play such a prominent flavor. Sure enough, lime juice, citric acid, and lemongrass are three of the ingredients. I actually found the combination of the lime with the spiciness to be good. It's not too spicy though. Compared to Nong Shim's Bowl Noodle Soup, this is quite weak. Could definitely taste some garlic in there, too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4679417443_970bb8a6d9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4679417443_970bb8a6d9_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Close look at the noodles and broth.</span></div><br />
As a rule, I don't let Juliana try spicy noodles, so we can't get her opinion on this one. I can't say that I would recommend this to just anyone. This one is very unique as I've never had anything else like it. A noodle beginner might want to start with something less flavorful, but an expert could really find this enjoyable.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPJ0HjHW_XSzubqiT0Pn5MY3mZD5vgNQdB5HCECxxnOV6M_zQP0in9GW4vbD_HeSmYy0CLPSvd7Ljkyr3YZ5Zc2DsfXX5He0uBcs7-FC0H1b-Uu8tJ9gzVtlqi4aWziJrYXXkpIoaWuyd/s1600/bowl+noodles+hot+and+spicy+chicken.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPJ0HjHW_XSzubqiT0Pn5MY3mZD5vgNQdB5HCECxxnOV6M_zQP0in9GW4vbD_HeSmYy0CLPSvd7Ljkyr3YZ5Zc2DsfXX5He0uBcs7-FC0H1b-Uu8tJ9gzVtlqi4aWziJrYXXkpIoaWuyd/s800/bowl+noodles+hot+and+spicy+chicken.png" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4679416941_636ccbb2b7_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4679416941_636ccbb2b7_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-18196570229791134942010-06-08T11:45:00.000-07:002010-06-08T12:28:05.191-07:00Review: Botan Rice Candy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4663295053_66e377849e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4663295053_66e377849e_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Botan Rice Candy.</span></div><br />
Botan Rice Candy is something I've been eating off and on ever since I was a little boy. It's a unique candy in that it is wrapped with edible rice paper. I fondly remember taking these to school and freaking out classmates into thinking that I was actually consuming a plastic wrapper. But after all these years, is the candy still good?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/4660211343_e092a08833_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/4660211343_e092a08833_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">That's right. You can eat that wrapper! Just make sure you take off that outer wrapper first.</span></div><br />
Botan Rice Candy is a product of Japan and is imported by JFC International Inc in Los Angeles, California. Botan means "peony" in Japanese, so I guess it's supposed to taste like the flower. The ingredients are pretty simple and include glucose syrup (corn starch, water), sugar, sweet rice, water, lemon flavor, orange flavor, and red no. 40. I can taste the citrusy flavors a little, but it has more of a honey and sugar taste to me. It's not overly sweet though. The rice paper melts in your mouth almost instantly. The candies are pretty chewy and can stick to your teeth quite a bit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4660834726_e5895c3ee3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4660834726_e5895c3ee3_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Not an attractive candy, but a tasty one!</span></div><br />
I had Julie try a piece and I don't think she liked the texture of the rice paper. It was hard to convince her that it was edible. I still love these things and pick them up every so often. If you have never tried them before, I recommend picking up a pack. They're not very expensive and you get a sticker inside! ^.^<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IxawG6WH-riohBm70jk8cOj0-C0DwFkFzlHaWXOw7axc7cYcmQPj4AXuczPRAyVCDETcsatQYQAPCY4rseW2QUsjUJKFOUzRqH8olVGEyBqfModx0CJvZ1f9nXcAJErLCgtKdeP1Bgc7/s1600/botan+rice+candy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IxawG6WH-riohBm70jk8cOj0-C0DwFkFzlHaWXOw7axc7cYcmQPj4AXuczPRAyVCDETcsatQYQAPCY4rseW2QUsjUJKFOUzRqH8olVGEyBqfModx0CJvZ1f9nXcAJErLCgtKdeP1Bgc7/s800/botan+rice+candy.png" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">More photos:</span><br />
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<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4660209707_6620e9b3a3_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4660209707_6620e9b3a3_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1295/4660210349_98dea67f4a_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1295/4660210349_98dea67f4a_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4660832642_4b7b3c0769_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4660832642_4b7b3c0769_b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 108px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 195px;" /></a>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397835130050912689.post-44721189779874414242010-06-04T13:15:00.000-07:002010-06-04T14:04:16.225-07:00Review: Szechuan Noodle Bowl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1285/4661076646_7ec07825e6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1285/4661076646_7ec07825e6_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Szechuan Noodle Bowl at 420 8th Ave South in Seattle, WA.</span></div><br />
I've mentioned Szechuan Noodle Bowl on <a href="http://camknows.blogspot.com/">my personal blog</a> quite a few times, but it's still necessary for me to post a review here. This restaurant is one of those hole-in-the-wall places with only eight tables located in Seattle's International District. But, sometimes those types of places can be the best. Read on to see how I really feel about Szechuan Noodle Bowl.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Compared to other noodle shops in Chinatown, Szechuan Noodle Bowl doesn't exactly stick out in terms of looks. The sign is old, the building looks decrepit, and the exterior is sort of dirty. However, inside you will find some of the most delicious food I have ever had in my entire life.<br />
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I've been going to Noodle Bowl ever since I was a kid. I fondly remember riding King County Metro route 194 from Federal Way to the International District with my grandparents when I would visit in the summers. My grandfather would take me to Szechuan Noodle Bowl nearly every week for lunch. Now, I get to take my daughter to the Central Link light rail from Tukwila to the ID and share the same experience my grandfather and I had.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/4133005502_50f5c8c820_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/4133005502_50f5c8c820_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Part of the menu at Szechuan Noodle Bowl. Sorry I cut off the bottom and didn't take a shot of the items on the back.</span></div><br />
The inside of Szechuan Noodle Bowl reflects sort of the same view as the outside. Old with ugly pictures on the wall and a poster for the not-so-great Jackie Chan and Jet Li movie, The Forbidden Kingdom. It is a sit down and order restaurant and when they're not incredibly busy, a couple of the waitresses will put stuff on a table and you get to watch them make the food that they later refrigerate or freeze to serve for later in the week. But I challenge you to find an open table at this place around noon lunch time. There's never a line or anything, but it's best to go when they first open at 11:30 or after the lunch rush around 1 or 1:30.<br />
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The selection of dishes is quite wide for a small place like Noodle Bowl. Along with their noodle dishes, they also have dumplings, vegetable dishes, and green onion pancake. Speaking of green onion pancake, they have the best. I'm not sure if they make it fresh there, or if they buy it fresh, but they cook it up and it is perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. I'm drooling right now just thinking about them. I also order the pork and napa dumplings occasionally when I eat there and they are also delicious. You won't find much better dumplings in Seattle. Now those I know for sure they make fresh because you sometimes see the ladies making them in the corner.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4133005520_8c2c169133_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4133005520_8c2c169133_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pork and napa dumplings and green onion pancake.</span></div><br />
But let's get to the noodles! Their noodles are long, fresh, and thick. They are called cu mian and are similar to Japanese udon noodles, but better. I find that they absorb the broth much better than udon can and don't have that springy chew udon has. You can order Noodle Bowl's noodles in soup or non-soup dishes, but I almost always get the same exact thing every time I visit. It's their specialty and you'll be pressed to find something like this anywhere else in the city. #13... Szechuan Beef Noodle with Soup. If you like spicy things, this is the one for you. If you don't like spicy things, don't you worry; they have #15 which is exactly the same, but without the chili. And all of their soups are so affordable! $6.50 for a large bowl of fresh, yummy noodles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4133011106_b331427887_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4133011106_b331427887_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Szechuan Beef Noodle with Soup. This is what I order almost all the time.</span></div><br />
The Szechuan Beef Noodle Soup is so tasty. I could eat it every single day. The broth has a rich beefy taste and the perfect amount of spiciness to make the meal enjoyable for me. The chunks of beef are poached in the broth and have such an amazing tenderness to them. You can peel the meat off as if it were string cheese. They also add fresh baby bok choy, which I could do without, but compliments the soup well. I finish the entire bowl every time I eat it; not even a drop of soup left. By the time I'm through, my nose is usually drippy and I'm a little bit sweaty. I love it. It's also the perfect remedy for a small cold.<br />
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When I take Juliana with me here, I will most likely order the non-spicy Brown Beef Noodle with Soup, or #21, Won Ton and Noodle with Soup (the wontons are also made fresh at the restaurant). Both of which she really likes. In fact, just recently, she and I shared the Won Ton Noodle bowl together and she was crazy about the broth. She would sip straight out of the small bowl and ask, "More soup, please!" like every five minutes. I hope we can make eating here a tradition.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4133011118_8ef7939291_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4133011118_8ef7939291_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Won Ton and Noodle with Soup. Julie loves this, too. Their wontons are so fresh!</span></div><br />
If it hasn't been made clear by now, allow me to say that Szechuan Noodle Bowl is my favorite restaurant that I've ever eaten at in the entire world. I <b>cannot</b> recommend this place enough, and while I wish the owners more success, I don't want them to become so busy that it would be harder for me to get a table. =)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qe_XTmh_EcOQ4E7leufLrvq4hwzJlMrRCyBfTfmSEUl7RDgk6taRUzp2hbG_dEIkC28eYnL0kKMdqw_bwc2hFqHc89E22BDeqOOQSsYu6k0qNyqXKsgLLU3IGNEOWXM39ql2cXAj6xlP/s1600/szechuan+noodle+bowl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qe_XTmh_EcOQ4E7leufLrvq4hwzJlMrRCyBfTfmSEUl7RDgk6taRUzp2hbG_dEIkC28eYnL0kKMdqw_bwc2hFqHc89E22BDeqOOQSsYu6k0qNyqXKsgLLU3IGNEOWXM39ql2cXAj6xlP/s800/szechuan+noodle+bowl.png" /></a></div>Cam-Fuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178661088810859496noreply@blogger.com2