Alright! I'm going to list a bunch of different types, so bear with me here--

If you're looking for a more classic, almost like Top Ramen kind of tastes, I recommend these: Sapporo Ichiban

They're basically just tastier Top Ramen, in my opinon. If you want to fancy it up a bit and go a little deeper into "classic" ramen tastes, then go with this: Nissin Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu

Speaking of Tonkotsu, do you like a richer Tonkotsu flavor? Then this is what you'll want to try! Myojo Charumera Ramen Tokotsu Shoyu

A bit too high calorie? Want something lighter, non-fried, but still has some delicious Tonkotosu flavor and a firmer chew? Then try Nissin Raoh!

It also comes in the Soy Sauce and Miso flavors, or even Shio if you're looking for that!

Japanese not your thing? Want to try some Korean Ramyun? Neoguri Spicy Seafood might be your thing!

But like some szechuan spice with some authentic ma la flavor that numbs your mouth? Why not try our JML Instant Noodle Artificial Spicy Hot Beef Flavor?
P.S. The "artifical" is a bad translation of the ma la flavor

What about some southeast asian flavors? Nothing like Mama Tom Yum flavor to brighten up your day! These are smaller packet, just something to keep in mind. They also make Shrimp creamy Tom Yum and Artifical Pa-Lo Duck Flavor if you're into that!

Speaking of which, let's get some Laksa and Penang in here! MyKuali Penang White Curry is a very delicious, but kind of shrimp funky kind of flavor, but it's definitely worth a try! The entire MyKuali line is very good!

What about something a bit more on the more luxurious side, but also has that same fermented shrimp funk? Why not Prima Taste Laksa La Mian with coconut broth?

And if we want to go into the more expensive, more authentic ramen taste, there's Ichiran instant ramen, which is expensive, but pretty close to an actual authentic bowl of Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen!

I hope this helped, and let me know if there's anything else you'd like to try, and I can give recommendations! I also recommend going to a local asian supermarket and browsing their instant ramen section-- Amazon only carries the more popular ones, and there are truly some delicious hidden gems that you can only get in asian grocery stores!

I made a trip to my local asian supermarket and picked up a few different kinds of instant ramen to try. I was looking for this one to try as well, but they didn't have any at this particular supermarket. I have another asian supermarket nearby that has a bigger variety of instant ramen and I plan on going there in the next few weeks. I would love to try other brands not pictured here, so let me know your favorite instant ramen that you think I should try. If possible link some pictures so I know what to look for at the store. The ramen pictured here are:

 

Mama Tom Yum

indomie

samyang spicy chicken

samyang 2x spicy I tried this one and it is way too spicy for me, the flavor was delicious though

saporo ichiban miso this is one of my favorite instant ramen, I buy it all the time, it's so good

shin ramyun spicy This is my favorite instant ramen. This was the first instant ramen I tried that wasn't maruchan and I fell in love. This led me to try other brands from the asian store that I wouldn't normally have tried.

*edit: i just tried the indomie and wow, it was delicious, so flavorful, definitely getting some more of those

Shin Ramyun is a solid A- at all times. Its a nice staple, good spice packet, good dried veggie packet (shiitake is always welcome). Some people will call bullshit, but I actually like Shin Ramyun black.

Mama's Tom yum flavor is awesome. just awesome. kind of tiny, but also cheap.

Same with Indomie hot and Spicy flavor.

Sapporo Ichiban is again a nice staple. I'd say solid B unless you really like one of the flavors. Wife REALLY likes the tonkutsu, but its artificially flavored, and the only one of the basic flavors that has that on the label. I don't know why.

I also enjoy the Myojo Udon you see there with a lot of scallions and white pepper added to the mix. Obey the instructions on this one: boil noodles separately from a pot of just water. use the hot water on the flavor pack (and white pepper to taste, probably a lot), drain noodles and put in stock, add scallions and whatever else. maybe do a soy egg or something. I like beef or spicy flavors on this one.

My technique is not as posh as proper Japanese ramen, but it may give you a start. I tend to use something like Nongshim Shin in a flavour I like. First, I soft boil 2 eggs. Then I prepare veg like Pak Choi, spring onions, peas, asparagus, baby corn, and perhaps some sauteed mushrooms or cabbage, and maybe some water chestnuts for texture. I then boil water and add noodles and spice packets followed by my veg (excluding water chestnuts and things that needn't be cooked). I rinse and drain and peel my eggs. I pour my cooked ramen and veg into a big bowl and then top with the split boiled eggs, sauteed mushrooms and cabbage, spring onions and something like Shichimi Togarashi.You can also add grilled or stirfried meat to your taste. I'm allergic to meat, so I tend to keep it simple. You can use different kinds of seaweed, too. I like to soak arame in cold water while my eggs boil and then sprinkle this on top with my other toppings. The only limit to what you can do with your ramen is your imagination. The Wagamama noodle cookbook is quite awesome and you should be able to get it in America, too. It'll give you some starting points. Good luck and enjoy!

I made some improvisations on it, but I mostly followed the recipes in the Ramen Fusion Cookbook. I'd definitely recommend the book to anyone who wants to learn to make great ramen at home. It has great pictures and step-by-step processes for noodles, stocks, and add-ins like menma and pork loin.

Love the idea!

Maybe add some cookbooks too. I love these two in particular for history, variety and recipes that consistently taste great.

Ramen Fusion

Ivan Ramen

Accessories

• Noodlestrainer or two is nice Noodle Strainer Example
  
• Ramen bowls (found some I like at Pier 1)
  
• Unique chopsticks /soup spoons
  
  Ingredients
  
• A block of high quality katsuobsushi + blade to shave (can find on amazon)
  
• Variety of soy sauces and sesame or chili oils (dark, light, mushroom etc.)
  
• High quality Kombu
  
• Gift card to Asian Market/grocery store for more ingredients
  
  
  
  I’m sure there are other items too but those are all things I’ve collected over time (except the katsuobushi- I just use the lower quality packets)
  
  What an awesome and creative gift though. I might borrow that idea sometime too!
  
  
  

Best instant ramen I've ever had is Nissin Raoh Tonkotsu ramen. You can get it from Amazon here.



Then get this pair of bowls.

Then, go to the store and get some eggs, green onion, a few thick cuts of pancetta (like 1/4 inch), wood ear mushrooms, nori, soy sauce, and mirin. If you can't find mirin at the store, you can also order it from Amazon!

Do up the eggs like this.

Slice the green onion really fine, like 2mm slices. Slice at a 45 degree angle.

Throw the pancetta in a skillet with a bit of vegetable oil. After it starts to sizzle, drop 2 tbsp of soy sauce and mirin (each) into the pan. Once the pancetta is carmelized (you still want it to be a little floppy), remove from heat/set aside.

Get some water to a boil and then add the wood ear mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes (they cook fast). Drain/rinse the mushrooms in cold water, then slice them thin, about 1/4 inch. Set aside.

Cook ramen according to package instructions. Immediately after plating (while it's still too hot to eat), add your toppings: 1 egg (sliced in half), 2-3 pieces of pancetta, nori, green onion, and mushrooms to taste. Let the bowl cool with the toppings in it for a minute or so, then dig in.

That's how I do my "too lazy to get to a ramen shop" ramen. Total prep/cook time is less than 20 minutes.

Also, remember that the best bowls of ramen are the ones you eat next to each other. Happy noodling!

Ive never seen that flavor before but according to Maruchan's website, they still make it in the "bowl" version.

I just bought a case of these though.
https://www.amazon.com/Nissin-Demae-Garlic-Instant-Noodles/dp/B00CORJU5S

They're pretty good for when I'm looking for a quick fix.

I recommend starting at Amazon and just seeing if you can find what you want online. Maruchan's website also has a "Contact Us" section. Could always send them an email. Maybe they'll ship you a case.

Not an expert, but I say get some Nongshim. It is one of the better repackaged brands I've had. Also seems to have relatively good reviews within this sub versus other instant packages. http://www.nongshimusa.com

Will be a step up in quality and easy to get from amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00778B90S/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_awdm_kgUvtb1K9BWJK

Oh wow that's a tough one, I love meegoreng , potato noodle , Samyang Curry , chagang and maybe neoguri hopefully I didn't mess up any of those links.

I generally make a chicken stock of what ever. I've gone simple(just chicken) or complex (Chicken, onion, garlic, carrot, green onion, whatever else you feel like). I took this Serious Eats recipe and stole the broth for a heavier/darker chicken broth. It was a great place to start with a nice friendly chicken broth recipe. edit: it's gonna get smoky so air it out

I've made double soups dashi and chicken broth. Dashi powder can be bought on amazon or you can get the kombu and katsuobushi on amazon. Niboshi I've ordered off amazon but it still hasn't come in yet.

Everything else can be found in my regular grocery store that I've seen. Noodles in the asian/international aisle. I like doing pork loin or chicken breast that has been sous vide for the meat. Green onions, collard greens, broccoli, bamboo shoots(I buy in bulk when I see them available at the store), eggs, spinach, corn, what ever else you have available.

I live in Texas so I'm working on trying to make a sopa de lima ramen or a pozole ramen. It's coming along slowly. Adapt your ramen recipe to suit what is available around you.

Depends on what you want.


Soup based #2 for me: MARUTAI Hakata Nagahama Tonkotsu anything from MARUTAI is AMAZING


Instant Indomie #1 for me: Mi GorenG almost anything from indomie is really good.


Spice and pure sadistic heat: Samyang Extra Spicy

I hope this helps. :)

EDIT

Read your post again, i missed the mark. To import food in general from japan i use this site

Yeah sure Hondashi

Sorry if the link doesn’t work, I’m on mobile. But basically you just pour some in boiling water and mix it around a bit and it makes a stock for the base. I mean alternatively one could probably use chicken stock or something like that, but I find this more convenient because they last longer and I can make more bowls of ramen with it lol.

Also the baking soda trick is basically if you’re boiling pasta, you can add baking soda to the water and it’ll come out more ramen-like than pasta-like. It’s pretty convenient.

Here are my 3 favorite brands. I think you should be able to find them at Seafood City.

https://www.amazon.com/Nongshim-Shin-Black-Noodle-Spicy/dp/B017IRZLKQ/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493509793&sr=8-2&keywords=shin+ramyun+black

https://www.amazon.com/SAPPORO-ICHIBAN-INSTANT-RAMEN-TONKOTSU/dp/B01MS03T6V/ref=sr_1_14_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493509840&sr=8-14&keywords=tonkotsu+ramen

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LDI18YO/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493509872&sr=sr-1&keywords=laksa

I add whatever I have on had. I have jars of fried shallots, fried onion, and pork floss. I usually will quickly boil an egg and let it sit in soy sauce for a while. I also almost have green onions on hand and they get chopped up and added. Gochujang is a good spicy add-in too.

One of my favorite ways to start a clear ramen broth is with a dashi base. You can use dried dashi granules like such and then add soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and garlic. It's not a strong fishy taste like you might expect of a dried bonito base.

Prima Taste's Laksa: https://www.amazon.com/Prima-Taste-Laksa-Mian-185g/dp/B00B5NOPT8/
is one of my favorite. It's like curry ramen, so delicious and flavorful!

Also, if you're not feeling broth-y, try Indomie's Mi Goreng https://www.amazon.com/Indomie-Mi-Goreng-Instant-Noodle/dp/B00HXIXWKM/ Another one of of my favorite

Ichiran's instant noodles are insanely good. If you are a noodle nut, grab a pack of these. Best noodles I've had outside of japan.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077T7HC88/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This and lots of it. You should be able to get it at all asian supermarkets.

I like to use white pepper and occasionally some sesame oil for lighter pork/chicken flavored soups. If you can get Shichimi Togarashi, that's probably one of the best spices. It's more commonly sprinkled over udon but it'll work nicely with just about any soup.

Next time you decide to buy some ramen online, think about getting some Nongshim Ramyun Black. It's a 20th anniversary version of their popular regular soup and is by far the best instant noodle soup I have tried.

http://www.amazon.com/Nongshim-Gourmet-4-2-Ounce-Packages-20-Count/dp/B00778B90S

Usually sold in a Super Walmart in the Asian food section. Far more pricey than Nissin Top Ramen though. I personally, for a cheap and quick meal, get Maruchan Yakisoba noodles and throw in some pieces of chicken breast and carrots. I find the oily part of the noodles satisfying. I'm sure many here will find that info disgusting.

On amazon right now for under $1 a piece, OP may not have gotten the best deal: https://smile.amazon.com/NongShim-Ramyun-Noodle-Gourmet-Spicy/dp/B00778B90S/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1505088671&sr=1-4&keywords=shin%2Bramyun&th=1

This one from Amazon is great and sturdy. Holds up in the dishwasher, too.

> http://www.amazon.com/Hakubaku-Organic-Ramen-9-5-Ounce-Pack/dp/B007WQCENQ

Yes, that's the one. They're good noodles.

Ivan Ramen (https://www.amazon.com/Ivan-Ramen-Obsession-Recipes-Unlikely/dp/1607744465/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519661816&sr=8-1&keywords=Ivan+Ramen) is the best English ramen cookbook I've found.

Can anyone compare these to NongShim Black? I just recently discovered those from a different reddit thread and think they're amazing and just wondering how the flavor of these compares. Particularly the flavor and heat level of the broth.

In case anyone is wondering, Amazon carries the House brand. It's like $5/bottle and worth every single penny. I've taken to putting it on everything from eggs to ramen to pulled pork.

House - Shichimi Togarashi

They also have Sansho peppers and Nanami Togarashi, too.

Yeah, I love putting this spice in my ramen.

Other than that, egg is incredible... although it would be difficult to use egg in a cup ramen. If you try it, post about the possibility.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BEBMJX0/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1522523567&sr=8-2&keywords=mi+goreng&dpPl=1&dpID=51fM7znx%2BIL&ref=plSrch these are vegetarian and so good. Technically they’re meant to be made as a fried noodle but I make them as a soup instead. If I’ve added a lot of veggies and it seems too watered down for me I just add a splash of soy sauce and always a squeeze of lime. I have tried many veggie ramens over the years and these are my fave by far.

These are on Amazon and if you don't wanna make your own they do pretty well. Firm and chewy, they have the base elements in the noodle. link. No sauce pack just noodles. I have used these before for making dipping noodles in a pinch.

This is the best I've had, soup wise, the noodles aren't as 'fresh' tasting as Roah, but I keep coming back to this for the broth. 4.5 stars with 74 reviews. http://www.amazon.com/Nongshim-Ramyun-Black-Noodle-Packages/dp/B0061JWQOW/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1418359842&sr=1-1&keywords=ramen+black

Here's a cheap and quite large bag of nanami togarashi on Amazon. (Put it in an airtight container for better shelf life once you've opened it.

Is it this? http://www.amazon.com/Hakubaku-Organic-Ramen-9-5-Ounce-Pack/dp/B007WQCENQ
So $24 for 8 packages of 3 bundles? 24 bucks for 24 bundles, $1/bundle? Sounds good to me

It's worth a buy IMHO, cool to read about story behind his shop too. https://www.amazon.com/Ivan-Ramen-Obsession-Recipes-Unlikely/dp/1607744465

Was gonna say the same thing, I always have this one on hand https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0051D84JU/ref=pd_aw_sim_325_of_14?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8Z86VGP96WAHTJ0J3YCF I end up using a jar in a week cause I put it on every meal every day

Try this book: Ivan Ramen

It's part cookbook, part autobiographical story of a New York deli owner who moves to Tokyo and opens up a very popular ramen shop.

this is my fav https://www.amazon.com/Indomie-Mi-Goreng-Instant-Noodle/dp/B00HXIXWKM?th=1

Sorry! Here it is. :)

Shin Black is the general consensus on this subreddit, and for good reason. I'm partial to Nisson Raoh myself.

I like this brand but I can only find it on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FVSZOSY?refRID=37N4DE5FNTPQ0EE9DWD8&ref_=pd_bia_yo_t_2

Personally, I quite like Nongshim's noodles. On a cold day, I'll even use the seasoning packet if I don't feel like making broth!

Yep! You can get black shin 18 pack for 32 bucks if you have prime

Nongshim Shin Black Noodle Soup, Spicy, 4.58 (Pack of 18) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0061JWQOW

I eat (non-instant) ramen for lunch that I cook in the microwave. I keep roasted seaweed, dried shiitake mushrooms, S&B chili powder, tiny dried shrimp, and dried fried onions in the cupboard at work to add a little kick to my ramen. I'm sure adding any of these ingredients will make your ramen tastier.

I’m sure any Asian grocery should have it, possibly the Asian section of a supermarket too. Also ordering it online is always an option too.

https://www.amazon.com/Indomie-Goreng-Instant-Noodle-Packaging/dp/B00HXIXWKM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=2CJBV8HJKBCOI&keywords=mi+goreng+noodles&qid=1555695048&s=gateway&sprefix=mi+g&sr=8-2

This is a box of 30 for $17.

The OG Sichuan hot sauce: https://www.amazon.com/Lao-Gan-Chili-Crisp-Sauce/dp/B0051D84JU
It's life changing.

Also, try the Shin Ramen brothless--just mix in the spice packet after you drain the noodles. It's so much more intense.

> harder to find

You get them from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nongshim-Shin-Black-Noodle-Spicy/dp/B0061JWQOW/?th=1

Have you tried the Nissan brand black garlic ramen? It's $28.99 on Amazon for a 30 pack and I've thought about trying it out.

[Link](Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil Instant Ramen Noodles 30 Packs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CORJU5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0oHuzb9XM4FJ3)

Wait... you havent tried Samyang 2x Spicy chicken ramen? You will shit your pants it's so spicy

Edit: It's also very tasty.

2nd Edit: Also This stuff is excellent.

For seasonings, you can't go wrong with having the following:

• Sriracha Sauce
  
• Nanami Togarashi Seasoning
  
• La-Yu Chili Oil

I grew up on Nissin Demae Black Garlic Oil, thus my obsession. After I figured how to make it, I got bottles. It's like black truffle oil you can make yourself.

https://www.amazon.com/Indomie-Mi-Goreng-Instant-Noodle/dp/B00HXIXWKM?th=1

Two of my go-tos are

White Curry

And (of course) Shin Black

Youch

Samyang Hek Buldak Extra Spicy Roasted Chicken Ramen Nuclear Edition 5 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUGP7QK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_plbStpDTxeWXk

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MUGP7QK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505644773&sr=8-1&keywords=spicy+noodles+2x&dpPl=1&dpID=61HUwoX7UmL&ref=plSrch

source

Shin Ramen Then add a bunch of stuff to it.

Link for the lazy

Ivan Ramen

Ivan Orkin wrote a book, [Ivan Ramen,] (http://www.amazon.com/Ivan-Ramen-Obsession-Recipes-Unlikely/dp/1607744465/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408377883&sr=8-1&keywords=ivan+ramen) which has his famous Chicken broth based recipe. It doesn't take as long as pork based either!

Bonito flakes + kombu = dashi stock, which is a fish stock that is in a lot of Japanese recipes. Try this brand!

Here are the items i found that i cant get local. Any good/bad items or alternate options you would suggest?

> Mirin

Kikkoman Aji-Mirin

>Dashi

Ajinomoto - Hon Dashi

>Miso Paste

Shiro Miso Paste

>Gochujang

Sunchang Gochujang

>Kombu/Wakame/Nori (sea weed)

Welpac Dashi Kombu

Wel-Pac - Fueru Wakame

Nagai Deluxe Sushi Nori

>Furikake

JFC - Seto Fumi Furikake

>Bonito Flakes

Japanese Bonito Flakes

It's called Nanami Togarashi. A "spicy powdered assortment of dried chil peppers and other seasonings" (typically served alongisde Japanese ramen)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004K6TNTE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425183713&sr=8-1&keywords=ramen+bowl&dpPl=1&dpID=31MPUedq6NL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

Maybe this?

it's a seasoning blend similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Pepper-Spice-Nanami-Schichimi-Togarashi/dp/B004Y18GJ8/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_325_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=RZA2DPB35X1YWR043PXH&th=1

At your door in 48 hours: https://www.amazon.com/NongShim-Ramyun-Noodle-Gourmet-Spicy/dp/B00778B90S/

Hakubaku brand noodles.

https://www.amazon.com/Hakubaku-Organic-Ramen-9-5-Ounce-Pack/dp/B007WQCENQ/

Do you have a Whole Foods near you? They sell Sun Noodle ramen kits. For dry ramen check out the brand Hakubaku: https://www.amazon.com/Hakubaku-Organic-Ramen-9-5-Ounce-Pack/dp/B007WQCENQ/

http://imgur.com/xsot6P5&a5I04Em#0

Attached images show Tonkotsu broth boiling.

This was a 9-10 hour rolling boil after a blanch and cleaning of the bones.

These are the noodles I've been using....
http://www.amazon.com/Hakubaku-Organic-Ramen-9-5-Ounce-Pack/dp/B007WQCENQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382971302&sr=8-1&keywords=organic+ramen

Shin Raoh Green will get you the Tonkotsu you crave.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FVSZOSY/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2/187-9318318-0529133?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=019VJMD8PQZY2PG4CFWW&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_i=B00N0XP8EM

Yikes.

https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-populer-ICHIRAN-instant-tonkotsu/

https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-populer-ICHIRAN-instant-tonkotsu/dp/B077T7HC88/

$35 for 5. Still nuts, but not as nuts.

Not really. Long story short, I had to go on Amazon to get nutritional information.

Beef Maruchan has a smaller serving size of 43g while Shin Black has a larger serving size of 65g.

Product|Calories|Fat|Sodium|Carbs|Protein
:--|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:|:-:
Maruchan Beef|190|7g|790mg|26g|4g
Shin Black|280|9g|920mg|43g|7g

Shin has slightly more iron and more calcium, but that's about it.

After all, they're both fried noodles with bouillon. I used to add stuff to Maruchan to give it an extra pinky, but they're both not good for you.

Lately, I've been adding dried seaweed to Shin Black for some more micronutrients.

A shake or two of togarashi would dress up this bowl nicely.

https://www.amazon.com/House-Shichimi-Togarashi-Japanese-Pepper/dp/B0002YGSJQ

It’s crazy expensive on Amazon. Wtf! I can’t find it in my small town. Any help??

Nissin Raoh, Tonkotsu, 3.53 Ounce (6 Count) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079T2XXBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YCzWDbW6VJ0PK