#43 - Koka Curry Flavour Noodles

• Brand: Koka Noodles
• Flavour: Curry Flavour
• Cost: £0.89
• From: Tesco
• Description: N/A
• Weight: 70g (unknown when rehydrated)
• Allergies: None Listed
  
  
             Lots of flavour, lots of packaging[/caption]

So it's back to Koka, the Singaporean noodle manufacturer that doesn't like to list potential allergies and has 0% recyclable materials. However, the chicken flavour tasted pretty good so let's see how we get on with the curry flavour. I believe there are other flavours in their potted range but Tesco only does these two, I'll have to search them out. One thing I have discovered is that they have dropped the use of MSG, unless you buy the product in the UK or Ireland - that's not right, surely...

No, there it is E621, or MSG to you and me - check out the glossary page to find out what all these non-food like ingredients we find in our products actually are! Apparently they only have the forks inside in the UK and Ireland too - this is ridiculous!

“How do they taste?” The answer is good. The curry flavour is what you'd probably associate as chip shop curry but it's also known as Chinese curry sauce or katsu curry sauce (Japanese). They're really moreish too, could be the MSG, but I think it's just the lovely taste, mmmmmmm..... Also, the peas, sweetcorn and carrot bits floating around give a great bit of texture.

“Do they remind me in any way of a curry dish?” The answer is yes as can be attested to above. Don't get it if you're looking for a balti but if you love katsu like I love katsu then these are for you.

“How do I feel now I’ve finished it?” The answer is good, not as much salt as in the chicken flavour but still a little bit too much left in my mouth. I'm full and ready to go!

Conclusion – Asian manufacturers, in the main, kick the UK manufacturers arses! The only thing is that we are lot more eco friendly over here.

Need 4 Noodle Rating: 7.5/10

#42 - Shanghai Garden Chicken Flavour Noodles

• Brand: Shanghai Garden
• Flavour: Chicken
• Cost: £0.18
• From: Tesco
• Description: Instant Chicken Flavour Noodles
• Weight: 108g (408g when prepared)
• Allergies: Wheat, Gluten (cannot guarantee nut free)
  
  
            18p? Keep 'em coming!

So we're back with another offering from Shanghai Garden, Tesco's budget producer all the way from China. The curry flavour I tried impressed me a little bit because for only 18p they got a score of 4.5, let's see how these get on.

Packaging is simple but no signs of recyclability (is that a word?) and prep is simple too so they get a score of 0.5 out of 2. Packet noodles are at a disadvantage straight away as half a mark goes for how good the packaging is to eat out of, half a point goes to ease of preparation and I give a full point for recyclability (there it is again). The amount of these products there are in the world I think it's very important that the manufacturers try to be a little eco conscious - don't you?

“How do they taste?” The answer is quite bland but still quite pleasant. The noodles are a good consistency, the broth coats everything, the little bits of carrot floating about give it a bit of crunch too.

“Do they remind me in any way of a chicken dish?” The answer is yes, but only on the first mouthful, and then again when you're finished. You see there is a definite taste of chicken, which would come from the dried chicken powder I guess, but it gets overwhelmed by something, I think it's white pepper. When you're finished though it comes back. I said this about the curry flavour, why not charge another 50% or so and add a bit more chicken?

“How do I feel now I’ve finished it?” The answer is quite full and quite happy. These are so inoffensive it's untrue.

Conclusion – Look, they're 18p - you can do a lot worse - just see the previous review!

Need 4 Noodle Rating: 5/10

#41 - Tiger Tiger Tikka Masala Flavour Instant Noodles

• Brand: Tiger Tiger
• Flavour: Tikka Masala Flavour
• Cost: £0.62
• From: Tesco
• Description: N/A
• Weight: 100g (400g when hydrated)
• Allergies: Contains Wheat, Soya Bean; May Contain Milk, Nuts, Celery, Mustard, Sesame
  
  
           Look at that stunning beige colour

So here's another packet product, this time from Tiger Tiger who have all sorts of interesting things on the front of the packet, "Unleash the Taste" and "Traveller's Choice". All this with the picture of the Taj Mahal and emblazoned with Indian Tikka Masala you think you're going to be for a treat, well let's see.

First thing I find out is that Tiger Tiger is an importer that scours the Asian continent and develops recipes for their 164 products. Apparently they started by importing to Indian restaurants in the UK which they claim as some kind of seal of approval. Now I've had some great curries (I've lived near to both Rusholme and Bradford) but I've also had some pretty awful ones and I couldn't tell you which Tiger Tiger imported to.

Packaging is recyclable, well external packaging is, I can't attest to the internal packaging as there is no reference to its composition anywhere to be found. Preparation is easy, boil 300ml of water, add everything, turn the heat down and stir and simmer til it's all absorbed.

“How do they taste?” The answer is bland. Looking at the ingredients they really shouldn't be but they are. You get a spicy hit from them but there's no real discernible flavour that I can pick out.

“Do they remind me in any way of a traditional tikka masala?” The answer is no. Tikka masala is a creamy dish created by Indian restaurants in the UK to fit the UK palette. It's got a variety of spices that come together to form a beautiful marriage of flavours that go remarkably well with chicken. If you put chicken with this it would just taste of chicken.

“How do I feel now I’ve finished it?” The answer is disappointed. There was so much promise from the packaging, they're produced in Asia - I thought we were in for a taste sensation, we weren't. I suppose I'm a bit full but my stomach isn't reacting overly well *BURRRRRP*

Conclusion – All that glistens is not gold

Need 4 Noodle Rating: 2.5/10

#40 - Koka Chicken Flavour Noodles

• Brand: Koka Noodles
• Flavour: Chicken Flavour
• Cost: £0.89
• From: Tesco
• Description: N/A
• Weight: 70g (unknown when rehydrated)
• Allergies: None Listed
  
  
                  I HATE PLASTIC FORKS!

OK, so here's another new brand for me, Koka Noodles, part of the Tat Hui Foods PTE Ltd company in Singapore. They have a website where you can learn about their product range, which is quite extensive. Unfortunately the packaging isn't very explanatory with regards what's in the pot with terms like 'Spices', 'Flavourings' and listing only E numbers as oppose to the full ingredient. In this instance they contain E621, E627 and E631. I don't think I've come across all of these before but I'll do some hunting so if you head to the glossary you'll find a description of what they all are.

I've developed a couple of pet peeves along the way with writing this blog. One is people saying something tastes of meat without adding meat flavours, the other is plastic forks inside the pots. I can't say for sure that these guys haven't used some chicken in the product but I can definitely tell you there's a little plastic fork inside, grrrr! There is far too much packaging over all and I don't believe any of it is recyclable. However, it is simplicity itself to prepare so they'll get 0.5 points out of 2. An other thing to point out is the lack of nutritional information on the pack - none at all.

“How do they taste?” The answer is quite nice. You get a lovely flavoursome broth coating delicate noodles and a good amount of seasoning. The Asian makers of these products seem to have an edge on the budget producers in this country (UK) with regards flavour. You can pick out soy and a hint of spice and there's a lingering taste of chive at the end.

“Do they remind me in any way of a chicken dish?” The answer is yes and I can't tell you why that is due to the ingredients listing but they taste like noodles in a chicken stock - I don't think there's much more to say.

“How do I feel now I’ve finished it?” The answer is alright, there's a heavy dose of salt starting to come through but I'm full and did enjoy them so I'm pretty happy although this salt is getting stronger by the second. Quick drink of orange cordial though and it's gone - result!

Conclusion – I wish these manufacturers would put as much love into their packaging as they do their product.

Need 4 Noodle Rating: 6.5/10

#39 - Ko-Lee Go Noodles Thai Hot & Spicy Tom Yum

• Brand: Ko-Lee Go Noodles
• Flavour: Thai Hot & Spicy Tom Yum
• Cost: £0.45
• From: Tesco
• Description: N/A
• Weight: 65g (265g when rehydrated)
• Allergies: Soya, Wheat, Gluten
  
  
             Too much packaging!

 

Interesting

I'm intrigued before I even open these as there are two potential water fill lines, one for a 'noodle snack' and one for a 'noodle soup' - I think I'll go for the soup! Also on the packaging I'm sorry to see that there's a fork inside (no need) and also that these are an Authentic Product of China and there's a web address for www.kohlico.com where you can see that they are part of a group that also produces Eazy Pop popcorn, the Sawadee Ethnic Brand and Bang Thai Sauces.

So we're in an as usual with super consumer Chinese products there's far too much packaging. I don't need a fork, I have many and they also don't need two lids - but anyway, let's get making. The preparation is really simple, pick your fill line and fill to there, cover, leave for 2 mins, stir and eat. When you put the water in you're hit with a lemon grass aroma that seems like it's going to be very strong, we'll have to see.

“How do they taste?” The answer is really good. I really like them, the flavours are all there, lemon grass (not overpowering), bit of garlic, a lovely chive taste coming through and the peas and sweetcorn floating around give a good bit of texture, as do the noodles - lovely.

“Do they remind me in any way of traditional tom yum?” The answer is not quite. There is a good level of chilli but not so much in the way of sour. It's still a great flavour and looking at the ingredients there's nothing in there to worry about.

“How do I feel now I’ve finished it?” The answer is pretty good. Chilli remains in my mouth which I like, they could be a bit bigger but that's my only issue outside of the packaging.

Conclusion – Surprised, happily surprised too!

Need 4 Noodle Rating: 8.5/10, they've broken the Kabuto stronghold at the top of the Noodle League and for the price I really think these are great!

#38 - Kabuto Chilli Chicken Ramen Noodles

• Brand: Kabuto Noodles
• Flavour: Chilli Chicken Ramen
• Cost: I was sent a promotional pack (usual price £2.50)
• From: Kabuto
• Description: A fresh tasting noodle dish chicken, extra chilli, peppers, coriander & lime
• Weight: 85g (450g when rehydrated)
• Allergies: Gluten, Egg, Milk
  
  
       Mmmm, chicken chunks...

This is the 2nd new flavour from Kabuto. My last review was for the Prawn Tom Yum and they've topped the list so far. These have got a lot to live up to, not only are Kabuto the overall best noodle product I've testes so far, Chilli Chicken Ramen is my favourite meal in the entire world - here goes!

Packaging and preparation are the same as ever with Kabuto, they get 1.5 out of 2. This is because all of the packaging is recyclable (that's 1 point), the preparation is dead easy (that's 0.5 of a point) but the cup itself is too narrow to properly stir everything around in so they lose that half a point - a real shame.

After preparation (if you take the time  to stir it all up) you get to see all the ingredients floating around including actual chunks of chicken meat, red pepper pieces, and flakes of chilli and coriander. This is very impressive and is part of the joy of the range for me. One thing that isn't mentioned is the welfare of the chicken that they use, it would be lovely to see a Red Tractor symbol or some such.

“How do they taste?” The answer is good, the chilli flavour is a little overpowering though so the sweetness of the peppers is missing and even the chicken hasn't got a lot of flavour compared. That said they're still blooming lovely and I'll give them 3 out of 4 for flavour.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300"] My Chilli Chicken Ramen[/caption]

“Do they remind me in any way of traditional chilli chicken ramen?” The answer is yes and no. The picture on the right is of the chilli chicken ramen that I prepare myself at home, you'll see the lovely garnishes atop the noodles which are in a nice and spicy broth. The chicken is marinaded in chilli sauce before it's added and the chilli in the broth is essentially a diluted chilli paste which is only diluted by the stock. I know this isn't possible in a dried noodle product (yet) but as you can probably guess the flavours are separated out and this is more of a mix of flavours. As I said, it's still blooming lovely but getting the true feel of a ramen dish is just not going to be possible. So, can I  mark them down for this, I think yes but only slightly. It's going to be 1.5 out of 2.

“How do I feel now I’ve finished it?” The answer is as good as ever, lots of chilli remaining around to remind me of my lovely lunch and I'm full as a tick too. 2 out of 2.

Conclusion – I'm a purist when it comes to Chilli Chicken Ramen so maybe I'm being a bit of a pedant. These are lovely, they really are but the heat of the chilli as oppose to chilli flavour is what comes through and I'm sure that could be improved.

Need 4 Noodle Rating: 8/10

#37 - Kabuto Prawn Tom Yum Noodles

• Brand: Kabuto Noodles
• Flavour: Prawn Tom Yum
• Cost: I was sent a promotional pack (usual price £2.50)
• From: Kabuto
• Description: A fresh tasting noodle dish with prawns, lime, coriander & chilli
• Weight: 85g (450g when rehydrated)
• Allergies: Gluten, Egg, Mollusc, Curastaceans, Fish, Soya, Milk
  
  
         Almost perfection...

I was very fortunate recently to be sent a promotional pack from Kabuto including their two new flavours, Prawn Tom Yum and Chilli Chicken Ramen. I've been away for a couple of weeks and I couldn't wait to come back and try them - so here we go!

As usual with the Kabuto brand we have entirely recyclable packaging with a 16oz double walled cardboard cup and foil lid. Preparation is simple; open, pour, cover, leave, stir, eat. The first thing I noticed was little prawns floating to the top and quite a few of them during the 'stir' phase - excellent! Then, there's some oyster floating about too and porcini mushroom, and chilli, and coriander - these really are high class noodles.

“How do they taste?” The answer is lovely. There's a real freshness about them which comes from the lime and coriander. The noodle to broth ratio is spot on and the overall flavour is complex but familiar.

“Do they remind me in any way of traditional prawn tom yum?” The answer is yes. Tom yum is all about the hot and sour flavours and the fact you get a good hit of chilli and a great sour note from the coriander, lemon, malt vinegar and kaffir lime is a great start. Of course I'm reminded of prawn as there's actually prawns in it and although you don't get a huge prawn flavour in the broth just having them around to chew on is great and when you do properly chew on one you find that they are really flavoursome in their own right.

“How do I feel now I’ve finished it?” The answer is pretty good. The chilli dancing on the palette is delightful and the hint of sourness that's left is really nice. I'm also well satiated, what a result these are!"

Conclusion – Very happy with these. No artificial gubbins to be found anywhere and a very authentic taste - they've done it again!

Need 4 Noodle Rating: 9.5/10 The only reason it isn't a ten for me is down to the packaging, there just isn't enough room to stir everything effectively in the pot. After I took the picture I put them into a bowl which was much easier and I was able to properly mix the ingredients around.

Disclaimer: Just because I was sent these by the manufacturer doesn't mean I'm automatically going to score them highly, they are worthy of this score in their own right - this is my opinion and nobody else's.