Since it looks like this week's blog is all about me, me, me, as opposed to the robots I generally hide behind, I'll continue to talk about insignificant things for your amusement. Since I am sure that many of you out there are starving students or "artists", I figured this information might be of some use, especially if you're like me and you spend more money on things like books and socializing instead of the essential requirements for your survival.

Eating costs a lot. Being a single guy, I tend to blow all my money on fast food and restaurants. I hardly ever cook at home. This being the case, I store away a bunch of instant noodle packs like rations in a bomb shelter. I've eaten enough instant noodles to consider myself pretty well-studied on the subject, so I thought I'd share my favorite picks. Also, I get to add a bit of the ol' authentic Eastern flavor to this place. Well, sort of. Anyway, here are my top three choices for instant noodles you can find here in the United States.

 

 

#1: Myojo Chukazanmai

These babies have never done me wrong. I have strayed from the Chukazanmai on a few occasions, but I always come back on my hands and knees begging Chukazanmai to forgive me. A little bit on the pricier side, but for a pack of powder and a block of hardened noodles, you just can't beat its quality. Mmm. They also have several flavors to choose from.

 

 

#2: Myojo Ippeichan Yakisoba

Another Myojo product, and a relatively new addition to my palette, these are the best instant Yakisoba packs that I've tried. Looks skimpy at first, but when you put that hot water in there, you get what at least FEELS heavy enough to be a full meal. It also has some cool spout action going on at the corners. For the more gourmet diners, I recommend finding those refrigerated soft Yakisoba packs that require some cooking and extra ingredients. They're tasty, but I won't count those here since they're almost like REAL food and not of the dehydrated instant variety.

 

 

#3: Sapporo Ichiban

Good old Sapporo Ichiban. Too bad that on my list, they are actually Sanban (third; ichiban meaning 'first'). They aren't great, but they're cheap and they taste better than Top Ramen or some Cup O' Noodles. I recommend throwing an egg in there to add some flavor and a little more protein.

You can pick up these packs of instant noodles at most Asian supermarkets, and they're staple goods at any of the Japanese markets, like Mitsuwa or Marukai. Remember to eat some real food, too. If you try living off this stuff, you're probably not gonna be seeing too many years ahead of you.

If you guys know of any other good instant noodles, let me know. I'll go try them out and see if they deserve the Bolt City seal of approval.

Happy noodling!

 

EDIT: It has just been brought to my attention that I am being Nationalistic here, what with all the Japanese brands. To remedy this unwittingly fascist act, I must include the honorable mention category:

Shin Ramyun : Spicy, but very tasty. I'm not a big fan of spicy ramen, but if you like it hot, then you might really like this stuff.

Kimchi Bowl Noodle Hot : Another spicy Korean ramen, but this comes in a convenient plastic bowl. I have actually eaten quite a lot of these, so the spice factor is manageable.

Uncle Ben's Rice : These are not noodles, but hey, I gotta mix it up here, right?