Nissin Demae Ramen Curry Flavor

Made By:  Nissin (Hong Kong)
Tools Required:  Saucepan and Range, Bowl, Spoon & Chopsticks
Meal Size (450 calories per package)
Rating:  :D

(available online through Amazon.com)

Happy (U.S.) Presidents Day!  This is the day when we Americans pause to remember the long-past days when we actually had a likeable, effective President or two.  To mark the occasion, I probably should have chosen a patriotic, Made-in-the-USA domestic product, but instead I'm taking advantage of the day off to take care of some unfinished noodle business.  A while back, I did a pair of reviews of curry-flavored noodles, and this one got left out, so we are finishing the curry trilogy today!

Inside the packet, we find a very typical-looking brick of noodles, and a single yellow foil packet labelled "Soup Base".  The instructions say to boil 2-1/4 cups (500ml) of water, cook the noodles for three minutes, and then add the soup base right before serving--fairly straightforward stovetop directions that everyone should be familiar with.  After a quick stir, lunch is served!

As near as I can tell, Nissin Demae is the Hong Kong division's analogue to the domestic "Top Ramen" brand.  The noodles are about the same texture, which means they are a bit soft by imported-noodle standards.  They also share the trait of having broth that is completely unadorned by veggie bits or visible seasoning flecks.  The aroma is basically just straight curry powder, but the flavor is very reminiscent of a Japanese-style curry (like you might make with S&B's Golden Curry Mix).  In addition to the curry seasoning, there is a nice savory chicken flavor in there as well.  There doesn't seem to be any chili heat in this at all, it is strictly a savory, mild flavor.

I am actually quite pleasantly surprised; after the first two curry reviews I think I was expecting another rendition of Thai-style curry, and this turned out to be something altogether different--Japanese curry has practically nothing in common with Thai curry except the name. So while the quality of the noodles are probably on par with normal domestic ramen, the flavor was quite nice and seems fairly unique.  I'm looking forward to having this one again sometime! :D