Baijia Single Noble Black Bone Chicken Flavor Instant Sweet Potato Noodles, produced and sold in China, has been selected the world’s worst instant noodle brand in the world, according to American Hans Lienesch, a.k.a. The Ramen Rater, who apparently rates Ramen noodles professionally, having written more than 1,100 reviews. (“I really like to try everything I can – the more exotic the better. I also really enjoy the domestics. Anything I haven’t tried is fair game,” he said in this press release. Yes, press release.)
Earlier this month, Lienesch released two lists, the “Top Ten Instant Noodle Cups Of All Time 2013 Edition” — featuring nothing from mainland China or Taiwan, but a selection from Hong Kong (#9), three from South Korea, and two from Japan — and the “Bottom Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time,” featuring two from Taiwan and three from China.
The world’s second worst instant noodle brand — again, according to this one guy — is China’s Baijia Instant Sweet Potato Noodle Spicy Fei-Chang Flavor. “A strong ‘dirt and urine’ scent accompanied by slimy sweet potato noodles,” Lienesch writes. Ouch. And this was the second worst?
Lienesch’s inclusion of two Taiwan brands in the bottom 10 — Wei Lih Instant Noodles With Artificial Beef Flavored Soup Stock (#10) and Nan Hsing Vegetarian Rice Noodles (#5) — sparked controversy, if you believe the reports. “Lienesch’s original omission angered many in Taiwan, who are very defensive of their ramen, leading more than 1,000 local internet users to vent their displeasure,” reports Want China Times.
China’s other “worst” was Baijia Hot & Sour Flavor Instant Rice Noodle, coming in at No. 7. “While interesting to look at, the slimy noodles and overly greasy broth with odd bits floating around were a turn-off trifecta,” Lienesch says. You can’t accuse the man of not knowing what he likes, at least.
If you’ve tried any of the above — or know where we can get our hands on these for a taste test — please let us know.
(H/T The World of Chinese)
Dang, I now need to find all of them. Especially the single noble bowl of crap and the second worst. Just to see how they compare.
I’ve had horrible noodles, trust me. I still remember the bowl of dan dan mien that reeked of shrimp that were not fresh, and had not been cleaned sufficiently, plus rancid chili-frying oil. Hard to describe. But I didn’t get sick from it, so I won.