Meet “The Ramen Rater” — Edmonds’ own reviewer of instant noodles

Hans Lienesch, ready to find the latest top ramen.

A few days ago, we received an interesting post from an Edmonds man who calls himself “The Ramen Rater.” That’s right, this guy actually reviews instant noodles from around the world!

His name is Hans Lienesch, and so far he has rated 300 types of ramen noodles in what he admits is “an odd hobby.”

Lienesch, who moved to the area from Anacortes in April 2010, lives with his fiance Christine and their two pugs, Otis and Daisy, on Highway 99 between the Ranch 99 Market and Safeway — the heart of Edmonds’ International District.

He started reviewing ramens in 2002, but recently reached a milestone of 300 reviews. (As of Monday, he’s up to No. 306.) “After moving here last year and having such excellent Asian grocery stores as we do on 99, I’ve been doing a lot of reviewing,” he said.

The Ramen Rater includes Lienesch’s reviews of noodles — “0.0 is bottom of the barrel” while 5.0 “is perfection”; step-by-step cooking instructions with photos, and related You Tube videos of particular ramen brands. The site also has links to markets in South Snohomish and North King counties that carry the reviewed noodles.

And for those desiring more frequent “Ramen Rater” updates, follow Lienesch’s reports on Facebook and Twitter.

  1. I can’t imagine his blood pressure being close to normal with all the sodium that comes in those Ramen packages! Wow. I guess everyone needs a hobby, though.

  2. Actually, no blood pressure issues here but agreed – some of the packages have outrageously high sodium levels. I’m on Weight Watchers and this stuff is fine. Everything in moderation.

  3. It’s funny that so many people jump on the anti MSG bandwagon when all of those same people have a salt shaker on their table. Table salt contains a huge amount higher levels of sodium than MSG. Eat a couple slices of pizza – probably going to have the same if not more sodium than a bowl of noodles with an egg and some vegetables.

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