Meet The Manufacturer: Donation of Tat Hui’s KOKA

A couple days ago, I got this package in the mail! Wonder what’s inside?

Seriously well packed! Lots of executive anti-stress sheets! My son loves these!

Awesome! These are the samples from Khong Guan marketing manager James Parr. They’re the distributor for Tat Hui’s KOKA noodles in the USA! Some great flavors here – tomate, spicy black pepper, curry, spicy sesame, laksa, tom yum and spicy seafood marinara! We’ll start with the spicy sesame today. Thank you very mcuh – these will be wonderful to re-review!

Happy National Noodles Month! Meet The Manufacturer: Interview with Tat Hui Foods – Makers of KOKA Noodles

Let’s kick off National Noodles Month with a special new feature – Meet The Manufacturer!

Recently, I had the fortunate experience to talk to James Parr, a marketing manager for Khong Guan, the distributor for Tat Hui Foods’ KOKA l;ine of instant noodle products. He was very kind and offered to liaise an interview between myself and the company in Singapore! He sent along some great samples and today I’ll be doing a re-review of the Spicy Sesame flavor KOKA noodles today as well as a post about the sample he sent! Here’s the interview! I also want to thank those of you who sent in questions for the manufacturer!

TRR: Hello! Thank you very much for this opportunity to learn more about instant noodles and your company!
To begin, how did your company start out? What is the history?

THF: In 1987, the company founder Mr Lim Hi Lay embarked on the mission to take Tat Hui products to other countries. The products were first introduced to the Chinese grocery markets in US, Europe and Australia. In the following years, Tat Hui started to venture into mainstream European and Middle Eastern markets and saw demand increase ten-fold. Today Koka Noodles continues to win over more and more fans around the world.

TRR: Other than the Koka variety, I’ve had the Mi Hua – did you choose to go the low fat route with your products?

THF: THF (Tat Hui Foods) is committed to promoting healthy eating without compromising on Taste, evident through its continuous investment in research and development and new production facilities to produce low fat instant noodles. The noodles are steam-cooked and bake-dried  through a fat-free process instead of the deep-frying process used in making conventional instant noodles.

TRR: How do you differ in your production of instant noodles from other manufacturers?

THF: Noodles are carbo food and a staple, just like rice, in most of Asia. They are made ‘Instant’ through a cooking and drying process to enable easy preparation and a longer shelf-life. While most consumers are accustomed to the taste and mouth-feel of conventional deep-fried instant noodles, the non-fried/ fat-free noodles definitely offer a healthier alternative. Besides cutting down on the fat, we also do not add MSG, preservatives or artificial colouring to our noodles and seasonings.

TRR: The varieties you have currently are amazing – how do you decide what different flavors to offer? Do you plan on coming out with new varieties on a regular basis for the United States market?

THF: The convenience food market is saturated with similar flavours across competing brands. Therefore, in line with our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, it is our aim to introduce more choices to the discerning customers with a variety of tasty and authentic flavours from around the region.
Favourite flavours are Chicken, Curry, Laksa and Beef, to name a few.*
We are excited to introduce more of our creations in US soon – Koka Purple Wheat noodles in 3 new recipes,  Chilli & Lime, Soy & Vinegar and Aglio Olio.

TRR: People here add all sorts of things to their instant noodles. What was a surprise to me was how shocked so many are at the concept of adding eggs to them. How are Koka noodles and your other varieties enjoyed in Singapore?

THF: Adding sliced hard boiled eggs to Curry and Singapore Laksa noodles is delicious although they are appetizing enough on their own. We also suggest that adding some shredded chicken breast or just chopped coriander to Koka Chicken would greatly enhance the taste and wholesomeness of the meal. In general, a handful of semi-cooked crunchy bean sprout added to the noodles is always enjoyable with that extra contrast of texture to the bite. If ‘fried shallot’ is readily available in supermarkets like in Singapore, it’s great to top up as garnishes for almost any noodle dish. Of course in Singapore chilli is another favourite commonly used, as well as fish cake, fish ball and sausages too.

TRR: I asked readers of the blog to pose some questions you might be able to shed light on – here are some of them:

Any plans to spread the distribution to other EU countries?  – Denis P., Slovenia

THF: Not sure at this stage.

Why is it so hard to find your noodles in Canada? – Anonymous

THF: Please write to us at marketing@tathui.com and we can advise you based on your location.

(I would like to know) what flavour of instant noodles they cannot imagine making? – Cindy C., UK

THF: This is an interesting question because all the time we are only thinking about what CAN we create next.

TRR: Again, thank you very much for the opportunity to ask you some questions!

Well, that’s it! Thanks again to Tat Hui Foods, James Parr at Khong Guan and those who sent in questions! There will be another fun Meet The Manufacturer coming soon!

The Ramen Rater Top Ten Instant Noodles In The World

Here it is – the new Ramen Rater Top Ten List! It was originally released on Foodiggity.com on January 9th, 2011 as an exclusive guest post I did. Now, here it is on The Ramen Rater for your perusal with links to all of the corresponding reviews! Enjoy!

Number 10 – Singapore – Koka Instant Non-Fried Noodles Spicy Black Pepper Flavour

This stuff is amazing; it contains a block of instant noodles that are exceedingly light and very low in fat. This doesn’t end up with low in taste though, especially with its garnish pack’s mention that the veggies in there vary depending on the season of production! It has a nice peppery taste and a little heat but not overwhelmingly so. This is a real treat and goes great with eggs. Original Review

 

 

Number 9 – Hong Kong – Doll Instant Noodle Artificial Chicken Flavour

Yeah I know – chicken instant noodles. How boring! Not this one – the broth is very good – it warms one’s innards on a cold day like nothing else. This is especially good with an egg or two added with about 45 seconds remaining as it cooks in the pot – makes the broth even heartier. A very relaxing bowl of noodles. Original Review

 

 

Number 8 – Japan – Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen Japanese Style Noodles

This is a very recent addition to the Top Ten list. Having tried Shio instant noodle varieties in the past, I had a feeling this would be a good one, and it truly was. The noodles were very hearty and the broth had an almost buttery flavor. I found this one very good with some baked chicken, green onions and hard boiled egg. Comes with a little packet of sesame seeds! Original Review

 

 

Number 7 – Korea – Nong Shim Shin Ramyun Black Premium Noodle Soup

Twenty years after the introduction of the well-known Shin Ramyun, Nong Shim brought out Shin Ramyun Black. A huge block of noodles, a veggie packet that also has freeze dried beef, red spicy seasoning and onion and oxtail soup packets make this a culinary onslaught of epic proportion. This was best enjoyed using a recipe from Eat Your Kimchi’s site which involved adding an egg, bok choy and a single slice of processed cheese. The beef pieces spring to life and the whole thing is excellent. Original Review

 

 

Number 6 – Japan – Myojo Hyoubanya no Chukasoba Japanese Style Noodles Oriental Flavor

A very good, very traditional instant noodle from Japan. Noodles are a little chewy and the broth has hints of seafood. Was enjoyable with a couple eggs cooked with the noodles and a little baked chicken with salt and pepper. Original Review

 

 

Number 5 – Indonesia – Mie Sedaap Instant Kari Spesial Bumbu Kari Kental

Like spicy? Like curry? This one from Indonesia fills both criteria and then some. The noodles are good but the real star here is the broth; a bit greasy and so flavorful. Not only a hot curry taste but had sweetness as well. Was excellent with a couple fried eggs. Original Review

 

 

Number 4 – Japan – Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles Chow Mein

This stuff is great. It’s cooked with a small amount of water as the noodles gobble it all up. The flavor is sweet and salty and pure enjoyable. What’s more is a packet of ground seaweed is included which makes it all the more enjoyable. Goes well with a little bit of roast beef and some chopped onions. Original Review

 

 

Number 3 – Japan – Nissin Yakisoba – with Mayonnaise / Mustard Packet

Yakisoba is a very commonly enjoyed dish in Japan – and this variety puts a unique twist on it. You fill the box with boiling water and then afterwards, there’s a little drain spout to get rid of excess water. Add the flavoring and stir – then comes the fun as there’s a little packet that dispenses mayonnaise out of one reservoir and mustard out of the other! This is quite good – especially the vegetables. Nothing to add to this one – enjoy in its native state! Original Review

 

 

 

Number 2 – Indonesia – Indomie Mi Goreng Rasa Ayam Panggang Jumbo Barbecue Chicken Flavour Fried Instant Noodles

First off, it’s a jumbo pack, which is helpful as this is such a great tasting package of instant noodles. Second, it comes with a whopping five seasonings – from sweet soy sauce to spicy chili sauce. The noodles are served drained without a broth. The flavorings in concert with a couple fried eggs, some pickled ginger and fried shallots make this one not to miss. Original Review

 

 

Number 1 – Indonesia – Indomie Special Fried Curly Noodles Special Quality Instant Noodles

Truly the best instant noodles I’ve ever had. I love these – the noodles are flat and very tasty. The seasonings provide a broad range of flavors. Spicy, sweet, full of good flavor. I enjoyed this bowl with some turkey, fried eggs, pickled ginger, fried shallot and Sriracha (Red Rooster) sauce around Thanksgiving. Original Review

 

Hans ‘The Ramen Rater’ Lienesch

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Ask The Manufacturer: Tat Hui/KOKA

I have been able to get the opportunity to do an interview with Singapore’s Tat Hui Corporation, makers of KOKA noodles! I have compiled a list of questions to ask and now would like YOU to round out the list – what would you ask them? This will be open until Monday, 2/13/2012. At the end, I will list the questions picked to send them! Make sure you include your first name and last initial and where you are from in the response! Good luck!

UPDATE – Thanks for the questions! They’ll be used in an upcoming interview!

#608: Koka Instant Non-Fried Noodles Spicy Black Pepper Flavour

Hadn’t tried it before and at under $3.00 for the four pack, how could I resist?

Here’s the front of a single pack. I have had many of the other varieties of Koka before, but spicy black pepper just sounds so good!

Look at those stats – 2g of fat and just barely over 1000mg of sodium. This is pretty nice stuff.

This packet contains powdered soup base and oil.

As you can see, the base has a nice pepper color to it.

A couple reviews back, I had some Batcheors Super Noodles Low Fat Chicken & Herb flavor from England. They had a little more fat in them and had a smaller block. The noodles in the Batchelors weren’t really good to taste before cooking; more like trying to crunch uncooked spaghetti. The Koka noodles are virtually the same texture as fried noodles when uncooked. Also, the noodles are actually lighter as far as weight. Thought that was neat.

After you cook the noodles, you sprinkle this garnish on top. It’s a bunch of freeze dried veggies. I really like how it mentions that it could be different depending on the season – amazing.

. I added a couple fried eggs. So there’s not a lot of broth in this one – it all kind of turns into this wonderful gravy kind of sauce. The noodles are excellent. The broth-like sauce is excellent. The garnish is wonderful. This is going on my top ten list: the sauce makes it reminiscent of Sapporo’s Chow Mein. The garnish however allows it to stand so far out from any other instants I’ve ever tried; a real smorgasbord of flavors. The noodles themselves are of top-notch quality. The sauce is nice and peppery but not overly so. This does not come across as a low-fat meal in any way shape or form. This is grubbin! What a lucky pick today! 5.0 out of 5.0 stars! UPC bar code 8888056000234I can’t recommend it higher! They don’t have this one just yet – but you can be notified when they have it. Check it out here.

This is probably one of the funniest advertising campaigns for noodles as well.

This is a Punjabi video of a song called “Koka.” Cultures can be so different – pretty awesome!