Six Instant Noodles You Should Try

Nobody said they were healthy, but these instant noodle flavors definitely hit the spot!

By ASTER CHAN

with contributions by Tehreem Noor and Yuyu Lai 

Are you tired of eating cup-ramen from the convenience store? Do your taste buds yearn for flavor? If so, you’re in good hands. Being the good samaritans we are, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to compile a list of instant noodles for you to try!

Samyang Buldak Hot ChickeN

Buldak’s ramen is one of the, if not the, most iconic brands in the genre. Its flavor is irresistible and it’s halal-certified to boot. Each noodle is coated to perfection in a thick, mouthwatering, signature sauce that leaves you gasping for more. Traces of soy, onion, and garlic blend together seamlessly, infiltrating your overwhelmed senses. Its springy consistency adds to the dish’s texture, and it definitely brings the heat. Pro-tip: scramble in an egg, and (if you can handle it) throw in some hot sauce for a tantalizing kick, and you’ve got yourself a gourmet meal at only $7 for five packs! –TN & YL

Samyang Buldak Cream Carbonara

My personal favorite on the Samyang Buldak line is the cream carbonara. These noodles offer a delightful twist compared to the original carbonara flavor. The cream carbonara has a milder spice level, yet a richer flavor. The creamy texture, coupled with the savory taste of carbonara, infuses the noodles with a delightful cheesiness that harmonizes perfectly together. While the differences between the original and cream carbonara variants lies primarily in their flavor profiles, the subtle contrast elevates the overall experience. Top it off with some cheese and a sunny side up egg and you have the perfect comfort food, prepared in less than 15 minutes. –AC

Shin RAMYUN Black

When it comes to the discussion of the best instant noodles, Shin Ramen is frequently mentioned as a top contender, and for good reason. The Chinese character on the packaging (辛) translates to “spicy,” and Shin Ramen delivers on that promise. The noodles, springy and thick, are immersed in a flavorful beef broth base with a rich umami flavor derived from garlic and onion, while the noodles have hints of soy sauce and sesame oil, adding depth to the overall taste experience. One of my favorite ways to enjoy Shin Ramen is by combining the seasoning packet with some Kewpie mayo, an egg yolk, and a clove or two of minced garlic, and mixing them together. –AC

MAMA Shrimpy Tom Yum 

MAMA’s Shrimpy Tom Yum noodles take the cake for the savoriest snack ever! The noodles are coated to perfection with a tart lemon flavoring, and with their rich, intensive broth, they’re sure to be a fan favorite. We can’t forget the shrimp powder, which is to die for! It gives the noodles a perfect oceanic aroma that gets your stomach up and running. Not to mention, the noodles are MSG-free. For only $0.79, MAMA’S Shrimpy Tom Yum noodles are a total steal. –TN & YL

Indomie (Various Flavors)

Originating from Indonesia and priced at $3.79 for a pack of 5, these noodles deliver a delicious culinary experience. When it comes to taste, they hit the mark, striking a nice balance between sweetness and saltiness, with a hint of spice that blends perfectly. The fried onion bits add a tasty crunch that enhances the overall enjoyment. For an added touch, I personally recommend serving them with a sunny side up egg and garnishing the dish with green onions. –AC

Shizuren Instant Vermicelli (Clam Flavor)

The only instant rice noodle on the list, these noodles come from China and are only available in cup form. They usually cost $3.49 per cup and come with various toppings and a plastic fork. I prefer the clam flavor the most. The bits of clam taste good and aren’t too processed, though they lack freshness. The noodles nicely soak up the soup, which has a prominent garlic flavor that pairs well with the clams. There's also a hint of spiciness and sourness. The noodles have a strong aroma that may linger after eating. Overall, if you're a fan of seafood, I recommend trying this one. –AC

And One You Should Skip: Maruchan

Founded in 1953 in Japan, Maruchan made its debut in the US market in 1972 and has since become a staple in most supermarkets. Priced at just $0.30 per pack in most stores, Maruchan noodles are known for their accessibility. However, the low price may reflect the quality. To be frank, my experience with these noodles was less than satisfactory. While the broth is passable, it lacks any notable distinction. It’s also full of additives. Yet the real disappointment lies in the noodles themselves. Made from low-cost ingredients, they lack the desired texture. Far from springy or substantial, these noodles are disappointingly soft and fail to absorb flavors effectively. Overall, Maruchan deserves two stars: one for its affordability and another for the somewhat tolerable broth. To maximize flavor, I suggest using less water than recommended on the packaging. –AC