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Instant Gratification: The Top Ten Instant Noodles In The World

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Here at Foodiggity, we’re pretty psyched to welcome a guest post from Hans Lienesch, aka ‘The Ramen Rater.’ If you couldn’t already tell by the moniker, Hans likes his instant noodles. So much so, that he’s dedicated a site to nothing but them, and has since sampled hundreds of unique varieties from all over the world. And now we get his top ten of all time. Hans, go…

Since I was a small child, I have enjoyed instant noodles. It started out with what every other kid in the USA had — Top Ramen. Then came Roasted Ramen, noodles that already had the seasoning within them — no packet! Until these were off the market, and everything changed in my instant noodle world.

My parents took me south to Seattle. And what I discovered at about 12-yrs-old, was that there were now a ton of varieties of instant noodles. With different colored packaging and strange foreign writing I couldn’t begin to understand — making them almost impossible to cook.

Over 30 years later and having officially sampled over 650 different unique varieties, I’ve come up with a list of my favorites. It changes from time to time as I find new varieties to enjoy, but here it is as it stands currently.

10.
Koka Instant Non-Fried Noodles, Spicy Black Pepper Flavour — Singapore

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 vary depending on the season of production! It has a nice peppery taste and a little heat, but not overwhelmingly so. Perfect complement: Goes great with Eggs.

 

9.
Doll Instant Noodle, Artificial Chicken Flavour — Hong Kong

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 — making the broth even heartier. A very relaxing bowl of noodles. Perfect complement: Eggs added during cooking.

 

8.
Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen, Japanese Style Noodles — Japan

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. Comes with a little packet of sesame seeds! Perfect complement: Some baked chicken, green onions and hard boiled egg.

 

7.
Nong Shim Shin Ramyun Black — Korea

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. Perfect complement: Using a recipe from Eat Your Kimchi, add an egg, bok choy and a single slice of processed cheese.

 

6.
Myojo Hyoubanya no Chukasoba Japanese Style Noodles, Oriental Flavor — Japan

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

 

5.
Mie Sedaap Instant Kari Spesial Bumbu Kari Kental — Indonesia

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. Perfect complement: Fried eggs.

 

4.
Sapporo Ichiban, Japanese Style Noodles Chow Mein — Japan

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 purely enjoyable. What’s more is a packet of ground seaweed is included, which makes it all the more enjoyable. Perfect complement: A bit of roast beef and some chopped onions.

 

3.
Nissin Yakisoba with Mayonnaise/Mustard Packet — Japan

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. Perfect complement: Nothing — enjoy in its native state!

 

2.
Indomie Mi Goreng Rasa Ayam Panggang Jumbo, Barbecue Chicken Flavour — Indonesia

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. Perfect Complement: The flavorings in concert with a couple fried eggs, some pickled ginger and fried shallots make this one not to miss.

 

1.
Indomie Special Quality, Special Fried Curly Noodles — Indonesia

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. Perfect complement: Some turkey, fried eggs, pickled ginger, fried shallot and Sriracha.

So there you have it… Thanks, Hans. More adventures in ramen can be found at Hans’ site, The Ramen Rater. And you can also follow Hans on Twitter, Facebook, or Reddit.

Comments

  1. I’ve been to so many countries and i always found Indomie everywhere.

    Tried some flavors but i found it funny that Indomie (that i believe came from Indonesia) tastes way better in its own country.
    My friends loves to visit Bali Island and they always brought back tons of Indomie.
    I just happen to grab them for free everytime i have the chance. HAHA!
    But yeah, i agree to everybody that Indomie is the best instant noodle in the world.
    On of my friend even “hooked” to Indomie Goreng Rendang as she thinks it is addictive. LOL.
    She’s Canadian, and i am British. 🙂

  3. also try the traditional “mie ayam” its not an instant but you can try to make it in home ,very nice …… yummie good taste

  4. try some indomie rasa soto ayam , its also good ….

    Just being honest
    Has almostly same tastiness as curly fried noodle

    -Surabaya ,Indonesia

  5. you know what… i am so happy that indonesians instant noodles got the pick..
    and i still suggest Ramen Rater to try other Indonesian Instant noodles’ brands. One of them is Sarimi… The taste is promising.. try to find ” sarimi soto koya”

  8. 3 from Top 10 Instant Noodles are from Indonesia (number 5, 2, 1). And I eat Mie Sedaap almost every week. It’s indeed delicious.

  9. Uhh… I always had problem with my tummy after I eat instant noodles. Like, ton of gases were formed by those noodles.
    Recently, when I ate Indomie Jumbo (#2 above), my tummy just fine ( a little, but still there is a weird feeling.. *burpp*)
    From that time, I never eat any other kind of instant noodles. Of course I only take it no more than once a month, in order to keep away from that pain. :O
    I think you should eat a better food, not the instant ones. Like Bejo has said, just don’t eat it too much… it can kill you. ; )

  10. OMG! Our Indomie is no.1! Hahah. Definitely all Indomie varieties u should taste before u die. Sorry Hans, but I don’t agree. The best way to cook Indomie, any Indomie, is to follow the instruction on the cover. Very delicious if u do it step by step. *wink*

  11. I’m Indonesian, yes those that u mentioned are nice, who doesnt love Indomie goreng! However lately Ive found another yummyness in other instant noodles brand . For curry, have u tried Maggi Kari Letup from Malaysia? So hot n full of curry. Other brand is Nissin Demae Ramen from HK, love all flavour especially the Sesame Oil one..chewy and fragrant

  14. Indomie ïs the King of noodles in the World. Try it and you’ll find it true…just vïsit Indonesia asap…

  16. Malaysian Cintan Mi Goreng Pedas should be in the list. Basically screw its bad marketing scheme, I can see other Cintan noodles in London Chinatown, but not the one above.

  19. In the top five, there are three product from Indonesia. You know why? They are so popular in that country and there’s steep competition to win the big market. Many people treat it as one part of their main dishes because it’s cheaper than buy a full set of menu with good nutrition (which many people can’t afford). No meat, fishes, or vegetables… only pure rice + noodles with their artificial taste. There you go… eat it till you full.

    Btw, I just had dinner with of of those, but my kids come and take mine. Oh my…

    PS: just don’t eat it too much… it can kill you.

    Hans, please ignore my previous comment. There’s a mistyped word..

  21. as an indonesian, i like the taste of indonesian noodles, but objectively the texture of korean or japanese noodles are better.

  25. I’ve never been more proud to be an Indonesian.
    Our instant noodles are the bomb! 😉

    ps. I also love Shin-Ramyun!

  28. Very informative.
    Not that I could get them where I live.
    One thing is for sure, he really likes eggs. 🙂

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