Our friend, Hans Lienesch, aka, The Ramen Rater is back with the Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time – 2018 Edition! Enjoy.
10. Gookmul Knight Of Ribs – South Korea
Gookmul really made their mark with their special lobster variety last year. But I think this eclipses the taste of those by a lot. The noodles are perfectly chewy and of high quality with a great mouthfeel. What’s amazing about this one is the noodles get ensconced in a luxuriant sauce with lots of real pork – it’s kind of like having barbecue pulled pork noodles and it’s simply delectable and memorable. Original review
9. Nissin Demae Ramen Straight Noodle Spicy Tonkotsu Flavour – Hong Kong
Last year, Nissin Hong Kong’s Black Garlic Oil version was on the list. It was extremely good, but this one really impressed me. The noodles are thin and straight with a very nice chew. The broth is a melange of spicy and milky tonkotsu that had a deep and rich flavor. The heat isn’t so strong you’ll be running for the hills, but it’s respectable insofar as it is spicy but doesn’t overwhelm the underlying tonkotsu flavor. Original review
8. TTL White Wine Carbonara Noodle – Taiwan
Much to my chagrin, TTL keeps coming out with interesting varieties. TTL stands for Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor – and they always have some kind of alcohol with their products. This one comes with a retort pouch will of creamy sauce and pork which is augmented by a sachet of white wine. A sipping soup is made with a separate sachet. The combination is apt and Very delicious. Original review
7. Mom’s Dry Noodle Dan Dan Noodle – Taiwan
I’ve long said that the Taiwanese are masters of simplicity when it comes to food and this one is no exception. We start with a thin noodle, one that is not fried but dried in the hot sun – no sun, no noodles. The flavor is a combination of chilli oil, sesame paste, soy sauce and a dry combo of Sichuan peppercorn hulls and garlic. Finally, the end result is a multi-layered balance of flavors that harmonize perfectly. Original review
6. Red Chef Green Tom Yum Soup Noodles – Malaysia
Innovation is something I hold in high regard – I’ve tried almost 3,000 kinds of instant noodles from around the world – new flavors are definitely ones that catch my eye and taste buds. This one has noodles that plump up nicely. The broth is strong and kind of reminds me of a cross between a Malaysian tom yum crossed with green curry spiciness. It works very well and is very tasty. Original review
5. Prima Taste Singapore Curry Wholegrain La Mian – Singapore
This one has been on the list for three years now and for good reason. The noodles are thick and chewy – and while they are wholegrain they aren’t coarse on the chew – they’re hearty and rustic. The broth comes from two large sachets – one full of curry paste and one of coconut powder. The richness and depth of flavor here is sensational and delights the palate with flavors that are balanced and superb. Original review
4. CarJEN Nyonya Curry Laksa – Malaysia
Hailing from Melaka, this Malaysian variety catches the eye and delights the senses. A noodle with a great gauge and chew sets the scene. Finally, a broth with a nice rich and creamy flavor augmented by coconut milk powder and a special ‘dipping sauce’ that has a sweet and spicy shrimp hit just makes everything so good. A truly delightful and enticing scent brings one to the bowl with anticipation and hunger. Original review
#3: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle (2018 Recipe) – Malaysia
Over the years, this variety went from #1 to being off of the list last year. This was due to numerous recipe changes I just didn’t like. Well, this year they’ve done it. The recipe has uniquely changed once again and it’s definitely returned to it’s roots with a flavor I love. The noodle plumps up very well as with all MyKuali varieties – and then the broth. A big sachet of curry paste sets the stage along with creamer and seasoning. The end result is a incredibly strong and spicy curry that is all in all unique and mesmerizing. Original review
2. Red Chef Sakura Prawn Soup Noodles – Malaysia
Once again, this newcomer to the list for 2018 brings their game to the table. The great gauge and gauge to the noodle, and then the broth just takes over. A sweet and extremely strong prawn flavor. A good level of spiciness is here as well and works with the broth rather than overwhelms it. The broth is thick and oiliness is on point. Rounding things out is a sachet of fried onions – good sized ones that add a very agreeable crunch on top. Authentic and wonderful. Original review
1. Prima Taste Singapore Wholegrain Laksa La Mian — Singapore
Prima Taste’s Laksa sits atop the list for the third year in a row. Its chewy wholegrain noodles are hearty and artisanal – never gritty and just a pleasure to chew with a cosmic mouthfeel. Moreover, the broth is a combination of a laksa paste sachet which is large and full of premium ingredients. The broth is made fuller and creamy with the second sachet, a large one filled with coconut milk powder. All in all, if I had only one noodle to eat on a deserted island, this would be the one. All in all, it’s just exquisite in taste and to the eye. Original review
