It’s been over a year since the last Top Ten List came out and it’s time for a new one. You’ll see some from the old list and some new ones! With that, Welcome to the new Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time – 2013 Edition!
#10 MAMA Shrimp Creamy Tom Yum Flavour Oriental Style Instant Noodles – Thailand
I had tried this ages back and wasn’t very fond of it. At the request of readers, I gave it another try and found it to be the best Thai variety I’ve had thus far. The strong bite of the heat and the crisp citrus flavors are of authentic Tom Yum. The noodles are thin and almost crumble when chewed – the texture is different from any others on the list. The creaminess is not of dairy but a cream-like color from boiling shrimp. Full review
#9: Paldo Kokomen Spicy Chicken Flavor – South Korea
It all started with a South Korean comedian in a TV show cooking contest – the resit is history. Kokomen Is a South Korean ‘white broth’ instant ramyun. It has a great jalapeno chicken kind of flavor which took South Korea by storm. Full review
#8: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black Premium Noodle Soup – United States
Everyone’s had Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun once. It’s spicy and full of noodles. Shin Ramyun Black is Nongshim’s premium version of Shin Ramyun – containing nice big pieces of mushroom and freeze-dried beef that springs to life. Truly excellent ramyun. Made in the United States. Full review
#7: Sapporo Ichiban Chow Mein – United States
This has always held a spot on my Top Ten Instant Noodles lists. Why? First off, it’s got some great noodles. They suck up all the water as they cook and once you open the seasoning packet and stir in the flavor, the smell is tantalizing. The best bonus here is the little packet of seaweed powder. It’s just right. Made in the United States. Full review
#6: Myojo Ippei-chan Yakisoba Japanese Style Noodles – Japan
Yakisoba, delivered wonderfully. The tray is filled with boiling water and also acts as a strainer! Great noodles, top-notch veggies – and a bonus: mayonnaise! Makes for a meal of pure deliciousness. Full review
#5: Indomie Curly Noodle With Grilled Chicken Flavour Special Quality Instant Noodles – Indonesia
They got it right when they said these noodles are special. They’re broad and thin with such an enjoyable texture. The flavor is sweet, spicy and perfect. Full review
#4: Nongshim Jinjja Jinjja Flamin’ Hot & Nutty Noodle Soup – United States
I ate a lot of instant noodles in my time. Within the last year or so, I’ve enjoyed this one multiple times. Jinjja Jinjja’s quality noodles, strong heat and unique pork, peanut and black sesame notes make this a real stand-out in the South Korean ramyun market and now here in the United States. Full review
#3: Indomie Mi Instan Mi Goreng Rendang – Indonesia
A deep and rich curry flavor with just the right amount of spiciness. These noodles have a great texture and consistency and taste so good. This ‘stir noodle’ variety is superb. Full review
#2: Prima Taste Simgapore Curry La Mian – Singapore
Curry is one of my favorite all time flavors. Here you’ll find the same high quality lamian noodles and a pair of packets – one of coconut powder and one of curry paste. So simple and so perfect. Truly exceptional. Full review
#1: Prima Taste Singapore Laksa La Mian – Singapore
Pair steamed lamian noodles with a packet of coconut powder and a packet of paste and you’ve got a real game changer here. The noodles are high quality and the broth is luxuriant; light in color with beads of chili oil float in a ballet of splendor. Full review
NOTE: I add a lot of different things to instant noodles as you can see in the photos above. The ratings I give them however are given before any additions are introduced.
You just can’t go wrong with Indomie, they have so many delicious instant noodles and Indomie Goreng is one of my fav http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81O5L9uAaBL._SL1500_.jpg and I also like Sarimi isi 2 (double) mie goreng ayam kecap https://www.theramenrater.com/2012/07/09/802-sarimi-isi-2-mi-goreng-rasa-ayam-kecap/ these both are made by the same company probably they’re both tasty.
Oh I almost forgot this one also my favorite since or when i was a child http://baltyra.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Sarimi-Rasa-Ayam.jpg this is legend because it’s been around for years (probably 15 – 20 years CMIIW).
I’m sad to find no Chinese instant noodles have made this list, although that could be because you haven’t found any to try. For me, noodles such as Lai Yi Tong and Kang Shi Fu are the staples of childhood and trumps any other brands in flavor and noodle texture. I have not found comparable dry-hot spiciness and tender texture in any other noodles, ever. I eat a lot of Korean ramen in the US because Chinese ones are extremely hard to come by–I often can’t even find any in 99 Ranch stores–but I will take a bowl of spicy beef-flavored Lai Yi Tong over these any day. Plus they come with miniature forks for your convenience!
Mira –
I have tried a couple varieties of Kangshifu, but they were sent tyo me by a westerner teaching over in China. I have some that are coming soon from a reader in Sweden soon.
– TRR
Apollo in Mauritius the best 😀
Really – can you send a sample?
– TRR
I am an Asian who’s been living Aus/NZ for many years, and have been exposed to and tried most of the instant noodles/ramens in the east asian countries, and amongst which I love TW/HK/JP instant noodles the best. When u published this ranking and when we saw ur No1 and 2, a group of us (mixed Indian/TW/HK/Aussies) went to an Asian supermarket and bought them. U know what, your self-claimed no 1/2 does not really belong there, we all find migoreng and shin ramen out taste the Prima Taste singaporean noodles. Prima Taste either laksa/curry is way too creamy, they dont have the smell that capture our appetite, this is in stark contrast to real laksa and curry noodles. Like most instant noodles on your list, they dont come with any real meat. Many Aus friends of ours find that its probably because some people like cream, and dont really understand why many instant noodles or ramens have cleaner or clearer soups.
You will also find that most TW and JP instant noodles tick the boxes of 1. colour, 2. smell, and 3. taste, Prima Taste dont really stand up to the standards of the others on your top 10.
so our conclusion of your rating is that this result is predominantly biased, and a mixed gender/ethnicicity review panels need to be incorporated into your rankings, otherwise the result is really your own opinion, which anyone already have their own.
Alby –
While I appreciate your comment, you should know that my top ten lists are all of my own opinion and not scientifically based. Everyone has a different opinion on what they like of course. Mine is based on trying hundreds of different instant noodles in recent years. But if you disagree with my list, that’s fine; what it does do is spark interest in instant noodles. As far as bias goes, I am thoroughly biased! My tongue is my agenda and it tells me if I like something or not. The top ten list is comprised as is clearly stated of instant noodles that are my favorites.
– TRR
Shrimp Shrimp Shrimp
I love shrimp
Surprised you never tried Nissin Curry Noodles(H.K.) and MaMee Kari(Malaysia). The Ina brand from Malaysia has E-Noodles(Chinses Yee-Fu Noodles)which is pretty good but they do not have a curry flavor variety, so just put half a packet of Maggi Seasoning(you should not use a full packet especially on the lo-mein(dry sauce instead of soup) due to their high sodium(and sometimes MSG) content. Doctors always warn against high sodium content especially ramen noodles and even worse, Cup-Of-Noodle variety where the powder is already mixed it, although you can drain the soup to cut the sodium a bit. You will notice you need to drink a lot of water after a full cup of Cup-Of-Noodles(undrained), evidence of high sodium/MSG content)
I’ve been consuming Taiwanese/Chinese/HK instant noodles for years and just started to buy some South Korean and southeast Asian brands for recent 6 months.
Mama Tom Yum flavor has an unique sweet and sour taste, the noodle is already seasoned and more crispy than “regular” instant noodles. It tastes good even not cooked.
Seasoning packages for Shin Ramyun Black are too much. I usually use 1/4 or 1/3. I tried another Korean noodle, large “Kimchi” logo, not sure which brand; that one is better.
For most Taiwanese/Chinese people, some of their local brands are “classic”. They eat for years and think like “this is what instant noodles should be”. I lived in China; most brands in this list are only accessible in supermarkets; if I want to rush to a little grocery store and finish eating in 15 min, choices are very limited. Anyway instant noodles are not serious food, not many people have tried a wide variety of them.
Why u sayin
shin ramyon is made in US?
Because if you buy it in the US, it’s made in the US! http://www.nongshimusa.com
– TRR
I tried the Penang White Currry Noodle.. Fantastic….But then I cannot get it in KL..??? Any idea where?
Well it’s quite difficult to get it in KL but maybe you can get it in Giant Supermarket. People usually go and buy a lot at one time making always put of stock. I got mine in Giant Supermarket in Shah Alam (Section 7).
*out of stock, not put of stock
Where is wai wai noodles of Nepal
https://www.theramenrater.com/category/wai-wai/
– TRR
Cool list. Found it very helpful. I’m dorming at a university that has a lot of asians, so our market has a whole aisle dedicated to just instant noodles and rice. Tried the Ippei Yakisoba…soooo good! I’m going to keep checking back with your blog so I can see what to try next!
Hey right on glad you like the site! I was hoping college folks might check out the list – please share it around – hoping to get some people with some ideas for additions I’ve not tried!
– TRR
Too much Taiwanese homerism on this site! I bet you never had some.. I cant believe there isnt any Taiwanese noodles.. blah blah blah.. They just seem like grumpy rants. If they aren’t ranked, they are not ranked. Deal with it!
Do you know, Indomie was blocked in Taiwan, months ago? I thought since the taste could be too strong for them??? 🙂
i just know now, 2 instant noodles got top ten here
i really love it
not just from Indonesia but also noodles from south korea
Great reviews, and despite what some people say, I like how you spruce up the noodles with eggs, green onions, etc.
Just wondering – if you have time and inclination – would it be possible to have a top 10 on cup noodles? Here I can only have access to Nongshim, Nissin, and the unspeakably bad Maggi cup noodles, so it’d be great to have a review that I can live through vicariously.
Ratty –
Hey thanks! Yeah my reviews / scores are of the products BEFORE I add stuff to them.
Here you go!
– TRR
No Nissin Beef in the top 10?!
Best noodles EVERRRR!
Singaporean instant noodles looks interesting. I hope I’ll find them soon in my town.
I couldn’t find the waiwai review on this one probably because there’s no english description written on the package but please try it anyway.Its called “waiwai หมูสับต้มยำ” and is one of my top 5
http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://www.kittivate.com/pimage/large/8850100126016.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.kittivate.com/u/productdetail/index.php?id%3D1577&h=326&w=493&sz=28&tbnid=_1bzh5TWm5wCmM:&tbnh=79&tbnw=120&zoom=1&usg=__n3Kcb6HT6nsE4YdjObZW3PEqmaA=&docid=R3B_RBmeEUwx5M&sa=X&ei=PU4cUvb1J8zEkQW53oHYCA&ved=0CE8Q9QEwBA&dur=1320
https://www.theramenrater.com/2011/01/23/273-wai-wai-minced-pork-tom-yum-flavor/
Is it this one?
– TRR
Oh right it is, my bad!
Ramen Rater,
I’m an American who lives in Taiwan. My company recently wrote an article about ramen and Momofuku Ando. Anyway, the article eluded to the fact that there was some Taiwan pride backlash directed at you for a lack of Taiwanese noodles on the top ten list.
There is a lack of these tasty noodles in the US, and since I see only vitriol here, I’ve decided to offer some help. I wouldn’t mind getting some Taiwanese ramen to you. I’d pay for shipping, but you’d have to pay for the noodles. Maybe we can work something out?
I appreciate the offer, but the problem would be first that they’d get stopped in customs (dept of agriculture) and second, I’m not able to spend any money… Could you provide a link to the article? Would be interested in seeing it!
– TRR
Myojo Ippei-chan Yakisoba Japanese Style Noodles are my favorite noodles. I originally picked them up because I found the packaging so appealing and have been addicted to them ever since. I encourage people to try them whenever I can and find that they too, enjoy them.
I really want to try the: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black Premium Noodle Soup . My second favorite ramen is one of their products, but it’s a hot and spicy variety.
Just picked up #8, 6, 5, and 3 based on your list. The market we went to happened to be having a taste samples of the Indo Mie Rendang, believe it or not. I was so happy to be equipped with your recommendations and both my son and I loved it so I bought a case! Thanks so much for work, it really is important for us instant ramen lovers! I grew up on Kung Fu brand in the yellow/orange package with sliced hot dogs and rarely deviated from that brand but now I’m confident we’ll be enjoying a variety because of your great photos and descriptions.
Linh –
Hey that’s awesome! Glad my site was helpful! Enjoy your noodle journey!
– TRR
Shin Ramyun Black Premium Noodle Soup – United States
Nongshim Jinjja Jinjja Flamin’ Hot & Nutty Noodle Soup – United States
What the hell? Both of these Ramyun was made by a South Korean company. United States are you kidding me?
Doyle –
Nope I’m not kidding – these were both made in the United States. Nongshim America is located in Rancho Cucamonga, California (www.nongshimusa.com). Of course, they originated in South Korea originally, but these that are shown are produced in the United States.
Kind of funny – I just got the exact same thing mentioned about Chapagetti too.
– TRR
Just read the article that popped up on Digg and then read your site. Needless to say I am now eating some Nongshim Black! Thanks for the inspiration!
Some of the noodles you post looks good but no idea where to buy in Taiwan
Where’s Nong Shim’s Spicy Seafood Neoguri Udon? That is by far the best instant noodle out there to my taste. Yet it doesn’t make the list here. I am an Indonesian living in Jakarta, by the way. A national product that came out recently is Indomie Mie Goreng Sambel Ijo (fried noodle with green sambal). It’s been quite a hit nowadays in Indonesia! But then again, your best picks of our instant noodles here are not of the most popular ones in Indonesia either. Our opinions may as well differ 🙂
I recently got some packs of the Indomie Cabe Ijo and will review them soon .
– TRR
As a Singaporean living overseas, I must say that the Prima Taste Singapore Laksa La Mian helps ease the cravings for above average Singapore Laksa that is difficult to find in stores outside. It takes a while longer to cook than other instant noodles but the wait is totally worth it!
I’ve always loved Japanese instant noodles too, especially the dry Yakisoba kind but they are always a tad more expensive. But your post has tempted me to seriously purchase some. Mayo in the pack? Score!!
Great list!
I really have no idea why people have to be so rude?
There are so many types of ramen out there, that eventually Hans will get to a Taiwanese one that he will like.
That being said, I’m pretty sure I have found Man Han Da Can at 99 Ranch. At least here in southern California.
Keep up the good work, Hans!
Randy –
Is that one of the eel varieties? I’ve seen two eel ones at 99 Ranch here… Glad you like the blog!
– TRR
I find it funny how Prima Taste Curry and Laksa made it to the top of the list when not much people here in singapore buy them…
But you should definitely try Taiwanese instant noodles.. brands like :Man Han Da Can (满汉大餐) or Yi Du Zhan (一度赞) are 2 of the more famous ones I can think of off the bat.
Yeah its new stuff here – I really like it. I’m trying some of the A-Sha brand ones right now and they’re pretty good, but most of those ones people say I should try from Taiwan aren’t sold here…
– TRR
Yeah its new stuff here ==> In 1980 my family would mail me a big box of Man Han Da Can (满汉大餐) when I was studying in MIT. It has been in the market for more than 35 years. So far this is the best instant noodle I have tried. Man Han Da Can (满汉大餐) has a package of real beef which is so tasted and delicious.
singaporeans wun buy them cost it cost $10 for 4 packs.. more expensive than the normal instant noodles… they dont taste that fantastic either… but i guess it is good for folks who miss singaporean food when abroad…
personally i like zow zow duck mee
totally agree taiwanese instant noodles kick ass too!
agree that the prima taste noodles don’t deserve to be the top 3. honestly, the price is way too high. the laksa or curry also too little.
I know why the Taiwanese instant noodles you have eaten was not taste good.
I live in US and the Taiwan Brand Taiwanese instant noodles taste awful.
this fact hurt my heart because I miss the Taiwanese instant noodles back in Taiwan.
So many variety to chose and taste always good.
But in USA, there are only few to chose and they all taste awful.
I miss the Taiwanese instant noodles back in Taiwan
You have never tried Taiwanese instant noodle and you call yourself Ramen Rater.
It’s like I am calling myself Search Engine Rater but never used Google.
Go to any Chinese groceries store and you will find Taiwanese instant noodle, put in some serious effort before you call yourself Ramen Rater.
I don’t know where you read that – I’ve tried lots of Taiwanese instant noodles. The trouble is that none of the versions here are worthy of the list that I’ve tried. I would like to try the varieties available in Taiwan that I can’t get here – it sounds like they’re pretty good from the roar of the Taiwanese people!
– TRR
I bet you haven’t tried any Taiwan instant noodles, otherwise you would have at least one of them in the top 3. I’ve tried some of the noodles in the list, and I have to say they are not even close to Taiwan instant noodles. I can go to a Taiwan store, close my eyes and blindly grab an instant noodles, and there’s good chance that it will be better than some of the noodles in the list. I may be biased, but even the top one in your list is not close to the best ones in Taiwan. Taiwan instant noodles are so famous that some tourists actually come and get them as gifts to others. Go grab some and try them. You’ll understand what I am talking about.
I’m hoping to hear from the Taiwanese instant noodle companies in order to try some of the ones you get over there; it’s hard to find them here.
– TRR
I really enjoi reating you blog. It is very nice blog, I like noodelss .
You are nice gay Hans <3
I mean guy, no gay