After one very turbulent year, The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time is back. My mother died, we had an auto accident, the kids missed in-person schooling, and of course the pandemic. It’s been a really rough go but we’re back. Vaccines are rolling out everywhere and hopefully we can all get back together someday son. One thing I’ve found inspiration and enjoyment from during these times is a book I’d been hoping to find was sent to me by a noodle company exec called Momofuku Ando Speaks. It’s a book of quotes (kind of like the Ferengi Rules Of Acquisition if you’re a Star Trek fan) by the inventor of the instant noodle. I’ve been reading one on my show Instant Noodle Recipe Time every day – a lot of fun and a very interesting perspective. Little things like that have been really important as of late. Today, I’m proud to announce the show hits its 1000th episode!
This year with the kids at home, it’s been a tough go with The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All TIme lists – the videos in particular. More lists are coming out, but unfortunately doing the videos are different for now – but soon I hope I’ll be able to switch back to standing in front of the green screen and able to bring you the long form versions in the fall. Fingers are crossed that we don’t get any curveballs and they’ll be back in school and we can all get back to normal – at least something closer to what things used to be like.
This list is a compilation of my favorite and most memorable varieties I’ve tried as of review #3790. If you have a variety I’ve no tried (check The Big List) or are a company that would like me to review your products (it’s free), let me know – always looking for new things to try. With that, I present The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition
How I Review
All products are reviewed based on the product found in the package. I don’t consider what I add in to them – that wouldn’t be fair. I follow the directions supplied by the manufacturer – many have taken issue with this as doing it a little different makes some taste better. I do my very best to make sure to do things this way in order to keep it a level playing field for all comers.
Video Presentation
A visual presentation of The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition
#10: Sau Tao Tom Yum Kung Flavour Ramen – Hong Kong
A straight noodle meets with a one two punch of powder and paste in this one. The end result is a truly luxuriant tom yum – very savory with all the aspects I love that tom yum brings. This noodle is my favorite pairing, but they also pair it with a myriad of other noodle varieties like ho fan, vermicelli, and more. They also have a Laksa variety that’s just amazing and worth a try as well. Original review | Get it here
#9: Mom’s Dry Noodle Dan Dan Noodle – Taiwan
A favorite of mine for years. A dry noodle is paired with sesame paste, soy sauce, spicy oil and garlic to produce on of the most umami packed varieties I’ve tried – the flavors run back and forth as you eat and extoll the wonderful taste of Taiwan. Truly unique and wonderful. Original review | Get it here
#8: Prima Taste Singapore Curry Wholegrain La Mian – Singapore
When I was young, my first introduction to curry was my mother’s curries chicken livers over rice. There are so many styles of curries from around the world, but I’ve found the ones from Southeast Asia are definitely my favorite. This one features a robust and artisan style noodle paired with a thick and savory broth. A thing of beauty to behold and taste. Original review | Get it here
#7: Red Chef Green Tom Yum Soup Noodles (New Formulation Dec 2019) – Malaysia
This is the only (as far as I know) green tom yum around. It seemed at first maybe it was a gimmick, but it’s definitely something much more than that. Plump noodles take on a partnership with a broth that’s out of this world – lots of spiciness, savory character and a flavor that must be enjoyed to understand. A great example of the ingenuity found in Southeast Asian foods. Original review | Get it here
#6: Samyang Foods Carbo Buldak Topokki – South Korea
It is clear that people across the globe love spicy things, as well as savory ones. This pairs that love and a dual texture as well. In addition to a great noodle, tteokbokki is included – rice flour cylinders that are chewy – and they all float in a spicy sea of carbonara flavored sauce. Just amazing stuff and worth a try if you can find it. Original review | Get it here
#5: Red Chef Spicy Sakura Prawn Soup Rice Vermicelli & Noodles (New Recipe) – Malaysia
Another variety with two textures is found here. A wheat noodle is paired with rice vermicelli – and apt pairing. The broth here is a very strong prawn flavored affair – combined with a crisp fried onion topping, everything comes together and singes with the flavors of Malaysia in every bite. Original review | Get it here
#4: A-Sha LaoTao Beef and Tendon Noodles – Taiwan
Last year, I extolled the virtue of the red box variety in this super premium range. Well, I still absolutely adore that one but this one really bumps it up. A Taiwanese non-fried noodle is coupled with a broth that’s deep and savory. Then there’s the beef and tendon meats that bring it all home. Taiwanese beef noodle is something special. Original review | Get it here
#3: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle (New Formulation) – Malaysia
I had the chance to try this product way back in 2013. It was some of the best stuff I’d tried. They changed recipes many times. This last change was sweeping and very unexpected – and a game changer. If you like bland foods, stay away – this is something for those seeking deep and rich curry flavor. The noodle is plump and plays so well with that broth as well. Just blows my mind how they’ve tinkered with this one so many times – just brilliant! Original review | Get it here
#2: Chillies Brand Hae Bee Hiam – Singapore
Where do I start. The noodle is a non-fried variety with a great gauge and mouthfeel. What really gets me is the paste that goes into these – it’s got a super strong prawn taste. Little bits of prawn are everywhere and offer nice little chewy nuggets of joy in every bite. Sweet, spicy and perfect in every way, this is a newcomer to the world of instant noodles I hope will stick around for a long time. Original review | Get it here
#1: Prima Taste Singapore Wholegrain Laksa La Mian — Singapore
Once again, it is the legend. This one has been my absolute favorite for years now. The noodle is chewy, thick and works so well with the broth. The broth is a thick and ultra savory laksa – herbs and seasonings play expertly in this one. What’s a real joy is the coconut powder which brings it all together in an authentic and tasty bowl that’s truly something special to behold and one I thoroughly enjoy every time I sample it. Original review | Get it here
Announcements
Instant Noodle Recipe Time Reaches Episode 1000
A few years back, I decided to try doing a show where I would record myself preparing and sampling the noodles I review. It’s been a lot of fun and a great way to share ideas about what I do every days. Today, episode 1000 is here and it’s a very unique episode. In the image above, you might have noticed that’s not noodles. But actually, it is! Bread made with instant noodles and seasoning as an ingredient! Longtime friend author Matthew Bellah has experimented with making a noodle-centric offering as of late and the results have been quite fascinating! Instant Noodle Recipe Time comes out daily at 2pm Pacific time. Check it out!
The Ramen Rater Group On Facebook
Want to hang out with like minded instant noodle fans? There’s over 50,000 of them in Ramen Junkies / Instant Noodles – The Ramen Rater, a group on Facebook. You can see what people are creating, looking for, and discovering! Join us!
The Ramen Rater Shop
People have been asking where to get a lot of varieties and so I’ve partnered with Exotic Noods to bring you The Ramen Rater Shop. Here you’ll find an expending variety of instant noodles at a pretty decent price. You’ll be able to try a wide array of varieties and not have to buy a ton of each variety. I really wanted to have a way you could just buy a single pack of two at a time. The same way I do when I visit an Asian grocery.
The All New The Ramen Rater App For Android
The Ramen Rater App for Android has been given a whole new look and functionality. You can scan bar codes to see reviews I’ve done while at the store, peruse the top ten lists, and do simple searches. It’s really great – even a dark mode! Best of all it’s free and currently ad-free.
