Another year and it’s time for yet another top ten list. There’s a let of movement here, and a lot of favorites which have stood the test of time. This is a list of my favorite varieties from reviews up to #4440. If you’ve got a variety you think I should try or are a manufacturer who would like me to try your masterful creations – please drop me a line; I don’t know that in the 20+ years I’ve been sampling and opining about instant noodle products that I’ve refused a request for me to try a product. As I’ve said for years, my true favorite variety is the one I haven’t tried yet. With that, let’s look at these true diplomats of flavor in this, The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition
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The Ramen Rater’s Global Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2023 Edition
#10: Best Wok Mi Goreng Original – Indonesia
A very well rounded mi goreng with an excellent balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors – noodle gauge is great and doesn’t come off dry like so many others. Nice and oily with great flavor. Original review
#9: Prima Taste Singapore Curry Wholegrain La Mian – Singapore
A long time favorite, on this list for years. A subtle, yet robust curry flavor is paired with a rustic wholegrain noodle which isn’t gritty and just works so well here. Chewy, thick noodle and full-bodied broth. Original review
#8: Indomie Mi Keriting Rasa Ayam Panggang – Indonesia
After years, a favorite of years back returns to my table. The noodle has a nice curly gauge and savory chicken flavor. The vegetables are just perfect here – in little bits. The sipping soup on the side is excellent. A favorite from years back I hope to see available again in the USA. Original review
#7: Red Chef Spicy Sakura Prawn Soup Rice Vermicelli & Noodles – Malaysia
First, rice vermicelli and a non-fried wheat noodle are paired. These are bathed in a broth of sweet and very strong prawn broth which is thick and as savory as can be. A light spiciness brings it all together, augmented by crisp, fried onions. Original review
#6: A-Sha LaoTao Beef and Tendon Noodles – Taiwan
A thin and flat noodle is joined by a very tasty beef broth which has a depth of flavor unparalleled in my years of reviewing. The beef and tendon is succulent, melt in your mouth stuff. Truly amazing and worth a trip to Taiwan to try. Original review
#5: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle – Malaysia
A favorite for ten years now. We start with a plump and lightly chewy noodle. Next a broth with such a strong and unique curry flavor – creamy and giving. It’s really something unique I think everyone should try – a true testament to Malaysian flavor. Original review
#4: Red Chef Hae Bee Hiam – Singapore
A non-fried noodle is paired with hae bee hiam. Hae bee hiam is a prawn crisp – this one has pieces of chewy shrimp in the mix – chunky and savory, spicy, oily, and sweet. The balance just works so well. The noodle has an excellent chew – all around fantastic. Original review
#3: Mom’s Dry Noodle Scallop & Hua Diao Wine Chicken Noodle Soup – Taiwan
A non fried Taiwanese dry noodle is where we start. Paired with a rich broth which imparts the flavor of slow cooking, and contains whole pieces of chicken – just all around a truly wonderful chicken noodle soup – the best after 20 years of reviewing. Original review
#2: Ippudo Karaka Spicy Ramen – Japan
A very recent find – this has a shelf stable fresh ramen which cooks up in mere seconds. The broth is amazing; milky, rich, and a little bit spicy – all in the best amounts. The included glob of pure umami laden wonder just finishes this and is the best home prepared ramen I’ve had to date – rocketing to second place, this variety from Japan is a truly wonderful thing to behold and a must try. Original review
#1: Prima Taste Singapore Wholegrain Laksa La Mian — Singapore
For the 8th year in a row, this juggernaut seems to be a tough one to dethrone. The chewy noodle has a thick and round gauge. Paired with a laksa broth which has a beautiful flavor, thickness, and color, it’s really quite amazing stuff. If stranded on a deserted island, this would be my pick. Original review
Special Announcements
The Ramen Rater Recipe Experiments
Ever thought of what you can make when instant noodles are an ingredient? Well, if not I have. A lot. I started with making breads last year – even breads with flour make from fried noodles that were ground into a fine powder. Logically, the next step was pizza – everyone likes pizza, right? Finally, I’ve done a few different ice creams. Check the Special Features section to see all of these experiments!
Definitive Guides
This year, I’ve decided to do a special series called Definitive Guides. Recipes, trivia, history, and more on some of the most loved and fascinating varieties of instant noodles around the world! So far, I’ve got one on Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun, and Indomie’s Mi Goreng and Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice! Very recently, I released a Definitive Guide To Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup. Future guides will include MAMA Tom Yum, and more. My plan is do feature one or two products from each country.
Ramen Junkies
Ramen Junkies is a Facebook group devoted to the love of instant noodles. People share their recipes, thoughts, ideas and humor Join the conversation today – over 70,000 members strong!
A Petition To Benefit Those In Need
For the last few years, a thought has been bouncing around in my head. Why is there a spot to donate a dollar to elections on tax returns? I think that little spot can be better by donating a dollar or some set amount to Veterans who are living in poverty. At the end of tax season, the donations can go to all who qualify. I think that would be a good thing. I started a petition to do this, and if you’re in the USA, you can sign it here and please feel free to share it around! Thanks!
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.
