TOP TEN INSTANT NOODLES 2015

The top ten instant noodles list is an annual post I do which is always quite a treat for me.  I started reviewing back in 2002, but I really got going with it in June of 2010 – I’ve done nearly 1,600 reviews since then. It still boggles my mind that after trying so many, the industry continues to innovate and bring flavors forth that truly amaze me. With that, here are my absolute favorites – The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2015 Edition.

 This year I also made a video to accompany the list.

#10: A-Sha Veggie Noodle Tomato Noodle With Vine Ripened Tomato Sauce – Taiwan

This was a fairly recent review; I hadn’t expected Taiwan to be on the top ten list. But there’s no denying – this is absolutely marvelous stuff. The noodles have a great gauge – broad, flat and soft with a light chew. The great part is the tomato flavor – when I opened the sachet of sauce the whole room smelled like fresh tomatoes. Not only that, there’s more than enough sauce to flavor all of the noodles. Original review

#9: Maruchan Gotsumori Sauce Yakisoba – Japan

Marchuan’s first time on the top ten instant noodles list. This big tray of yakisoba was a very nice surprise. First, there’s a lot of noodles here – easily enough for two. Second, the flavor has a little hint of spiciness. Thirdly, the cabbage hydrated very nicely with a tantalizing crunch. Finally, the inclusion of Kewpie mayonnaise sealed the deal for me. Original review

#8: MAMA Oriental Style Instant Noodles Green Curry Flavour Jumbo Pack – Thailand

The noodles are MAMA’s great brown noodles – they don’t suck up too much broth and have a tension I really like. Not only that – there’s a decent amount of them! Then there’s the broth whose rich green curry flavor satisfies with excellent heat and flavor. Original review

#7: MyKuali Penang Hokkien Prawn Noodle (New Improved Taste) – Malaysia

The noodles are great – gauge is just a little wider than standard. The broth is a work of art; the strength of sweet prawn flavor is balanced with a well-tempered amount of heat.
It’s thick and has a perfect oiliness to it. To top it off, the fried onions are the best I’ve encountered in the instant noodle world; they are of good size and plentiful. Original review

#6: Mamee Chef Gold Recipe Mi Kari Seribu Rasa – Malaysia

With their special Mi Tarik technology that emulated traditional hand-pulled noodles, you get a great texture and chewiness as well as elasticity with this noodle. The broth however was what made this a favorite of mine – it has a comfort food feel to it that seems to come from a component that reminds me of strong cumin. Worthy of the name Gold Recipe. Original review

#5: Prima Taste Singapore Curry La Mian – Singapore

For the third year in a row on the top ten instant noodles list, this amazing curry has made the top ten instant noodles list. This one has very thick chewy noodles – they take a little longer to cook but it’s worth the wait. The broth is truly luxuriant – with two large sachets of paste and coconut powder. Original review

#4: CarJEN Nyonya Curry Laksa – Malaysia

CarJEN’s first time on the top ten instant noodles list. This one was particularly interesting to me. First, the noodles are quite good – standard gauge with just a little extra backbone. The broth is superb – firstly, the coconut creamer gives a nice richness. Then, Nyonya Curry Paste adds a nice flavor – sweet and colorful. Then there’s the sambal dipping sauce – it had nice bits of shrimp as well as a spicy sweet and citrus taste that was amazing. Original review

#3: Prima Taste Singapore Laksa La Mian – Singapore

Third time on the top ten instant noodles list. The noodles are thick and have a great chewiness to them – definitely on the premium end of the stick and very impressive. The broth is a deep and flavorful one, with a richness to it that’s really quite amazing. It’s thick from the coconut powder which gives it a sort of milkiness. The paste had all sorts of things going on – has a great homemade ‘stewed for hours’ kind of feel. It’s a little spicy and a little sweet and must be tried firsthand. Masterfully executed. – Original review

#2: MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle (New Improved Taste) – Malaysia

These were number one on last years top ten instant noodles list. The noodles seem a little more elastic and fuller this time – just a little more. The chew and mouthfeel are excellent. The broth is just amazing stuff again – definitely very spicy and strong garlic going on. The broth is darker as well. A couple little changes but still just as wonderful as ever! Original review

#1: MyKuali Penang Red Tom Yum Goong Noodle – Malaysia

The noodles are just as always – nice gauge that has a great chewiness and quantity – just right. The broth – wow. It definitely has that full on flavor I experienced in Langkawi. The broth is not only strong but it’s got a thickness to it, and has that kind of aroma and consistency of a broth that’s been stewing all day long. Strong spicy heat, lemongrass and shrimp notes play throughout as well as a nice bit of sweetness as well. This is spectacular. Original review / Special Top Ten Re-Review

 

Thanks for viewing the top ten instant noodles list for 2015! I get a lot of pleasure out of reviewing instant noodles and experiencing the flavors from far flung lands! The top ten list comes out annually on the Monday closest to April 20th. The top ten instant noodles list is solely based upon my taste buds, who are made very happy by these products. Please contact me if you are interested in using this list for commercial use.