TOP TEN INDONESIA 2013

When I was very young, I first discovered a satay variety of Indonesian mi goreng and loved it. I would go on special trips to Seattle just to get tons of it! The many seasoning sachets, oils, and the exotic flavors – it was great! I have been very fortunate to be able to try many, many more varieties of Indonesia instant noodles. I think what makes them distinctly different from others in the world are the use of sweetness and spiciness. These flavors balance so well in mi goreng. Then there’s flavors like lime, hot chillies and the crunch of fried onion. Reviewing such exotic varieties are what makes being The Ramen Rater so enjoyable! With that, I proudly present The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Indonesian Instant Noodles Of All Time 2013 edition!

#10: Mie Sedaap Mi Goreng Perisa Asli

This one came with quite a few fried onions. Fried onions are wonderful things, especially on mi goreng! The good crunch paired with the sweet and spicy flavors is very good. Original review here

#9: Sarimi Isi 2 Mi Goreng Rasa Ayam Kecap

‘Isi 2’ means ‘for two.’ What I liked about this one was its quantity and balance of heat, sweet soy and a nice chicken flavored sauce. Original review here

#8: Eat & Go Spicy Chicken Mi Instan Cup

This one really took me by surprise. It comes in a small package but has all the accoutrements you would expect in a pack version as well as a fork! The flavor was nice and frisky with the spiciness and it didn’t stop there. Very well done. Original review here

#7: Healtimie Green Barley Noodle Milk Chicken Soup

I’ll be honest – I haven’t had great luck enjoying green noodles in the past! With every rule however, there’s an exception. The slightly wider and flat noodles had a great texture and flavor. The broth was very enjoyable and hearty. Original review here

#6: ABC Selera Pedas Mi Rebus Hot Gulai Chicken Flavour

Curry as well as coconut flavors impressed me here. The noodles had a nice quality and a satisfying texture. A very well-rounded bowl of noodles! Original review here

#5: SuperMi Gobang Goreng Rasa Ayam Bawang

The flavor is great – definitely has an onion chicken flavor and also a lot of sweetness, no doubt from the sweet soy sauce. The chili sauce that came with it also supplies a nice amount of heat. There’s a ton of fried onion to add on top at the end for a nice crunch. Original review here

#4: Indomie Mi Instan Mi Goreng Jumbo

Here it is. How could a top list of Indonesian instants be complete without Indomie Mi Goreng? I went with the Jumbo as you really can’t have too much of a good thing. Good noodles, sweet and spicy – this is great stuff! Original review here

#3: Indomie Mi Goreng Rendang

In a CNN International survey, rendang was voted top. The noodles are chewy enough without being too chewy. The flavor is excellent – like a hot curry beef taste that works so well. I love it. Original review here

#2: . Indomie Mi Instan Mi Goreng Rasa Ayam Panggang Jumbo

Here we go – now this is something really good! A nice big pack of noodles! Great flavors that balance so well with great noodles. Seriously good! Original review here

#1: Indomie Mi Keriting Goreng Spesial

Of all the questions I’ve received as The Ramen Rater, people have asked where they can get the version of this sold in the USA more than anything else. Unfortunately, it’s not sold here anymore – the folks in Indonesia are quite lucky! The noodles in this one are very nice – flat and a little broader than the others in this list and with an excellent flavor. If on a desert island and only able to pick one variety to have with me, this one would come to mind. Original review here

Well, there you go! Thanks to everyone who has sent samples and donations for me to try from Indonesia! It sure looks like there a many I have yet to sample which makes me quite happy! I can’t get enough of the Indonesian varieties and hope to review more soon.