Instant ramen is the perfect comfort food—easy to make and even easier to customize. But with so many options on the market, which one should you choose?
Fear not: we've done the hard work for you. We polled chefs, cookbook authors, and ramen fanatics to find out which instant noodles reign supreme. From classic brands to trendy flavors, we've got you covered. So read on, and find the perfect instant ramen for your palate.
What to Look for in an Instant Ramen
Not all instant ramen is created equal. In fact, some of them are pretty terrible. But with a little bit of knowledge, you can find the best instant ramen for your needs.
What should you look for in good instant ramen? First and foremost, it should taste great. But it should also be versatile enough to suit your needs. For example, if you're looking for an instant ramen that can double as a meal, you'll want one with a little more substance than just noodles and broth.
Chefs, cookbook authors, and ramen fanatics have different opinions on which instant ramen is the best. But one thing they all seem to agree on is that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. So it's important to figure out which instant ramen is right for you.
Ranking the Best Instant Ramen
Now that you know a little bit about the different types of instant ramen, it's time to rank the best of the best.
We consulted with chefs, cookbook authors, and ramen fanatics to come up with this definitive ranking of the 6 best instant ramen packets available. And while there was a lot of debate (and some serious noodle-fanaticism), we were able to come up with a consensus on the top 6.
So, without further ado, here are the 6 best instant ramen packets, ranked:
NongShim Shin Black Noodle Soup
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If you're in the mood for something spicy and savory, NongShim Shin Black Noodle Soup is a great option. The broth has a rich, meaty flavor and the noodles are thick and chewy. It packs a good amount of heat, so it's perfect for those who like it spicy. It's definitely a must-try for any instant ramen lover
Prima Taste Singapore Laksa La Mian
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If you're looking to try something new and exciting, Prima Taste Singapore Laksa La Mian is a great option. This instant noodle dish is inspired by the famous Singaporean Laksa dish, and features a unique blend of spices, coconut milk and lemongrass flavors. The La Mian noodles are made from high-quality wheat flour and have a perfect texture. This is a perfect option for those who want to enjoy a taste of Singapore in the comfort of their own home
@thelisafeed I was craving Jjapaguri aka the most expensive instant ramen you’ll ever have aka steak ramen. Spot the little raccoons? 🙊 #sgfoodie #ramen #instantnoodles #instantramen #jjapaguri #ramdon #sgfoodblogger #sghome #sghomecooking #sgfood ♬ Spicy (feat. Post Malone) - Ty Dolla $ign
NongShim Chapagetti & Neoguri are two instant noodle dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Chapagetti is a Korean-style spaghetti dish that has a savory and slightly sweet sauce, and Neoguri is a spicy seafood-flavored ramen. Both noodles are thick and have a great texture, perfect for holding the flavorful sauces. If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional instant noodles, give these a try
Oh! Ricey Instant Rice Noodles Pho Bo (Beef Flavor)
@thenoodreport If you’re expecting authentic pho then you WILL be disappointed. Snapdragon’s instant pho from @Costco Wholesale surprisingly hits the spot for what this is. An instant rice noodle. I’ve had other types of these instant rice noodle and I have to admit this is probably one of the best ones. The flavor has essence of pho which satisfies that craving. I was also skeptical but it wasn’t until I tried it from a recommendation of a Vietnamese friend that I was like alrightttt I’ll give it a try. Rating: 3.5/5 stars on a instant noodle rating #noodlereview #foodreview #instantnoodle #noodlesoup ♬ Funny Rhythm For Comedy - ExclusiveSound
Ricey Instant Rice Noodles Pho Bo is a great option for those who want to enjoy a classic Vietnamese dish at home. The beef flavor broth is rich and savory, and the rice noodles are soft and delicate, making for the perfect bowl of Pho. It's a great option for a quick and easy meal, that still packs in that authentic Pho flavor
Nissin Raoh Ramen Noodle Soup (Umami Tonkotsu Flavor)
@noodreview Nissin Raoh Tonkotsu Flavor #Inverted #ramen #noodletok #noodle #noodleworship #tonkotsuramen #nissin #hmart #amazon #kingoframen #raoh ♬ original sound - Laura
Nissin Raoh Ramen Noodle Soup Umami Tonkotsu Flavor is a must-try for any instant ramen lover. The broth is thick and rich, with a deep, savory pork flavor that's sure to please. The noodles are made from high-quality wheat flour and have a perfect texture, holding up well in the broth. Overall, this instant ramen soup is a great option for those looking for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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NongShim Shin Light is a great option for those looking for a healthier version of the classic Shin Ramyun. It has the same bold, savory and spicy flavor as the original, but with less calories and less fat. The noodles are thin and have a great texture, perfect for holding the flavorful broth. Overall, it's a great option for those looking for a satisfying and delicious instant ramen without the guilt
Finding the Best Balance Between Taste and Shiny Packaging
When it comes to instant ramen, there are a lot of factors to consider. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to taste and shininess.
No, we're not talking about the way your noodles look after you've slurped them all up. We're talking about that precious packaging that seems to get more and more garish with each new flavor release. Some people might be more attracted to brands that have a really flashy appearance, while others might prioritize taste over all else.
The thing is, there's no one right answer. Some people might prefer a brand that's less flashy but tastes great, while others might go for the shinier option even if it doesn't always hit the spot taste-wise. It all comes down to what you're looking for in an instant ramen brand.
Chefs' Favorite Instant Noodles
So, when it comes to the best-tasting instant ramen, who better to ask than the chefs who cook it every day? Unsurprisingly, everyone has their personal favorite.
@insta.noodls My Christmas Day unboxing experience #maruchan #ramen #box ♬ original sound - lucia <3
Chef Rene Redzepi loves Maruchan’s Seimen Tonkotsu Ramen for its "really strong pork flavor” and its “nice texture and very good umami flavor.” Food writer Naomi Tomky calls Nissin Top Ramen her “go-to cheap meal,” while cookbook author Kathy YL Chan says that despite all the fancy ramen options out there, she still loves Nissin’s cup of noodles.
These chefs, authors, and ramen fanatics agree that the classic instant ramen you know and love is still top notch. So go ahead—grab yourself a pack of your favorite noodles and savor the flavor!
Cookbook Authors' Recommendations for Instant Noodles
For further guidance on selecting the finest instant noodles, you can consult the various cookbook authors and ramen fanatics that shared their top picks. Anika Lacerte, Japanese food expert and author of Just Add Sauce, suggests Maruchan Seimen Tonkotsu—a pork-based ramen that is a popular takeout item in Japan.
@flakeysalt Instant ramen will never be the same. #foodlover #fyp #foryoupage #food #cooking #ramen #got2bStyled #skills #flex #howto #recipe ♬ original sound - Joshua weissman
Meanwhile, ramen expert and author of Ramen Otaku, Brian MacDuckston, recommends Nissin Raoh’s Shoyu-flavor (soy sauce) instant ramen. He noted that its good quality is reflected in its longer ingredient list which includes soybean oil and sorbitol—a sugar alcohol found in fruits, vegetables and organic products.
Rickmond Wong, who runs the blog Ramen Risk Taker also recommends Nissin Raoh’s Shoyu-flavor variety. He notes that the seafood flavor has higher levels of MSG for a richer taste experience than other brands.
These suggestions may just be the ticket to help you make an informed choice when it comes to selection the best instant noodles for you!
Ramen Fanatics' Favorite Instant Ramen Noodles
If you’re looking for an insider’s perspective on instant ramen, you can't go wrong asking the experts: ramen fanatics! It turns out that everyone from food bloggers to online instant ramen critics has their own favorite picks.
For instance, people who love the Japanese classic Shoyu Ramen swear by Maruchan’s Seimen. This one is made with wheat flour and has a great flavor even though it’s super simple in ingredients. For a lighter option, try Sapporo Ichiban’s Miso Ramen. It's low in calories and provides a nice blend of sesame oil and soy sauce that won't overpower your tastebuds.
Finally, if you want something more exotic, you may want to check out Nongshim Shin Ramyun. This spicy noodle soup is full of flavor—it even has real veggies like mushrooms and carrots incorporated into the mix. A must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors!
The Bottom line on top
So, the next time you're feeling low and need a quick, cheap, and easy meal, don't automatically reach for the instant ramen. Instead, take a few minutes to read up on the best instant ramen for you, based on your individual preferences. And who knows? You may just find a new favorite ramen noodle brand.
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