Tried and Tested: The Search for the Best Instant Noodles

This beloved Korean brand comes in a round cake, and the cooking process is considerably riskier than others. If you don’t time it right or add too much water to the pan, the noodles can expand to five times their original size. Bits of dried vegetables in the soup base add some excitement when compared to the standard flecks of spring onions. Compared to other spicy soups, it has more notes of flavor and even varying levels of spice—it’s warmer and stays on your tongue for longer.
 

Demae Ramen is the gold standard of instant noodles. Hongkongers grew up with the brand, so the taste and aroma is deeply familiar. The spicy sesame oil flavor is a nice touch—it somehow seems to make the noodles softer, and the chili has a nice, mild kick that makes it more complex than just a boring savory taste.

 

We had high expectations for this Japanese brand of soy sauce ramen. But a greenish tinge to the noodles was a little off-putting, and some of us weren’t keen on the aftertaste of the soy sauce and miso soup base. At this price, you’re better off just going for a proper bowl of ramen.