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The Ultimate 100 Asian Flavours Instant Noodles Taste Test 2017
09 October 2017
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We can’t deny it: there’s no bad mood a cup of instant noodles can’t quickly fix. When we’re feeling under the weather or just plain lazy to slave over a hot stove, we know enough to turn to instant noodles for an instant lift.
Singaporeans hold instant noodles close to their heart. Visit your nearby grocery store (uhm, Giant, of course!), and you’ll be surprised by the variety of noodles—both local and imported. There’s definitely one that’ll suit your taste.
Instant noodles and why we love ’em
Remember college days when instant noodles spelled a quick fix for the late-night hunger pangs that would hit you post-studying? Remember all the times you were at home, too lazy to go down to the hawker centre, with a hot cup of instant noodles enough to satisfy you?
Ah, good times. A bowl of piping hot instant noodles in our favourite flavour does give us warmth and comfort.
Which is why we’ve decided to pay homage to Southeast Asia’s favourite convenient food. We’ve taken on the challenge of tasting a total of 100 Asian instant noodles in the market, so we can tell you the brands and flavours worth giving up an actual meal for.
Where to buy instant noodles…all 100 of them
To help you search for the best instant noodles in the region, we braced ourselves for the gargantuan task of sampling a total of 100 in the market and reviewing each of them.
A cartload of instant noodles on their way to our stomachs!
With a shopping cart full of instant noodles from different brands and in different flavours, we were all set for The Ultimate 100 Asian Flavours Instant Noodles Taste Test 2017.
The search for the best instant noodles in Singapore
The question: How do you even begin judging 100 instant noodles?
Answer: Get a battalion of foodies and instant noodle connoisseurs to get at it.
Say hello to Giant’s trusty team of food tasters. They are Hakeem, John, Simran, Delvin, Sam, Uzma, Leonard, Pavneet, Jeremy, Cetrina, Dave, Aidan, Chrys, Davinder, Emmalyn, and Ronn! A hodgepodge of personalities sharing a common love for noodles. Binge on instant noodles for one week? Challenge accepted!
How did we score it? We set a 1 to 5 scoring system (1 for poor, 5 for superior) across different attributes: noodle texture, broth flavour, vegetable flavour, and noodle flavour. All of these we accounted for our overall score per instant noodle.
Here we go!
1. Nissin Roasted Beef Instant Noodles
It was the soup’s right blend of spiciness that got Hakeem gushing over the Nissin Roasted Beef Instant Noodles. He gave a perfect 5 for both the broth and noodle flavour, as well as the texture of the noodles.
“It had a hint of spiciness, which was exactly what I was looking for,” Hakeem said.
John found an instant favourite in Jin Ramen Hot Bowl for its right blend of spiciness. “I like that its spiciness was just right for me,” John said. The noodles didn’t come out underdone or too droopy. Plus, the vegetables’ flavour was quite good!
Broth flavour: 4/5
Vegetable flavour: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
3. Nissin Cup Noodles – Kyushu White Flavour
“One of the best instant noodles I’ve tasted from the Nissin brand.”
That was Simran gushing over the Nissin Cup Noodles Kyushu White. For her, it was packed with the right flavour: broth was light yet savoury.
“It stayed true to the flavour depicted on the cup,” she added.
Broth flavour: 5/5
Noodle texture: 4/5
Overall score: 5/5
4.Maggi Extra Spicy Fiery Curry Cup Noodles
This one’s just your average instant noodles, said Delvin. While it has attracted legions of followers due to its spiciness, our food taster wasn’t digging it. The spiciness, he noted, only concealed the real taste of the noodles. A real good soup mix—that could have made the difference!
For Sam, these cup noodles were “super salty. These instant noodles could have been savoury, but the seasoning powder was too much.” Minus point too for the pellets reeking of artificial taste. The only thing Sam liked about the noodles? The leeks.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
6. Ottogi Korean Rice Cake Ramen Bowl
“If you go in without expecting the noodles to taste like kimchi, then you’d probably be pleasantly surprised with the flavour,” said Uzma. “It didn’t taste like insipid noodle-flavoured water; instead, it had a full-bodied broth with a lot of flavour and spice. The rice cakes added a nice, albeit doughy, texture.”
We all love the Indonesian luscious dish that is rendang! But how about infusing its mouthwatering flavour into instant noodles? Well, Leonard was an instant fan! Packed with bumbu sauce, cabe chilli powder, sweet soy sauce, and seasoned oil, the Indomie Mi Goreng Rendang surprised Leonard with its flavour combination. “The taste of the rendang blended very well with the noodles,” he quipped. And surely he was craving for more!
For Pavneet, the soup’s spiciness directly complemented the mushroom flavour of the broth. “It was pretty flavourful without being overpowering,” she said. The noodles, though, were a bit chewy for her liking.
Broth flavour: 5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
9. Mamee Express Cup – Tom Yam Flavour
It was a low-grade meal for Jeremy. The tom yam broth lacked richness and didn’t make enough of an impression. The noodles’ texture was passable, though.
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Overall score: 2/5
10. Maggi Hot Mealz Curry Chicken Flavour
We know this: there’s no bad day a curry meal can’t honestly cure! But Cetrina wasn’t fond of the Maggi Hot Mealz Curry Chicken Flavour. “Quite bland. The spices have more work to do,” she said. Only the noodles’ texture seemed at least favourable: “Noodles have a nice, decent chew to it.”
Nongshim Kimchi Ramyun Noodle Soup didn’t fare badly for Dave. He noted that it was one of the better tasting kimchi instant noodles in the market, although he found its toppings a bit wanting. “Wish that there were better toppings apart from the regular seasoning and freeze dried vegetables,” Dave said.
A piping hot bowl of assam laksa always makes for a pleasant day, right? Well, World O’ Noodle Asam Laksa surely does not disappoint. With a nice tangy taste layered on top of the spicy and savoury general flavour of the broth, this enjoyable bowl of noodles had Aidan wanting for more. To get the right texture though, he recommended cooking the noodles a little longer than the two minutes specified on the packaging. A savoury meal, overall!
For Chrys, this one didn’t hit the mark. “It was so bland. I didn’t really like it at all. I didn’t understand the flavour profile,” she said. Even if it did come with fried shallots and fried anchovies, this variant of instant noodles wasn’t too remarkable. Well, with a big bowl of noodles come greater expectations, indeed.
Minus the toppings, the soup of the Koka Curry Noodles was a pleasant surprise for Davinder. He ultimately loved the broth, which had the perfect balance of the curry powder and the spices.
“The broth? Amazing. It’s really beefy. The noodles? Just right. Just make sure you don’t overcook and you get nice, chewy, al dente noodles,” said Ronn, referring to Lucky Me’s beef flavoured instant noodles.
Those who like their noodles on the mild side would find this a little salty and garlicky. However, those big on beef are in for a yummy surprise.
Emmalyn, one of our food tasters, was tasked to review instant noodles from the well-loved brand, Myojo. Her thoughts on the Chicken Abalone variant? “The tastes of the chicken and abalone went well together. That hint of seafood in the broth? Really fantastic,” she said. She gave this a grade of 3.5/5.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
17. Nissin Cup Noodles – Chilli Crab Flavour
Nissin Chilli Crab’s noodles were “a little soggy” for Hakeem. It tasted differently than when he had it a few years back. Flavours of the broth and the noodles were decent enough, though.
Samyang Hot Chicken Flavour Ramen is 140 grams of guaranteed spiciness! Packed with paprika and black pepper powder, the instant noodles were a sure winner for Cetrina (“SUPER DELICIOUS.” All caps, yes.), although she would’ve preferred milder spiciness for her comfort. “The aftermath hot burning sensation could get a bit uncomfortable,” she said.
“I just realised that this was supposed to be ‘chicken flavoured.’ Wow, that didn’t come through at all,” said fellow Samyang Hot Chicken Flavour tester Uzma. She said its spiciness was drowning out the other flavour, but noted that it wasn’t too bland or utterly salty.
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Noodles texture: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
19. Kang Shi Fu Instant Noodles – Chicken Mushroom Flavour
Samantha gave a perfect 5 for the rich broth of the Kang Shi Fu Instant Noodles Chicken Mushroom Flavour—she thought the broth’s woodsy and smokey flavour was a real standout. However, she wasn’t a big fan of the garnishing. “The garnishing pack had mushrooms, chicken bits, tofu, and a surprising amount of cabbage. I thought their texture and presence were quite distracting,” she said.
Broth flavour: 5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3/5
20. Kang Shi Fu Hot Beef Noodles
For Delvin, Kang Shi Fu Hot Beef Noodles was a filling meal, but it lacked a distinct beef flavour. “It’s just spicy hot noodles,” he said. The broth was spicy as the packaging promised, while the noodles had the right chew to it.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
21. Mie Sedaap Cup Mi Goreng
Delvin thought the Mie Sedaap Cup Mi Goreng came out a real winner. He noted the savoury taste of the mi goreng and the noodles’ soft chew to it. Minus point for its small portion.
For Leonard, the chilli sauce was a letdown. He preferred a tamer broth. “If I were given a chance to cook this again, I wouldn’t put the chilli in,” said Leonard. The noodles’ texture, though, was just right for him.
Broth flavour: 3.5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4.5/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
22. Nissin Instant Noodles with Soup Base – Chicken Flavour
Leonard had a good time savouring the Nissin Chicken Flavour. For him, the soup was tasty and filling. The flavour of the accompanying vegetables was too bland, though. He also didn’t like that the package didn’t come with its own cutlery.
Broth flavour: 4.5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4.5/5
23. Nissin Instant Noodles with Soup Base – Sesame Oil
It wasn’t hard for Jeremy to give the broth flavour of Nissin Instant Noodles with Sesame Oil a perfect 5. The sesame broth was fragrant, and it had mini narutomakis as a plus! The noodles we’re way too thin for him, though, for a nice bite.
Dave agreed: “It’s a safe and delicious choice! Can’t go wrong!”
Broth flavour: 5/5
Veggies flavour: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
24. Ottogi Kimchi Ramen Bowl
In John’s kimchi ramen book, this one’s quite a downer. It had no flavourful punch, and the noodles, he said, were also quite droopy. A grade 2 for this cup of instant noodles.
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Overall score: 2/5
25. Nissin Japanese Ramen Tokyo Shoyu
“I loved it.” Chrys was all praises for the Nissin Japanese Ramen Tokyo Shoyu bowl. The seaweed garnish and short nori strips added another layer of flavour to the soup, while the noodles had the right chew to it. Overall, it was a hearty meal for her.
Fellow food taster Hakeem agreed. “The flavours were there definitely!” he said. “You can even add a soft-boiled egg and it’s all super good!”
Broth flavour: 5/5
Noodles flavour:: 5/5
Overall score: 4.5/5
26. Myojo La Ramen Spicy Mushroom Flavour
“I didn’t catch a lot of the mushroom flavour,” Emmalyn began. “However, the spicy and sour kimchi broth was a pleasant surprise. I also loved the variety of the vegetables included: mushrooms, carrots, spring onions, and chilli. Gave the noodles a richer profile.” Emma also loved that the noodles were thicker and chewier.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Vegetable flavour: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
27. Koka Purple Wheat Noodles Homestyle Braised Duck Flavour
Health-conscious foodies are in for a surprise when they try this variant from Koka Purple. High in whole grains, these instant noodles are steam-cooked and baked, and boast of natural antioxidants that can slow down the effects of aging.
“I really love how these noodles were manufactured with diet-conscious people in mind,” Sam said. “Can’t wait to try out other flavours from Koka Purple!” For a more flavourful kick, she recommended to add in more herbs and spices.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
28. Nissin Black Pepper Crab Flavour Cup Noodles
Hakeem didn’t think the black pepper crab flavour of the noodle soup came out too strong. He liked it that way and even enjoyed slurping the noodles. A satisfying grade of 4 for this Nissin flavour!
Grab a pack of these instant noodles if you want an authentic Penang hawker experience for yourself. For Pavneet, she enjoyed the aroma of the broth, as well as its flavour bursting with the sharpness of garlic. Too much grease in the soup, however, was a turn-off.
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3/5
30. Kang Shi Fu Instant Noodles – Seafood Flavour
All soup lovers, hear this out! If you’re looking for a hot bowl of seafood noodles, then you might want to give Kang Shi Fu Instant Noodles – Seafood Flavour a try. It had a good variety of seasoning for its broth, said Cetrina, and could definitely be a filling meal. But what was lacking? Our food taster was quick to say: “The broth, although thick, wasn’t flavourful as I expected.”
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Overall score: 2/5
31. Nissin Seafood Flavour Cup Noodles
Not much for Hakeem’s liking was the signature flavour of Nissin Seafood Cup Noodles. He found the soup “rather bland and salty” and would’ve preferred the broth to be packed with stronger flavour.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
32. Nissin Instant Noodles with Soup Base – Seafood Flavour
Even with the mushy fish cake and the moderate saltiness, the Nissin Instant Noodles with Soup Base – Seafood Flavour can pass off as a delicious meal. Aidan said that the noodles had an excellent texture—springy and al dente—despite being soaked in the soup for a long time. The broth too had the flavour of a shrimp-based stock, making it a perfect treat for all seafood lovers out there!
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
33. Myojo Seafood Flavour Bowl Noodles
Myojo Seafood is part of Myojo’s core line that features traditional flavours fondly remembered by those who grew up in Singapore. “I wouldn’t say this Seafood Flavour Bowl Noodles was super memorable,” Emmalyn admitted. “But it did have a savoury seafood flavour that would make for a hearty meal.”
Generously made with fish, squid, shrimp, and crustacean extracts, the Myojo Seafood Bowl is a big treat for all seafood lovers out there.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
34. Nissin Cup Noodles – Laksa Flavour
Packed with real tau pok and laksa leaves, the Nissin Laksa Flavour Cup Noodles was quite a tasty meal for Hakeem. He enjoyed the bits of shrimp swimming in it and gave a 4 for broth and noodle flavours and the noodle texture.
Our food taster John certainly wasn’t in the mood for the intense flavour of coconut milk when he tried the A1 Mi Kara Laksa Noodles. “It was a bit too much,” he observed. But give to him the good balance of spiciness, and he’d certainly love it! The noodles, he added, weren’t droopy and their texture was good!
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3/5
36. A1 Bihun Kari Laksa Flavour
Craving laksa but don’t want to go out? Then you may want to try the A1 Bihun Kari Laksa with Vermicelli Noodles at home! John said this variant could actually be comparable to a real laksa because of its intensely delicious broth. The only thing missing? Real spiciness for a good kick!
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
37. Myojo Chicken Flavour Bowl Noodles
For Cetrina, the Myojo Chicken Flavour Bowl Noodles was just “average. It had a very safe flavour,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of chicken-flavoured instant noodles, and this was not the best I’ve tasted. The taste even felt extremely artificial.” Even the noodles came out a little too soft even when she had made sure she didn’t soak the noodles for a long time.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Overall score: 2/5
38. Ottogi Cheese Ramen
For Leonard, what was enjoyable about finishing the Ottogi Cheese Ramen was the unique taste of the broth. The cheese flavour wasn’t overwhelming and the soup wasn’t spicy as he expected. The noodles were quite springy, too!
“I didn’t dislike the product but it took me a while to register the taste of the broth,” Leonard pointed out.
Broth flavour: 3.5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
39. Nissin Cup Noodles – Mushroom Chicken Flavour
This one came out a tad tasteless for Simran. “Maybe there wasn’t enough seasoning,” she said.
However, she enjoyed the bits of vegetables, eggs, and mushroom in the broth, which added flavour to it. “The mushroom flavour was quite bold here, which masked the artificial chicken taste.”
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 1/5
Overall score: 2/5
40. Mamee Express Cup – Curry Flavour
This one didn’t have the usual coconut taste of curry; “hence it lacked richness,” said Jeremy. The noodles’ texture was okay, “yet I still wanted something more filling.”
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Overall score: 2/5
41. Myojo Chicken Curry Instant Noodles
“I felt there was too much turmeric, yet not a lot of curry flavour.” This was how Emmalyn described the Myojo Chicken Curry Instant Noodles. “For those clamouring for curry instant noodles, you’d feel a tad disappointed when you try this Myojo flavour. Nevertheless, she said, the noodles had a pleasant texture. She also appreciated the bonus vegetables.
“The curry variant is a bit underwhelming,” said Leonard about this popular Malaysian noodle brand. Not only was the sauce salty, it also didn’t have the richness and texture associated with curry.
However, this product seemed to be healthier than its counterparts. “Looks like they’re packed with a lot of nutrients like protein. That’s always a plus!”
Hakeem thought the Ibumie Penang White Curry Mee Instant Noodles was one of the most interesting instant noodles he’s ever tried. “There were so many things going on. The mix of spices. The delectable broth. Noodles so nice and firm,” he gushed. “Worthy of a 4.5, I’d say!”
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 4.5/5
Overall score: 4.5/5
44. World O’Noodle – Curry Flavour
For some of us, curry is a balm to the soul. So did World Curry Flavour live up to Aidan’s expectations? Nah. For Aidan, the noodles were a little too firm, while the broth was rather watery. Also, the spice profile wasn’t exactly prominent, so the soup lacked a certain depth to it. What’s Aidan’s verdict? “The product was rather average.”
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Overall score: 2/5
45. Ibumie Mi Goreng Kari Kapitan Instant Noodles
Kapitan Kari or “Captain Curry” signifies superiority. It seems to proclaim it’s one of the better curry instant noodles. Food taster Hakeem was quick to support that claim.
“Oh definitely. Whoever made this was a genius. The curry was enhanced by the sweet and spicy flavours. And the noodles had a great chew to it,” he said.
Noodles flavour:: 5/5
Noodle texture: 4/5
Overall score: 5/5
46. Myojo Curry Quick Cup Noodles
Sam thought the Myojo Quick Cooking Noodles in a Cup was a tad disappointing. The noodles were all peppered in seasoning powder, which didn’t leave a remarkable taste. One thing she appreciated about the cup noodles, though, was the curry flavour of the broth: light and simply not overpowering.
“If you’re looking for one of the best curry-flavoured instant noodles in town, then look no further than the Prima Taste Singapore Curry La Mian,” Hakeem declared. Packed with aromatic herbs and spices, this seven-minute gourmet meal promises intense and scrumptious Singapore-style curry taste. Overall, an indulgent and savoury meal for Hakeem!
Broth flavour: 5/5
Noodles flavour:: 5/5
Overall score: 5/5
48. Nissin Cup Noodles – Cream of Chicken Flavour
John wasn’t impressed by the “cream” of the Nissin Cream of Chicken Cup Noodles. He said the broth was over-milky. However, he noted that its creaminess went well with the noodles’ unusually soft texture.
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Overall score: 1/5
49. Prima Taste Chilli Crab La Mian
If there were a contest for the best instant noodles in Singapore, then Prima Taste Chilli Crab La Mian would likely come out a winner. Hakeem praised its sweet and spicy crab sauce that added an extra boost of flavour to the soup. The al dente noodles were top-notch as well.
Uzma couldn’t help but agree. “The package contained a generous serving of noodles! The flavour packets contained oils, and sauces helped eliminate that gritty feeling you often get in your teeth with powder packets.”
Broth flavour: 5/5
Noodles flavour:: 5/5
Overall score: 5/5
50. World O’Noodle – Mi Goreng Original Flavour Fried Noodles
“Far too salty and I didn’t even add much of the powder packet in,” Ronn said after trying the World O’ Noodle – Mi Goreng Original Flavour Fried Noodles. This variant also had soppy noodles and an artificial garlic taste, which Ronn noted, left an unpleasant aftertaste in his mouth.
Broth flavour: 1.5/5
Noodles flavour:: 1.5/5
Overall score: 1.5/5
51. Nissin Cup Noodles – Chicken Flavour
John thought the Nissin Chicken Flavour Cup Noodles was quite an appetising meal. However, it wasn’t much of a standout. The taste was quite similar with other instant chicken noodles in the market.
“However, it’s enjoyable overall,” he concluded.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
52. Maggi OatMee Mee Goreng Soy Chicken
Made from 50% whole grain oats, Maggi OatMee Mee Goreng is making a dive into the whole organic craze. For Hakeem, he loved the utter simplicity of the noodles’ flavour, albeit they’re a bit salty. For our food taster with quite a big appetite, the small serving of the 76g noodles was a letdown.
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Noodle texture: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
53. World O’Noodle – Chicken Flavour
We all have our own favourite chicken noodles, yes? So how did this brand fare for Aidan? “The aroma was very enticing. The soup had a nice colour to it,” he excitedly shared. But one thing it lacked was a stronger chicken flavour. The broth was also slightly on the salty side. Overall, nothing to rave so much about this product.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
54. Lucky Me! Chicken na Chicken Flavour
There are so many chicken-flavoured instant noodles out there—where do you even begin? “I’d say try Lucky Me! Chicken Instant Noodles,” Ronn confidently suggested. “I personally love this flavour. Follow the cooking instructions to a T, and you’d get a hot bowl of goodness. Trust me. You’d want to have this on a rainy morning.”
Broth flavour: 5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4.5/5
55. Wei-Wei “A” Series Instant Noodles Artificial Chicken Flavor
“One thing I loved about it was the huge serving. For me, that indicates value for money,” Ronn began.
“I was also surprised to discover how soft and tender they were.” Even the broth was tasty, albeit a little spicy.
Hooray for the Super Cup Black Pepper Crab! What Sam liked about this meal was that the taste of real black chilli pepper crab had been preserved in the noodles. The broth came out too salty for her, though.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
57. Sapporo Ichiban Kun Ramen Sumo-kuchikin (Smoked Chicken)
For Delvin, the smoky taste of the broth was too much. “It’s overpowering,” he said. “The highlights of these instant noodles were the add-ons like the eggs and chicken. The noodles were good enough as well.”
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
58. Nissin Tom Yam Seafood Flavour Cup Noodles
It was the broth that got John hooked to the Nissin Tom Yam Seafood Flavour Cup Noodles. It had the right blend of sweetness and spiciness, and the soft texture of the noodles was a major plus.
Broth flavour: 5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
59. Indomie Mi Goreng Green Chili Instant Noodles
This instant noodle staple in Brunei has found a new fan in Leonard. “A unique taste combination,” he said. His taste buds got a kick from the mouthwatering fusion of green chilli and mi goreng. The only thing wanting from this meal? Leonard said the taste of the green chilli could have been more pronounced.
Uzma was on the same page with Leonard when she noted that the robust flavour of the green chilli was “subdued by the sweetness of the sauce.” A perfect recommendation for those who are not big chilli eaters!
Broth flavour: 3.5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
60. Maggi Korean Spicy Soy Cup Noodles
“The spicy braised beef seasoning was overpowering for me, although it may be the kind of heat others totally crave,” Delvin said. For the noodles’ texture, he remarked: “It wasn’t bad. I actually liked the soft chewiness to it.”
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3/5
61. Ibumie Always Mi Goreng Asli
For Davinder, an exceptional cup of instant noodles provides a taste that is far from artificial. Davinder thought the Ibumie Always Mi Goreng Asli was “just your average instant noodles.” Although the chilli powder, seasoned oil, and soy sauce gave the noodles a nice zing, it still didn’t quite hit the mark. “I would’ve wanted something more rich and full-bodied,” Davinder concluded.
Noodles flavour:: 3.5/5
Noodle texture: 2.5/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
62. Koka Purple Wheat Noodles Chilli and Lime Flavour
Who said instant noodles have to be low in nutrition? Well, fitness lovers out there now have a reason to delight in instant noodles with the introduction of the Koka Purple Wheat Noodles line. “I really love the purple-coloured noodles! Firm yet tender. Not dramatically unhealthy as well!” Uzma exclaimed.
“What I liked best was its refreshing flavour. You could taste a bit of the lime and the natural kick from the chilli.” Now who can resist that delectable combination?
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
63. Ibumie Always Mi Goreng Thai Tom Yam Flavour
Now this is one fragrant noodle. Leonard loved the aromatic goodness of Thai herb ingredients. He also liked that the noodles had a medium chew to it. Depending on your taste, you could make this meal extra spicy by adding in the chilli seasoning included in the packet.
Noodle texture: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 3.5/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
64. Maggi Extra Spicy Goreng Blazing Chilli Cup Noodles
Any “Extra Spicy” label can get the spicy lovers thrilled to no end. But Maggi’s Blazing Chilli Cup Noodles was only so-so for Jeremy. The noodles were mild at best—Jeremy couldn’t detect the cumin/coriander taste despite the curry spices. Aftertaste, he added, had a cloyingly oily feel in the mouth.
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Noodle texture: 2/5
Overall score: 2/5
65. World O’Noodle – Mi Goreng Hot and Spicy Flavour
Finally, a brand of instant noodles that matches Uzma’s taste! “It had just the right amount of spice without it being overpowering,” she said. Even the fried onions left a tantalising taste in her mouth: “The fried onions were a lovely touch. And lots of flavour.”
Noodles flavour:: 5/5
Vegetable flavour: 4/5
Overall score: 4.5/5
66. World O’Noodle – Tom Yum Flavour
If it weren’t for the intensity of the kafir lime, then Uzma wouldn’t be digging this particular noodle product. She liked kafir lime so much that it didn’t bother her that it overpowered other flavours in her noodles. “The kafir lime flavour was INTENSE. The colour of the noodles turned out to be a really bright orange, which I wasn’t expecting,” she said. So, what’s the final verdict? Flavourful broth pleasantly complemented with springy noodles!
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
67. A1 Abalone Noodle
We all know it: Seasoning ingredients either make or break a bowl of instant noodles. In the case of the A1 Abalone Noodles, John said it was the former. Although the broth wasn’t thick enough, he said the herbal seasoning of this variant was the real deal! It did complement the sweet gravy broth, and made for a delightfully scrumptious snack.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
68. MyKuali Hokkien Prawn Noodle Soup
There should be a special space in heaven for culinary geniuses who create instant noodles that are far from being artificial-tasting. For Pavneet, the MyKuali Hokkien Prawn Noodle Soup was definitely not your average instant noodles.
“Flavour was great. The prawn aftertaste was most definitely pleasing to the palate,” she quipped. Although she felt that the broth was slightly on the greasy side, she knew she’d be having more of this in the future!
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
69. Myojo Ramen Char Mee
Emmalyn gave the Myojo Ramen Char Mee a perfect 5. “Why? It has all the makings of good dry noodles: great texture, perfect seasoning, with the amount of heat and spice that’s just right.”
Brownie points for the aroma! “Myojo Ramen Char Mee has a nice prawn scent that makes it all the more appetising.”
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Noodle texture: 5/5
Overall score: 5/5
70. Ibumie Mi Goreng Sambal Udang
Looking for instant noodles with strong prawn flavour? Have the Ibumie Mi Goreng Sambal Udang. While Hakeem appreciated the prawn flavour, he still gave it a middling score “because it didn’t have enough spices. When you have the word ‘sambal’ in your noodles, expect the people to look for it.”
Noodles flavour:: 3.5/5
Noodle texture: 3.5/5
Overall score: 3/5
71. Indomie Mi Goreng – Original
“An easy 5,” quipped Leonard, who’s always loved Indomie Mi Goreng – Original. “The taste is legendary. Most people I know love this stuff. The combination of the flavours—spicy, sweet, and salty—simply hits the spot.”
Noodles flavour:: 3.5/5
Noodle texture: 3.5/5
Overall score: 3/5
72. Prima Taste Singapore Fish Soup La Mian
In this taste test, it was easy to deduce that Prima Noodles are certified culinary standouts. Most of their flavours are scrumptious (hello, Prima Taste Chilli Crab!). The Prima Noodles Fish Soup La Mian is no exception.
“Let’s begin with the broth. It was fragrant and heavenly with just the perfect amount of seafood flavour. Noodles were amazingly scrumptious,” Delvin said.
Broth flavour: 5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
73. Koka Instant Noodles – Chicken Abalone
Those who prefer gluten-free noodles have a reason to rejoice. “It’s a good choice for health-conscious people like me,” Leonard enthused. But “the noodles’ flavour lacked a certain depth to it. The garnishing did not reinforce the homey flavour I was looking for.”
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Overall score: 2.5/5
74. Myojo Mee Soto Ayam Flavour Bowl Noodles
Another local favourite, the mee soto ayam features shredded chicken and soup made from spices and chicken or beef stock. For Emmalyn, the Myojo Mee Soto Ayam is a decent replica of this soup popular in Malaysia and Singapore. She loved the flavour and the quality of the noodles. A well-deserved score of 4 for these instant noodles.
“A very safe option.” This was how Leonard described these Cintan noodles. The chicken flavour was present, and he could also detect the mild taste of mushroom. Even the broth was “above average and worth repeating.”
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 3.5/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
76. Koka Instant Noodles – Chicken Flavour
With a rich chicken flavour, this variant from Koka is a sure treat for anyone who clamours for a light homey meal. “It’s a pretty tasty noodle. While slightly on the salty side, “it’s still a good meal to have on certain days after work,” Chrys said.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
77. MyKuali Penang Red Tom Yum Goong Noodle
“This variant’s definitely above the mark,” said Davinder. What rocked his world was the aromatic flavour of the broth, which was a meld of lemongrass, lime, and tamarind ingredients. “Noodles were chewy,” he said. “Definitely can be a meal any time of the day.”
“Getting more of this soon!” he added.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
78. Myojo Mee Poh Dry Noodle
Every true-blue Singaporean knows that dry mee pok is a comfort food like no other. Who can resist this heavenly combination of flat egg noodles and minced meat, dressed in chilli, oil, and soy sauce?
“The Myojo Mee Poh Dry is not like the real thing, of course, but I’d gladly have this when I’m far from Singapore,” Emmalyn said. The noodles were springy, and the flavours of the sauce were savoury, if a bit salty.
Noodles flavour:: 3.5/5
Noodle texture: 5/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
79. Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Original
The Philippines’ pancit canton closely resembles Indonesia’s mi goreng. They’re broth-free noodles tossed with seasoning powder and oil and sauce.
Ronn had the Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Original and peppered it with praises. “The noodles were soft and chewy, and the flavour was a perfect blend of salt and garlic. The flavour profile was simple, which I loved.”
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Noodle texture: 5/5
Overall score: 4.5/5
80. Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Chili Lime
Remember how our food taster Ronn gave the Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Original an impressive overall score of 4.5? Well, he’s giving the same score to its Chili Lime counterpart!
The marriage of lime and spice was so spot-on, he noted. “And if you cook the noodles correctly, you’d get them nice and firm—neither rubbery nor tough to chew.”
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Noodle texture: 5/5
Overall score: 4.5/5
81. Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Extra Hot
For fans of spicy food, meet Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Extra Hot. Ronn said that this variant would really impress even the pickiest of noodle fans. “Let’s start with the texture. When cooked right, the noodles are firm. Coat them with the seasoning that’s mostly a blend of garlic and spices and you get this amazing explosion in your mouth. Highly recommended!”
Noodles flavour:: 5/5
Noodle texture: 5/5
Overall score: 5/5
82. Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Sweet and Spicy
“Of all the Lucky Me! Pancit Canton noodles I’ve tried, this is my least favourite,” Ronn admitted. “Others might like the combo of buttery, salty, spicy, and sweet flavours…but not me.”
Ronn pointed out that the noodles, like other Lucky Me! noodles, were springy and enjoyable to chew.
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Noodle texture: 5/5
Overall score: 3/5
83. Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Lime
There’s Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Chili Lime and then there’s just Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Lime.
“Sans the spiciness, these noodles remain delightful to eat. If you’re simply after a citrusy and savoury dish, then these would work for you.”
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Noodle texture: 5/5
Overall score: 4/5
84. Myojo Thai Tom Yam Flavour Bowl Noodles
Another winning flavour for Myojo! Emmalyn tried the Myojo Thai Tom Yam and loved everything about it, from the generous serving of noodles to the soup rich in lemongrass, spices, and shrimp flavour. It also came with a sachet filled with vegetables and traces of fish cake.
Can’t go to a Thai food stall for your Thai tom yum fix? This should do!
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
85. Myojo Mee Siam Thai Tom Yam Flavour Bowl Noodles
Tasty, filling, repeatable. Three words Emmalyn used to describe the Myojo Mee Siam.
“The noodles went well with the soup. And the flavour’s not too overpowering. The combination of chilli and shallot gave the noodles a nice boost,” Emmalyn said.
Broth flavour: 3.5/5
Noodles flavour:: 3.5/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
86. Koka Instant Noodles – Tom Yum
This variant of instant noodles wasn’t as savoury as Simran expected. Slightly on the salty side, “the soup lacked the full-bodied taste of a real Tom Yum.” Noodles had a medium chew to it, but overall, Simran would rather pick a different flavour.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
87. Sapporo Ichiban Otafuku Okonomi Sauce Yakisoba
“For broth-less noodles like yakisoba, texture is a big deal. I’m happy to report that the Sapporo Ichiban Yakisoba noodles just had the right texture, which made eating it such an enjoyable experience,” Sam remarked.
She also added that the flavouring was on-point. “I wanted more,” she said with a laugh.
Noodles flavour:: 5/5
Noodle texture: 5/5
Overall score: 5/5
88. Koka Instant Rice Noodles – Beef Pho Flavour
Who doesn’t love beef noodles, right? Well, Koka Instant Noodles – Beef Pho Flavour offers another exciting flavour right off the traditional Vietnamese cuisine. With a garnishing consisting of fried onion, coriander, and chilli flakes, it surely is “a perfect meal to serve up during rainy days,” Hakeem said. For a richer and more delectable taste, Hakeem suggested adding in an egg to the broth.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
89. Koka Instant Noodles – Laksa Singapura Flavor
Chrys couldn’t contain her enjoyment as she wolfed down a cup of Koka Laksa Singapura. “This was the tastiest of all the noodles I tried. It had an authentic laksa flavour and aroma,” she said. With notes of spice that blended perfectly with the coconut powder, “the broth had superb taste” and would drive one to grab another cup from the cupboard.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
90. Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles and Beef Flavored Soup
The Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles and Beef Flavored Soup is a proven heavyweight. “I loved that it’s packed with delicious flavours. The seasoning wasn’t over-the-top, and the broth exuded the right kind of beefy taste. All in all, a 4 for me,” Delvin said.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
91. Cintan Instant Noodles – Original (Asli)
A medley of seafood extracts and spices, the Cintan Instant Noodles – Original (Asli) seemed milder than its usual counterparts. “It’s borderline bland—it’s not too salty, there’s not a lot of flavour. That said, this could be one of the healthier options. It even has the HACCP certificate from The Ministry of Health, Malaysia,” Leonard said.
Broth flavour: 2/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3/5
92. Koka Instant Noodles – Mushroom Flavour
With “rich flavouring and very tasty noodles,” the Koka Instant Noodles – Mushroom Flavour can be one of the best in the market. If you’re looking for a well-balanced meal, then consider adding some vegetables for an extra crunch. “Go try out this brand,” Hakeem enthused.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
93. Cintan Instant Noodles – Mi Goreng Ala Indonesia
“I’ve tried a number of mi goreng instant noodles, and the Cintan Instant Noodles – Mi Goreng Ala Indonesia is shaping up to be one of my favourites,” said Leonard. He liked the sweetness that gave the entire noodles a pleasant lift.
“The noodles were chewy and just right,” he added.
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Noodle texture: 3/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
94. Ibumie Penang Har Mee Instant Noodles
Boasting five packets (dry powder seasoning, chilli powder, fried shallot, oil, and soy sauce), Ibumie Penang HarMee exuded strong and edgy flavours. “It’s sweet and fragrant. It’s savoury and spicy. The flavour of the prawn stood out,” said Hakeem.
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Noodle texture: 4/5
Overall score: 4/5
95. Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles Miso (Soy Bean Paste) Flavor
Craving for tasty miso noodle soup? Say hello to the Sapporo Ichiban Japanese Style Noodles Miso Flavor. “As a fan of miso soup, I must say these instant noodles impressed me! The soy flavour was definitely there,” said Delvin.
He also loved the chilli pepper that gave the noodles an oomph.
Broth flavour: 3.5/5
Noodles flavour:: 4/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
96. Nissin Teppan Yakisoba
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“The noodles themselves were heaven sent. Springy and with the right texture. The sauce—a mix of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours–was divine it made the whole dish sing.”
Noodles flavour:: 5/5
Noodle texture: 5/5
Overall score: 5/5
97. Nissin Bowl Noodles – Spicy Beef
An onslaught of spices—chilli, coriander, black pepper, and Chinese pepper—turned the Nissin Bowl Noodles – Spicy Beef into an explosive affair. “I wouldn’t say it’s insanely spicy but it had a heat that I loved. Even the aroma was fantastic. The huge serving was a plus as well,” said Hakeem.
Broth flavour: 4/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
98. Wai Wai Minced Pork Tom Yam Flavour Instant Noodles
“Could be better,” Ronn said about these instant noodles. “I couldn’t honestly detect the pork flavour.”
The broth was slightly spicy, which Ronn appreciated.
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 2/5
Overall score: 3/5
99. Maggi 2-Minute Noodles Tom Yam Flavour
Citrusy and spicy—bold flavours that have made tom yam a worldwide culinary phenomenon. Maggi attempts to recreate this dish via the Maggi 2-Minute Noodles Tom Yam Flavour. “Not quite the real thing,” Chrys said. “But I love it just the same. It’s easy to prepare and quite tasty too!”
Broth flavour: 3.5/5
Noodles flavour:: 5/5
Overall score: 4/5
100. Tao Kae Noi Ramen Chicken Flavour
“Yummy. Delightfully yummy.” This was how Hakeem described the Tao Kae Noi Ramen Chicken Flavour Instant Noodles. “It came with seaweed pieces that I used to garnish my bowl. That was a pleasant surprise!”
Broth flavour: 3/5
Noodles flavour:: 3/5
Overall score: 3.5/5
And the best instant noodles in Southeast Asia are…
After having filled our tummies with more instant noodles than we could possibly ever dream of, we’ve narrowed down the list to our personal favourites. Meet our winners! Here are the instant noodles that have gotten the overall perfect score of 5/5:
Now that you’re salivating over these top instant noodles, it’s time to troop to your nearest Giant to grab them all. Trivia: Giant carries the largest variety of instant noodles, so yes, you won’t run out of choices!
