I've been a fan of instant noodles all my life and in 2002, decided to turn this passion into a blog. While living in Seattle, I've found Asian grocery stores aplenty and my love affair with the instant noodle has only increased. Over the years, I've found some pretty amazing varieties; this list represents the best of the best.
#10 Mama Shrimp Creamy Tom Yum Flavor (Thailand)
I had tried this ages back and wasn't very fond of it. But at the request of readers, I gave it another try and found it to be the best Thai variety I've eaten thus far. The strong bite of the heat and the crisp citrus flavors actually resemble authentic Tom Yum. The noodles are thin, and a very different texture from any others on the list. The creaminess is not of dairy but a cream-like color from boiling shrimp.
#9: Paldo Kokomen Spicy Chicken Flavor (South Korea)
It all started with a South Korean comedian in a TV show cooking contest. Kokomen is the result. The South Korean "white broth" instant ramyun has a jalapeno chicken flavor which has taken South Korea by storm.
#8: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black Premium Noodle Soup (United States)
Many people have tried Nongshim's Shin Ramyun before. It's spicy and full of noodles. Shin Ramyun Black is Nongshim's premium version of Shin Ramyun, containing nice big pieces of mushroom and free-dried beef that springs to life. Truly excellent ramyun.
#7: Sapporo Ichiban Chow Mein (United States)
This one has held a spot on past Top 10 lists. Why? First off, great noodles. They suck up all the water as they cook and once you open the seasoning packet and stir in the flavor, the aroma is pretty tantalizing. The best bonus here is the little packet of seaweed powder.
#6: Myojo Ippei-chan Yakisoba Japanese Style Noodles (Japan)
The tray, which you fill with boiling water, also acts as a strainer! Great noodles, top-notch veggies, and a bonus: mayonnaise! Makes for a well-balanced meal.
#5: Indomie Curly Noodle with Grilled Chicken Flavor (Indonesia)
They got it right when they said these noodles are special. Broad and thin with such an enjoyable texture, plus the flavor of the broth achieves that sweet-spicy balance.
#4: Nongshim Jinjja Jinjja Flamin' Hot & Nutty Noodle Soup (United States)
I've enjoyed this one multiple times. Jinjja Jinjja's quality noodles plus the strong heat and unique pork with peanut and black sesame notes makes this one a real stand-out in the South Korean ramyun market, and now here in the United States.
#3: Indomie Mi Instan Mi Goreng Rendang (Indonesia)
This 'stir noodle' variety is superb with its deep and rich curry flavor and just the right amount of spiciness. The noodles have a nice texture and consistency too.
#2: Prima Taste Singapore Curry La Mian (Singapore)
If you love curry as much as I do, you have to try this one. It comes with a pair of flavor packets, one of coconut powder and one of curry paste. Simple and great.
#1: Prima Taste Singapore Laksa La Mian (Singapore)
Pair steamed la mian noodles with a packet of coconut powder and a packet of paste, and you've got a real game changer in the world of instant noodles. The broth is actually luxuriant, light in color with beads of chili oil floating in there.
For more info about these and the over 1,000 different other varieties, check out The Ramen Rater.
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You can watch the ice cream churn, peddle-powered, right there in the store old school style in wooden ice cream buckets.
