Joybuy Insights

Buying Asian Instant Noodles: How to Choose the Right Flavour, Spice Level and Format

Asian instant noodles are handy for the cupboard, office or a quick meal on the go. However, Instant Ramen, Cup Noodles and bowl noodles differ considerably in preparation, portion size, seasoning and ingredients. If you choose solely based on the packaging or flavour description, you can easily end up buying a pack that is not right for you.

Common pitfalls when buying Asian instant noodles

1. Spice levels are not always clearly defined

Descriptions such as “Spicy”, “Hot” or “Kimchi” offer an indication, but they are not a standardised measure of heat. Korean instant noodles can be noticeably hot, while miso ramen tends to have a milder, savoury flavour. For products containing chilli, Sichuan pepper or hot paste, you should check the ingredients list.

For example, Hankow Spicy Sesame Paste Instant Noodles contain chilli and Sichuan pepper and are mixed with a sesame and peanut sauce after cooking. This is quite different in flavour from a classic Asian noodle soup with broth.

2. Portion sizes and nutritional information are easily confused

Depending on the product, a single portion can weigh approximately 60 to 137 grams. Packaging information often refers to 100 grams, but may sometimes relate to the prepared portion or 100 millilitres of broth. For a fair comparison, you should always consider the following values side by side:

  • Net weight per cup or bowl
  • Energy per 100 grams and, where stated, per portion
  • Fat, carbohydrates and protein
  • Salt content
  • Number of individual packs included

A carton containing 12 cups is appealing for frequent users, but takes up more storage space. You should also plan around the best-before date and how quickly you expect to use them.

3. “Complete meal” does not automatically mean a wide variety of ingredients

Many Cup Noodles contain dried vegetables, seasoning powder and an oil or sauce sachet. However, the quantity and type of inclusions vary. Baixiang Soup Series Homestyle Chicken Soup, for example, contains dried carrots, cabbage and spring onions. Other products rely more heavily on seasoning powder and contain only a small amount of vegetable flakes.

If you would like more variety, you can add fresh ingredients such as spring onions, mushrooms, sweetcorn, tofu or an egg. However, this will affect the nutritional values and preparation time.

Parameters to check before buying

Format: cup, bowl or dried noodles

Cup Noodles and bowl noodles are practical for workplaces, travel and small kitchens, as the container can be used directly as a serving bowl. Important features include sturdy packaging, a clearly marked fill line and preparation with hot water. With some products, the water is drained off later; with others, it remains in the container as broth.

Dry instant noodles such as the Hankow variety are drained after soaking and mixed with sauce. They produce a dry noodle meal rather than a classic noodle soup.

Preparation time and quantity of water

Depending on the product, preparation times range from around three to six minutes. Examples from the selection include:

  • Nongshim Bowl Noodle Kimchi: approximately three minutes with boiling water
  • Baixiang Classic Braised Beef: around four minutes
  • Hankow Spicy Sesame Paste: approximately six minutes, followed by draining
  • KOMEYA Spicy Beef Ramen: approximately five minutes

The quantity of water is also important. Several bowl products are prepared with approximately 500 millilitres of water. If you are using them in the office, you should therefore have a kettle with sufficient capacity.

Allergens and ingredients list

Many Asian instant noodles contain wheat or gluten and soya. Depending on the recipe, sesame, peanuts, mustard, celery, fish, prawns, egg or milk may also be present. People with allergies should check the full labelling on the product packaging and pay attention to information about possible traces.

For comparison purposes, it is also useful to know whether the noodles are fried or non-fried. This describes how they are made, but is not a general judgement of quality or healthiness. Bai Xiang Soup Series is listed as having a non-fried noodle base; many other products contain palm oil in the noodle recipe.

Our selection by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
ABC Instant Cup Noodle Beef 60 g

ABC Instant Cup Noodle Beef 60 g

Why this product suits this profile: The 60 g cup is ideal for a single, fuss-free portion and only requires hot water. Its format fits neatly in a desk drawer or rucksack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion size is clearly stated. Dried carrots and leek are also listed; allergens such as wheat, soya and celery should be checked before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

60 g cup, simple preparation with water and beef flavour with vegetable flakes.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
Hikari Miso Menraku Cup Ramen Miso 90 G.

Hikari Miso Menraku Cup Ramen Miso 90 G.

Why this product suits this profile: The Japanese miso ramen combines a separate liquid miso paste with sweetcorn, cabbage and carrots. Separating the seasoning components makes the preparation easy to follow.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The seasoning is not described solely using an unclear umbrella term: ingredients such as miso, soya and sesame are listed.

Main benefit & strengths

90.9 g contents, three-minute steeping time and a separate miso paste; made in Japan according to the product details.

Suitable for: Fans of Korean instant noodles
Nongshim Bowl Noodle Kimchi

Nongshim Bowl Noodle (Kimchi)

Why this product suits this profile: The bowl contains kimchi flakes and bok choy. With a three-minute steeping time, it is ideal for a quick Korean noodle soup at home or in the office.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The inclusions are clearly named. The salt content is stated as 5.8 g per 112 g portion, allowing you to factor it into your personal purchasing decision.

Main benefit & strengths

112 g bowl, dried kimchi and vegetable ingredients, with preparation directly in the container.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
Baixiang Delicious Classic Braised Beef Flavour Instant Noodles

Baixiang Delicious Classic Braised Beef Flavour Instant Noodles, 12 Cups

Why this product suits this profile: The carton containing twelve 107 g cups is designed for regular consumption and offers a consistent flavour for households, shared flats or offices.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The noodle, sauce, seasoning and vegetable sachets are listed separately. This makes it easier to check the ingredients in detail before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

12 individual cups, 107 g per unit, four-minute preparation and dried vegetables.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Plan preparation and storage correctly

Only use the quantity of water stated on the packaging when preparing the noodles. The cup can become very hot after the water is added, so it should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Depending on the instructions, products with separate seasoning sachets should have them added before or after the water is poured in.

Store unopened Asian noodle soups in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Once opened or prepared, they should be consumed immediately. Depending on the product, the best-before date can be found on the lid, base or outer packaging.

FAQ about Asian instant noodles

How do you prepare Instant Ramen in a cup?

Partially open the lid, add the seasoning and vegetable ingredients as instructed, fill with boiling water up to the marked line and close the cup. Stir thoroughly after usually three to five minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the noodle thickness and product.

How long do Asian instant noodles keep?

The specific best-before date is printed on the relevant packaging. Unopened products are intended to remain suitable for consumption until this date when stored in a dry, cool place. Damaged or damp packaging should not be used. Opened products should be used promptly.

How much do Asian instant noodles cost per portion?

The price per portion depends on the format, brand, individual cup or multipack, as well as delivery costs. A carton of 12 may change the price per unit, while individual cups offer greater flexibility. For an objective comparison, divide the total price by the number of portions included and also take the net weight into account.