Joybuy Insights

Buying Instant Noodles: Top Picks and What to Look For

By Joybuy, your Product Recommendation OfficerDate: 2026-07-09

For many, instant noodles are a convenient solution for a quick meal. Whether at the office, during your studies, or at home, preparation is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. However, with the vast selection of brands, flavours, and pack sizes, making a choice can be overwhelming. This article serves as a guide to help you order the right instant noodles online. We will introduce a selection of products and provide you with objective criteria to make your purchasing decision easier.

Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Buying Instant Noodles

Before you decide on a product, a few considerations can be helpful. The following points are based on objective product features and will help you make an informed choice.

1. Preparation Method: Soup or Fried Noodles?

A key difference is the method of preparation. Classic instant noodles are prepared as an Asian noodle soup. For this, the noodles are cooked in boiling water and then served in the broth with the included seasoning powders and oils. A well-known example of this is Chicken Ramen.

Another variation is fried noodles, often referred to as "Mi Goreng." With this method, the noodles are also boiled, but the water is drained afterwards. The noodles are then mixed with the seasoning packets, sauces, and oils and served as a dry noodle dish. Your preference for a soupy or a dry meal is a crucial selection criterion.

2. Pack Size: Single Serving or Bulk Pack?

If you consume instant noodles regularly, buying a noodle box as a bulk pack can be an economical option. Large packs often contain 30 or more individual servings and typically offer better value compared to buying single packs. This is particularly practical for students or professionals who want to stock up on a quick meal. Single packs, on the other hand, are great for trying out new varieties without committing to a large quantity.

3. Ingredients and Nutritional Information

Taking a look at the ingredients list and the nutritional information is always recommended. Here you will find detailed information about the product's composition, including calories, fat, carbohydrate, and salt content per 100 grams. Pay special attention to allergen information, which is usually printed in bold. This allows you to ensure that the product meets your dietary needs and preferences.

Our Selection of Instant Noodles

Here is a selection of products available on the market. The descriptions are based on manufacturer information and highlight the specific features of each product.

Yum Yum Instant Noodles, Chicken Flavour, 30 x 60g Box

Yum Yum Instant Noodles, Chicken Flavour

What makes this product stand out: The Yum Yum noodles with chicken flavour are a classic from Thailand. Preparation is designed to take three minutes and only requires boiling water. The product is served as a noodle soup and, in addition to the noodles, includes a seasoning mix that provides its signature flavour.

Pros:

  • Bulk pack: The box of 30 individual packs is ideal for stocking up.
  • Quick preparation: The meal is ready to serve in just three minutes.
  • Classic flavour: The chicken flavour is widely popular.

Who is it for? This product is a great choice for those who want to stock up on a larger supply of classic instant noodle soups. It's perfect for a quick bite in your daily routine, whether at home or in the office.

Indomie Noodle Mi Goreng BBQ-Chicken 80g

Indomie Noodle Mi Goreng BBQ-Chicken

What makes this product stand out:Indomie Mi Goreng in the BBQ-Chicken flavour is an Indonesian fried noodle variety. After cooking, the water is drained, and the noodles are mixed with five different seasoning components: seasoning powder, seasoning oil, sweet soy sauce, chilli sauce, and fried onions. This creates a complex flavour profile with a smoky BBQ note.

Pros:

  • Fried noodle style: An alternative to the classic noodle soup.
  • Layered flavour: Multiple seasoning sachets allow you to customise the taste.
  • Unique aroma: The BBQ-Chicken note offers a change from standard flavours.

Who is it for? This product is aimed at fans of dry, fried noodle dishes and those who appreciate the authentic taste of Indonesian Indomie Mi Goreng. It is ideal for anyone who prefers a spicy and aromatic dish.

Indomie Noodle Chicken Curry (Import) 80g

Indomie Noodle Chicken Curry

What makes this product stand out: This variety of Indomie is prepared as a noodle soup with a bold curry flavour. The product package contains noodles, seasoning powder, seasoning oil, and chilli powder. According to the manufacturer, the combination of spices like garlic, coriander, and turmeric creates a spicy and savoury curry taste.

Pros:

  • Intense curry flavour: A distinct flavour profile for fans of curry dishes.
  • Complete seasoning packet: Includes oil, powder, and chilli to round out the taste.
  • Soup variety: Offers a warming and filling meal.

Who is it for? This product is for people who want to enjoy the taste of curry in a quick and easy noodle soup. It's a great choice for cold days or when a particularly flavourful dish is desired.

Looking for more quick meal options?

If you prefer an alternative to noodles or want to expand your range of quick meals, our selection of instant rice products might be of interest. There you will find various options for an uncomplicated meal.

? Discover our selection of chicken-flavoured instant rice here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you prepare instant noodles correctly? The preparation varies by product (soup or fried noodles). Always read the instructions on the packaging. Generally, cook the noodles in boiling water for the specified time (usually 3–5 minutes). For soups, the seasonings are added directly to the water. For fried noodles, the water is drained after cooking, and the noodles are then mixed with the seasonings.

2. Can you upgrade instant noodles? Yes, instant noodles often serve as a base that can be easily enhanced. For example, you can add a boiled or fried egg, fresh vegetables like spring onions, pak choi, or carrot strips, or additional proteins like tofu, chicken, or shrimp. A dash of soy sauce or sesame oil can also intensify the flavour.

3. What is the difference between Japanese ramen and instant noodles? Traditional Japanese ramen is an elaborate dish that can take hours to prepare. It consists of freshly made noodles and a slow-cooked, complex broth. Instant noodles are a highly simplified version designed for quick preparation. While the term "ramen" is often used synonymously with instant noodle soups, it originally refers to the traditional Japanese dish.