Asian Instant Noodles Essential Buyers Guide

The search for a quick, authentic, and affordable meal often leads to Asian instant noodles. Whether for a lunch break at the office, a hassle-free dinner after a long day, or a way to discover new flavours from Asian cuisine, the variety is immense. This article serves as a guide to give you an overview of different types and flavours, helping you decide which instant noodles to order online.

Buying Guide: What to Look for When Choosing

Choosing the right instant noodles depends on personal preference. Three criteria can make the selection easier.

1. Noodle Type and Preparation Method

There are two main categories: noodle soups and stir-fried noodles.

• Noodle Soups (Ramen-Style): Here, the noodles are cooked and served in a seasoned broth. This option is ideal for lovers of a classic Asian noodle soup. The broths range from mild miso bases to rich, spicy versions.
• Stir-Fried Noodles (Stir-Fry Style): With this method, the noodles are cooked, the water is drained, and the noodles are then mixed with the included seasoning oils and sauces. A well-known example of this is Mi Goreng noodles. They offer a more intense and concentrated flavour experience.

2. Flavour Profile and Spice Level

The variety of flavours is enormous, ranging from savoury and salty to sweet and spicy, and even extremely hot. Pay attention to the sauce description: is it a soy sauce base, a creamy peanut or sesame paste, or a dark bean paste like in Chapagetti? Many manufacturers indicate the spice level on the packaging, which is particularly relevant for those specifically looking for or wanting to avoid spicy instant noodles.

3. Brands and Origin

Brands like Nongshim from South Korea or Indomie from Indonesia are internationally renowned and represent specific flavour profiles of their respective national cuisines. If you want to buy instant ramen that reflects authentic regional flavours, you can use the brand's origin as a guide.

Our Selection of Asian Instant Noodles

Here, we present a selection of products that represent different flavours and noodle types.

Bai Jia A Kuan Red Oil Broad Noodle (Sesame Sauce Flavor)

What Makes It Special These noodles stand out due to their texture. They are non-fried, wide, flat noodles that have a pleasantly chewy and firm consistency after cooking. The accompanying seasoning paste is based on a rich sesame paste, which provides a nutty and savoury aroma.

Pros

• Wide, non-fried noodles for a unique texture.
• Rich sesame sauce as the flavour base.
• Prepared by soaking in boiling water for 4-5 minutes.

Who It's For This product is a great choice for those looking for an alternative to classic thin ramen noodles and who prefer the taste of creamy, nutty sauces.

Nongshim Instant Noodle Soup Chapagetti

What Makes It SpecialChapagetti by Nongshim is the instant version of the popular Korean dish, Jjajangmyeon. It is characterized by its thick, dark sauce made from roasted soybean paste (Chunjang), which has a unique, savoury-sweet flavour. These are stir-fried noodles where the sauce is mixed in after cooking.

Pros

• Authentic taste of Korean Jjajangmyeon sauce.
• Includes vegetable flakes and a seasoning oil to round out the flavour.
• A mild option without significant spiciness.

Who It's For Ideal for fans of Korean cuisine and anyone who wants to try a mild yet very aromatic stir-fry style noodle dish.

Indomie Mi Goreng Instant Noodles Original

What Makes It SpecialIndomie Mi Goreng is a classic from Indonesia and is known worldwide. These Mi Goreng noodles are prepared stir-fry style and impress with a complex flavour blend of sweet soy sauce, onion-flavoured seasoning oil, spice powder, and a small amount of chilli powder for a subtle heat.

Pros

• Classic Indonesian Mi Goreng flavour.
• Five separate seasoning components for a balanced aroma.
• Very quick preparation in about 3 minutes.

Who It's For An excellent choice for beginners and long-time fans who appreciate the typical sweet, salty, and slightly spicy taste of Indonesian stir-fried noodles.

Discover More Options

If this selection doesn't include the right product for you, or if you'd like to explore more varieties and brands, you can find a wider range of products in our category. There, you can specifically search for other flavours and noodle types.

? Explore our full range of instant noodles here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you properly prepare Asian instant noodles?

Preparation is generally straightforward but varies by product. It's important to follow the instructions on the package. For soup noodles, the noodles are usually cooked directly in the seasoned broth. For stir-fried noodles, the noodles are cooked separately, the water is drained, and the seasonings are then added and mixed in.

What is the difference between Ramen and Mi Goreng?

The main difference lies in the preparation and serving style. Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish where the noodles are served in a broth. Mi Goreng is an Indonesian dish that means "fried noodles." Here, the cooked noodles are mixed with sauces and oils without a broth, similar to a pasta salad or a stir-fry dish.

Where can you order authentic Asian instant noodles online?

Specialised online shops for international foods offer a wide selection of authentic Asian instant noodles, often exceeding the range found in local supermarkets. When you order instant noodles online, you can specifically search for brands like Nongshim or Indomie and compare different flavours.