A Guide to Buying Instant Noodles

For many students, professionals, and lovers of Asian cuisine, they are a pantry staple: instant noodles. They offer a quick, simple, and affordable meal when time or money is tight. But anyone looking to buy instant noodles online is often faced with a huge selection. From Japanese ramen noodles to Indonesian Mi Goreng, the variety can be overwhelming.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my job is to provide you with clear guidance. This article presents a selection of tried-and-true Asian instant noodles and gives you practical criteria to help you find the right type for you and conveniently order noodles online.

What to Look for When Buying Asian Instant Noodles?

Choosing the right instant noodles depends on your personal preferences. Three simple criteria will help you decide.

1. Noodle Type and Preparation Method

There are two main types to consider:

• Instant Noodle Soup: Here, the noodles are cooked in water, which then becomes the broth with the included seasoning packets. Classic examples include Japanese ramen or Korean ramyun. They are ideal for anyone who prefers a warm and hearty soup meal.
• Stir-Fry Noodles: With this variety, the noodles are drained after cooking and then mixed with the accompanying seasoning oils and sauces. The most famous example is Mi Goreng from Indonesia. These noodles have a more intense, concentrated flavour and work well as a filling snack.

2. Flavour Profile and Spice Level

The variety of flavours is enormous. It ranges from mild, soy sauce-based broths and creamy chicken soups to very spicy noodles with chilli and pepper. Pay attention to the product description to determine the flavour (e.g., beef, chicken, seafood, vegetable) and the spice level. Brands like Nongshim are often known for their spicy options, while Nissin noodles cover a wide range from mild to savoury.

3. Pack Size

Instant noodles are available in single packs or multi-packs (e.g., 5- or 10-packs). A single pack is useful for trying new varieties. However, if you already have a favourite or eat instant noodles regularly, multi-packs are often more cost-effective and ensure you always have a quick snack on hand.

Our Chosen Instant Noodles

Based on the criteria above, we have put together a selection of different instant noodles that cater to various flavour profiles and preferences.

NISSIN Instant Demae Noodles Bag Tokyo Soy 100g

Why It Stands Out: Nissin's Demae Ramen is a world-renowned classic. The "Tokyo Soy Sauce" variety offers an authentic, umami-rich flavour reminiscent of traditional Shoyu ramen from Tokyo. The combination of noodles, seasoning powder, and a separate seasoning oil ensures a balanced taste experience.

Pros:

• Mild and balanced flavour: The soy sauce base is savoury but not overly salty or spicy.
• Quick preparation: A warm instant noodle soup is ready in just a few minutes.
• Versatile base: The mild flavour is excellent for enhancing the soup with your own ingredients like an egg, spring onions, or vegetables.

Who It's For: Ideal for newcomers to the world of Asian instant noodles and for those who prefer a classic, non-spicy ramen flavour. Also great for creative cooks looking for a reliable base for their own noodle soup creations.

Indomie Noodle Mi Goreng 5 x 80g (5-pack)

Why It Stands Out: Indomie's Mi Goreng is the epitome of Indonesian stir-fry noodles and has a global fanbase. Unlike a soup, the noodles are drained after cooking and mixed with a complex blend of five seasoning packets: sweet soy sauce, seasoning oil with shallots, chilli powder, seasoning powder, and crispy fried onions.

Pros:

• Unique flavour profile: The combination of sweet, salty, savoury, and a slight spiciness is distinctive.
• Convenient multi-pack: The 5-pack offers great value for money and is perfect for stocking up.
• Filling meal: As a stir-fry noodle dish without broth, it's a substantial and satisfying meal.

Who It's For: Perfect for anyone who prefers stir-fry noodles over soup and is looking for an intense, sweet-and-savoury flavour experience. An excellent choice for a quick meal that stands out from classic ramen soups.

Nongshim Shin Ramyun Instant Noodles 5 x 120g

Why It Stands Out:Shin Ramyun is arguably the most famous Korean instant noodle in the world and the benchmark for spicy noodles. The rich, spicy beef broth, combined with thick, chewy noodles and included vegetable flakes (mushrooms, carrots, spring onions), creates a deep and complex flavour experience.

Pros:

• Intense heat and flavour: The broth has a rich umami taste with a distinct but not overpowering heat.
• High-quality noodle texture: The noodles remain springy and chewy even after cooking.
• Hearty portion: At 120g per pack, one serving is very filling.

Who It's For: A must-try for fans of spicy food and Korean cuisine. Anyone looking for a hearty, flavourful, and warming instant noodle soup with character will be delighted with Shin Ramyun.

Looking for More Variety?

Our selection covers some of the most popular flavours, but the world of instant noodles is far greater. If you want to discover other varieties, noodle types, or brands from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or China, you'll find an even wider range of products in our comprehensive category.

? Discover More in Our Shelf-Stable Noodles Category

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you upgrade instant noodles?

Instant noodles are an excellent base for creative dishes. Add simple ingredients to elevate the meal:

• Protein: A soft-boiled egg, fried tofu, leftover chicken, or shrimp.
• Vegetables: Fresh spring onions, bok choy, spinach, mushrooms, or corn.
• Extras: A slice of processed cheese (especially popular with spicy noodles), toasted sesame seeds, nori seaweed sheets, or a dash of sesame oil.

What is the difference between Japanese Ramen and Korean Ramyun?

Both terms refer to a noodle soup but have different origins and characteristics. Ramen is the original Japanese dish, which comes in countless regional variations with different broths (e.g., based on soy sauce, miso, or pork bone). Ramyun (or Ramyeon) is the Korean adaptation. In Korea, the term is used almost exclusively for instant noodle soups, which often feature a standardised, spicy, and robust flavour, as is the case with Shin Ramyun.

Where is the best place to buy Asian instant noodles?

While supermarkets carry a basic selection, specialised online shops offer a much greater variety. There, you can search specifically for brands, flavours, and even rarer imports. Buying online also allows you to conveniently order larger quantities in multi-packs, which is often more cost-effective and secures your stock of quick meals.