Instant noodles are a comfort food that we are all too familiar with. Remember those days when we were mugging and burning midnight oil for our exams, and all the canteens were closed for the day and we didn’t have time or energy to venture out of the school premises, what did we do? During those exotic trips to Europe, though the food there was interesting, nothing beats the nostalgic and homely feel from having our instant noodles. We are really spoiled for choices these days with so many brands and types of instant noodles so here are the top 8 best-rated instant noodles if you’re looking to up your instant noodles game! 

1. Hai Chi Jia’s Suan La Fen 

Hai Chi Jia’s Suan La Fen (sour-spicy noodles) are actually sweet potato noodles but with a mala-like numbing sensation, so distinct that it took Singapore by storm when it was first launched in Singapore last year. It’s not all overwhelming spiciness but also the tint of refreshing sourness from the fresh generous packet of high-quality fragrant black vinegar that explains the unique blend of taste. Enjoy with the crunchy peanuts and dried vegetables and slurp up those silky-smooth glass noodles.

Origin: China

Estimated Price: $19.90 for a carton of six

Available: Supermarkets and online – Shoppee, Lazada, Ezbuy

2. KiKi Noodles

The sun-dried Taiwanese KiKi Noodles which resemble the Chinese La Mian (hand-pulled noodles) are incredibly smooth and springy. There are four flavours available- Aromatic Scallion 葱油拌面, Sichuan Pepper 椒麻拌面, Vinegar Spicy 老醋辣面 and Young Vinegar Noodles 小醋面. Regardless of which flavour you go for, the sauces included are equally fragrant and aromatic! Some people prefer the more palatable Aromatic Scallion flavour, what about you?

Origin: Taiwan

Estimated Price: $16 for a pack of five

Available: Online – Shoppee, Lazada, Ezbuy

3. MYOJO Dry Mala Xiang Guo Flavor

Each bowl of MYOJO noodles comes with a special seasoning paste that uses Szechuan pepper, chilli and coriander leaves. Included in the pack are also some dried vegetables and mushrooms.  Overall the pack is quite decent for the price. If you like to spice up your meal further, you may add in other fresh ingredients on your own.

Origin: Indonesia

Estimated Price: $1.80 per bowl or $3.30 for a pack of five

Available: Selected supermarkets and online – Shopee, Lazada, Ezbuy

4. NISSIN Black Garlic Oil Tonkotsu Flavor

Nissin’s wheat flour noodles in the pork-based creamy broth topped with that super fragrant garlic oil and other condiments like the egg, fish cake and garnishes work together all too well to remind you of those traditional Japanese noodle houses who brew their broth for over 10 hours.

Origin: Hong Kong

Estimated Price: $1.95 per bowl or $3.30 for a pack of two

Available: Selected supermarkets and online – Shopee, Lazada, Ezbuy

5. Ottogi Japchae Noodles

These Korean noodles are very chewy, some might even describe it as rubbery. The ingredients that come with it are carrot, cabbage, mushroom, vegetable protein and tree ear. Overall it is quite flavorful and can be quite addictive too!

Origin: South Korea

Estimated Price: $5 for one 

Available: Selected supermarkets and online – Shopee, Lazada, Qoo10

6. Samyang Foods Carbo Buldak Topokki 

Samyang Buldak Carbo Hot Chicken Flavor Topokki noodles are thick and chewy. The smooth sauce is a brilliant mix of cheesy cream and mild spices. There are some reviewers who think the sauce is more suited for pasta than the Topokki. Let us know what you think 🙂

Origin: South Korea

Estimated Price: $5 for a cup or $7 for a pack of five

Available: Selected supermarkets and online – Amazon, Shopee, Lazada, Qoo10

7. Shizuren Energy Instant Noodles 

Shizuren Instant Cup Noodles comes with sachets of beancurd skin, seasoning powder, broad bean paste and Sichuan pepper, vinegar, dehydrated coriander, bean sprouts, and crunchy peanuts which gives you that bold, pungent, spicy flavour. If you love the hot and sour taste, you’ll find this authentic!

Origin: China

Estimated Price: $11 for three cups

Available: Selected supermarkets and online -Shopee, Lazada, Qoo10

8. Tseng Scallion Noodles With Sichuan Pepper Flavor

Tseng Scallion Noodles with their wavy edges are simply chewy, springy, and have so much QQ texture. With all the flavorful sauces and fragrant scallion, you will find yourself craving for no other noodles like this brand!

Origin: Taiwan

Estimated Price: $12 for a pack of four

Available: Supermarkets and online – Ezbuy, Lazada, Amazon, Shoppee

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In conclusion, instant noodles are certainly tasty and can be deadly addictive whether you consume on your own or with some friends. Anyway, do consume them with discretion as each pack comes with a high salt content which is not desirable for a healthy diet. Some of the health risks include high blood pressure, heart attack and even stroke. To make it into a healthier and more balanced meal, we recommend you add some fresh vegetables and go with protein-rich foods such as eggs, tofu, or chicken. Enjoy!