Since I was a small child, I have enjoyed instant noodles. It started out with what every other kid in the USA had � Top Ramen. Then came Roasted Ramen, noodles that already had the seasoning within them � no packet! Until these were off the market, and everything changed in my instant noodle world.
My parents took me south to Seattle. And what I discovered at about 12-yrs-old, was that there were now a ton of varieties of instant noodles. With different colored packaging and strange foreign writing I couldn�t begin to understand � making them almost impossible to cook.
Over 30 years later and having officially sampled over 650 different unique varieties, I�ve come up with a list of my favorites. It changes from time to time as I find new varieties to enjoy, but here it is as it stands currently.
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10. Koka Instant Non-Fried Noodles, Spicy Black Pepper Flavour � Singapore
This stuff is amazing; it contains a block of instant noodles that are exceedingly light and very low in fat. This doesn�t end up with low in taste though, especially with its garnish pack�s mention that the veggies vary depending on the season of production! It has a nice peppery taste and a little heat, but not overwhelmingly so. Perfect complement: Goes great with Eggs.
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9. Doll Instant Noodle, Artificial Chicken Flavour � Hong Kong
Yeah I know � chicken instant noodles. How boring! Not this one � the broth is very good � it warms one�s innards on a cold day like nothing else. This is especially good with an egg or two added with about 45 seconds remaining as it cooks in the pot � making the broth even heartier. A very relaxing bowl of noodles. Perfect complement: Eggs added during cooking.
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8. Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen, Japanese Style Noodles � Japan
This is a very recent addition to the Top Ten list. Having tried Shio instant noodle varieties in the past, I had a feeling this would be a good one, and it truly was. The noodles were very hearty and the broth had an almost buttery flavor. Comes with a little packet of sesame seeds! Perfect complement: Some baked chicken, green onions and hard boiled egg.
Twenty years after the introduction of the well-known Shin Ramyun, Nong Shim brought out Shin Ramyun Black. A huge block of noodles, a veggie packet that also has freeze dried beef, red spicy seasoning, and onion and oxtail soup packets, make this a culinary onslaught of epic proportion. Perfect complement: Using a recipe from Eat Your Kimchi, add an egg, bok choy and a single slice of processed cheese.
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6. Myojo Hyoubanya no Chukasoba Japanese Style Noodles, Oriental Flavor � Japan
A very good, very traditional instant noodle from Japan. Noodles are a little chewy and the broth has hints of seafood. Perfect complement: A couple of eggs cooked with the noodles, and a little baked chicken with salt and pepper.
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5. Mie Sedaap Instant Kari Spesial Bumbu Kari Kental � Indonesia
Like spicy? Like curry? This one from Indonesia fills both criteria and then some. The noodles are good, but the real star here is the broth � a bit greasy and so flavorful. Not only a hot curry taste, but had sweetness as well. Perfect complement: Fried eggs.
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4. Sapporo Ichiban, Japanese Style Noodles Chow Mein � Japan
This stuff is great. It�s cooked with a small amount of water as the noodles gobble it all up. The flavor is sweet and salty and purely enjoyable. What�s more is a packet of ground seaweed is included, which makes it all the more enjoyable. Perfect complement: A bit of roast beef and some chopped onions.
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3. Nissin Yakisoba with Mayonnaise/Mustard Packet � Japan
Yakisoba is a very commonly enjoyed dish in Japan � and this variety puts a unique twist on it. You fill the box with boiling water and then afterwards, there�s a little drain spout to get rid of excess water. Add the flavoring and stir � then comes the fun as there�s a little packet that dispenses mayonnaise out of one reservoir and mustard out of the other! This is quite good � especially the vegetables. Perfect complement: Nothing � enjoy in its native state!
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2. Indomie Mi Goreng Rasa Ayam Panggang Jumbo, Barbecue Chicken Flavour � Indonesia
First off, it�s a jumbo pack, which is helpful as this is such a great tasting package of instant noodles. Second, it comes with a whopping five seasonings � from sweet soy sauce to spicy chili sauce. The noodles are served drained without a broth. Perfect Complement: The flavorings in concert with a couple fried eggs, some pickled ginger and fried shallots make this one not to miss.
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1. Indomie Special Quality, Special Fried Curly Noodles � Indonesia
Truly the best instant noodles I�ve ever had. I love these � the noodles are flat and very tasty. The seasonings provide a broad range of flavors. Spicy, sweet, full of good flavor. Perfect complement: Some turkey, fried eggs, pickled ginger, fried shallot and Sriracha.
