Asian Instant Noodles Buying Guide: Flavors, Formats, and Tips

Between busy days and the craving for a flavourful meal without spending hours in the kitchen, Asian instant noodles have become a go-to solution. But be warned: we're a long way from the uninspired, basic options at the local supermarket. A whole universe of authentic flavours, rich broths, and surprising textures awaits. So, how do you navigate the selection and find that hidden gem for a quick Asian meal that truly satisfies?

This guide is here to help you decode the overwhelming options and find the products that match your tastes, whether you're looking for an instant noodle multipack to get you through the week or a case of ramen so you never run out.

How to Choose the Best Asian Instant Noodles

Before you fill your cart, here are a few key criteria to guide you when buying noodles online.

1. Noodle Type: Fried vs. Non-Fried

The texture, as well as the nutritional profile of your noodles, depends directly on how they are made.

• Fried Noodles: This is the most common method. The noodles are flash-fried to dehydrate them, which allows them to cook in record time. They offer a distinctive texture and a more indulgent taste.
• Non-Fried Noodles: Air-dried with hot air, these are often considered the healthier alternative. Their texture is closer to that of fresh noodles: firmer and more elastic. The trade-off is that they often require an extra minute or two to cook.

2. The World of Flavours: From Tom Yum to Tonkotsu

The richness of Asian cuisine explodes in the diversity of its broths. The secret is to find the one that excites your palate.

• Thai Flavours: Opt for Tom Yum noodles, an iconic broth that is simultaneously sour, spicy, and delicately scented with lemongrass. The "creamy" versions add a touch of coconut milk for richness and a smooth finish.
• Japanese Flavours:Tonkotsu ramen is a must-try. Its secret? A rich, milky broth made from pork bones simmered for hours, which delivers a deep, comforting umami flavour.
• Chinese Flavours: The selection is vast, from ultra-spicy Sichuan broths to milder flavours like sesame noodles, where a creamy sesame paste forms the heart of the sauce.

3. Format: From Individual Bowls to Value Packs

The ideal format will depend on your habits and your pantry space.

• Individual Packets: The most flexible format. You'll need a pot and a bowl, but it's perfect for trying a new flavour without a big commitment.
• Bowls or Cups: The ultimate in convenience. Just pour boiling water directly into the container, and it's ready. Ideal for the office, on the go, or for those especially lazy evenings.
• Bulk Buying: Found your holy grail? Opting for an instant noodle multipack or a case of ramen is the most economical solution. A must-have for students, young professionals, or families who always want a delicious backup plan on hand.

Recommended Asian Instant Noodle Picks

To whet your appetite, here are a few of our recommendations, each with its own distinct character.

MAMA Instant Noodles Creamy Tom Yum Shrimp Flavour (Case of 20)

Why we love it:MAMA noodles are a true classic for all fans of Thai flavours. This "Creamy Tom Yum" version blends the zesty, spicy kick of Tom Yum broth with a creaminess that balances the heat, making it approachable for all palates. The case of 20 packs is ultra-convenient for stocking up.

Highlights:

• Flavour: A perfect balance between the heat of the chilli, the acidity of the lime, and the smoothness of the cream.
• Speed: Ready in just 3 minutes.
• Format: Sold as a case of 20 packs (90g each), perfect for building your strategic stash.

Who is it for? For fans of Thai flavours who like a bit of spice, but not too much. It's also the perfect option for those who want to buy ramen in bulk and never have to worry about what's for dinner again.

Yang Zhang Gui Gao Ren Ramen Sesame Aroma Flavor (Case of 12)

Why we love it: There's no broth here, but a rich and incredibly flavourful sauce that makes all the difference, clocking in at 23.8% sesame paste. The non-fried noodles guarantee a perfect chew, while the varied toppings (wakame, dried tofu, goji berries) add texture and complexity.

Highlights:

• Noodles:Non-fried noodles for a smooth texture and excellent firmness.
• Sauce: A base of sesame paste and peanut butter, for an incredibly rich and umami-packed result.
• Toppings: A vegetable packet and another with marinated wakame for a truly complete meal.

Who is it for? For those who are more 'team sauce' than 'team soup'. An ideal option for lovers of toasted sesame and rich textures who are looking for an instant meal that's out of the ordinary.

Uni-President Tang Daren Japanese Tonkotsu Ramen (Case of 12)

Why we love it: The Uni-President ramen from the Tang Daren ("Master of Soups") line is an excellent gateway to Japanese Tonkotsu ramen. Its strong point: a broth that brilliantly captures the deep flavour and milky texture of an authentic, slow-simmered pork bone broth. The bowl format, meanwhile, is the height of convenience.

Highlights:

• Broth: An intense, rich, and creamy Tonkotsu flavour.
• Convenience: The ultra-practical bowl format, ready in minutes with just boiling water.
• Noodles: Non-fried noodles that maintain a nice firmness when cooked.

Who is it for? For fans of Japanese ramen seeking an umami-rich and ultra-comforting broth. The perfect choice for combining convenience with authentic taste.

Looking for Other Flavours?

This selection is, of course, just a taste. The world of instant noodles is endless, with flavours ranging from spicy Korean beef to Singaporean laksa. Want to explore other gems? Hundreds of options are waiting for you.

? Discover our complete collection of instant ramen noodle bowls

Your Questions About Asian Instant Noodles

How can you "level up" your instant noodles?

To turn a simple bowl of noodles into a feast, the possibilities are endless! Add a soft-boiled egg (or a fried one), fresh vegetables (chopped spring onions, fresh spinach, corn), or even leftover roasted chicken or tofu. The finishing touch? A drizzle of sesame oil and a few toasted sesame seeds.

Where can you buy Asian noodles online and in bulk?

Specialised e-commerce platforms like Joybuy are ideal for buying noodles online. They offer economical formats like the instant noodle multipack or a case of ramen, which are perfect for great savings while always having your favourite flavours on hand.

What's the difference between ramen and instant noodles?

The term "ramen" specifically refers to a Japanese dish of wheat noodles served in a broth. "Instant noodles" is a much broader category that includes specialities from all over Asia (Thailand, Korea, China...) with different types of noodles (wheat, rice...) and a huge variety of broths. Simply put: instant ramen is a type of instant noodle, but not all instant noodles are ramen.

By the Joybuy Editorial Team