Instant Noodle Pots Buying Guide: Features, Sizes, and Tips

Long day at work, intense study session, or just don't feel like cooking?? Finding a meal that's quick, easy, and comforting can be a challenge. That's where instant noodle pots come to the rescue. Convenient and available in an endless variety of flavours, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

This guide is here to help you navigate the options. We've analysed and selected the best cup noodles on the market to help you find the perfect match for your cravings, whether you need an on-the-go student meal or a quick office lunch that's a cut above the rest.

How to Choose the Right Noodle Pot??

Before diving into our selection, here are the key criteria for making the right choice.

1. Flavour: The Number One Factor

The journey begins with flavour, drawing inspiration from all over Asia?:

• Spicy noodles?: Often inspired by Korean or Sichuan cuisine, these promise intense heat for those who love a fiery kick.
• Instant yakisoba?: Characterised by stir-fried noodles (rather than a soup), this style stands out with its rich, coating sauces, like teriyaki yakisoba or more savoury versions.
• Classic flavours?: Chicken, beef, or vegetable remain reliable choices for a comforting and familiar break.
• Regional specialities?: Indonesian Mi Goreng, with its sweet and savoury sauce, or the tangy and spicy Thai Tom Yum, offer a true taste of travel.

2. Ease of Preparation

While all instant noodle pots promise a meal in 3 minutes, there are some subtle differences. Most simply require adding boiling water and waiting. Others, like instant yakisoba, involve an extra step to drain the water before adding the sauce. A quick glance at the instructions will prevent any surprises, especially if you only have a kettle on hand.

3. Ingredients and Nutritional Information

A quick look at the label is essential. Check the ingredient list, allergen information, and nutritional values. The salt or fat content, for example, can guide your choice towards an option that better suits your dietary needs.

Recommended Instant Noodle Pots

Our editorial team has reviewed numerous products to bring you only the best. Here are our three top picks, each with its own distinct personality.

NOODLE MASTER Yakisoba Extra Spicy Chicken Flavour 90 g

Why we chose it?: Clearly inspired by the Korean wave, this yakisoba is for palates seeking a serious kick. The combination of chilli and chicken delivers a bold flavour that is anything but bland. This is a true instant yakisoba?: the noodles are drained before being coated in a thick sauce, not left swimming in a broth.

Key features?:

• Intense and pronounced spicy flavour.
• Ultra-fast preparation.
• Includes dehydrated vegetables (cabbage, red pepper) for added texture.

Who is it for?? For lovers of spicy noodles who aren't afraid of the heat and fans of Korean flavours. An excellent choice for a wake-up lunch that breaks the routine.

NOODLE MASTER Yakisoba Mi Goreng Flavour 90 g

Why we chose it?: This pot perfectly captures the taste of Mi Goreng, the star of Indonesian street food. Its signature sauce, with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and a hint of sesame, offers a complex and incredibly addictive flavour.

Key features?:

• Authentic mi goreng taste that is both sweet and savoury.
• A rich sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
• An excellent alternative to spicy flavours or classic broths.

Who is it for?? For those who love sweet and savoury flavours and want a quick culinary trip to Indonesia. It's the perfect choice for an office lunch that's a welcome change from the usual sandwich.

NISSIN Soba Teriyaki 90g

Why we chose it?: Nissin is the pioneer of instant noodles, and this Nissin Soba Teriyaki version is a reliable choice that never disappoints. It features a rich teriyaki sauce full of umami, the quintessential Japanese flavour. The pieces of vegetables (cabbage, carrot, shiitake mushrooms) are a real bonus for both texture and taste.

Key features?:

• Classic and well-balanced teriyaki flavour.
• A brand renowned for the quality of its noodles.
• Contains real vegetable pieces.

Who is it for?? For anyone looking for a familiar, satisfying, and comforting flavour. A foolproof option for enjoying a delicious bowl of teriyaki noodles without any hassle.

Want to Explore Other Flavours??

Our selection is just a taste of the vast universe of noodle pots. Milder flavours, traditional broths, original yakisoba... there's something for everyone.

Explore our complete collection of 90g Noodles to find the perfect one to delight your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you prepare instant noodle pots?? It couldn't be simpler. Peel back the lid halfway, add the seasoning sachets (unless instructed otherwise), pour in boiling water up to the fill line, close the lid, and wait 3 to 5 minutes. For yakisoba, you then simply drain the water through the holes in the lid before adding the sauce.

2. What's the difference between cup yakisoba and cup ramen?? The main difference lies in the preparation. Cup ramen consists of noodles served in a hot broth to create a soup. Instant yakisoba, on the other hand, is a "dry" noodle dish: the water is drained after cooking, and a thick sauce is mixed in to coat the noodles.

3. Where can I buy spicy noodles online?? E-commerce platforms like Joybuy offer a wide selection of spicy noodles. You'll find options like the Noodle Master Extra Spicy Chicken, as well as many other choices for fans of intense heat.