Instant Wide Sesame Noodles: Our Top Picks

Between work and commuting, it's tough to find time for a meal that's quick, delicious, and a little out of the ordinary. For fans of Asian flavours, instant wide sesame noodles are a real godsend, as comforting as they are gourmet. Their unique texture and the richness of the sesame paste promise a quick trip to Asia without ever leaving your kitchen.

The only problem?: shelves (virtual or otherwise) are overflowing with options, and it's easy to get lost. This guide is here to help you see things more clearly and choose the perfect pack for your pantry.

Buyer's Guide?: How to Choose Your Wide Sesame Noodles??

To make the right choice, here are a few things to check before you head to the checkout.

1. Noodle Texture?: Wheat or Starch??

This is the heart of the matter. The noodle's composition radically changes the mouthfeel?:

• Wheat-based?: These noodles offer a great chew and a real, satisfying bite. They absorb the sauce perfectly without getting mushy. Most are non-fried noodles, a healthier and often tastier alternative to classic instant noodles.
• Starch-based (potato, tapioca)?: These instant wide vermicelli are distinguished by their texture, which is at once smooth, slippery, and delightfully elastic. Often translucent after cooking, they provide a very different, lighter sensation.

2. The Sauce Profile?: Mild, Spicy, or Sweet & Sour??

While the sesame paste base is the heart of the recipe, the dish's entire character comes down to the seasonings.

• Classic Flavour?: Here, the focus is on the rich, toasted taste of sesame, enhanced with a hint of salt and that famous umami flavour.
• Spicy Flavour?: Chilli oil or spices, typical of Sichuan cuisine, are added. For palates seeking a thrill, look for spicy sesame noodle options. The good news is that the heat level is almost always adjustable thanks to separate sachets.
• Sweet & Sour Flavour?: Some recipes include a packet of vinegar for a touch of zest and complexity that cuts through the richness of the sesame.

3. Preparation Method?: A Truly Quick Asian Meal

A quick look at the instructions is a must. Most of these wide noodles require a very short cooking time (usually 3 to 5 minutes) in boiling water. You then drain them and mix in the sauce. This is the secret to achieving a perfect texture, light-years away from noodles that sit and overcook in their own broth.

Recommended Wide Sesame Noodles

We've selected a few gems for you, each with its own distinct character. It's up to you to find your next favourite.

Yang Zhang Gui Broad Noodles with Sesame Paste Flavour

Why we love it The emphasis here is on wide, tender wheat noodles coated in an incredibly rich and creamy sesame sauce. A great classic that bets everything on authenticity.

Highlights

• Non-fried noodles?: A composition that lets you experience the true texture of wheat.
• Intense sesame flavour?: The sauce is generous and coats the noodles perfectly.
• Convenience?: The separate seasoning packets make preparation a breeze.

Who is it for?? For purists who love the consistency of wheat-based Chinese sesame paste noodles and are primarily seeking the authentic, comforting taste of sesame paste.

Shoo Loong Kan Wide Vermicelli with Sesame Paste Flavour

Why we love it From a star brand in the Sichuan hot pot world, this option surprises with its wide vermicelli made from potato starch. Its secret weapon?? An array of packets (sesame, vinegar, chilli oil) to create a customised dish that's complex, spicy, and tangy.

Highlights

• Smooth and slippery texture?: The starch vermicelli offers a completely different mouthfeel.
• Customisable flavour?: The separate packets allow you to adjust the acidity and spiciness to your liking.
• Sichuan inspiration?: You'll find the complex and savoury signature that made the brand a success.

Who is it for?? For adventurous eaters and fans of Sichuan cuisine who appreciate tender textures and enjoy experimenting to find their own perfect balance of flavours.

Bai Jia A'KUAN Broad Noodles with Sesame Paste Flavour

Why we love itAkuan noodles are an institution, renowned for their flat, extra-wide format and non-fried preparation. This version combines their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture with a well-balanced sesame sauce, plus a bonus packet of chilli oil to spice things up.

Highlights

• Non-fried noodles?: The hallmark of Bai Jia A'Kuan, a guarantee of superior texture and quality.
• Individual packaging?: Convenient for storage or taking on the go.
• Balanced flavours?: A rich but not overwhelming sesame sauce, with optional chilli to adjust the dish to your palate.

Who is it for?? A reliable choice for fans of Akuan noodles who want to enjoy their favourite texture in a flavourful sesame version, with the option to add a spicy kick.

Looking for Something Else??

Not in the mood for sesame today?? Or maybe you just want to explore other gems of express Asian street food?? The world of instant noodles is an endless playground of spicy, tangy, and comforting broth flavours.

Discover all our instant noodles with sesame sauce

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you prepare instant wide noodles??

Generally, you just need to drop the noodles into a large pot of boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Once they are tender, drain them thoroughly. All that's left is to add the contents of the sachets (sauce, oil, spices) and mix well. Whatever you do, don't cook them directly in a small amount of water like classic packet noodles?: their unique texture would be completely ruined.

Are instant sesame noodles very spicy??

It all depends on the product?! Some are very mild and focus solely on the richness of the sesame paste. Others, often inspired by Sichuan cuisine, include a packet of chilli oil. The big advantage is that this packet is almost always separate. That means you're in control?: you can adjust the heat by adding a little, a lot... or none at all?!

What's the difference between wheat noodles and starch vermicelli??

Wheat noodles (Yang Zhang Gui, A'Kuan) are opaque and offer a firm, chewy texture, a bit like fresh pasta. Instant wide vermicelli made from starch (Shoo Loong Kan) become translucent when cooked, with a very smooth, elastic, and "slippery" texture. It's a completely different sensation in your mouth. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the texture you enjoy most.