There's nothing like a bowl of hot ramen on a cold day and luckily, thanks to instant ramen, it's pretty easy to make that happen. For those who are still wading through the same ramen of the last decade, we've got some news for you: There's an entire world of instant ramen out there, and not all ramen tastes the same. In fact, ramen differs based on brand, type, cuisine, and the style of the country it comes from, making instant ramen so much more than just noodles and broth. From curry to tonkotsu style, traditional, cardboard instant noodles are out and new, fun, and exciting ramen is officially in.
After reading this, no one will be able to tear themselves away from the ramen aisle because our mouths are watering just thinking about all the flavors out there, just waiting to be slurped up.
The Best In Flavor, Texture, And Boldness: Shin Ramen
Also known by its official name of Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup, this is the top competitor to beat in the diverse world of ramen. Recognizable by its classic black packaging with its name emblazoned in red font across the front, there's no mistake - this ramen is utterly sinful as far as instant noodles are concerned. Not only are they a best-seller on Amazon, but they can also be found in bulk at any local Asian market.
The differentiating factor between this ramen and all the rest is based on its noodles, broth, and ingredients. Not only are the noodles in this ramen far more substantial than the average, but they do well when it comes to soaking up all of that delicious broth and thickening up the velveting, soup-like consistency. This ramen also includes vegetables such as mushrooms, which instantly fluff up once they've had time to sit in the broth. Speaking of which, this ramen is definitely for spice-lovers only... It's powerful enough to face the bravest of taste buds, while also being flavorful enough to convert even those fearing bold spice.
The Best In Luxury And Mild Flavor: Prima Taste Singapore Laksa La Mian
It's rumored that the best any foodie can get to having restaurant-style noodles at home is Prima Taste Singapore Laksa La Mian noodles. If ranking is any indication, these noodles have been voted consecutively the best for years now. While they don't pack quite as much spice as some other brands, these noodles are nothing short of luxurious thanks to their (multiple) flavor packets. These noodles come with a packet of dry coconut milk powder to be added to an additional packet of flavor paste, which makes the broth creamy and velvety, in contrast to some other slightly acidic or just plain salty broths.
The other defining difference is the noodles: They're air-fried, which means their texture, when cooked, is far more tender and less of a crazy spiral-style. For those who appreciate a seafood kick to their ramen, look no further than these shrimp-based noodles. They're slightly more expensive than the typical ramen but it's well worth it for the flavor, style, and high-quality ingredients that come in this ramen.
Best In Balanced Flavor And Comfort: MAMA Noodles
Another popular find in most Asian markets, MAMA Noodles are a great stepping stone for those who don't necessarily want to leave the comfort of their previous instant noodle domain but also don't mind venturing out somewhat to explore the world of ramen. This tasty option comes in many varieties, with the most popular being the chicken flavor. While this is technically a step up from traditional microwavable instant ramen, MAMA noodles pack in far more flavor and a broth that's much more satisfying than typical instant noodles.
For those seeking to really venture out, the MAMA curry flavors are where the spice, flavor, and addictive taste come into play. The green curry flavor is bold in its spice, but there's something about its texture, heat, and outrageous, slightly lime-flavored profile that keeps the diner coming back for more. Also, these noodles are a pleasant light green, which offers a break from all of the red, brown, and beige broths out there.
Best Traditional: Sapporo Ichiban Ramen
While there are many flavors from Sapporo Ichiban that we could happily write about, it's best just to include Sapporo Ichiban as a whole, since the brand does have such a wide range of ramen flavors. Traditionally, the tonkotsu ramen is one of the best and the most well-loved by ramen lovers across the board.
The broth is much thicker than a traditional instant noodle dish, the flavor is mild (another traditional instant noodle feature), and the noodles, as a whole, lend a comforting, warm, and familiar flavor. These also serve as the best base on which to build and can stand up to things such as marinated, soft-boiled eggs, sheets of nori, bamboo shoots, corn, sprouts, pork belly, shrimp, or whatever else a ramen lover's heart desires in their noodles.