Slurp Or Suffer

Instant ramen is either a warm hug in a bowl or a crime against your taste buds. One minute, you're slurping joyfully; the next, you're questioning your life choices. That’s why, with aisles stacked high and flavors that sound like dares, picking the right pack feels like culinary roulette. So, first, here are ten brands that deserve a permanent spot in your pantry. 

inazakira on Wikimedia

1. Nongshim

Born in South Korea’s culinary boom of the late 20th century, Nongshim became a household name for its bold flavors. The noodles hold up even after long soaks, and the flavor packet delivers a satisfying punch that’s anything but artificial. Hence, this is a comfort food for spice lovers.

Mobius6 on Wikimedia

2. Nissin

The instant noodle, as most know it today, wouldn’t exist without Nissin. What began as an innovation to combat food shortages turned into a pantry staple around the world. There’s a legacy in this brand but also a surprisingly pleasant simplicity.

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3. Indomie

Originating from Indonesia, Indomie's Mi Goreng offers a unique, stir-fried noodle experience. Its blend of sweet soy sauce, fried onions, and spices has garnered a global following, which makes it a beloved choice for those seeking bold flavors.

Gunawan Kartapranata on Wikimedia

4. Samyang

Launched in 2012, Samyang's Buldak Hot Chicken Ramen gained fame for its intense spiciness. Underneath the spice lies roasted chicken richness, often paired with chewy noodles that withstand boiling and sauteing alike. In short, there’s real craft in the flavor layering—sweet, umami, smoky, and infernal. 

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5. Sapporo Ichiban

Sapporo Ichiban channels classic Japanese ramen shop comfort. Its soy-based broth carries a warmth that feels homemade, and its noodles manage to mimic the bounce of fresh ones. Interestingly, one bowl of Original or Miso-flavored Sapporo Ichiban can remind you of snowy days and hot kettles.

INSTANT RAMEN SHOWDOWN by brutalmoose

6. Ichiran

This is where instant ramen gets upscale. Ichiran takes its tonkotsu ramen legacy and reinterprets it in a box—rich, porky, velvety broth paired with thin, straight noodles that almost mimic the fresh version. The flavor, concentrated and deeply satisfying, mirrors what you'd get in their famously solitary ramen booths. 

Evelyn-rose on Wikimedia

7. Momofuku

Born from chef David Chang’s kitchen empire, Momofuku’s instant noodle line speaks to foodies who expect more. The noodles are air-dried rather than fried, and the sauces skip artificial shortcuts. While technically instant, the result feels hand-prepared.

Are Momofuku Noodles a Rip-Off? ALL 5 Flavors Reviewed by Pete & Lisa Kim

8. Paldo

Paldo caters to thrill-seekers. Its Teumsae Ramen is hot enough to make eyes water but still manages to be more than just burn. There’s a story behind the name, too, as Teumsae refers to a famous spicy ramen shop in Seoul.

Mobius6 on Wikimedia

9. Public Goods

Public Goods makes a statement by stripping ramen down to its core—no MSG, just ingredients you can pronounce. The result is unexpectedly clean-tasting: earthy broth, well-textured noodles, and a comforting feel that doesn’t leave you bloated or overly salted.

Public Goods Original Ramen Noodles (HEALTHY, Organic, BAKED Ramen?!) | THE NOODLE SHOW - Episode 46 by GamerMeg

10. Mike’s Mighty Good

Hand-crafted is not a word usually associated with instant ramen, unless you’re talking about Mike’s Mighty Good. Their organic ramen is closer to a slow-simmered meal than a flash-cooked snack. Plus, the texture of the noodles holds its bite, and the broths feel custom made. 

Mike's Mighty Good Ramen Review by The Fat Hipster

Now, here are ten noodles that belong in the aisle, not your pantry. 

1. Annie Chun’s

Despite its health-oriented branding, Annie Chun’s Shoyu Ramen has been criticized for its unremarkable taste. The noodles tend to clump or fall apart quickly, while the broth lacks the depth or kick that makes ramen satisfying.

Unboxing Annie Chun's Japanese-Style Shoyu Ramen Soup Bowl by Simply Unboxing

2. Snapdragon

Snapdragon’s packaging teases Southeast Asian flavors. However, what hits your tongue is often flat, synthetic, and disappointingly one-note. The miso and pho flavors taste hollow, and the noodles cook unevenly—some too soft, others underdone.

Snapdragon Miso Ramen review - is it worth it? by The Kam Kast

3. Maruchan

Once a college dorm favorite, Maruchan now feels like a relic in a sea of bolder competitors. Its noodles rehydrate quickly but lack any satisfying bite, while the broth resembles hot, flavored water. Also, any spice or depth is barely noticeable, making it hard to finish without adding extras.

Manabu Itoh on Wikimedia

4. Dr. McDougall’s

Health-driven eaters might be tempted by the clean branding of Dr. McDougall’s ramen. However, it rarely delivers flavor worth remembering. The texture is grainy, the broth lacks cohesion, and the seasoning settles awkwardly at the bottom. For those craving depth, this cup offers little more than warm, soupy confusion.

Dr mc Dougall’s Vegan miso ramen noodle soup | (first taste) by WE EATING_GOOD

5. Trader Joe’s

Despite the grocery chain’s reputation for inventive products, Trader Joe’s ramen falls short of expectations. The broth tends to taste generic and under-seasoned, and the noodles often cook unevenly. Besides, its flavors like spicy miso or chicken usually come across more bland than bold.

Trader Joe's makes the Worst Ramen?! by Chau Crunch

6. A-Sha

At first glance, A-Sha impresses with sleek design and straight noodles, but what lies inside underdelivers. Featuring a sauce that lacks punch, this brand’s texture—though unique—doesn’t pair well with the light seasoning. That’s why the entire experience comes across as style over substance.

A-SHA GOURMET NOODLE TAIWANESE DANDAN Instant Noodle Review! by SIA Slurps

7. Top Ramen

While Top Ramen is easy on the wallet, its taste can be hit or miss. The brand hasn’t evolved much over the years, clinging to thin broths and soft, almost overcooked noodles. You won’t find layers or nuance here—just a salty, faintly artificial soup that rarely satisfies beyond its nostalgic value.

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8. Thai Kitchen

Attempting to echo the vibrant spices of Thai street food, Thai Kitchen’s instant ramen lacks authenticity. Missing are the key elements, like galangal heat, citrusy zing, lemongrass freshness, that define its cuisine. Instead, the noodles sit in a broth that tastes more like herbal tea than satisfying soup.

Simply Asia: Thai Kitchen Hot & Sour Rice Noodle Soup Bowl Review by Lunchtime Review

9. Tapatio

Borrowing from its hot sauce heritage, Tapatio ramen is just unbalanced. The broth tends to overpower with one-note spice, drowning any savory undertones. Meanwhile, the noodles seem like an afterthought, absorbing little flavor and turning mushy before you’ve halfway finished.

Tapatío Ramen Noodle Soup: Original Review by Lunchtime Review

10. Immi

Crafted to appeal to low-carb and keto-conscious eaters, these noodles prioritize nutritional macros over culinary satisfaction. Flavor profiles like black garlic or spicy “beef” often land oddly—neither rich nor warming—leaving a faint bitterness that lingers.

Immi Ramen Review: Do These Low-Carb Instant Ramen Noodles Actually Taste Good? by Food Box HQ