There's a certain warmth and comfort that can only be found in a piping hot bowl of instant ramen. It's a known comfort food and even considered soul food. It can be a warm morning meal, a late-night comfort after a round of drinks, or a quick and hearty dinner. It's also incredibly easy to prepare — pour hot water, wait a few minutes, and it's ready to eat!
All of us have our own preferred instant ramen brand already, but there are tons on the market. Each has its own distinct tastes. In this article, we prepared a buying guide with important points to consider when buying instant ramen—fact-checked by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha morales! We also have a top 10 list of our favorite products!
Quick List - Top Instant Ramen
Nissin
A Satisfying Mild yet Flavorful Ramen if You Want Something Light
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Instant ramen is already one of the most convenient foods out there, but another aspect that will determine a particular ramen's convenience is its packaging. There are two kinds of packaging: cup and packet, and depending on your preferred preparation method, a specific type can be more advantageous.
When you are in a hurry, busy, or cannot be bothered to do the dishes, cup ramen is your best bet. It is an on-the-go staple because you could eat it practically anywhere as long as you have access to boiling or hot water.
To prepare it, you simply have to pour the water in along with the ingredients inside, wait a few minutes, then you are good to go. And after eating, you could just throw away the cup, too—no need to do the dishes!
Although ramen in a pack takes more time to prepare, it gives you more freedom for customizing by giving you the option to add more ingredients like fresh vegetables, cheese, or a whole egg. It usually also has more quantity than cup ramen, and when it comes to storage, it takes up less space.
However, unlike cup ramen that you can consume anywhere, packed ramen is better for home preparation since you'll need a pot or a pan to cook it. Plus, you'll have to plate it, so it'll require you to do the dishes afterward, too!
The dried noodles are a blank canvas for different cultures to put their unique twist on. No wonder when it comes to ramen, you can find a wide range of variations, from the insanely spicy noodles by heat-loving Koreans to rich-flavored Japanese ramen. While it has become a universally-loved comfort food, these two countries have mastered the art of instant ramen.
The most basic but popular base-soup flavors of Japanese ramen you could choose from are shio, shoyu, miso, and tonkotsu. Shio and shoyu are two kinds of plain, clear soups - shio is salt-based while shoyu is soy-sauce based. Miso and tonkotsu-based soups, on the other hand, tend to be more savory.
Just like in ramen shops all over Japan, these soup bases are the foundation for endless possibilities. Japanese instant ramen is best for customization. Add a boiled egg, thinly sliced spring onions, and leftover pork to instant ramen to truly feel like you're in Japan.
South Korean instant ramen or ramyun is typically known to be spicy, so it is a great match for those who enjoy spicy food. However, some brands also offer spiciness levels ranging from mild to extra hot. Ramyun is also great when paired with Korean side dishes like kimchi. The spicy noodles leave you wanting more, while the refreshing side dishes give you variety and satisfaction.
Unfortunately, instant noodles are not the best food for the body because of their calories, high sodium content, preservatives, and other ingredients that can lead to health concerns. Some studies show that people with a high intake of instant noodles are prone to metabolic syndrome, kidney stones, high cholesterol levels, and a lack of essential nutrients in the body.
With that said, reading an instant ramen's list of ingredients and nutrition labels is always beneficial to know what you are consuming. It may be hard for some, but at least try to consume instant noodles moderately to stay healthy!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ichiran Hakata-Style Thin Noodles | ![]() | At-Home Version of a World-Famous Ramen | |
2 | Nongshim Shin Ramyun | ![]() | South Korea's Top-Selling Spicy Ramen | |
3 | Ottogi Jin Ramen Mild | ![]() | Has the Right Level of Spice to Keep You Hooked | |
4 | Nissin Japanese Ramen - Tokyo Shoyu | ![]() | A Satisfying Mild yet Flavorful Ramen if You Want Something Light | |
5 | Nissin Cup Seafood Noodles | ![]() | A Seafood Cup Ramen That’s Also a Filipino Balikbayan’s Favorite | |
6 | Koka Laksa Singapura | ![]() | Creamy, Sweet, and Spicy Flavors for Those Who Want Something New | |
7 | Nongshim Neoguri Mild Seafood Noodles | ![]() | A Hearty and Comforting Udon Noodle Soup | |
8 | Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup | ![]() | Vegan-Approved Ramen With a Clean and Refreshing Taste | |
9 | Lucky Me! Go Cup Instant Noodle Soup La Paz Batchoy | ![]() | A Filipino Comfort Food Classic in a Cup | |
10 | Sanyo Foods Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen | ![]() | A Pack of Instant Miso Ramen With a Full-Bodied Flavor Profile |
Ichiran Ramen shops in Japan are famous for their long queues of people from all over the world waiting hours for just one bowl. With a complex and savory tonkotsu or pork bone-based soup, their ramen is regarded as one of the best in Japan.
Now you can savor this best-selling ramen right in the comfort of your home. Each pack contains straight noodles, soup base, and the famous Ichiran original red seasoning. You can also add toppings such as chives, eggs, pork, and mushrooms to complete the Ichiran experience right at your home.
When it comes to instant ramen, this one is basically a household name that everyone is familiar with. This cult-favorite instant noodle is perhaps the one you'll immediately think of when you crave ramyun while binge-watching your favorite K-dramas or when you need some warmth and comfort.
This ramyun is enjoyed by many due to its simple yet flavorful soup that features a kick of spiciness. Reviewers also like that its noodles are quite thick and chewy, and the soup has a rich flavor. Although great on its own, it is best accompanied by an egg and a side of kimchi.
There's a great reason why this instant noodle, along with Shin Ramyun, is Korea's favorite ramyun brand. It is the perfect pick if you want a toned-down spice level that still packs a slight punch enough to keep you hooked and wanting more.
Another thing you'll love about this is its chewy noodles that go well with its mildly spicy broth. It also comes with more dried vegetables that give the ramen some bite and texture. Like other ramyun, you can also level this up with kimchi or an egg!
If you're looking for milder ramen, shoyu ramen is known for delivering complex flavors in a light broth. The broth is made with a premium bonito blend that makes sure there is plenty of addicting saltiness and umami shining through.
The smooth noodles still have a bite to them, which complements the simple soup to add texture to the whole dish. It also comes with a helping of nori or dried seaweed that adds color and another layer of saltiness to the bowl.
Those who have Filipino relatives living in Japan surely have tasted these cup noodles. Inside the cup are a noodle block, powder seasoning, and toppings. When it comes to the soup, you can taste a little salty and savory broth packed with seafood flavor.
Apart from its flavor, reviewers of this product love its generous amount of toppings that include dehydrated pieces of scrambled egg, dried seafood like mini crab sticks, and a variety of vegetables. It's perfect for those who want some bite and crunch in their ramen.
With this packet, you can reminisce your vacation days in Singapore. It lets you savor the authentic taste of Laksa which uses coconut milk to make a sweet and creamy broth. It is also infused with seafood and chili oil to add richness and spiciness and keep you coming back for more.
The packaging also says that this instant noodle has no added msg, so reviewers believe that it is quite healthy. This instant laksa is perfect for those looking for a unique instant ramen experience or for those who want something new on the palate.
The thick, udon-style noodles of this instant ramen make it a heartier option that makes eating a whole bowl very filling. That said, it's no wonder this product is top-rated in Korea on winter days when a big bowl of warm and hearty soup is incredibly comforting.
This is also a good choice for those who are not huge fans of overly spicy noodles since seafood is the main flavor of its broth. It does have a mild spiciness, but just enough to make it addicting without making your mouth burn. The package also comes with a small piece of dried kelp, which infuses the soup with a complex saltiness.
Compared to other instant ramens from this brand, this package comes with a vegetable-based broth, which has a refreshing and clean flavor with a mild spicy kick. Hence, this is an excellent choice for those who want something easy on the palate.
However, if you want something stronger, you may need extra ingredients to compensate for its mild flavor. If you're particular about your ramen noodles, you'll also love this as its noodles are chewy and do not get soggy easily. It is also perfect for those who want one with less guilt since it is vegan-certified and has no MSG and trans fat.
The Philippines also has a wide variety of instant noodles that have become merienda staples, like this one. This instant version of La Paz Batchoy offers all the rich and savory flavors of the Ilo-ilo classic in an easy-to-prepare cup.
Other than the disc of tender noodles, the cup comes with the pork crackling topping and dried vegetables typically found in a bowl of batchoy. The porky, salty flavor of the broth can make any Filipino feel like they're eating a home-cooked meal.
Miso is a soybean paste known for its full-bodied, savory flavor that goes perfectly in ramen- and you can taste just that with this! They blend six different types of miso and a mix of vegetables to create this instant ramen that mimics the traditional, robust Japanese flavor of authentic miso ramen.
Moreover, it comes with wavy noodles that pick up soup very well, making sure the broth comes with every bite. Each ramen pack also comes with a packet of shichimi, a Japanese seven-spice chili powder that complements the flavorful soup perfectly.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Instant ramen is high in sodium content. With that said, it's best just to enjoy it occasionally and not make it a staple in your diet. Consuming it one or two times a week at most is most optimal for your health.
Like other processed food, instant ramen contains preservatives and is often high in fat, making it more difficult to digest. While not enough conclusive studies mention an exact length, many indicate that it indeed takes extra effort for our digestive system to break down instant noodles.
Wheat flour, starch, water, salt, and kansui are kneaded together to create a dough. Afterward, the dough is rolled and cut into thin slices to make noodles. The noodles are then steamed, dehydrated, then packed.
To help you welcome the rainy days ahead, we've compiled more articles featuring various kitchen essentials and products that will help you create meals that can keep you warm and fuzzy during sweater weather.
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Ichiran|Hakata-Style Thin Noodles
No. 2: Nongshim|Shin Ramyun
No. 3: Ottogi|Jin Ramen Mild
No. 4: Nissin|Japanese Ramen - Tokyo Shoyu
No. 5: Nissin|Cup Seafood Noodles
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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