When we need quick and easy meals, we often turn to instant noodles. Aside from being easy to prepare, they are also affordable and accessible. However, sometimes regular instant noodles aren't just enough. There are days when we crave the hot and tongue-numbing sensation that a serving of spicy noodles can provide.
Munching on these spicy noodles is a guilty pleasure for many of us, despite knowing that they're not the healthiest eats, there is something about spicy noodles that makes them deliciously addictive. Keep reading as we provide product recommendations and a buying guide, fact-checked by nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, to help you choose spicy noodles fit for your taste buds.
Quick List - Top Spicy Noodles
Lucky Me!
Filipino Favorite Noodles Infused With a Little Spice and Sourness from Calamansi
Indomie
Experience the Flavors of Indonesia With This Spicy Noodle
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.
Before deciding on a pack of spicy noodles, it is necessary to check its spice level first to gauge whether it's a match for your tolerance. Some people enjoy the tongue-numbing sensation and adrenaline rush from spicy foods, but there are some who simply want the right amount of spiciness.
If you want the sweat-dripping level of spiciness, look for labels such as "extra hot," "super spicy," and "2x hotter". On the other hand, if you're only seeking a slight kick of spice, go for "sweet and spicy" or "mild". Those that have a pure spicy flavor tend to be spicier than noodles that have a blend of other flavors like sweet, cheesy, and sour.
Although spicy noodles are all spicy, each one has a distinct flavor profile that usually varies according to their country of origin. If you enjoy the sweat-dripping and tongue-numbing kind of spiciness, Korean spicy noodles are your best bet. Their noodles usually offer a spice level beyond subtle and possess a stronger flavor profile that you can already sense from their aroma alone.
On the other hand, Japanese spicy noodles usually have an authentic and umami taste in the broth and subtle spicy flavors that won't overwhelm your palate. Spicy noodles from different East Asian and Southeast Asian possess a unique "local" taste as they are infused with a country-specific flavor, like our local spicy noodles flavored with calamansi or siling labuyo.
When browsing online or in the grocery, you will see two types of cooking of spicy noodles: stew type or stir-fried. The former is perfect if you want to slurp the tasty broth, while the latter is on the dry side but is more flavorful. Check out the points below in order to determine which style suits your palate better.
Unlike the stir-fried type that you'll usually eat as a merienda or midnight snack, stew-type noodles are commonly enjoyed during the rainy days because they are served with broth that you'll love to have a spoonful of to warm yourself up. The hot broth is flavored with seasoning powder and dried vegetable packets that come with it.
With stew-type noodles, you can also control the spice level easier by adding more water if you find the flavor too spicy for your liking. However, keep in mind that stew-type noodles are more prone to getting soggy because they are served while soaked in liquid broth.
Contrary to its name, the stir-fried type is also cooked through boiling. However, unlike its stew counterpart, you have to drain its water before seasoning it. Aside from the powder seasoning, it often comes with liquid spices such as soy sauce and special liquid flavoring, giving it a stronger flavor and darker color.
The stir-fried type is commonly consumed for merienda or as a snack at any time of the day. Compared to the stew-type, there are more ways you can serve this type of noodles; you can pair it with pandesal or simply top it with a fried egg.
Spicy noodles are available in essentially two different types of packaging. When choosing which one you should add to your grocery cart, it is ideal to weigh each packaging's advantages and disadvantages to gauge which one would work better and convenient for you.
If you're buying bulk and stocking for home supplies, it is better to go for ones packed in plastic. pouch These plastic-packed spicy noodles are marketed at a lower price compared to ones that come in cups. Besides that, they also consume less space, hence, ideal for storing in your home's pantry.
However, this packaging type is more prone to having its noodles crushed and eventually pulverized if not appropriately stored. You also need access to kitchenware and stove. If pests are an issue at home, remember that this packaging also requires more secure storage since it can be infested easier because the plastic is thin.
If you prefer spicy noodles that you can immediately consume when you're hungry, going for cup noodles may be a better choice. With cup noodles, you can save time and effort since all you need to do is add hot water and wait for it to be cooked before putting in the powdered flavoring and other toppings.
This packaging type is favored for outdoor trips and quick snacking as it allows you to consume the noodles without needing a stove, pots, and plates. However, they can be more expensive and bulky. Hence, they might take a lot of pantry space if you’re stocking for home supply.
If you're buying spicy noodles to replenish your pantry, it is more cost-efficient to opt for multipack. They commonly come in packages of 5 or 6 bags of spicy noodles that would suffice for the household's occasional consumption. By opting for a multipack, you won't have to go through the hassle of continuously buying single packs each time you run out of noodles supply.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Samyang 2x Spicy Buldak Fire Noodle | ![]() | Challenge Yourself With This Fire-Like Spicy Noodles | |
2 | Lucky Me! Pancit Canton Chilimansi | ![]() | Filipino Favorite Noodles Infused With a Little Spice and Sourness from Calamansi | |
3 | Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup | ![]() | Classic Spicy Stew Type Noodles That Anyone Would Love | |
4 | Indomie Mi Goreng Instant Fried Noodles Hot and Spicy | ![]() | Experience the Flavors of Indonesia With This Spicy Noodle | |
5 | Nissin Hot Creamy Seafood Cup Noodles | ![]() | Handy Cup of Spicy Noodles for Quick Food Breaks | |
6 | Ottogi Jin Ramen Spicy | ![]() | Hearty Harmony of Beef Broth and Spicy Flavor | |
7 | Samyang Buldak Fire Noodle Cheese Flavor | ![]() | An Exciting Fusion of Spicy and Cheesy Flavors | |
8 | Nongshim Shin Red Super Spicy Noodle | ![]() | For Those With an Adventurous Palate | |
9 | Lucky Me! Jjamppong Instant Noodle Soup | ![]() | Great Spicy Noodles for Seafood Lovers | |
10 | Paldo Korea Rabokki Noodle Ramen | ![]() | Have a Filling Meal From a Combination of Noodles and Tteokbokki |
Popularized by the famous #FireNoodleChallenge, this product has proved that it's not for the faint-hearted - and those with low spice tolerance. Unlike most stir-fried spicy noodles that offer a tolerable spice level, this one has an extremely spicy yet addicting taste.
It comes with a big noodle block and a packet of red chili paste seasoning that gives it the fire-like spice. It also comes with sesame seeds and seaweed garnish which enhances its texture. Although it has a very spicy taste, it doesn't completely overpower its chicken flavor.
If you have a high tolerance for intensely spicy foods or you seek a thrilling meal that will make you sweat and numb your mouth, this is perfect for you. Instead of kicking in immediately, it has a kind of spice that gradually builds up in every chew and bite, taking you by surprise.
This stir-fried type of spicy noodles is something that you'll always spot in Filipino households. It is the perfect pick if you're seeking just the right level of spiciness, as it offers a spicy and sour flavor from the signature Filipino calamansi that allows you to enjoy just a hint of spiciness that doesn't make your nose run.
This spicy noodle is also well-loved by many because it is a flexible ingredient that you can use to make creative recipes - adding variety to your daily meriendas. If you're stocking for your home supply, it is also a wise move to opt for this pancit canton multipack, as it will save you money instead of purchasing per individual pack.
This spicy noodle soup is considered the representative ramyun in South Korea; no wonder it's something that you'll see anywhere, even in the scenes of your favorite K-dramas. It is said to possess the traditional Korean flavor with a distinctive aroma and taste.
Although also known for its heat, it is not overly spicy to the point that it would overwhelm you. Apart from its flavorful yet straightforward beef broth that provides a kick of spiciness, it has thick, soft, and chewy noodles that help balance out the broth's tangy notes.
Even though it's good on its own, many people like to upgrade it by adding ingredients like sliced green onions to enhance its taste further. If you frequent Korean restos, you'll also see that it is often served with egg, a slice of cheese, or a kimchi side dish.
This Halal-certified spicy noodle is inspired by Mi Goreng, a traditional Indonesian dish known for its addictive and diverse flavor profile. A single packet of this comes with a block of thin and easy-to-chew noodles and five seasoning packets that provide the noodles with the authentic Mi Goreng flavor and taste.
It has a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that create a feast on your palate. It also has fried veggie bits that add a lot of crunchiness and a unique mouthfeel to the noodles. Several reviewers noted that it has a medium level of spice, enough to give your mouth a hot sensation, but it goes away pretty fast.
If you're a fan of creamy broths, you'll love this one. Unlike most stew-type noodles that offer clear and meaty broths, this one has a creamy broth that is infused with diverse seafood flavors, further adding different flavor profiles aside from the spice. It also comes with a garnish packet that contains seafood and vegetable bits to top it.
The handy plastic cup that it is stored in also allows it to be a quick and convenient meal that you can munch on short food breaks. The best part is it's ready to eat in just 3 minutes, as you just have to add hot water to it, and it can be consumed in no time!
If you need something to warm yourself up on a rainy day, this one is a great bet. Aside from its thick and chewy noodles, it is served in a broth that combines the savory and deep taste of beef bone stock and spicy seasoning. It has a strong kick of spice, but if you have a high tolerance for spicy foods, it wouldn't be overwhelming.
It also comes with a garnish packet containing mushrooms and dehydrated vegetables like cabbage, green onion, and carrot, responsible for adding texture to the spicy noodles. Aside from the beefy and tangy flavor, you can also experience a hint of vegetable taste in it.
If you find the 2x version too hot, this one might be a better fit for you. This stir-fried type noodle features an exciting fusion of tangy and cheesy flavors that will get you hooked. Unlike the usual spicy noodles that only come with spicy seasoning, this one also comes with a Mozarella cheese powder infused with nori flecks.
Like its other counterparts, it has the signature spicy and addictive taste of the Samyang brand, but the cheese additive helps tone down the spice level, making it less spicy than most of them. Aside from its taste, it also boasts thick noodles that deliver the right amount of chewiness if cooked properly.
If you're seeking more punch of spice in your stew-type noodles that will have your mouth burning, this one is for you. This bag of spicy noodles by Nongshim is stated to be the spiciest in their line. Although it is stew-type, it has a spiciness level that cannot be easily toned down by adding water.
It comes with a block of chewy and firm noodles that have a nice thickness to them. It also includes a spicy seasoning packet that provides the soup with an intense and rich flavor for its broth. To further enhance the spicy noodles, it also comes with a garnish sachet that contains chewy mushrooms.
If you're someone who enjoys the briny and fresh taste of seafood, you'll love this bag of spicy noodles. Unlike most stew-type noodles that are made of beef broth, this one mimics the taste of Jjampong, a famous seafood soup dish in Chinese-Korean cuisine best for those who are seeking Asian flavors.
It comes with a light broth that is infused with seafood flavors and the right amount of spice. Inside the plastic pouch are a packet of dried vegetables and seafood garnish that enhances the noodles' texture. On top of that, it has thin noodles that perfectly complement the light soup broth.
Spicy noodles are often consumed as a snack. But if you're on the hunt for something that can be considered a meal, you can give this bag of spicy noodles a try. Paldo's rabokki has a combination of noodles and tteokbokki pieces for a filling meal in just a few minutes. As for the taste, it has sweet undertones, so the spiciness is just right.
Feeling a little bit extra? You may also add Korean fishcakes, vegetables, boiled eggs, and sausages to the noodles! Don't forget to top it with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and whatever you wish. Moroever, this makes a perfect pairing for your DIY samgyupsal parties at home.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
When it comes to spicy noodles, the selection of food to pair it with is endless. Vegetables like pechay, cabbage, lettuce, and carrots tone down the spice but if you want more heat, try kimchi. Protein such as chicken, ham, sausages, luncheon meat, and boiled or sunny side up eggs are also viable options. Samyang noodles can also be enjoyed with Korean barbecue or samgyupsal.
Spicy noodles are definitely delicious but not exactly healthy. They are low in protein and fiber, and high in fat, carbohydrates, and especially sodium. On average, one serving of spicy noodles contains 1,760 mg of sodium, about 88% of the 2000 mg of sodium allowed per day. With that, be mindful of your consumption of spicy noodles and eat them at most once a week.
Garnishes are not just for presentation purposes but also add different textures and flavor profiles. For crunchy choices, you can choose from earthy toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh spring onions, kimchi, and nori sheets. Want to up the spice level? Sprinkle some chili flakes or powder! Lastly, cheese slices provide a creamy taste while a fried or boiled egg makes the noodles more filling.
While nothing beats the warmth of a homecooked meal or merienda, there are just days when our busy schedule won't permit us to go through the whole process of shopping for ingredients and preparing food from scratch. Check out these links featuring food products that will let you whip up yummy food in a flash!
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Author: R. Victoriano
Re-editor: Patricia Catimpo
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: Samyang|2x Spicy Buldak Fire Noodle
No. 2: Lucky Me! |Pancit Canton Chilimansi
No. 3: Nongshim|Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup
No. 4: Indomie|Mi Goreng Instant Fried Noodles Hot and Spicy
No. 5: Nissin|Hot Creamy Seafood Cup Noodles
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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