We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Real Talk Advice, staff picks, mythbusting, and more. Instant noodles are steeped in more than just hot nongshim black noodles and seasoning.
They’re also steeped in historical and cultural significance. It would be impossible to agree on the best instant noodles. There are thousands of varieties, and the World Instant Noodles Association counted 106. 4 billion servings eaten worldwide in 2019. We couldn’t pick just one noodle.
Since the Wirecutter kitchen team couldn’t gather for an in-person tasting, I asked seven chefs, authors, bloggers, ramen reviewers, and noodle makers to share their favorites with me. All were available for online order or delivery when we tested, but stock has been fluctuating. But of the few I tried, the Spicy Pot-au-feu Flavor was the best. It has a winning combination of a complex, spicy broth, substantial dehydrated vegetables, and toothsome noodles.
