7 Instant Ramen Brands To Keep In Your Pantry

Savory sips of instant ramen might immediately transport you back to your twenties when this five-minute dish was frequently the main course on your personal dinner menu. But not all ramen is created equal! That said, we wanted to know what foodies considered to be the very best instant ramen options out there. To create our list, we scoured 10 top reviews to find the seven most frequently recommended products. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

1. Sapporo Ichiban

What is Sapporo Ichiban ramen? It consists of classic ramen noodles in a chicken and soy sauce broth. No additional veggies are included.

Sapporo Ichiban, the “number one” ramen in Japan, delivers authentic flavors with every slurp. Its wavy noodles and savory broth offer a delicious taste of Japanese comfort in every instant cup. According to All Recipes, “Compared to some of the other ramen we tested, Sapporo Ichiban's offering is pretty simple. It doesn't include any additional veggies or sauces outside the main seasoning packet. However, the included seasoning packet had the strongest chicken flavor of the ones we tried, and the noodles in Sapporo Ichiban's ramen were also some of the most fluffy.”

This is a great choice for picky eaters who want a straightforward ramen with no extras. The Strategist writes: “These instant noodles from Sapporo Ichiban made [our] power ranking, falling somewhere near the intersection of ‘Better Taste’ and ‘Tastes More Like Thing’ on [our] matrix. They also happen to be the favorite instant noodles of Sheldon Simeon, the chef-owner of Tin Roof and author of ‘Cook Real Hawaii,’ who calls these noodles ‘crazy ridiculous.'”

According to Uproxx, “The broth of this ramen by former Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is super flavorful and oily, with a deep brown color and a fairly real chicken flavor, albeit fairly salty tasting. It has nice, thick noodles, which the packaging distinguishes as being ‘non-fried.’ The result is noodles that are super chewy with a similar texture to restaurant ramen.”

2. Nongshim

What is Nongshim ramen known for? Their most popular variety is Shin Ramyun, a spicy noodle soup with a beef broth. They also offer other flavors like Shin Black, a richer broth with more of a seafood flavor, and Kimchi Ramyun, a spicy ramen with a fermented cabbage flavor. Nongshim ramen is known for its chewy noodles, flavorful broths, and convenient preparation.

Nongshim, a South Korean food company, has established itself as a global force in instant ramen. From Shin Ramyun's fiery kick to Black Shin Ramyun's rich seafood essence, Nongshim's diverse range of instant ramen experiences continue to delight palates worldwide. Wirecutter explains, “Like most noodle producers, best-selling Korean brand NongShim makes many varieties. 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. I couldn’t stop eating these.”

According to Mashed, “When you choose Nongshim ramen, you shouldn't expect the dirt-cheap prices you'll find for brands like Maruchan or Nissin Top Ramen. Instead, you're going to pay a bit more for these noodles. Luckily, though, it's 100 percent worth it.”

Be ready for some heat with this one. Consumer Report states, “The beef broth is fiery red and spicy enough to make us sweat. The heat forces you to slow down, but the fat, bouncy noodles don’t become waterlogged or lose their bite as they sit and wait for your taste buds to calm down. There are bits of shiitake mushrooms, carrots, green onions, and soy protein that tastes like beef.”

3. Nissin

What is Nissin ramen known for? This brand is credited with the invention of instant ramen. They offer Cup Noodles, Top Ramen, and Raoh varieties. 

Nissin, the iconic Japanese food company, is synonymous with instant ramen noodles. From their revolutionary Cup Noodles to the beloved Chicken Ramen, Nissin has revolutionized the way we eat. Tasting Table comments, “The best instant ramen brand goes to the company behind the iconic Cup Noodles: Nissin. Few may know that the world's first instant ramen was chicken flavored and was invented by a man named Momofuku Ando at just 48 years old in 1948. A few years later, in 1971, Ando invented the worldwide phenomenon, Cup Noodles.”

Consumer Report adds, “The broth is bright yellow and oddly foamy, with flecks of green herbs. Similar to the Maruchan, this broth has a fattiness that coats the lips, but it’s not quite as good… The noodles have bounce and a bite, an almost al dente quality. The corn kernels are well-hydrated, sweet, and slightly snappy, which contrasts nicely with the salty soup.”

BuzzfFeed is critical of the original cup noodle but still rates it highly. Why? “Maybe it's been a hot minute since the last time I truly sat down to enjoy a Cup Noodle — college, realistically — but man, this was not the oddly satisfying Styrofoam cup of noodles that I remember… Still, since Nissin's Cup Noodles were literally the first instant noodle on the market, I'm thankful for them!” they write.

4. Maruchan

What is Maruchan ramen known for? Maruchan is another Japanese ramen brand that offers a variety of flavors, including the popular chicken, beef, and creamy chicken flavors. They also have cup noodles and ramen bowls. This brand is known for its savory broths and chewy noodles. While it is not considered high-end ramen, it is generally well-rated by consumers for its taste and affordability.

The iconic brand, Maruchan, has been warming hearts and stomachs for decades. Maruchan offers a quick and satisfying meal for any budget. Consumer Reports raves, “Maruchan ramen is a tasty lunch for less than a buck. You can’t even buy a bottle of water from a vending machine for that. The broth has a nice, chicken-y aroma with an equally enticing flavor that’s just salty enough. It has a schmaltzy fattiness that coats my lips, fooling me into thinking I’m slurping down a pricier bowl of matzo ball soup.”

The brand's reputation precedes it! Mashed says, “If there's one brand of instant ramen that we are all familiar with, it's Maruchan. This stuff is probably the kind that you're most used to. It can be found in just about every grocery store, and it's as cheap as can be. Sure, when you're starting out in the ramen world, Maruchan may be where you find your footing. But that certainly doesn't mean you should stay there forever.”

It's not fancy, but are you really seeking glitz and glamour when popping instant ramen into the microwave? All Recipes adds, “There's nothing particularly fancy about these varieties, but that doesn't mean they don't hit the spot. If you don't have much change to spend but are still craving ramen, any of these classics will satisfy.”

5. Indomie Instant Noodles

What is Indomie Instant Noodles known for? This is a brand of instant noodles produced by the Indofood company, the world's largest instant noodle manufacturer, based in Indonesia. They are known for their flavorful and convenient instant meals. Their most popular variety is Mi Goreng, which is a dry, stir-fried noodle dish. They also offer noodle soups in flavors like chicken and curry.

Indomie reigns supreme as a beloved instant noodle brand in Southeast Asia and beyond. Its springy noodles, flavorful broths, and fiery Sambal chili sauce have solidified its place as a staple comfort food for many. Bon Appétit says, “These fried noodles are a sweet-salty, umami-packed treat thanks to not one but five ramen flavor packets: seasoning powder, seasoning oil, sweet soy sauce, chili sauce, and fried shallots. Know that this is not a brothy situation. After cooking, you drain the noodles and toss them in the various sauces and powders.”

Mashed says this is a level up: “Looking for something better than the standard stuff? In that case, Indomie may be the instant ramen brand you've been looking for. This ramen is still pretty basic, so you know you're not getting something too far off from the classic Maruchan. But when it comes to flavor, a pack of Indomie is going to pack a bit more punch than the stuff you may be used to.

6. Mike's Mighty Good

What is Mike's Mighty Good ramen known for? Mike's Mighty Good Ramen is known for being a higher-quality, organic instant ramen option. They avoid artificial flavors, offer vegan and vegetarian options, and steam their noodles instead of frying them.

Mike's Mighty Good offers a delicious alternative to traditional instant ramen. Their organic noodles and clean ingredients elevate the experience, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal that even the most discerning foodies can appreciate. BuzzFeed claims, “Suspiciously similar to the Trader Joe's version but with organic noodles (and more of them!) plus a slightly better-tasting broth, I can confidently say that this brand I've never even noticed before surprised me in just about every way.”

This ramen packs a rich flavor that is undeniably delicious. Uproxx explains, “The fried garlic flavor of this ramen’s broth really comes through in a nice, unctuous way, and there are even flecks of dried garlic swirling around. The chicken notes round the flavor out for a creamy mouthfeel and mild, comforting taste.”

According to Tasting Table, “Mike's Mighty Good Ramen is a solid choice for people that are health-conscious but also love meat, since there are chicken, pork tonkotsu, spicy beef, and miso flavors available, which all average about $3 a serving. The downside: Depending on your appetite and stomach, the portions are considered by many to be too small for the price.”

7. Jin Ramen

What is Jin Ramen known for? It is a brand of instant ramen produced by Ottogi, a popular South Korean food company. Jin Ramen comes in a variety of flavors, but the most popular is the spicy beef bone broth flavor. It has a moderate spice level (four out of five on Ottogi's scale) that is well-liked for being flavorful without being overwhelming. They also offer a mild version for those who prefer less spice. This ramen is made with high-quality ingredients, including beef bone stock and wheat flour noodles.

Jin Ramen delivers an authentic taste of Korean comfort food in an instant. Its bold flavors and satisfying texture make it a favorite among ramen enthusiasts. Sporked says, “Everything about Jin Ramen Korean Style Noodles is wonderful, but the noodles are particularly spectacular, and that’s what makes it one of the best instant ramen brands we tried. These are restaurant-quality noodles. If you told me they were hand-pulled, I’d believe you. They are bouncy and tender and perfectly chewy.”

What should you expect for prep? Uproxx assures, “The preparation of this ramen is also somewhat unique, as it comes with a packet of dried vegetables and small beef pieces that are added to the water as it heats up, then the noodles and seasoning packet are added together and boiled for 4 minutes. The result is well-rounded ramen that left me feeling extremely impressed.”

Consumer Report also writes: “These noodles are bouncy and chewy. The broth has a beefy seaweed aroma and has a kick to it despite being the mild version. It’s not screaming salty to me, even though this ramen has the highest amount of sodium of the bunch.”

How To Make Homemade Ramen Bowls

Want to make your own ramen dishes at home? It's not an instant treat, but you can certainly put in the work and come out with your delicious concoctions. Making homemade ramen involves several steps, from preparing the broth to assembling the final dish. Here's a basic outline to get you started:

Ingredients:

• Broth: Chicken, pork, or vegetable stock.
• Ramen Noodles: Fresh or dried.
• Protein: Sliced pork, chicken, beef, or tofu.
• Toppings: Boiled egg (halved), green onions, nori (seaweed), bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, mushrooms.
• Flavorings: Soy sauce, miso paste, salt, or sesame oil.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth

• Basic Broth: Simmer chicken, pork bones, or vegetables with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onion for several hours. Strain and season with soy sauce, miso, or salt.
• Quick Broth: Use store-bought stock and enhance it with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of miso paste.

2. Cook the Ramen Noodles

• Boil the noodles according to package instructions until just cooked (usually 2-4 minutes).
• Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Prepare the Protein

• Meat: Marinate and grill or pan-fry slices of pork, chicken, or beef.
• Tofu: Press to remove excess water, then fry or bake until crispy.

4. Prepare the Toppings

• Boil eggs to your desired level of doneness, usually soft-boiled.
• Slice green onions, nori, and prepare other desired toppings.

5. Assemble the Ramen

• Place cooked noodles in a bowl.
• Pour hot broth over the noodles.
• Add your protein of choice and arrange toppings like boiled egg, green onions, nori, and others.

6. Final Touches

• Drizzle a bit of sesame oil or chili oil for an extra kick.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Feel free to experiment with different broth flavors, noodles types, proteins, and toppings to create your own unique bowl of ramen. Homemade ramen is versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Enjoy your ramen adventure!

Sources used to create our list:

• All Recipes
• The Strategist
• Uproxx
• Wirecutter
• Mashed
• Tasting Table
• Consumer Report
• Bon Appétit
• BuzzFeed
• Sporked

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.