2025 Gift Guide for Instant Ramen Lovers

Winter is peak ramen season! It’s a time when there’s nothing better than cozying up with a warm noodle bowl. Whether you’re shopping for someone just starting their ramen journey, an instant ramen hack master, or the ultimate home chef looking to replicate authentic shop quality, this curated list has the perfect gift.

As an avid ramen lover who has prepared countless bowls, from instant to handmade ramen, I personally vouch for the impact and usefulness of these items.

Stocking Stuffers (Under $20):

The basics. A starter pack for elevating any instant ramen.

• Chopsticks (Reusable Set): Personally I like using wood chopsticks the best since they’re easy to clean and they’ve got great grip. Here’s the set I use in most of my videos.
• Ramen Spoon: I tend to reach for my pho spoons for convenience, but ceramic ramen ones work well since it holds the heat of the broth.
• Egg Piercer: Ever since I started using this egg punch, I have never had an egg crack while boiling them. I don’t know why it took me so long to invest in them.
• Digital Timer: This is helpful for timing your noodle cook according the package instructions or your preference. I also use one when I’m cooking my eggs. You could use your phone, but I like having something separate to free up my phone. Digital Timer 2 Pack
• Chili Crisp/Oil: Perfect for spice lovers in your life. Lao Gan Ma and Fly By Jing are probably the most easily found ones depending on stores in your area. Here’s why chili oil is great instant ramen topping.
• Furikake: This seasoning has dried seaweed, sesame seeds, and nori in it. It’s originally a rice seasoning, but you can add it to almost anything.
• The “Must-Try” Sampler Pack: Assemble a package of your favorite instant ramens! This is a great gift for people who want to venture out and try different brands and flavors, but haven’t made the jump yet. For example, my sampler pack for that person would probably include Nongshim Shin Ramyun, Samyang Buldak Spicy Ramen, and Indomie Mi Goreng.

The Level-Up Kit (Under $50):

Items that transform a quick meal into a next-level ramen experience.

• Saucepan (1.5qt): I’m team saucepan for making instant ramen. It’s quick to boil water in the pan, you can add a bunch of ingredients to cook along with the noodles, and the broth stays hot. This 1.5qt saucepan is perfect to fit the noodle block and add 2-3 toppings. I would get a 3qt size if you want to add more.
• Strainer (Spider/Fine Mesh): Essential for separating noodles from water quickly (great for dry ramen styles). OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 3qt.
• Ceramic Ramen Bowl: A sturdy, aesthetic bowl for proper presentation. I’ve accumulated many ramen bowls throughout the years so I have a nice selection to choose from. Your gift could be the start of your recipient’s own essential collection!
• Ichiran Ramen Kit (3 Servings): This is my go-to ramen if I want to get as close as possible to restaurant quality instant ramen. While it is pricier than other instant ramen, I believe it’s worth it for the signature Tonkotsu broth and the quality of the noodles. Perfect for the person who appreciates premium ingredients! Ichiran Take-Home Ramen Kit
• Condiment Serving Container: If your recipient loves to host or frequently sets up a DIY meal (like a ramen bar), this is an awesome, high-utility gift. I use this container with its six individual compartments constantly in my videos to display and organize all the toppings: sliced scallions, corn, nori, bamboo shoots, and more!
• Ramen Cookbook: I’ve had the pleasure of testing out a couple of recipes from my friend Sho’s Homemade Ramen cookbook. This is for ramen enthusiasts who want try making ramen from scratch. Even if they aren’t ready for a 12-hour broth, it serves as a great reference for topping ideas, aromatic oils, and mastering broth techniques.

The Ultimate Ramen Station (Under $75):

• Electric Kettle: While I mentioned above that I’m team saucepan, I recognize that there are those who don’t have access to stovetops (dorm rooms or office kitchens). The electric kettle is a great option for heating up water quickly and significantly cuts down on prep time.
• Dried Ramen Toppings Bundle (Ramen Bae): Dried toppings are the ultimate prep time saver. When I want to make a quick bowl of ramen, it’s so easy to throw in these dried toppings. They have a starter bundle for $64.99, but their site has a ton of other individual toppings that you can buy as well.
• Asian Grocery Store Gift Card: The most flexible gift. This allows the recipient to shop for ingredients that can’t be shipped.

Hopefully this list helps you and your gift recipients start exploring the art of the perfect customized bowl of instant ramen at home. I’ve love to hear your thoughts on these, especially if you’ve already integrated any of these items into your own ramen setup.

Happy Holidays and Happy Slurpin’!