Cielo Menudo Instant Ramen Noodle Soup

Menudo is a traditional Mexican dish that is a slow-simmered tripe soup with chilies and hominy. Cielo’s instant version is produced in Vietnam and distributed in the United States.

Produced in Vietnam.

What’s in the Package

Inside the Cielo Menudo Instant Ramen Noodle Soup package, you’ll find a block of wheat noodles and four additional items: a liquid sauce sachet containing the menudo-style broth base, a dry seasoning sachet with spices like oregano and garlic, a packet of dehydrated vegetables, and a foldable plastic fork.

How to Prepare It

1. Place the noodles, dehydrated vegetables, and dry seasoning into the bowl.
2. Pour boiling water into the bowl up to the internal fill line.
3. Cover the bowl with the lid and let it sit for 3 minutes.
4. Add the liquid sauce sachet, stir thoroughly, and serve.

How Does It Taste

The Mexican oregano comes through strongly. The broth has a noticeable saltiness that’s present but not overwhelming. Underneath the oregano there’s a subtle chipotle note that adds a nice smoky undertone and gives the broth more dimension than a single-note seasoning would.

We noticed the noodles had a chewy texture similar to Mama Tom Yum noodles. They hold up in the broth without going soft.

The spice level is a mild 1 out of 5. There’s a soft smoky warmth rather than actual heat, which keeps things approachable but means the bowl needs help if you want any kick.

How Does It Compare

Within the Cielo lineup, the Menudo has the strongest and most distinctive flavor profile of the three varieties reviewed on the site. The oregano character gives it a clear identity that the Birria doesn’t quite have. The Pozole shares the oregano note but adds cinnamon and a pleasant sourness that takes it in a slightly different direction.

How to Level Up Cielo Menudo Instant Ramen Noodle Soup

I would like to try this again, but adding braised tripe to it. If tripe isn’t accessible or you’re not a fan, shredded beef or pork works as a substitute and still respects the flavor direction.

A squeeze of fresh lime juice would be perfect right before eating. Hot sauce adds the heat the base broth is missing and lets you control the spice level yourself.

Final Verdict

The Cielo Menudo Instant Ramen Noodle Soup delivers more than expected on the oregano front. The chipotle smokiness is a nice touch and the overall flavor combination is solid. Add tripe or shredded beef, squeeze lime over the top, and add your own heat and this becomes a satisfying bowl.

Where to Buy Cielo Menudo Instant Ramen Noodle Soup

• Amazon

Check out my review of the brand’s other flavors:

• 7 Mares Seafood
• Pozole

Have you tried this instant ramen? What toppings would you add? Rate the noodles below!

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