Doll Instant Noodle Sesame Oil Flavor

I got this package of ramen from my friend Wallace when we shot an episode for my late-night ramen series. I brought it all the way back from Toronto where he’s from. Apparently, this is a popular Hong Kong brand and a taste of his childhood. Right when you open it, you definitely notice those sesame seeds and they have a nice nutty thing going on.

Produced in Hong Kong.

What’s in the Package

Inside the Doll Instant Noodle Sesame Oil Flavor package, you’ll find a block of curly wheat noodles and two seasoning components: a dry soup base powder sachet and a small sesame oil sachet.

How to Prepare It

1. Bring 500ml (about 2 cups) of water to a boil in a pot.
2. Add the noodle block and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat. Add the dry soup base powder and the sesame oil sachet directly to the pot.
4. Stir well to ensure the oil is distributed evenly and the powder is dissolved, then transfer to a bowl.

How Does It Taste

Sesame oil is the dominant flavor which checks out since it’s the flavor of this instant ramen. The moment you add the seasoning the bowl fills with that rich, toasty, nutty character that sesame oil brings.

Underneath the sesame there are hints of MSG and garlic that add depth and a little extra savory punch. The garlic is quiet but present and it gives the bowl more complexity than a straight sesame oil flavor would have on its own. The salt level is noticeable but it’s in the range of what you’d expect from this style of noodle.

I can understand why this is Wallace’s comfort food. It’s warm, familiar, and satisfying in a way that doesn’t require any heat to work.

The noodles carry the sesame oil sauce well and the overall experience is one of the more pleasant simple bowls I’ve tried.

How Does It Compare

The sesame oil flavor profile puts this in a similar lane to the Ajinomoto Oyakata Yakisoba in terms of being a mild, savory, non-spicy noodle that relies on a single strong flavor note to carry the bowl. The Oyakata leans soy. This one leans sesame. Both are comfort food in their own way. The Doll has more warmth and nuttiness from the sesame while the Oyakata is cleaner and more restrained.

How to Level Doll Instant Sesame Oil Flavor

I would add pork meatballs and a drizzle of chili oil since the combination of sesame oil and chili oil is a classic pairing in Chinese cooking. Start with a small amount and build. A squeeze of lime at the end, and you’re good to go.

Final Verdict

The Doll Instant Noodle Sesame Oil Flavor is a quietly impressive bowl. The sesame oil flavor is bold and the garlic and MSG undertones give it enough complexity to keep it interesting. It won’t challenge you but it will satisfy you. I understand why it’s a childhood classic.

If you want to see how Wallace leveled up his childhood bowl, check out the episode we filmed together.

How do I rate my ramen? Check out the Ramen Rating Guide.

Where to buy Doll Instant Noodle Sesame Oil Flavor

• Kroger
• Yami