From quick-fix cup noodles to slow-simmer Korean broths, this is Lisa’s curated guide to the instant ramen worth eating. Browse her top picks and favorite brands below.
Lisa’s Top Picks
America’s grocery-aisle classic. Cheap, salty, comforting โ and far more versatile than you’d guess once you start adding toppings.
Maruchan
Korea’s chart-topping spicy chicken stir-fries. Each variant takes the original Buldak in a different flavor direction โ jjajang, cheese, sweet & spicy, and beyond.
Samyang Buldak
Vietnam’s biggest instant noodle maker. Hao Hao shrimp packs and Oh! Ricey pho bowls show up in pantries across Southeast Asia for a reason.
Acecook
Japan’s classic instant lineup. Clean broths, springy noodles, and a few cup formats that hold up surprisingly well to a busy week.
Sapporo Ichiban
Korean ramyun beyond the spicy aisle โ jjajangmen, beef gomtang, even a green tea noodle. Paldo’s range is wider than people expect.
Paldo
More to explore: Try Lisaโs favorite toppings or upgrade your bowl with a homemade ramen recipe.
