Mama Pork Instant Noodles

I’ve tried a few products from the MAMA lineup now and the consistency across their range is something I appreciate. The Mama Pork Instant Noodles came with an interesting discovery. I tried both the smaller and the larger package versions and there’s a real difference between the two. Get the smaller package if you can.

Produced in Thailand.

What’s in the Package

Inside is a fried noodle block of pre-seasoned noodles. You’ve got two sachets to work with: a silver and gold dual-chamber packet (one side is the seasoning powder, the other is the chili powder) and a small orange and white sachet containing flavored oil.

How to Prepare Mama Pork Instant Noodles

1. Place the noodle block and the contents of all seasoning sachets into a deep bowl.
2. Pour in 1.5 cups (350ml) of boiling water.
3. Cover the bowl with a lid or a plate and let it sit for 3 minutes.
4. Remove the cover, stir well to incorporate the oil, and it’s ready to eat.

How Does It Taste

This smaller package has a more concentrated broth. The seasoning-to-water ratio just works better at that serving size. The larger package felt diluted in comparison. It the same broth but with less.

The flavor is a comforting pork bouillon with a subtle shallot note that comes through at the end of each sip. It gives the broth a little more personality than a straight pork bouillon. There’s also that oily sheen on the surface, same as the Mama Chicken, which gives the bowl a mouthfeel that a clear broth doesn’t have. It’s become something I look for across the whole MAMA range.

How Does It Compare

Within the Mama lineup the Pork sits closest to the Chicken in terms of flavor. Both are bouillon-based comfort broths with that same oily sheen. The Chicken has a more prominent rendered fat quality. The Pork has the shallot finish that gives it a slightly more distinct identity. If you’re choosing between the two James and I both gave the edge to the Pork on broth complexity. The Tom Yum Shrimp and Green Curry are bolder choices if you want more character.

How to Level It Up

Vietnamese beef meatballs are the first thing I’d reach for. Drop them in while the noodles cook and they’ll absorb the pork broth. A soft-boiled egg rounds things out. Chili oil for anyone who needs heat in their bowl, and you know I do.

Final Verdict

The Mama Pork Instant Noodles is a solid comfort bowl. The pork bouillon is well-seasoned, the shallot finish is a nice touch, and the oily broth gives it more richness than the thinner MAMA varieties. Get the smaller package. James and I both agreed the flavor is noticeably better at that concentration.

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

Related Instant Ramen

• Mama Chicken Instant Noodles
• Mama Tom Yum Shrimp Instant Noodles
• Mama Green Curry Instant Noodles
• Wai Wai Noodles Classic Oriental Instant Noodles
• Thien Huong Vi Huong Beef Flavor

Where to buy Mama Pork Instant Noodles

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Weee!
• Yami