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Prima Taste is pricier than most instant noodles and the Chili Crab La Mian is one of the reasons the brand has the reputation it does. I tried this one after the Curry La Mian, which I prefer, but this is still an impressive bowl for an instant noodle.
Produced in Singapore.
Table of Contents
What’s in the Package
Inside the packaging, you’ll find a round block of air-dried La Mian noodles. There are two large sachets included: a Chili Crab Oil packet (A) and a robust Chili Crab Sauce paste (B).
How to Cook Prima Taste Chili Crab La Mian
- Add the noodle block to 500ml of boiling water.
- Boil the noodles for 6 minutes. These noodles are thick, so ensure they are fully submerged.
- While the noodles cook, empty both the Chili Crab Oil and Chili Crab Sauce onto a serving plate and mix them together.
- After 6 minutes, drain the noodles. Keep 4 tablespoons (approx. 60ml) of the hot noodle water.
- Add the noodles and the reserved water to the sauce on the plate. Toss thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated in a thick, glossy sauce.
How Does It Taste
The crab flavor is real and it’s strong. That’s the first thing that hits and it doesn’t let up. There’s a sweetness alongside it that rounds out the sauce and keeps it from being one-dimensional. The spice registers at a 1 out of 5 — it’s there but the crab flavor completely dominates. James wanted more heat. I thought the balance made sense for what the bowl is going for.
The noodles are spaghetti-style and slightly wavy — thicker than a standard instant ramen noodle at a 2 out of 5. They pick up the sauce well and hold their texture through the whole bowl. No broth — this is a dry noodle format and the sauce coats everything evenly.
How Does It Compare
Within the Prima Taste lineup the Chili Crab sits alongside the Laksa La Mian and Singapore Wholegrain La Mian as a premium Singaporean instant noodle worth the extra cost. The Laksa has more complexity. The Chili Crab has the most distinct and memorable flavor of the three. If you’ve never tried Prima Taste the Curry is where I’d start — but the Chili Crab is worth getting to.
How to Level Up Prima Taste Chili Crab Flavored La Mian
A crispy fried egg on top and fresh chopped Thai chilies for actual heat. More crab if you have it — even canned crab meat takes this somewhere special.
Final Verdict
One of the better instant noodles at any price point. The crab flavor is genuine, the noodles hold up, and the sauce does real work. Pay the extra dollar. It’s worth it.
Tasting Notes
- Spice Level: 1/5
- Broth Viscosity: 0/5
- Noodle Thickness: 2/5
- Noodle Type: Wavy
- Topping Suggestions: Crispy Fried Egg, Fresh Chopped Thai Chilies, Crab
How do I rate my ramen? Check out the Ramen Rating Guide.
Related Instant Ramen
- Prima Taste Laksa La Mian
- Prima Taste Singapore Wholegrain La Mian
- Koka Pepper Crab Noodles
- Nissin Cup Noodles Crab Flavor Hong Kong
- Vifon Instant Bean Thread Crab Flavor
Where to buy Prima Taste Chili Crab Flavored La Mian
Community Ratings
amazing for an instant noodle. the sauce tastes like it came from a leftover chili crab dish someone cooked last night and yet it works. it is one of the more premium options no matter where you get it.
