I'll never forget when my girlfriend introduced me to Lao Gan Ma crispy chili in oil. Honestly salivating a little just by thinking of it right now. I ate it just about every day for a week, after first trying it. And the smell! Absolutely divine. I do need to keep it wrapped in 3 bags though, for it not to smell up the entire fridge, haha.
Do the noodles themselves taste different to you? I like Buldak spicy flavor packets, but the noodles themselves are very off putting and I can't really stand to eat them. I don't know if it's just that they are thick or they are a specific kind of noodle I should avoid. Or are they best prepared some way other than add water and microwave?
I would like to experiment with more ramen varieties but after it took me months to get through a 5 pack, I'm hesitant.
I like the noodles. I do usually cook them on the stovetop, and in cook them for a little more than half the recommended time. I don't really like them too soft.
I don't think it's the texture, but something specific about the flavor hard to describe from memory. I'll have to try some other varieties and see if it's just Buldak or if I can figure out what the cause is. Thanks for responding!
Samyang 2x is so good but the heat sticks to you. The oil just lingers in a way that makes it more intense than an equivalently spicy hot wing. It is so god damn good; it’s the kind of spicy that starts to make me “spicy drunk” (a desired outcome) and that just feels ridiculous for a packet of ramen.
This type of instant ramen is the example that economics professors use of an inferior good.
inferior goods are those goods the demand for which falls with increase in income of the consumer
At least, that was the example that my professor used when I went to college. I suspect that a lot of cheap instant ramen is eaten on college campuses even to this day.
So, the point is that you're stating what I think is the right way of looking at this. A big part of the reason people buy this is that they aren't making much money, so naturally, they'd want to buy the cheaper one, as well.
I don’t buy that though. Wife and I ate a LOT of ramen in university. Now our kids love it and we buy entire cases at a time for them. I still like it every now and again, it’s nostalgic. For the record we’re WAY better off now than when dirt poor in university.
It's cheap noodles! And 5mg of chicken bouillon. Mix it with a splash of soy, fish sauce, 5ml sambal olek, and 30mg of peanut butter for a simple peanut noodle that feeds one in 5 minutes quite cheap. Use take out soy sauce packets (one packet) and a fast food hot sauce sachet instead of sambal for an even cheaper meal option.
If ever you need a fast and cheap option to start a meal idea, Top Ramen should be at the top of the list.
For me that meal was one can of tuna, one can of baked beans and one spoon chilli paste. Everything in one casserole and boil. Add pasta, noodles or bread for more carbs
It is good to know that Lemmy is correct. The answers were, mostly, either maruchan or shin black, both of which are correct. the maruchan is what you pick when you are broke/ sick and aren't sure you'll keep anything down, and shin black is what you pick when you want good ramen not from a ramen shop. $2 USD per packet is a little steep for not sure it's gonna sit well. I have a very picky tummy though so maybe most people have fewer issues with feeling guilty about "losing" pricy food.
As far as instant ramen is concerned, I prefer that black Korean stuff that tastes like hoisin sauce and green onion (forgot what it's called but you know the one).
But between these two, I like Maruchan's slightly thinner noodles better. The chicken flavor is comfort food that takes me back to childhood. The chili lime with shrimp flavor is fire too.
When my girlfriend and I were living together in college. We had discussed this at some length, and eventually decided we weren't poor enough to consider eating Nissin instead of Maruchan. That was, without a doubt, the poorest I have ever been and hopefully ever will be. I'm honestly not sure who the target market for Nissin is.
I'm honestly not sure who the target market for Nissin is.
Me, apparently! I really like the black garlic one, but also tonkatsu, seafood, chicken. I heap the bowl with sugar snap peas, raw mushrooms, spring onions etc, and top with a dollop of oyster sauce. Yummo.
France is a bit too traditional regarding food, so hot foods and things like habanero lime are rarities. People here think that tabasco is extra hot. But it's not about the hotness, but there are some actually tasty sauces that aren't sold here (they can be found online after much searching) because they are hot, or mildly hot.
Ah well, there's still an immense wealth of food, and we actually know how to use it, so it's not bad, but there's bits that are seemingly like "off limits". Like, no, this is what wild people eat.
I'm not in a place where it's easy to grow fruit. I don't get enough sun for that. But it's ok, I finally found some tasty sauces, off the beaten path.
Definitely Indomie. Indomie Ayam Spesial (Chicken Special) can be eaten like what the instructions said, or, you can add almost any ingredients to make it better.
My favorite is Indomie Ayam Special with choy sum /cai xin and a beaten egg mixed with canned sardines.
I also live in Asia.
This isn't a question about a developed palate. It's about which one of these shit food is preferred.
Be inclusive bro, learn to eat some shit.
100 Comments
omgboom@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 65 pts · 1y
Go to your local Asian market and they will have a very wide selection of instant noodles that are much better than either of these.
Also grab some LaoGanMa Spicy Chili Crisp to put in it, you can thank me later.
riot@fedia.io · 16 pts · 1y
I'll never forget when my girlfriend introduced me to Lao Gan Ma crispy chili in oil. Honestly salivating a little just by thinking of it right now. I ate it just about every day for a week, after first trying it. And the smell! Absolutely divine. I do need to keep it wrapped in 3 bags though, for it not to smell up the entire fridge, haha.
200ok@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
I can't seem to find plain noodles that taste as good as the noodles that come in these little packets. Do you have a brand or type you'd recommend?
omgboom@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 3 pts · 364d
Shin noodles are really good, but they are kind of spicy, they also come in packs like those pictured.
200ok@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 363d
Thanks, I love those. They are a little spicy, I agree.
I ended up trying some nissin demae and they weren't spicy at all and were super delicious
nialv7@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 364d
Indomie, MAMA are great. Any other names that come to mind?
Kolanaki@pawb.social · 50 pts · 1y
For the actual stovetop? Maruchan.
For the "In-a-Cup" variety? Nissin.
But what I really want is Nongshim Shin Black.
PoopingCough@lemmy.world · 9 pts · 1y
Shin black is so far above everything else it's almost embarrassing. Only other ramen thay I sometimes crave is the Nissin black garlic tonkatsu.
ReticulatedPasta@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1y
Have you tried Shin Gold? I recently discovered it and it's my new favorite!
PoopingCough@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 364d
I have not yet. Definitely will try if i see it, although I don't typically go for the chicken flavors
lemmylump@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1y
This guy noodles
Opisek@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 364d
Hm, I'm not sure. I think I'll have to see the noods as a proof.
med@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 364d
Good lord, when you add the bone broth packet...
alehc@slrpnk.net · 1 pts · 1y
The opposite for me: maruchan in a cup and nissin in stovetop. I also like the rhin ramyon but prefer the regular red spicy one (the OG).
geekwithsoul@piefed.social · 28 pts · 1y
If you can find it, look for the Indonesian version of ramen from Indomie. In my opinion, so much better - it actually has other flavors than salt! ;)
Reverendender@sh.itjust.works · 5 pts · 1y
Agree. These are baller.
baltakatei@sopuli.xyz · 1 pts · 364d
Indomie comes with its own cute little oil packet suspending oil-soluble spices. =D
Pudutr0n@feddit.cl · 28 pts · 1y
Maruchan or who?
*drops mic.
jaykrown@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
🔥 🔥 🔥 Roasted 🙆
TachyonTele@piefed.social · 4 pts · 1y
Roasted Chicken flavor!
GrantUsEyes@lemmy.zip · 23 pts · 1y
BEHOLD
A limited edition Maruchan ceramic cup, as proof of my allegiance.
I'm actually boiling some noodles rn XD.
WanderWisley@lemmy.world · 23 pts · 1y
smayonak@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 1y
Not deep fried in vegetable oil or lard and much healthier for you while costing less afaik.
Defectus@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 364d
Ah yes, lets name the spaghetti after body parts
blackbrook@mander.xyz · 4 pts · 364d
What, you don't like scrottini?
Defectus@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 363d
Only with Alfredo sauce
AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 363d
Everybody ought to have two boxes of spare elbows. You never know.
Also the only spaghetti here were named, you guessed it, spaghetti. So I'm'a sure you'ra keeping youra spaghetties in your panties, eh?
Defectus@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 363d
Yes, together with my'a two pieces of gnocci. Would you'a lika somee sauce with that?
CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org · 3 pts · 364d
Eat it raw, drink the boiling water. Look across the table and call your horrified friends/relatives/coworkers pussies.
ileftreddit@piefed.social · 19 pts · 1y
jaykrown@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 1y
I like Shin Ramyun for sure, just more expensive. Samyang 2X Buldak is my favorite, spicy though. 🔥 🥵
EbenezerScrew@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1y
I love Buldak Ramen. I haven't had a bad flavor yet. I just had the Yakisoba flavor today for lunch. It was good, but not great. I think Rosé or the original are my favorites.
MagicShel@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 1y
Do the noodles themselves taste different to you? I like Buldak spicy flavor packets, but the noodles themselves are very off putting and I can't really stand to eat them. I don't know if it's just that they are thick or they are a specific kind of noodle I should avoid. Or are they best prepared some way other than add water and microwave?
I would like to experiment with more ramen varieties but after it took me months to get through a 5 pack, I'm hesitant.
EbenezerScrew@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
I like the noodles. I do usually cook them on the stovetop, and in cook them for a little more than half the recommended time. I don't really like them too soft.
MagicShel@lemmy.zip · 2 pts · 1y
I don't think it's the texture, but something specific about the flavor hard to describe from memory. I'll have to try some other varieties and see if it's just Buldak or if I can figure out what the cause is. Thanks for responding!
ileftreddit@piefed.social · 3 pts · 1y
hobovision@mander.xyz · 3 pts · 1y
Try Buldak Stew flavor, it's pretty tasty and more like ramen soup than stir fried noodles.
jaykrown@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 1y
Interesting I'll keep an eye out for it, thanks.
andros_rex@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 1y
Samyang 2x is so good but the heat sticks to you. The oil just lingers in a way that makes it more intense than an equivalently spicy hot wing. It is so god damn good; it’s the kind of spicy that starts to make me “spicy drunk” (a desired outcome) and that just feels ridiculous for a packet of ramen.
hono4kami@piefed.social · 18 pts · 1y
Indomie :p
grasshopper_mouse@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 364d
Indomie is my back-up Ramen
mcbenavides85@piefed.social · 16 pts · 1y
Opisek@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 364d
The only correct answer.
I'll also accept indomie though, but that'll be our little secret.
lemjukes@sopuli.xyz · 14 pts · 1y
Nongshim
reallyzen@lemmy.ml · 12 pts · 1y
Yum Yum or Mama
Sabin10@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 1y
Mama spicy Tom yum is in my top 3, it's so good
davidgro@lemmy.world · 11 pts · 1y
I can't usually taste differences in brand like that anyway, so whatever is cheaper.
logicbomb@lemmy.world · 18 pts · 1y
This type of instant ramen is the example that economics professors use of an inferior good.
At least, that was the example that my professor used when I went to college. I suspect that a lot of cheap instant ramen is eaten on college campuses even to this day.
So, the point is that you're stating what I think is the right way of looking at this. A big part of the reason people buy this is that they aren't making much money, so naturally, they'd want to buy the cheaper one, as well.
QuarterSwede@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1y
I don’t buy that though. Wife and I ate a LOT of ramen in university. Now our kids love it and we buy entire cases at a time for them. I still like it every now and again, it’s nostalgic. For the record we’re WAY better off now than when dirt poor in university.
200ok@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
Do you buy nicer ramen? There are some pretty tasty options now.
QuarterSwede@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 1y
Nope. They’re good but not the same. Kind of like when you just want McDonalds.
puppycat@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 11 pts · 1y
top ramen? definitely the top ramen in my "won't ever buy" list
ChicoSuave@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 1y
It's cheap noodles! And 5mg of chicken bouillon. Mix it with a splash of soy, fish sauce, 5ml sambal olek, and 30mg of peanut butter for a simple peanut noodle that feeds one in 5 minutes quite cheap. Use take out soy sauce packets (one packet) and a fast food hot sauce sachet instead of sambal for an even cheaper meal option.
If ever you need a fast and cheap option to start a meal idea, Top Ramen should be at the top of the list.
Frostbeard@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 1y
For me that meal was one can of tuna, one can of baked beans and one spoon chilli paste. Everything in one casserole and boil. Add pasta, noodles or bread for more carbs
puppycat@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 1 pts · 1y
but all of that is literally amazing.... with maruchan.
thagoat@lemmy.sdf.org · 10 pts · 1y
Maruchan
Kattiydid@slrpnk.net · 8 pts · 1y
It is good to know that Lemmy is correct. The answers were, mostly, either maruchan or shin black, both of which are correct. the maruchan is what you pick when you are broke/ sick and aren't sure you'll keep anything down, and shin black is what you pick when you want good ramen not from a ramen shop. $2 USD per packet is a little steep for not sure it's gonna sit well. I have a very picky tummy though so maybe most people have fewer issues with feeling guilty about "losing" pricy food.
Zarxrax@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 1y
Maruchan for sure
Psythik@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 1y
As far as instant ramen is concerned, I prefer that black Korean stuff that tastes like hoisin sauce and green onion (forgot what it's called but you know the one).
But between these two, I like Maruchan's slightly thinner noodles better. The chicken flavor is comfort food that takes me back to childhood. The chili lime with shrimp flavor is fire too.
Vupware@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 364d
I really like the Picante Chicken and Chili flavors Maruchan has.
QuarterSwede@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 1y
Maruchan Beef with powdered garlic and onion added.
P00ptart@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
Pork for me.
Drusas@fedia.io · 7 pts · 1y
Maruchan. Top Ramen noodles have an inferior consistency.
NotASharkInAManSuit@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 1y
Maruchan chili flavor or get the fuck out.
ArsonButCute@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 6 pts · 364d
Buldak because their chicken flavor is artificial 🥰
grasshopper_mouse@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 1y
MARUCHAN 4 LIFE
weariedfae@sh.itjust.works · 6 pts · 364d
Maruchan, without question.
kerntucky@infosec.pub · 6 pts · 1y
cyborganism@piefed.ca · 5 pts · 1y
Nissin is the real OG.
jaykrown@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
Honestly I prefer Nissin it has more of a proper roasted chicken flavor.
kobra@lemmy.zip · 5 pts · 1y
I truly don’t care, give me either one
zipzoopaboop@lemmynsfw.com · 4 pts · 1y
Nissin, but if you get the version with a little oil packet. And better yet, beef flavor. With Sriracha
Thrawne@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 364d
Maruchan always
ZoteTheMighty@lemmy.zip · 4 pts · 1y
When my girlfriend and I were living together in college. We had discussed this at some length, and eventually decided we weren't poor enough to consider eating Nissin instead of Maruchan. That was, without a doubt, the poorest I have ever been and hopefully ever will be. I'm honestly not sure who the target market for Nissin is.
MrsDoyle@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 364d
Me, apparently! I really like the black garlic one, but also tonkatsu, seafood, chicken. I heap the bowl with sugar snap peas, raw mushrooms, spring onions etc, and top with a dollop of oyster sauce. Yummo.
Frostbeard@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1y
In Norway SamYang Buldak spicy seems to be all the rage. Spicy as fuck tho'
Reading this thread I went to the asian market and got the Nongahim Shin Premium Black. Will test that later
chonglibloodsport@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 364d
Buldak 2x spicy and the habanero lime flavours are my go to! Love them!
Also love these:
AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 363d
France is a bit too traditional regarding food, so hot foods and things like habanero lime are rarities. People here think that tabasco is extra hot. But it's not about the hotness, but there are some actually tasty sauces that aren't sold here (they can be found online after much searching) because they are hot, or mildly hot.
Ah well, there's still an immense wealth of food, and we actually know how to use it, so it's not bad, but there's bits that are seemingly like "off limits". Like, no, this is what wild people eat.
Disclaimer: trained cook.
chonglibloodsport@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 363d
Sounds like you should start growing your own hot peppers! That’s what I’ve been doing the past 2 years. I love it!
AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 363d
I'm not in a place where it's easy to grow fruit. I don't get enough sun for that. But it's ok, I finally found some tasty sauces, off the beaten path.
iamericandre@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 364d
The nongshim premium black is great. they have a bone broth version that’s even better
untorquer@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 364d
Any leads on the green pack? Why'd they disappear? Perfect level of spice.
Frostbeard@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 364d
Thats the vegetable one? https://www.asianfood.no/nongshim-soon-veggie-ramyun-20x112g
untorquer@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 364d
Meant samyang. Packaging looks odd in link.
https://www.asianfood.no/samyang-hot-chicken-jjajang-buldak
morphballganon@mtgzone.com · 4 pts · 1y
Grew up with Maruchan but I'll get whichever one is cheaper if it's just for me. Family members prefer Maruchan though.
stringere@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 364d
Shin, Black
callyral@pawb.social · 3 pts · 1y
so that's what nissin packaging looks like in english
here's what it looks like in Brazil
i think it tastes pretty good
Jayve@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 364d
I love the fancy ones with like three or four packets inside.
Morlark@feddit.uk · 2 pts · 361d
Nissin, but you gotta get the Demae Ramen, not that Top Ramen shit.
Desistance@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
Maruchan hands down. Nissin tastes like they skimp on seasonings.
princessnorah@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 2 pts · 363d
Indomie!
kuadhual@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 1y
Definitely Indomie. Indomie Ayam Spesial (Chicken Special) can be eaten like what the instructions said, or, you can add almost any ingredients to make it better.
My favorite is Indomie Ayam Special with choy sum /cai xin and a beaten egg mixed with canned sardines.
Zeke@fedia.io · 2 pts · 1y
Top Ramen for chicken, Maruchan for beef
Maestro@fedia.io · 2 pts · 1y
YumYum!
zanyllama52@infosec.pub · 2 pts · 364d
I humbly offer this alternative for your consideration:
Cattail@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 364d
I pick top ramen, but I've been trying better than bouyon with race/egg noodles
Victoriathecompact@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 363d
I realized I buy them interchangeably and never noticed... I thought it was all called top ramen because you cook it on a stove top
klemptor@startrek.website · 1 pts · 1y
Only brand I've ever had is Oodles of Noodles, and I don't even know if they still make that.
Wolfizen@pawb.social · 1 pts · 363d
Option C! Sapporo Ichiban
john_t@piefed.ee · 0 pts · 1y
Koka.
toad31@lemmy.cif.su · 0 pts · 364d
🤮
nutsack@lemmy.dbzer0.com · -1 pts · 364d
i live in asia and i think this is disgusting and i think you should be ashamed of yourself
spykee@lemmings.world · 4 pts · 364d
I also live in Asia.
This isn't a question about a developed palate. It's about which one of these shit food is preferred.
Be inclusive bro, learn to eat some shit.
Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 1 pts · 364d
Why ashamed though?