Instant Happiness

Instant noodles are the best. They’re ready in 5 minutes, and there’s a whole heap of great varieties out there that extend beyond what you can find on your supermarket shelves. And the stretch across a whole group of delicious noodle genres, like ramen, curry and of course the timeless classic mi goreng.

To help you trim down your options, we’ve pulled out some of our favourites and broken them down cake by noodle cake to find the best bowls of instant happiness out there.

Ottogi Jin Ramen Noodle

So ramen is traditionally Japanese, but these Korean noodles are fantastic. They come in a variety of flavours and spice levels, so you’ll find one to suit everyone. The ramen flavours are rich and hearty. Add some veggies, an egg and some protein and voila! You have a bowl of ramen fit for a king. The hits keep coming for Ottogo Jin as they’re vegetarian too. You’ll get plenty of delicious dehydrated veggies and floaty bits in the sachet as well, so it all looks really profesh and healthy.

IndoMie – Mi Goreng

Now here’s a packet that’s instantly recognizable to every student and shift worker in Australia. These noodles out of Indonesia have been feeding thousands of Australians their delicious noodle varietals for years. With a range of flavours and spice levels ranging from chicken to barbecue chicken, you’re sure to find one to your liking. Add an egg, some sriracha and a few veggies and you’ve turned your quick snack into a meal.

Ibumie – Prawn Soup and White Curry

Ibumie makes a whole heap of different noodle types, but you can’t beat the Penang Harmee sup (prawn soup) and the Penang White Curry Mee. The Harmee harnesses the traditional – and delicious – flavours of prawn soup and dehydrates them for your convenience! Delicious by itself on a cold winters night but even better with some prawns, tofu puffs and fresh coriander.

The white curry is a delicate thing – not your usual instant noodle flavour profile. You can give the rich and creamy broth an added kick with some chilli paste, and this little marvel is great with a little chicken and some mint leaves.

Nissin

Maybe the most recognizable cup noodles known to man. In fact, you’ve probably seen them being devoured on some of your favourite TV shows – think Orange is the new black. These Japanese beauties come in a variety of flavours, including a super special variety created in conjunction with 7-11 and Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto. Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto is a franchised Ramen restaurant and one of the most popular ramen shops in Japan. It’s signature “Tanmen” noodles come in a delicious spicy soup packed with meat, veggies and the classic Japanese miso flavour.

All you’ve got to do is head to a Japanese 7-11 to try this gourmet meal in a cup! Or possibly just order them online. Up to you.

Wai Wai

Is it any surprise that noodles originating in Thailand specialize in seafood flavours? No. No, it’s not a surprise. For all of you who answered yes, well, you’re wrong.

Despite the slightly creepy packaging, Wai Wai’s crab vermicelli are as delicious as they sound. Whether you serve sitting in the mild, creamy, crabby broth or dry and spiced up, you’ve got a great meal on your hands. As with all these instant wonders, adding a little bit extra goes a long way. Prawns, fish balls and tofu are all great proteins to try, while fresh coriander and veggies add some delicious crunch.

If we’ve missed your favourite brand let us know!