Noodles

  1. Mama Oriental Style Instant Noodles Hot & Spicy.

    Type: Soup

    These are some properly spicy noodles. A chilli sachet is included along with the standard seasoning and contains enough spice to satisfy most palates (if you think it isn't spicy enough you probably already have and use your own extra condiments). The noodles are slightly thicker than the norm and require an extra minute or so of cooking but this makes for a substantial and very tasty snack.

  2. Lucky Me! Pancit Canton Hot Chili.

    Type: Chow Mein

    A good, rounded flavour off these despite all the chili-themed packaging. Spicy, yes, but still possessing a solid umami hit too for a fairly authentic Pancit Canton taste. The noodles cook to soft very quickly so keep an eye on them. This is a "mash the flavourings together in the bowl" deal so you can be getting on with that while the noodles cook. There is soy, a butter/oil-based flavouring and a powdered base to combine and you'll want to give them a good stir for an even coating. Good on their own, but perhaps better with something else alongside.

  3. Nissin Damae Ramen Five Spices Beef.

    Type: Soup

    The flavouring of these noodles is clearly Five Spice but it does not overwhelm. There is a beefy backdrop to it reminiscent of a consommé. It is the usual Nissin Damae high quality product making half a litre of soup in 3 minutes with no faff.

  4. Lucky Me! Pancit Canton Chili Mansi.

    Type: Chow Mein

    This is even less spicy than the "Hot Chili" flavoured version in the same range. There is some lemon in it which compliments seafood if you are inclined to add some but this is also mild and the result is rather underwhelming. The noodles cook to soft very quickly so keep an eye on them. This is a "mash the flavourings together in the bowl" deal so you can be getting on with that while the noodles cook. There is soy, a butter/oil-based flavouring and a powdered base to combine and you'll want to give them a good stir for an even coating. OK on their own, but nothing to write home about.

  5. Nissin Ramen Korean Hot Chili.

    Type: Soup

    A quick and easy preparation for this "Snack Pack" version by Nissin. Simply put the noodles and soup powder into a bowl, pour over 300ml of boiling water, cover, leave for 3 minutes and then stir. You end up with a small, warm portion of noodle soup with thin noodles in a chili broth which builds in heat as you consume it. Never hits huge levels of chili kick but makes up for it in the rounded flavour profile. Quick, simple, tasty and saves on the washing up.

  6. YumSu Chilli Fire Extreme.

    Type: Soup

    They are not joking about the heat. Pretty sure these are some of the hottest chilli noodles on the market. The preparation does not require boiling or simmering - all you need is a kettle and a heatproof bowl with a cover. The pack recommends 350ml of water which is good. If you don't fancy so much spice then maybe some extra water would be a good idea. Good think noodles results in a satisfying snack with a heat that will linger for a fair while afterwards.

  7. Lucky Me! Pancit Canton Kalamansi.

    Type: Chow Mein

    In the same style and preparation technique as the "Chilli Mansi" in the same range, this flavour does not pretend to be spicy. It is mostly savoury but with a sweet hint coming from the citrus in the flavouring. It is perfectly adequate but is not going to blow your mind. Nor is it a huge portion.

  8. Mama Oriental Style Instant Noodles Shrimp Creamy Tom Yum.

    Type: Soup

    There is a really good sour Tom Yum flavour with these. Inside the packet are a soup powder base, a seasoning paste and a chilli sachet, all of which go into a bowl with the noodles. Pour on boiling water, stir it all through and in a few minutes you have a very tasty Tom Yum soup. Add a few shrimp or other seafood if you have them to really set this off. The noodles are slightly thinner than the norm which is why they do not need to be boiled - the steeping works well. Get the "Jumbo Pack" (the 90g one) if you can.