It turns out Aussie supermarkets stock more than Maggi and Mi Goreng — and apparently, some of us have slurped our way through all the noodz and have come to a decision on what makes the perfect packet.
Redditor u/Clatato summoned the taste-testers out there by asking "Australians, what are your favourite instant noodles?". The answers gave us more than we bargained for with heaps of recs on levelling up this versatile culinary delight. So, without further ado, let's see which noodles reign superior.
1. "Samyang 2x spicy noodles."
2. "Indomie Mi Goreng — now also as a flavour of chips! Excellent with a fried egg omelet, I also like to do one where you chuck in some bok choy and a few raw thinly sliced bits of steak, straight into the bowl, and let the hot water cook them."
3. "I mean, I grew up with your classic Maggi noodles, which I'll still smash. But Indomie Mi Goreng and Nongshim Shin Ramyum are pretty great."
4. "You can make a great beef ramen with Shin Ramyun."
5. "Nong Shim kimchi noodles. It's better tasting and higher quality than other instant noodles."
6. "Came here to look at the comments. If it wasn't Indomie Mi Goreng, I would have packed up and left the country for good."
7. "I very much like the Samyang 2x spicy noodles. But if I don't need my spicy fix, I reckon the best thing is to get any of the chicken-flavoured noodles like Maggi and add a slice of plastic cheese and a spoonful of peanut butter. That shit is delicious."
8. "Ahuge fan of the Indomie 'special chicken' flavour (only sold individually). Add in some leftover Woolies chook and a soft-boiled egg."
—u/King-cBrown
9. "MAMA tom yum is great! The pork one is just as good, too."
10. "Shin Ramyun — they are so hot and spicy. For an extra special treat I like to chuck in some frozen prawns and mushrooms, all served with a cold beer."
11. "Indomie Mi Goreng is the staple, but I enjoy the satay occasionally. My favourite flavour, by far, though is the chicken curry. They're soup noodles, not fried noodles, so you leave a bit of water in (personally, I think they're great done just with the kettle, unlike the fried noodles). 🤌"
—u/KidMowgli
12. "It depends on my mood, I usually have at least three brands in my pantry to give me some choices. Shin Ramyun red is my usual go-to because they are the most versatile. Samyang buldak stew is great — they're extra spicy, have a strong flavour and nice, thick noodles. Nissin Hokkaido miso are my go-to non-spicy noodles. I like to add a bit of extra miso paste to it, though. Indomie are pretty great for non-soupy noodles. The BBQ chicken and satay are my favourites."
13. "Ichiban roast beef. It comes in a bowl with actual pieces of beef."
—u/hobz462
14. "Nissan miso!!!! I just tried it tonight for the first time and they were sooooo good! I've got four more from the pack — they're a new fave :)."
15. "Mi Goreng. There is no contest, this is the greatest."
16. "Instant noodles are weirdly one of my favourite foods to the degree that they are often my treat cheat meal. However, they are so calorie dense with no nutritional value, so what I have been doing is mixing half a pack of the Shin Ramyun with konjac noodles with the flavouring and bulk mixed veggies and an egg to fill it out."
17. "Buldak Boleyn Myun or whatever those Samyang Korean fire noodles are that were trending awhile ago. Mi Goreng for a good second place. Mamee monster noodle snacks for a nostalgic third."
18. "Onion chicken is amazing! Coles used to stock it, but I haven't seen one for a while. Most Asian grocery stores will have it. It's the best chicken MSG noodle you will have for a while."
19. "Maggi beef two minute noodles. I could eat them raw or cooked any day."
20. "Maggi noodles with flour, Worcestershire sauce and a generous sprinkle of nutmeg."
—u/g00chlord
21. And finally, "The ones on somebody else’s plate. I hate them."
What noodles and flavour combos are you a fan of? Tell us in the comments below!
Note: Some Reddit responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.