Can’t believe it’s time for another global top ten. To be honest, I’ve been loathe to do top tens. Why? Well, it’s a lot of work—especially the videos. I like the process of doing reviews; the hunting for varieties, the image editing, and doing my Instant Noodle Recipe Time show when I cook and do my tasting. Taking a week or two to devote a lot of time to video editing, etcetera, is a lot. But I know many of you like these lists and in the end, there are some really fun aspects to them as well.
This is a shortlist of my favorites out of 5,505 varieties—the best, brightest, and most wonderful. All review scores are based on the product before any garnish is added. If you’re a manufacturer and have varieties you’d like me to review, please contact me. It costs nothing to you except time and products to be sent in for consideration. A big thank you to those who have been a vibrant part of what I do—those who comment, offer insight, and help build the community of instant noodle fans—I appreciate you! With that, I proudly present The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2026 Edition!
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2026 Edtion
Video Presentation
A video presentation of The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2026 Edtion. This year’s theme is abstract surrealism. The background images are created using AI tools, trained on materials whose art whose creators have been compensated for their use.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2026 Edtion
#10: Myojo Ippei-Chan Night Shop Yakisoba – Japan
A favorite of mine for years. This yakisoba takes a fried noodle, a very standard yakisoba sauce whose flavor is a tangy tamarind and salty hit, and a garnish of cabbage and mayonnaise. It’s a flavorful and savory experience and delivers quite well. What’s more, if you clip the mayonnaise sachet just on the edge, you can get pretty artistic with it. Original review | Get it here
#9: Indomie Mi Instan Mi Keriting Goreng Spesial – Indonesia
A very long time ago, this was available in the United States and when I was much younger, I would get it very often. Sadly, a large portion of the varieties from Indomie disappeared. It is nice to know, however – it’s still available in Indonesia. The noodle is very good with a light almost fluffy aspect. Flavor is chicken and heat and vegetables are throughout. A very savory affair. Original review
#8: MAMA Thai Connext Instant Tom Kha Noodles – Thailand
I was thrilled when a reader sent this in – The packaging was eye-catching and sounded very good – and it was. A light noodle paired with a smooth coconut broth with lemongrass and spicy notes. Really thrilled with this one to be sure. Original review | Get it here
#7: Nongshim Budae Ramyun Noodles With Soup Mix – United States
A few years ago, Nongshim came out with a product called K-Army Stew. It was crafted as a version of budae jjigae, a fusion of army rations and Korean broth. Well, as far as I can tell it’s back with this one and I’m very excited about it. A thick ramyun style noodle is paired with an oily broth that includes heat and a smoky grilled taste. Honestly, it has notes of hot dog and SPAM in there – just a very tasty comfort food. Original review | Get it here
#6: Mamee Chef Mi Goreng Nyonya Laksa – Malaysia
This is a first for e. Found this at a favorite Asian grocery of mine in Bellevue, Washington called S*Mart. What’s so special here? A standard noodle, coconut, spiciness, and prawn flavor as well as little crisp bits to add texture. What’s a shocker is this is a dry noodle – no broth. It’s the first time I’ve seen this – and I’m very enthused! Original review | Get it here
#5: Nissin x Irvins Salted Egg Flavour – Singapore
If you’ve been a fan of the chips and salmon skin, this noodle pairing is just perfect. A light noodle with a slightly broader shape. The flavor is just bombastic! It also includes little egg crunchies which add a bump of texture. Original review
#4: Moon Moon Food Baby Can U Love Dry Noodle With Black Truffle Oil – Taiwan
So happy when a Taiwanese variety to reach out! This one comes from a restaurant that decided to hit the noodle world. A thick and chewy noodle is paired with a sauce which imparts black truffle oil flavor and other flavorings to bring out a sweet and rich experience. I’m really into this one – can we get more? Original review
#3: A-Sha Meteor Noodles With Hot & Sour Sauce – Taiwan
Another favorite with new packaging. The noodle has a unique texture imparted from the use of a third flair from the side. At first it might seem gimmicky, but it really imparts a nice mouthfeel. The flavor goes from spicy to savory to sweet. It’s a really great combination of flavors that in the end goes to show the mastery of simplicity a lot of Taiwanese cuisine brings to the world. Original review | Get it here
#2: Ippudo Karaka Spicy Ramen – Japan
Again this year, we have the Ippudo. A big wow here. Shelf stable fresh noodle, massively savory broth with just the right amount of heat to it. It’s so very good – I just wish it were easier for people everywhere to try. It’ll be a hunt, but hopefully you can find it and enjoy. Original review
#1: Prima Taste Singapore Wholegrain Laksa LaMian — Singapore
Yes, again. This one just can’t be knocked out of first place. Ut’s got the best noodle – thick and chewy – invoking a rustic feel. The broth is a real beauty. There are two big sachets – one of coconut milk powder and one of paste, full of fresh herbs, shrimp paste, and oil. It combines to bring a truly compelling and excellent bowl of laksa I’ve moved for over a decade. Original review | Get it here
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Top Ten Redux 2.0
A while back, I got some advice. ‘Why not call your list by the number of the following yea if it was the second half of the year?’ It made sense to me; the list would be current for more of the following year than the current. Well, this theory ended up being very frought with confusion. That being said, I decided to take a year off on some lists that I published last year that say 2026 and will revisit them in 2027.
5000 Reviews!
Reaching a span of over 20 years and 5000 reviews, I decided to go all out and do a documentary about how I got my start doing what I do as well as a one on how I do it– check it out!
The Ramen Rater Is All Over The Place!
If you really like seeing what I’m posting, you can follow on quite a few platforms. The Ramen Rater posts to Facebook, X, Bluesky, Reddit, Tumblr, Threads, Instagram, and Substack daily! You can also just watch the thousands of videos I’ve created on YouTube!
Definitive Guides
This year, I’ve decided to do a special series called Definitive Guides. Recipes, trivia, history, and more on some of the most loved and fascinating varieties of instant noodles around the world! With that said, I’ve got one on Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun, and Indomie’s Mi Goreng and Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice! Very recently, I released a Definitive Guide To Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup. Future guides will include MAMA Tom Yum, and more. My plan is do feature one or two products from each country.
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