The Ultimate Ranking Of 10 Instant Ramen Brands

Instant ramen has saved countless college students, busy parents, and lazy cooks like me from hunger over the decades.

I’ve slurped my way through hundreds of noodle packets during late-night study sessions and emergency dinner situations.

Not all instant noodles are created equal, though! Some offer authentic flavors that transport you to Tokyo street stalls, while others barely qualify as food.

After extensive “research” (aka eating way too much sodium), I’ve compiled my definitive ranking of the top 10 instant ramen brands you need to know about.

1. Nissin – The OG Noodle King

Cup Noodles changed my life during freshman year when my cooking skills extended to boiling water and not much else. Nissin created the world’s first instant ramen in 1958, and their decades of experience show in every slurp. Their broths strike that perfect balance between flavor-packed and not-too-salty.

The noodles maintain a surprisingly good texture even after sitting in hot water for a while (perfect for when you get distracted by TikTok halfway through cooking). My go-to remains the classic Chicken flavor, though their RAOH premium line delivers restaurant-quality ramen that’ll make you question why you ever pay $15 for the real thing.

Fun fact: Nissin sells approximately 40 billion servings of their products annually worldwide. That’s enough noodles to circle the earth 50 times!

2. Nongshim – Spicy Korean Excellence

Holy heat wave! The first time I tried Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun, my mouth felt like I’d swallowed the sun. Now I’m completely addicted to that fiery kick. Nongshim has mastered the art of creating complex, layered flavors that go way beyond the typical salt-bomb experience of cheaper brands.

Their noodles have a substantial chew that feels almost homemade. The veggie packets actually contain recognizable ingredients instead of mysterious colored flecks! My apartment now has a dedicated Nongshim shelf because running out would constitute a personal emergency.

Recently I discovered their Soon veggie noodle soup, which offers a gentler but equally delicious option for days when my taste buds need a break from the inferno. Korean drama marathons simply aren’t complete without a steaming bowl of Nongshim by my side.

3. Samyang – Challenge Your Taste Buds

Remember those viral “Fire Noodle Challenges” where people filmed themselves crying while eating insanely spicy ramen? Yep, that’s Samyang! I foolishly tried their 2x Spicy Chicken flavor on a first date. My date laughed as I gulped milk straight from the carton while sweating profusely – we’re married now, so I guess it worked out?

Beyond the novelty heat bombs, Samyang actually creates incredible dry-style (no broth) noodles with thick, satisfying textures. Their carbonara flavor provides a weirdly delicious Korean-Italian fusion experience that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.

Pro tip: Keep the cooking water minimal for these – they’re meant to be saucy, not soupy. And maybe have some dairy products nearby if you’re venturing into their spicier offerings. Your digestive system will thank me later.

4. Indomie – Indonesia’s Gift To Noodle Lovers

Confession time: I once ate Indomie Mi Goreng for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner in the same day. No regrets! These Indonesian dry noodles come with multiple seasoning packets that create a magical flavor symphony in your mouth. The sweet soy sauce, savory powder, chili oil, and fried onion bits combine to form something greater than the sum of its parts.

Unlike soupy ramens, Indomie’s flagship Mi Goreng is meant to be drained and tossed with seasonings. The result? A perfect quick meal that doesn’t feel like a sad dorm room dinner. At roughly 30 cents per package, they’re criminally underpriced for the joy they deliver.

My pantry stockpile reached embarrassing levels during the pandemic when I feared an Indomie shortage more than running out of toilet paper. Their BBQ Chicken and Satay flavors deserve honorable mentions too!

5. Maruchan – Nostalgic Budget Champion

Growing up, Maruchan was THE ramen in our household. Mom would crush the brick into a bowl, sprinkle half the seasoning packet (“too much sodium!” she’d warn), and I’d devour it while watching Saturday morning cartoons. These noodles basically raised a generation of American kids on a budget.

Let’s be honest – Maruchan isn’t winning any gourmet awards. The broth is basically salt and MSG with some token flavor notes, and the noodles get mushy if you look at them too long. Yet something about their Chicken or Oriental flavor hits a nostalgic sweet spot that fancier brands can’t touch.

For broke college students, Maruchan remains the undisputed value king at around 25 cents per package. I still keep a few in my pantry for emergency comfort food situations – they’re like a warm, soupy hug from my childhood.

6. Mama – Thailand’s Flavorful Secret

Thai food lovers, gather ’round! Mama ramen from Thailand delivers authentic Southeast Asian flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. My Thai friend introduced me to these noodles during a study abroad semester, and I’ve been hoarding them ever since.

Their Tom Yum Shrimp flavor packs that perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory notes that define Thai cuisine. The lime and lemongrass notes come through clearly, unlike the vague “Asian-inspired” flavors many Western brands attempt. These noodles are thinner than most, which means they cook incredibly fast – perfect for when hunger strikes with fury.

Mama remains relatively unknown in American supermarkets but dominates throughout Southeast Asia for good reason. Order them online or hunt them down at your local Asian grocery store – the extra effort is absolutely worth it for a quick Thai food fix.

7. Myojo – Japan’s Hidden Treasure

My Japanese neighbor practically staged an intervention when she caught me eating inferior ramen. “Try Myojo,” she insisted, sliding a package into my hands like it contained state secrets. She wasn’t wrong – these noodles are life-changing!

Myojo’s Chukazanmai line features noodles with an exceptional texture that bounces between your teeth. Their broths taste laboriously crafted rather than thrown together from artificial ingredients. The miso flavor contains actual miso paste in the seasoning that blooms beautifully in hot water.

While pricier than budget brands (around $1.50-2 per package), Myojo delivers an experience closer to restaurant ramen than instant food. The company doesn’t spend much on marketing outside Japan, which explains why they remain relatively unknown despite their superior quality. Consider them the indie band of the ramen world – not famous, but beloved by those in the know.

8. Paldo – Korean Comfort In A Package

“Eureka!” I shouted in the middle of a Korean grocery store when I first discovered Paldo’s Cheese Noodle. Combining spicy Korean ramen with cheese powder sounds bizarre until you try it – then it becomes your new obsession. Paldo specializes in these unexpected flavor combinations that somehow work perfectly.

Their noodles have a substantial, glutinous texture that holds up well to extended cooking times. Unlike some competitors who skimp on ingredients, Paldo includes generous vegetable flakes and seasoning packets. The Kokomen chicken flavor delivers a garlicky punch that clears sinuses during cold season.

Korean friends tell me Paldo represents everyday comfort food rather than gourmet fare in Korea. It’s the ramen equivalent of a reliable friend – not flashy, but always there when you need comfort. Their green tea-infused noodles also offer a unique twist for health-conscious noodle enthusiasts.

9. Sapporo Ichiban – Japanese Classic

My Japanese language professor would bring Sapporo Ichiban for our cultural food days, claiming they represented the “proper” way instant ramen should taste. After years of cheap college noodles, my first slurp of their Original flavor was a revelation – clean, umami-rich broth without overwhelming saltiness.

Sapporo Ichiban focuses on doing a few flavors exceptionally well rather than creating dozens of mediocre options. Their miso and shio (salt) varieties taste surprisingly authentic, with broths that could almost pass for something from a casual Japanese restaurant.

The noodles themselves have a pleasant wheat flavor and just the right amount of curl to hold the broth. While not as widely distributed as Nissin or Maruchan in American stores, Sapporo Ichiban enjoys cult status among ramen enthusiasts for good reason. They’re the perfect middle ground between budget brands and premium options.

10. Ottogi – Korea’s Versatile Player

“You haven’t tried Ottogi yet?” gasped my Korean roommate with such horror you’d think I’d admitted to never seeing Star Wars. She immediately prepared their Jin Ramen (mild), and I understood her reaction after one bite. Ottogi creates noodles with a uniquely bouncy texture that maintains integrity even in piping hot broth.

Their vegetable packets contain actual dehydrated vegetables that reconstitute impressively well. The seasoning oils add a richness that elevates the entire experience beyond typical instant fare. I’ve become particularly fond of their sesame flavor, which offers a nutty depth rarely found in competing brands.

Ottogi doesn’t just excel at spicy varieties (though their hot Jin Ramen will definitely clear your sinuses). They offer a well-rounded lineup that includes subtle, complex flavors for those who appreciate nuance in their quick meals. Korean drama binge sessions now require an Ottogi accompaniment in my household.