Nissin To Nongshim: Try These 13 Instant Noodles That Are Not Maggi

If you're a lover of spice, then look no further (pardon me, I'll be saying this a lot) The Nissin Hot & Spicy noodles are perfectly spicy with a zing of red Korean spice and an aftertaste of sweet. The noodles are very Maggi looking and a tad chewy which is actually nice. The pack itself comes with a spice blend and a chilli oil to mix in the steaming boiled noodles. For the folks who can't handle spice, I'd say keep a glass of milk for after, or grate some cheese on top. 

One of my favourites, (and a million other people's too) the Nongshim gourmet spicy ramen is easily one of the most popular and easily available Korean ramen out there. In a pack, you get a dehydrated veggies pack and the signature Korean spice. The noodles are soupy and perfect experiment with. Egg, cheese, rice cakes, sausages, more veggies, you name it, and you can add to these to make it more of a wholesome bowl of goodness. 

Check out our review of the Nongshim Cup Noodles here.

Not a whole ready-to-eat spice + noodle combo, but definitely worth mentioning for its ease. These wheat noodles by Ching's are great for when you're craving a DIY session with your wok and favourite sauce. All you have to do is soak them and then mix in any sauce you fancy. The added bonus is that these are atta noodles which is anyway better than maida. 

This one gets bonus points for giving us not one but 4 assorted packets of spice and oil mixes. You get your oil, spicy oil, dehydrated veggies, and of course the spice all in different packets so that you can choose what to add or omit. The noodles aren't chewy at all while the spice is super bearable. If you're someone who can't do spice at all, then go for this. 

A Youtube and Tik Tok sensation, the nuclear challenge introduced us to Samyang's 2x Spicy noodles that go up to 4x spicy. Having tried the 2x spicy one, and someone with a spice tolerance, I'd say unless you pair this one with lots of dairy (read: cheese) you will be left with your eyes watering and your ears ringing. Regardless, it is yum, spicy, and fun to try out. 

Similar to the Nongshim gourmet spicy ramen, Jim ramen is a milder version making it the perfect choice for non-spice lovers. It's mild with a hint of pepper and can easily accommodate several toppings making it a wholesome meal especially for cosy rainy days! 

Recently launched, and very loved, the Nongshim stir fry ramen is a non-soupy pack of classic Nongshim spice and their noodles. The only major difference is the added smokiness and sweetish after-taste, while the spice level is similar to Gourmet Spicy. It's perfect for a quick snack and we won't have it any other way. 

If you like a burst of cheese and slight spice in your noodles then do try the Samyang Carbo Hot Chicken one which is an instant take on chicken carbonara. The flavour is creamy and subtle while the noodles are flat and chewy. There's a cup version too for maximum convenience. Also, if you're someone who lives for spice, then maybe add some spice or skip it! 

A subtle, soupy, and non-spicy pack of noodles with the tanginess of kimchi. It's easy to add topping to this one too, while the noodles are same as all other Nonshim ones. You get a cup version too, however, for some reason, the pack version is more flavoursome. It's got average spice and is super filling! 

A hit with my seafood loving buddies, they say that this one has got the right kick of fish sauce without being too over-bearing. It isn't salty which was a concern for them. There are no pieces of dehydrated seafood, which they wish was there. Other than that, if you're craving seafood in the middle of the night, then whip this out. 

The only other cult favourite in India, but actually from Nepal, this one is possibly our favourite flavoured instant noodles. Of all the noodles, we like the literal noodles of Wai Wai best. Even in it's raw form, it's tasty as the noodles themselves are flavoured. With various flavours now -- masala, paprika, spinach (what and why, we ask!), pizza and curry flavour -- we say, and we say it loud, STICK TO THE ORIGINAL. So, pick either the vegetarian or the chicken one. There's also a Jain version, which we think is a great addition for those who have strict preferences. 

LBBTip: You can eat Wai Wai straight out of the bag, without even cooking it. Just mix in the oil, the masalas and you're set! It's also good to have dry, or soupy. 

These Singaporean noodles have been blowing up pretty much every where. They're mild, a tad chewy, and make for a good snack. If you're someone who isn't into spice then don't get thrown off by the spicy black pepper one because it is quite bearable and super flavoursome. 

Korean jjajangmyeon with thick chewy noodles is supposed to be a little sweet, salty and savoury with no spice at all. 
If you haven't tried the real deal or don't have time, then your problems will be solved thanks to the instant pack that comes sort of close to the actual dish. It's quite savoury with a taste that lingers. A bowl of this is super filling, while chopped spring onions and sliced cucumber add a much needed fresh kick.