This post is curated toward finding the best instant noodles that are readily available in the Kenyan market, you will probably find most if not all in your nearest big supermarket, especially Carrefour where they are the cheapest
Also Read: Why Carrefour is the Cheapest Supermarket in Kenya.
Hello there, there’s a 75% chance that you are a K-pop Stan. There is also a 25% chance you are just an average person who loves good noodles (that are not the basic indomie). Either way, we shall coexist in this post
Generally, the best noodles are from Korea, 9 of 10 are (not the other Korea)
Let’s jump right into it, I have tried all of them so that you don’t have to
Kimchi is pickled cabbage with a spicy and sour taste
Ramyun Korean style is instant noodles and not Ramen
11. Nongshim Chapagetti
Sounds like chapati and spaghetti made a baby, aww I’m aww I’mm so happy for them!
Good in texture, chewy and thick but flavor-wise they are a little on the bland side.
This is probably the most underwhelming instant noodle.
The flavor notes are so flat I’m starting to think; maybe you aren’t supposed to prepare them according to package instructions
10. Jin Ramen
.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1280 "Jin Ramen Mild")
Has a subtle sweetness to it, infact I find it a little sweeter than my liking packed with umami.
Flavors unlike chapagetti, are punchy, but not punchy to your face; more like balanced well. The featured image is a mild version but I prefer the spicy version more
The mild version is for those who can’t handle spice or salt levels, or if you just want a simple dish.
Jin Ramen is not that popular but it is one of my personal favorites and I serve it with soft-boiled marinated egg (This list is not ranked)
I would recommend Jin Ramen Mild, for those getting started on instant noodles
9. Samyang Red Hot Chicken
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1280 "Samyang Red 2x Spicy")
Samyang sounded familiar, not because it sounds like Samsung (also a Korean brand), but Samyang Optics literally, a camera lens manufacturer from South Korea for; Canon, Nikon, and Fuji…Photography nerds get it
These noodles especially the 2x spicy version are not for you if you have a low spice tolerance. Even the regular ones are a bit spicy, even more than the red Shin ones.
If the Shin Red hurts you, Samyang will make you pass out, and Shin Black will bury you.
8. Samyang Black
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1280 "Samyang Black")
These noodles are just plain amazing, so tasty, and just like all Samyang noodles the spice just explodes.. addition of cheese takes everything to the next level.
If you want a less or mid-spicy level, then don’t use the entire sauce in the packing, maybe use a small portion and mix it with water, then adjust accordingly to where it hits your spot
Serve with whatever you please on the side; crunchy vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, or omelets
7. Neoguri Ramyun Seafood
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1280 "Neoguri Seafood")
If you love thick noodles and chapagetti is bland, Neoguri will be your next best option. They have seaweed in them that makes the overall flavor just heavenly, ESPECIALLY THE SOUP! yes, I had to shout about that
Since Neoguri is thick and chewy, it is the single noodle in this list that stays the longest without suddenly turning soggy from the soup
The spice level is not that intense or flat, just on par with Shin Red and Buldak.
Neoguri flavor can be stretched further by the addition of milk (to replace a portion of water) or cheese slices
Yes, Neoguri is seafood-based but it doesn’t mean it stinks like fish or tastes fishy, just all balanced.
6. Buldak Black Hot Chicken
Buldak Black Chicken is rubbery and chewy in texture when done in a good way, and has sweet notes to it, the liquid sauce has some sort of intense heat and pungent smell and it is all roses and flowers at the start
After like 30 seconds is when you start feeling the heat from your throat and it just spreads backward to your lips, have a drink nearby to cool everything.
But on the spice side of things, say the 2x Buldak, it just slaps if you are a heat person, it is just tolerable enough, not top crazy not mid either.
In general, you will taste more spice and heat here than the noodle flavor, probably one of my least favorites alongside chapagetti
5. Buldak Red Hot Chicken
Can’t tell a difference from the black one, only that this is sweeter, more like sweet and spicy. This is even so obvious from the packaging that says “with added sugar”
The red is just a sweeter version of the black(but not less spicy)
4. Buldak Carbonara
The Buldak Carbonara is my personal favorite in the Buldak series. It’s actually the mildest in terms of spiciness among the Buldak varieties and offers the creamiest noodle experience in the entire list, thanks to the carbo seasoning pack included with the cup.
The powder pack in this version is all white and contains powdered cheese along with some dried herbs.
The carbo pack has a sweet taste by itself, and when you try the powder individually, it has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Along with the carbo seasoning, the Buldak Carbonara also includes the standard Buldak sauce (found in the red packet, like the one labeled as number 6), but this version is relatively mild when it comes to heat.
The noodles themselves are on the thick side, have a rectangular cross-section, and are not rounded.
Now, preparing the Buldak Carbo according to the instructions on the packet can be a bit messy. The recommended 3 tablespoons of water is quite a lot and tends to make the noodles overly soggy, resulting in a soup-like mixture in the end.
For a better overall experience, it’s advisable to add less water, around 1 tablespoon, after draining the excess when adding the carbo powder.
This will make the preparation process easier and improve the overall chewy texture of the noodles.
3. Shin Ramyun Red Noodle Soup
If there is a G.O.A.T in the noodles world, it is not Messi but Shin noodles
Shin Ramyun has a better, richer, and more balanced flavor compared to Jin Ramen which is the closest contender. It is a little on the saltier side tho.
In terms of heat they both bow down to Buldak noodles which are way spicier, but the Shin tastes way better if flavor is your buying point
This being the most famous and common noodle, it is obviously the one that started it all for me. It is actually one of the best and most loved, more like a gold standard. When you say Korean noodles this is the first one to ring my mind.
Just prepare it according to the package instructions and add chopped spring onion leaves to liven everything up, add a soft-boiled egg, a stick of butter, and kimchi on the side if you feel extra fancy or authentic.
Shin Ramyun has a cup version that is easier to prepare by just adding water to the marked level and covering it.
2. Shin Black
Once you go, Shin Black, there is no going back to the Red
It has a bone marrow flavor, so it makes the best soup or broth. It the bomb spice-wise like the spice got another layer of spice in it (if that makes sense)
Shin Black’s spice is so hot and good that it will de-congest your sinuses, forget Rob or Menthol-Plus, that is how spicy this bad boy is. It will literally steam your face.
I don’t know which is right, peppery or spicy…I would say the Shin Black is spicy while the classic Shin Red is peppery
It however costs more than the standard red, almost twice as much. That is too expensive and not worth it for me, especially for regular consumption. These are like special ones especially if I have had a long day.
1. Indomie Mi Goreng
This is not your average Indomie, mi goreng is fried noodles from Indonesia. This means they have a distinct flavor from the classic chicken or beef.
They are a little sweeter and more flavorful, I don’t mind it just take note. Their seasoning and spices are in sauce form and not powdered like the classic common versions.
The sauce packets have soy sauce, chili sauce, and sesame oil, the sesame oil especially makes everything just better.
There are crushed aromatics like ginger, and garlic that stretch the flavors even wider
Since these are fried noodles, they are prepared differently. The sauces and spices should be mixed in the bowl you will serve in, and not added to your noodles while cooking
Read: Preparing Indomie Mi Goreng Noodles
Summary
Sweetest Noodles: Jin Ramen(Mild)
Spicy Noodles: Shin Black, Buldak Noodles(All)
Non-Soggy Noodles: Neoguri Seafood
Best for Beginners: Jin Ramen(Mild), Shin Ramyun (Red)
Best Creamy Noodles: Buldak Carbonara
Best for soup (broth): Shin Ramyun Black or Red
FAQs
Are Instant noodles healthy? Yes, despite the high sodium content and lack of proteins everything else is perfect. Keep in mind these are processed foods thus consume them in moderation, say twice a week
What is the difference between noodles and instant noodles? they are the same thing except the instant ones are pre-cooked in the factory and dried thus they cook faster at home compared to fresh noodles
How are instant noodles made? Wheat flour, salt, and water are kneaded to form a dough, that is stretched out and cut into noodle strings which are then steamed to (precook) and dried for packaging as a solid block
Benefits of Instant noodles: Generally cheap and convenient to prepare, ideal for busy schedules and lifestyles.
Negative effects of Instant noodles: Some brands have high-fat content, especially the cheap deep-fried ones. As mentioned sodium levels are high, and the noodles on themselves are not a balanced diet, you need protein, vitamins, and fiber intake to supplement them as a dish.
Is indomie healthy to eat? Yes but in moderation and accompanied by proteins eg fried egg, and vegetables or fruits for vitamins and fiber
Should you add salt to instant noodles? No, they are already pre-salted so you shouldn’t add any more, the sodium content is already too high
What is better, spaghetti (pasta) or instant noodles? Both are processed from wheat, spaghetti is Italian while noodles are Asian. Pasta is more versatile and comes in hundreds of shapes and thicknesses, served with sauces while noodles are served in soups and broth. So spaghetti is a type of noodle( and a type of pasta)
Why was indomie banned in Kenya? It was suspected to contain aflatoxins which were later proved otherwise
Where is indomie from? Indomie is an Indonesian brand, mi goreng listed is from Indonesia. The other common flavors in Kenya are produced by Indomie Kenya a noodle factory in Mombasa
What are the indomie flavors in Kenya? Chicken is the most common, then Beef, and the newest addition is Supa Mojo
Related Links
Review: The 5 Best Spaghetti Brands in Kenya
Grocery Guide: 10 Popular Rice Brands in Kenya
Snack Guide: Exotic Chips in Kenya
The Ultimate Guide+Review to Fast Food in Nairobi:(20 Listings)
Grocery Guide: The 10 Best Wheat Flour Brands in Kenya
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