Instant ramen has come a long way from the basic packet noodles of the past. Today, Asian instant noodles offer restaurant-quality flavours in minutes, with options ranging from mild and comforting to face-meltingly spicy. Here are the 10 best instant ramen noodles you can buy online in Australia, based on flavour, popularity, and customer favourites from our store.
1. Samyang Buldak Hot Chicken Ramen (Korea)
Samyang's Buldak (fire chicken) ramen is one of the most popular instant noodles in the world. Known for its intense spicy-sweet sauce and chewy noodles, this is the noodle that launched a thousand YouTube challenges. The original clocks in at 4,404 Scoville Heat Units. Available in over 10 flavours including Carbonara, Cheese, 2x Spicy, and Corn. Best for spice lovers who want bold, addictive flavour.
Heat level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Style: Dry (stir-fried) | Origin: Korea
2. Nongshim Shin Ramyun (Korea)
Shin Ramyun is arguably the most iconic Korean instant noodle. Its rich, beefy broth with a kick of Korean chilli flakes has made it a pantry staple worldwide. The thick, chewy noodles hold up well in the spicy soup. Great on its own or with an egg and cheese melted on top. A must-try for anyone new to Korean ramyeon.
Heat level: 🔥🔥🔥 | Style: Soup | Origin: Korea
3. Indomie Mi Goreng (Indonesia)
Indomie Mi Goreng is Indonesia's gift to the instant noodle world. This dry-style noodle comes with a sweet soy sauce, chilli, oil, and fried onion seasoning that creates an irresistible savoury-sweet combination. It consistently wins taste tests and has a cult following in Australia. Quick to prepare and endlessly customisable with a fried egg and veggies.
Heat level: 🔥 | Style: Dry (stir-fried) | Origin: Indonesia
4. Nissin Cup Noodles - Seafood (Japan)
The original cup noodle, invented in Japan in 1971. The Seafood flavour is the standout, with a light but flavourful broth and small pieces of shrimp, squid, and egg. Just add hot water and wait 3 minutes. Perfect for the office, camping, or when you need a quick warm meal. A Japanese classic that never gets old.
Heat level: 🔥 | Style: Cup soup | Origin: Japan
5. Ottogi Jin Ramen (Korea)
Jin Ramen is Ottogi's answer to Shin Ramyun, offering a slightly milder but equally satisfying experience. Available in Mild and Spicy versions, it features a rich, meaty broth with a good balance of heat and umami. The noodles are firm and bouncy. An excellent everyday ramen at a great price point.
Heat level: 🔥🔥 | Style: Soup | Origin: Korea
6. Mama Tom Yum Shrimp (Thailand)
Mama is Thailand's number one instant noodle brand, and the Tom Yum Shrimp flavour is their flagship. It captures the sour, spicy, and aromatic essence of Thai tom yum soup with lemongrass, lime, and chilli. The thin noodles cook fast and absorb the tangy broth beautifully. A Thai pantry essential.
Heat level: 🔥🔥 | Style: Soup | Origin: Thailand
7. MyKuali Penang White Curry (Malaysia)
MyKuali's Penang White Curry noodle has been ranked among the best instant noodles in the world by The Ramen Rater. Its rich, creamy coconut curry broth is packed with aromatic spices and has genuine depth of flavour. The noodles are thick and springy. A premium instant noodle experience that tastes close to homemade laksa.
Heat level: 🔥🔥🔥 | Style: Soup | Origin: Malaysia
8. Nissin Demae Ramen - Tonkotsu (Japan)
Demae Ramen is Nissin's packet noodle line, and the Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) flavour is a standout. It delivers a creamy, rich broth reminiscent of the famous Hakata-style ramen from Fukuoka. Mild and savoury rather than spicy, making it perfect for those who prefer umami-forward flavours. Top with a soft-boiled egg and spring onions for the full experience.
Heat level: 🔥 | Style: Soup | Origin: Japan
9. Vifon Pho Bo (Vietnam)
Vifon's Pho Bo (beef pho) captures the aromatic, star anise-infused broth of Vietnam's national dish in instant form. The rice noodles are light and silky, and the broth has genuine herbal complexity with cinnamon, clove, and coriander notes. A comforting bowl that's lighter than most instant noodles. Add fresh herbs and bean sprouts for an authentic touch.
Heat level: 🔥 | Style: Soup (rice noodles) | Origin: Vietnam
10. Samyang Buldak Carbonara (Korea)
The Carbonara variant of Samyang's Buldak range softens the extreme heat with a creamy, cheesy sauce that has made it one of the best-selling instant noodles globally. It's still spicy, but the cream base makes it more approachable than the original. The combination of heat and creaminess is genuinely addictive. Our customers' most-reordered Samyang flavour.
Heat level: 🔥🔥🔥 | Style: Dry (stir-fried) | Origin: Korea
How to Choose Your Instant Ramen
| If you like... | Try this |
|---|---|
| Extreme heat | Samyang Buldak 2x Spicy |
| Rich & creamy | MyKuali Penang White Curry |
| Classic & comforting | Nongshim Shin Ramyun |
| Quick & easy (cup) | Nissin Cup Noodle Seafood |
| Light & aromatic | Vifon Pho Bo |
| Dry noodles (no soup) | Indomie Mi Goreng |
Where to Buy Instant Ramen in Australia
Asian Pantry stocks hundreds of instant noodle varieties from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and more. We deliver Australia-wide from our Melbourne warehouse, with same-day dispatch on weekday orders. Browse our full instant noodles collection to find your next favourite.