My Introduction to Instant Ramen

Also known as everything that is beautiful and sacred in this cruel, harsh world. It's a travesty that it's taken me this long to try it, to be honest.

I've never really been one for instant noodles. Pot Noodles and Super Noodles have always looked (and smelled) disgusting (it's cool, I'm packing my bags now, goodbye Scotland), and any other instant noodles I've had have always been distinctly lacking in flavour and texture.

But Nissin Demae Ramen noodles have opened my eyes 😍😍😍.

It's only been about two weeks, and I swear I've had them on at least seven separate occasions (once I had them for both lunch and dinner, because I'm a shameful and gluttonous human being who can't be stopped. Also I had to show my boyfriend The Way.)

Unlike your typical instant noodles, Nissin Demae Ramen make for a filling and delicious meal on their own, never mind the fact that they're the perfect base for adding an assortment of toppings. The broth is rich and delicious, and the noodles are the perfect consistency. I've never known such beauty.

So far I've tried Chicken, Tonkotsu Pork, Sesame, Tokyo Soy Sauce, and Beef, and they have all been a hit. I'm hyped about trying the Seafood flavour too, but am admittedly wary of the Spicy one, as I'm still recovering from my last encounter with the Nong Shim 'Gourmet Spicy' Noodles. I very much live up to the White person stereotype when it comes to my spice tolerance, I regret to admit.

If you're giving these a try for the first time, my recommendations are the Tonkotsu Pork or Tokyo Soy Sauce flavours. I was blown away the first time I tried both of these by the intensity of the broth - nothing like the watered down, faint soups of the Naked Noodle cups for example, (which I don't recommend, btw. Not when/if you have access to these babies.)

I suppose I should compare them to authentic ramen, but admittedly? I'm loathe to. Does anyone actually expect these to live up traditionally prepared ramen? Really? I'd hope not, given the effort that goes into it, and regardless, these noodles are perfectly reasonable substitutes for those people who either can't or don't want to spend a tenner on a bowl, or are just looking for a quick, tasty meal that can be boosted with the addition of a boiled egg and various veggies (I recommend baby corn, wilted spinach, and bean sprouts with some spring onions, but frozen broccoli and carrots are also perfectly good toppings and have graced my bowl many a time!)

© Photos by A Scottish Dumpling