Instant noodles are the ultimate comfort food Malaysians can’t get enough of. Whether you’re pulling a late-night study session or rushing through lunch at work, there’s something undeniably satisfying about digging into a hot bowl of noodles.

But there’s more to these pantry staples than just boiling water and a sachet of seasoning. In this guide, we’ll slurp our way through brand favourites, noodle hacks, and simple topping ideas to enjoy your next bowl.

Popular Picks Malaysians Can’t Get Enough Of

There are two main types: packet noodles and cup ramen. Packet noodles give you a bit more freedom—toss in an egg, add some veggies, stir-fry it or serve it soupy. Cup ramen? Perfect for busy days or lazy nights when you just want to pour hot water and dig in.

Everyone has their own way of enjoying instant noodles, but when it comes to brand favourites, these are the ones Malaysians seem to agree on:

• Maggi is a true Malaysian classic. The Kari flavour is iconic, alongside Asam Laksa, Tom Yum, and Ayam. Their Hot Cups are another convenient option for quick meals on the go.
• Mamee Chef is known for its richer broths and bold flavours like Lontong, Kari, Tom Yum, Ayam Pedas Shiitake, and Laksa Kari. Mamee also offers cup noodles for those who need instant comfort.
• Indomie is an Indonesian classic known for its Mi Goreng flavour—dry, savoury, and often spotted on mamak menus. These noodles are easy to make and tastes even better with a fried egg.
• Samyang Korean ramen is best known for their Hot Chicken Buldak and Carbonara flavours that are made famous by viral mukbang videos.

You may think you've tried every instant noodle out there but don’t sleep on Lotus’s own instant noodles. Affordable, full of flavour, and proudly local, these noodles come in go-to Malaysian favourites like Curry, Tom Yum, Chicken, and Asam Laksa. And if you’re after something a little different, the Air Dried Noodles offer a firm, satisfying bite that soaks up the richness of your favourite sauces and broths perfectly.

How to Take Lotus’s Instant Noodles to the Next Level

Lotus’s instant noodles are already delicious on their own, but there’s always room to take things up a notch. Here are five easy hacks—one for each flavour—to add extra depth to your bowl:

• Curry: Turn your curry noodles into Korean-style ramen by adding a slice of cheese and topping it with kimchi. The cheese melts into the curry broth for a rich, creamy texture, while the kimchi adds a tangy kick, just like the ramen bowls you see in K-dramas.
• Tom Yum: Brighten up your tom yum noodles with a squeeze of lime and a handful of fresh prawns. Toss in torn lime leaves and chopped coriander for extra zing and aroma. It tastes like something you'd get at a Thai hawker stall—spicy, zesty, and full of kick.
• Chicken: Add some leftover roast chicken or rotisserie meat, drizzle with garlic-infused oil and sprinkle with spring onions to create a quick, hearty bowl just like a homemade chicken noodle soup.
• Asam Laksa: Turn your instant noodles into Penang-style asam laksa. Mash some canned sardines into the broth for extra richness, then top it with pineapple, cucumber, red onion, and chilli padi. It’s packed with that local flavour in every slurp.
• Air Dried Noodles: Mix Kewpie mayo, a raw egg yolk, and the seasoning packet in a bowl. Toss in your cooked noodles while they’re still warm—this helps everything come together into a silky, umami-rich sauce. Think of it as a quick, Japanese-inspired take on carbonara.

With just a few tweaks, you can turn any basic pack into your own gourmet creation.

It’s Time to Stock Up and Slurp Up

You’ve explored the top brands and discovered how versatile Lotus’s own instant noodles can be. With simple hacks to level up your bowl, we hope this guide inspires you to enjoy each one in new, delicious ways.

Excited to discover new flavours? Shop online at Lotus’s and get your instant noodle fix delivered right to your door, hassle-free.