Battle of the Korean instant noodles

Nongshim, RM4.90

Noodles
Nongshim’s noodles were somewhat thicker than its compatriots. They also absorbed the soup quickly, becoming soggy in the process.

Add-ons
The most generous of them all, Nongshim comes with large squares of thick kombu and slices of dehydrated fish cake.

Taste
Nongshim’s spicy beef cup noodles are the stuff of legends, but this seafood version turned out to be a thin, briny broth. Too much seafood, not enough spice.

Verdict
We like Nongshim’s generous additions of kombu, but the slightly soggy noodles and too tame broth tilted the odds.



Paldo, RM5.50

Noodles
Paldo’s noodles were relatively thin, bearing close resemblance to Maggi noodles in thickness.

Add-ons
Paldo’s add-ons were scarce – bits of mushroom and scallions were scattered loosely in the cup.

Taste
Paldo’s strongly salted soup base could use a bit more heat in the spice department. Compensate with your own red chilli pepper flakes.

Verdict
Paldo could’ve been a close contender for the House Cup, but a few points were shaved off for its thin noodles.



Yeul, RM4.90

Noodles
Yeul has superior noodles with good chew, just the right thickness, and were springy from the beginning to the end of the meal.

Add-ons
Somewhat similar to Paldo’s offerings of spring onions and dehydrated mushrooms.

Taste
Yeul’s opaque soup base is richer, more flavourful, and most importantly, lives up to its spicy label. Nice pedas kick there.

Verdict
Winner! With bouncy noodles and spicy soup base, Yeul is what we’ll be having every end of the month.