Momofuku Goods, founded by chef David Chang, has become a staple for pantry essentials like chili crisp and, more recently, instant noodles. After years of customer feedback, the company overhauled its noodle line, increasing sauce volume by 20% and discontinuing some older flavors (including the popular Spicy Chili) in favor of new ones like Sesame Miso. A recent variety pack includes Spicy Soy, Tingly Chili, Sweet & Spicy, and Soy & Scallion. Testing revealed that while all flavors are good, one stands out as clearly superior.
The preparation is simple: cook the noodles for three minutes, drain, and toss with the seasoning packets. Adding a bit of the starchy cooking water helps the sauce coat the noodles effectively. The result? A delicious and satisfying meal.
Here’s the ranking, from least to most favored:
4. Tingly Chili
The Tingly Chili flavor relies heavily on Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing sensation. While tasty with a deep umami flavor and slightly thicker noodles, it fell short of delivering the promised “tingly” effect. Despite this, testers still found it to be “plenty tasty.”
Price: $12 for 4 packs at Momofuku.
3. Spicy Soy
Spicy Soy offers a mild kick without being overpowering. The thin, bouncy noodles are the highlight, making it a solid base for additions like green onions or eggs. The updated formula features more sauce, enhancing the overall experience.
Price: $12 for 4 packs at Momofuku.
2. Sweet & Spicy
The Sweet & Spicy flavor strikes a balanced chord between sweet and spicy, reminiscent of Korean barbecue thanks to its use of red pepper paste. While undeniably delicious with tender noodles, it didn’t quite reach the top spot.
Price: $12 for 4 packs at Momofuku.
1. Soy & Scallion
The revamped Soy & Scallion flavor is the clear winner, offering a deeply oniony, umami-rich experience. It’s already Momofuku’s most popular flavor for a reason. The noodles absorb the sauce exceptionally well, and the flavor is noticeably saucier than previous iterations. This one is the most versatile, easily elevated with a soft-boiled egg or a dash of Sriracha.
Price: $12 for 4 packs at Momofuku.
The bottom line: If you’re looking for the best overall Momofuku instant noodle experience, Soy & Scallion is the way to go. The improved texture, richer flavor, and increased sauce volume make it a standout choice.
