Singapore's own Prima Taste has earned international recognition for its instant noodle offerings, with its Singapore Laksa La Mian flavor making it onto a prestigious "best-of" list. Wirecutter, The New York Times' product review arm, featured the laksa-flavored noodles in its December 2024 roundup of top instant noodles.
Wirecutter's team has been on a quest for the perfect instant ramen since 2020, testing 45 varieties available in the US, spanning the diverse culinary landscape of Asia. The research encompassed various categories, from Beef Noodle Soups and Simple Base Noodles to the fiery depths of Seriously Extreme Spice. Prima Taste's Singapore Laksa La Mian found its place among the Seafood Flavors.
The article acknowledged that while the instant version couldn't quite replicate the authentic hawker center experience, it came remarkably close. Notably, it also required the longest cooking time among the tested noodles – a full seven minutes. "Luckily, it is worth the wait," the article asserted.
The Wirecutter team was so impressed with Prima Taste's noodles that they suggested serving them to guests with added frozen shrimp, fried tofu, lime, and fresh mung beans for a truly impressive meal. "Between its chewy noodles and the heady mix of pungent fermented shrimp, warming galangal, and sweet creamy coconut, this bowl is transportive," the article described. However, a word of caution: the fermented shrimp imparts a distinct aroma, likened to "cat food," which might not appeal to everyone in the household. "If there are people in your home who do not like seafood, they will not like it when you cook this."
Other familiar Singaporean favorites also made the list. Indonesia's Indomie Mi Goreng was recognized in the Sauce Or Creamy Noodles category, with the article recommending everyone try it "at least once in their life." Thailand's Mama Shrimp Tom Yum Noodles earned a spot in the Citrusy Ramen category, with testers praising the "marriage of shrimp, lemongrass, fresh lime, and subtle heat."
No instant noodle roundup would be complete without South Korean representation. Samyang's fiery Buldak series, naturally, landed in the Seriously Extreme Spice category. The Wirecutter team braved the Kimchi, Habanero Lime, Jjajang, and Carbonara flavors, warning of their intense spiciness. Nongshim's Neoguri also featured in the Seafood Flavors category, impressing seafood lovers with its broth that "tasted like it had been simmered with mussels and clams."
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