Finding Familiar Flavors: The Search for Cup Noodles in the UK

Cup noodles are a favorite for many, whether as a late-night snack, a quick meal, or simply to satisfy a craving. For Hongkongers, cup noodles are more than just a convenient food—they are a habit, a staple that has been part of life since childhood. However, upon moving to the UK, I discovered that the selection of cup noodles here is vastly different from what I was used to in Hong Kong. This stark contrast inevitably made me long for the familiar flavors that were once so easy to enjoy.

Supermarkets in the UK do sell instant noodles, and even Nissin Demae Ramen can be found. However, the versions available here are the European editions. The first time I tried them, I immediately noticed a difference—the broth lacked the rich depth of flavor, the texture of the noodles was slightly off, and the overall taste simply didn't carry that familiar essence. Getting the Hong Kong version of Demae Ramen in the UK is possible, but the steep prices make it an impractical indulgence. This led me to explore alternatives, and among all the options, cup noodles remained my top choice for a convenient and nostalgic taste of home.

In the UK, cup noodles primarily fall into three categories: local brands, Japanese brands, and Korean brands. I decided to try all three, only to find that the local British brands were almost inedible. Everything from the broth and seasoning to the texture of the noodles felt completely foreign to my palate. The soup was either too bland or had an odd artificial taste, lacking the rich flavors commonly found in Asian cup noodles. The noodles themselves were problematic as well—either overly soft and mushy or too firm and rubbery, without the balanced chewiness I was accustomed to. After trying several varieties, I found them so unappealing that I couldn't understand how locals could enjoy them.

In contrast, Japanese and Korean cup noodles were far more suited to my taste. Japanese cup noodles had a rich and layered broth, whether it was tonkotsu, soy sauce, or miso-based, bringing back the familiar flavors I missed. Korean cup noodles, on the other hand, were known for their spiciness. Brands like Shin Ramyun and Ansungtangmyun offered bold, flavorful broths with just the right level of heat, making them especially comforting on cold days. Surprisingly, these Japanese and Korean brands were priced similarly to, or sometimes even cheaper than, the local British brands, making the choice an obvious one.

For Hongkongers living in the UK, Japanese and Korean cup noodles are undoubtedly the best options. The moment you pour hot water into a cup of these noodles, the familiar aroma fills the air, instantly transporting you back to the routines of daily life in Hong Kong. This simple pleasure not only eases homesickness but also makes one appreciate just how lucky we were in Hong Kong to have such a wide and accessible variety of cup noodles at our fingertips.