There's a story behind this cheap but tasty meal for me. 15 years ago, it costs merely less than a US dollar for a 5-pack meal. And the extra cents I have left will then be used to buy 1 or 2 eggs for that greater taste and satiety. A hot bowl of instant noodles is a poignant reminder of my broke and hungry days.
My mind flashes back to a chilly night when I was a teenager. The electricity and water has been cut off again due to late/no payment. My little 8-year-old sister and I just had a cold bath in the dark - using the water we carried back with pails from the public carwash tap. Fortunately, we had a comforting bowl of piping hot noodles waiting for us. We ate quietly but happily in the romantic flickering candlelight.
Be it tom yum, chicken, abalone, vegetarian, prawn, soba, kimchi or mushroom. Till today, all these flavours still make me drool (and sweat, because I like my soup really piping hot).
One just need to add some mixed vegetables (which include corn, carrot, peas) or put in some green leafy vegetables for a healthier meal. Don't forget to mix in 1 egg for a 'milkier' and thicker soup.
You have to finish the whole bowl of noodles to feel satisfied. Eat till you're full. It's good to have this when you are very hungry or if you are burning the midnight oil to complete a project. Just don't pick up my bad habit of finishing the soup which can be full of MSG and salt. Oh, by the way, you can opt to buy cup/bowl noodles, which is even more convenient.
Nissin cup noodles are my favourite because they come with a lot of 'real' ingredients like vegetables and eggs. Try their Chilli Crab and Seafood Tom Yum flavour if you have a spicy and sour tooth like me. I like Korean ones too (like Nong Shim) as they have a unique brothy/umami taste.
Anyway, have a great bowl of noodles tonight! Till then.