Momofuku Soy & Scallion Ramen Noodles by David Chang

The Verdict

Let’s be direct: this is not your college-dorm ramen. Momofuku’s Soy & Scallion noodles sit in a strange middle ground — better than anything in a foam cup, but not quite a bowl from a ramen-ya. The question is whether that gap justifies the price. I’ve tested it against five other instant ramen brands, and here’s the honest breakdown.

What you actually get

Each box contains four individually wrapped servings. Inside each packet: a brick of thick, wavy noodles (not the fried blocks you’re used to), a liquid soy broth concentrate, and a scallion oil sachet. The noodles are air-dried rather than flash-fried, which matters — they cook up with a chewier bite closer to fresh ramen than the mushy texture of Maruchan or Top Ramen.

Performance and real-world use

The stovetop method takes about four minutes: boil noodles for three, then add the sauce and oil directly to the cooking water. The microwave route works in a pinch (about five minutes), though you sacrifice some noodle texture. The broth is the real standout — it’s concentrated, deeply savory, with a fermented soy complexity that doesn’t taste like it came from a packet. The scallion oil is the sleeper hit; a few drops transform the whole bowl with that aromatic, almost roasted-garlic quality.

One thing worth noting: the serving size is modest. At 4.2 ounces per bowl, it’s a snack for a hungry adult, not a meal. I found myself adding soft-boiled eggs, spinach, or leftover chicken to make it substantial.

What buyers consistently praise

The noodle texture gets near-universal love. One reviewer wrote, “Finally an instant ramen where the noodles don’t turn to paste — the bite is genuinely close to restaurant quality.” Another called the broth “surprisingly deep for something that takes four minutes.” The scallion oil specifically earned shout-outs for making the bowl feel “elevated” without extra effort.

Where it falls short

The price is the elephant in the room. At roughly $3-4 per serving, you’re paying a premium for convenience and quality — and it shows. But if you’re comparing this to a $12 restaurant bowl, it’s a steal. The sodium content is also no joke; at over 1,000mg per serving, it’s roughly half your daily recommended intake in one bowl. Finally, the packaging is functional but not fancy — no fancy folding lid or built-in strainer, just straightforward packets.

Who should buy this

• Busy professionals who want a legitimate ramen fix without the restaurant markup or delivery wait
• Instant ramen upgraders who’ve outgrown the 25-cent packs and want better texture and flavor without learning to make broth from scratch
• Campers or office workers with access to hot water who refuse to settle for cup noodles

Skip it if you’re feeding a family on a budget, need to watch sodium, or expect a full meal from a single serving.

FAQ

Is this spicy? No. The soy & scallion flavor is savory and aromatic, with zero heat. If you want spice, add chili crisp or gochujang — the broth handles it well.

Can I add toppings? Absolutely, and you should. The neutral-to-savory broth pairs with soft eggs, sesame seeds, corn, butter, or any protein you have around.

How does it compare to fresh ramen from a restaurant? It’s about 80% of the way there. The noodles are close, the broth is solid, but you’ll miss the chashu, marinated egg, and that just-pulled-from-the-kettle depth. For a weeknight, it’s more than good enough.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want genuinely better instant ramen and don’t mind paying for the upgrade. Skip it if you’re price-sensitive or need a more substantial portion.

Rating: 4.2/5 — Noodle quality and broth depth justify the premium over bargain ramen, but the price and sodium keep it from being an everyday staple.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.