Spill the Tea (or Broth!): You’re Probably Making Your Instant Ramen Wrong. Let’s Fix It!

Shuaieb Khan

4/10/20254 min read

Spill the Tea (or Broth!): You’re Probably Making Your Instant Ramen Wrong. Let’s Fix It!

Okay, let’s be real. It's 1 AM. The craving hits. You reach for that glorious packet of instant noodles—be it classic Maggi, fiery Buldak, Nissin Gekikara, or trusty Koka. You cook it, and what do you get? A clumpy, sticky, masala-coated… lump. Sound familiar?

Arre yaar, we need to talk.

As Mumbai's food fanatics and one of the best caterers in Mumbai, we at Food Trail Catering Co. see this all the time. This isn't just about noodles; it's a culinary crime scene! The real magic of ramen isn't just the noodles; it's the broth. That soupy, flavour-packed liquid gold is where all the flavour lives. Making it dry is like watching a movie on mute. Why would you do that?!

The joy is in the two-part experience: first, you slurp the springy noodles, and then you sip that satisfying, soul-warming soup. That’s the real deal. So, chalo, let's fix this, one bowl at a time.

The Great Indian Noodle Mistake: #NoodleFail

In India, we love our dry sabzis and thick gravies. So, naturally, we drain the water from our instant noodles and toss them in the seasoning, creating a mushy, thick thing. But most instant ramen (especially the Korean and Japanese kinds) is designed to be a soup! The seasoning packet is meant to create a flavour bomb of a broth. When you drain the water, you're literally pouring 90% of the flavour down the sink. Tragic!

The Soupy Ramen Glow-Up: Aise Banao!

Ready for noodle nirvana? It’s easier than you think.

  1. Boil the Water: Follow the packet instructions. Usually, it's about 500-550ml of water. Don't eyeball it; measure it for the perfect noodle-to-broth ratio.

  2. Noodles In!: Once the water is at a rolling boil, drop in your noodle block. Let it cook for the time mentioned on the packet, usually 3-4 minutes. Pro-tip: Gently separate the noodles with a fork halfway through.

  3. The Flavour Drop: Here’s the key step. Turn the heat down a little and empty the entire seasoning packet(s) directly into the water. Stir it all up until the powder dissolves and creates a beautiful, fragrant broth. DO NOT DRAIN THE WATER!

  4. Serve & Slurp: Pour the entire contents—noodles AND broth—into a big bowl. That's it. You now have a glorious bowl of soupy ramen. First, eat the noodles, then drink the soup. Mic drop.

This method works for almost everything, from your everyday Maggi to the spiciest Buldak. You get flavourful noodles and a delicious soup to enjoy afterwards.

Level Up Your Bowl: From Snack to Feast

Now that you've mastered the basics, it's time to get creative. A few simple toppings can turn your instant ramen into a gourmet meal.

  • The Classic: A soft-boiled egg (the jammy yolk is pure magic).

  • The Greens: A sprinkle of chopped spring onions or coriander.

  • The Crunch: Toasted sesame seeds, fried garlic, or even a handful of crushed peanuts.

  • The Extra Umami: A few sautéed mushrooms or some sweet corn.

  • The Cheesy Pull: A slice of processed cheese melted on top. Trust us on this one!

Thinking of impressing guests at your next get-together? These simple hacks are great, but when you want to truly wow them, that's where we come in. As expert food caterers in Mumbai for small parties, we can create a whole live noodle bar that will have everyone talking!

Beyond the Bowl: Your Event, Our Passion

If we're this obsessed with getting a humble bowl of instant ramen right, imagine the passion and perfection we bring to your events. From intimate get-togethers to grand celebrations, Food Trail Catering Co. is your go-to. We pride ourselves on being among the top caterers in Mumbai, delivering unforgettable culinary experiences.

Whether you're searching for house party catering in Mumbai or the best corporate catering services in Mumbai, we bring the flavour, the flair, and the fun.

Ready to make your next event legendary? Let's chat!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What's the biggest mistake people make when cooking instant ramen? A: The most common mistake, especially in India, is draining the water after boiling the noodles. Most instant ramen seasoning is designed to create a flavourful soup, so by draining the water, you're throwing away most of the taste.

Q2: Can I use this soupy method for Indian noodle brands like Maggi? A: Absolutely! While Maggi is often prepared dry, making it soupy is a game-changer. Use a little more water than usual, add the Tastemaker to the water to create a broth, and enjoy a completely new and delicious experience.

Q3: What are the easiest toppings to elevate my instant ramen? A: Some of the easiest and most impactful toppings are a soft-boiled egg, chopped spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a slice of cheese. They require minimal effort but add a ton of flavour and texture.

Q4: Does Food Trail Catering Co. offer live food stations, like a noodle bar, for events? A: Yes, we do! Live stations are one of our specialties. We can set up a custom noodle or ramen bar for your event, which is a huge hit at both corporate events and private parties. It’s one of the reasons we're considered to provide some of the best catering services in Mumbai.