There’s something strangely comforting about eating three bowls of instant ramen in one day. I can’t quite explain it—maybe it’s the pull of carbs on a gloomy head-cold afternoon, or perhaps the thrill of little indulgences that evolve slowly over time. Today, I started with the spicy chilli ramen that clears your sinuses and makes your ears tingle, snacked on the cheapest dry noodles like crunchy little chips, and ended the day with a cup of Itsu rice noodle ramen, gourmet simplicity at its finest. Not sure what’s going on with me, but carbs called, and I answered.
This little ritual of mine isn’t just about filling my stomach. It’s a reflection of a slow culinary journey: from the cheapest packets I could find, through experimental upgrades, to genuinely enjoying food that tastes as good as it looks. And somehow, all of this ties into making smarter choices with my money, my health, and my enjoyment.
My Ramen Saga – From South Africa to Japan
My instant ramen story begins far from home, in South Africa, visiting family. Maggie noodles were a staple: salty, basic, and forgettable. I didn’t think much of ramen back then—it was fuel, not flavour.
Fast-forward five years to Wagamama, where I discovered proper ramen with deep-fried tofu and a medley of vegetables. I was smitten. Ramen became my go-to meal for the next five years. Until one day, Wagamama changed it. Silken tofu replaced the deep-fried version, vegetables disappeared, and my heart sank. Disappointment drove me back to cheap instant noodles, but this time with a twist: if I was going to eat rubbish ramen, it would at least be affordable.
Then there was Japan, six months ago—a ramen odyssey. Cheap counter ramen, elaborate 16-dish meals, cold green tea ramen, Japanese instant noodles with mystery ingredients. Every bite was a surprise, an adventure, a lesson in the diversity of ramen and the unpredictability of instant noodles. It was salty, rich, and delightful in ways only Japan could teach me. My ramen saga had officially become a slow, delicious, global upgrade.
The Mood-Driven Ramen Choices
Now, my choice of ramen is dictated less by price and more by mood. Feeling under the weather? Spicy, head-clearing ramen. Just in the mood for a treat? Gourmet cup with perfectly hydrated rice noodles.
I even have rituals: spicy ramen gets the square bowl treatment. The noodles fit perfectly, absorb water evenly, and I only need to flip once for full coverage. Small, silly things like this make the experience better. And let me tell you, dry noodles as a snack? Surprisingly satisfying—crunchy, filling, and spicy enough that you can feel it in your ears.
Ramen has become a mirror of my mood: spicy when I need clarity, luxurious when I need joy. And each choice tells a story about the evolution of taste and patience.
Ramen Rituals & Tiny Hacks
Cheap ramen doesn’t have to stay basic. Here’s how I’ve levelled up packets over time:
- Frozen veg – adds texture, nutrients, and colour. Even basic noodles feel more “grown-up.”
- Crack in an egg – protein-rich, creamy, and makes any broth feel richer.
- Use a square bowl – better absorption, fewer noodle acrobatics, perfect cooking for spicy ramen.
- Dry snack ramen – crunchy, carb-filled, perfect for nibbling while binge-watching or multitasking.
I’ve had my fair share of ramen disasters. Once, at a frisbee tournament, I had no access to hot water for my pot noodle. The result? Cold, unappetising sludge that tasted nothing like dinner. Yet, even these small failures are part of the story—they teach patience, improvisation, and the value of simple upgrades.
The Slow Upgrade – Health, Happiness, and Budget Wins
Over time, my ramen has evolved. Cheapest packets → mid-range spicy → gourmet Itsu cups. Along the way, I’ve gained more pronounceable ingredients, richer flavours, and, surprisingly, a little better health. I blame my little one: wanting them to eat well pushes me to be an example. Suddenly, instant ramen is a teaching tool, a source of pleasure, and a small victory in my day-to-day.
Financial Independence – Delicious Savings with Instant Noodles
One of the hidden joys of upgrading your instant ramen is how it can quietly support Financial Independence. Eating out, even occasionally, adds up fast. A single restaurant ramen trip, including travel and dessert, can easily cost £20–25. At home, the same satisfaction—customisable noodles, perfectly hydrated broth, and added veggies—comes at a fraction of the price.
Cooking ramen at home also gives you freedom and flexibility. You don’t need to rush to a restaurant, you can eat around a little one’s schedule, and you can experiment with flavours and toppings without breaking the bank. A simple packet of noodles transforms into a gourmet experience that costs a fraction, tastes better, and leaves your wallet happier.
It’s a reminder that small, thoughtful upgrades—whether in food, habits, or spending—can compound over time. A weekly home-cooked bowl of ramen might seem trivial, but over a year it’s hundreds saved and dozens of joyful, customised meals enjoyed. Who knew instant noodles could be a tiny but delicious step toward Financial Independence?
Life Lessons from a Ramen Journey
This slow upgrade of food carries lessons beyond the kitchen:
- Indulge occasionally – your body knows when it wants carbs, spice, or comfort. Listen.
- Upgrade slowly – incremental improvements are sustainable and satisfying.
- Experiment – don’t stick to one style or flavour; surprise yourself.
- Add vegetables – even basic ramen benefits from colour, texture, and nutrition.
Ramen has taught me patience, flexibility, and the joy of small victories. And sometimes, a spicy, crunchy, or silky noodle is exactly what the day calls for.
Gentle Questions for the Road
Reflecting on my ramen adventures, I realise how small choices—flavour, preparation, and cost—can ripple into everyday life. Cooking instant noodles at home isn’t just tastier and more fun; it’s also a small but meaningful win for Financial Independence. A little planning, a few thoughtful upgrades, and even a simple packet of noodles can give you joy, flexibility, and savings all at once.
- Which small tweak could turn your cheap ramen (or any simple meal) into a gourmet moment that feels like a little celebration of taste and creativity?
- How do your cravings guide your food choices, and what might they reveal about your mood, your energy, or the little comforts you need most?
- How could cooking at home—not just for yourself but perhaps for your family—bring more enjoyment, flexibility, or savings into your week, even in small doses?
Sometimes, life doesn’t need a grand overhaul—just a packet of noodles, a few thoughtful upgrades, and a little curiosity. Even the smallest choices, repeated over time, can make your days richer, tastier, and more intentional.