Similar But Not The Same, Here Are 5 Differences Between Japanese, Korean And Indonesian Instant Noodles

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JAKARTA - Instant noodles are a practical choice for serving at mealtimes. Eating instant noodles has also become part of your lifestyle. Even every country, especially in Asia, also has its own instant noodle output.

The countries most popular with instant noodle production in Asia are Korea, Japan, and Indonesia. Maybe at first glance it looks the same. However, each instant noodle from the three countries has its own characteristics and this distinction is what differentiates Korean, Japanese and Indonesian instant noodles.

For more details, the following VOI provides information regarding 5 differences in Korean, Japanese and Indonesian instant noodles.

Mention

The difference between Japanese, Korean and Indonesian instant noodles lies in their mention. In Indonesia, people often refer to instant noodles by the brand name of instant noodle products. In Korea, people call instant noodles as ramyeon. While in Japan, it is better known as ramen.

Packing Weight

The difference in instant noodles from the three countries can also be seen from the weight of the packaging. In Indonesia, instant noodles with any brand generally weigh 70-85 grams. For the price, it usually ranges from Rp. 2 thousand to Rp. 5 thousand.

In Japan, there are several choices of packaging weight from 85 grams, 100 grams, and 120 grams. The selling price is also more expensive, ranging from IDR 5 thousand to IDR 15 thousand.

Meanwhile, instant noodles in Korea generally weigh 115-140 grams and are sold at high prices, which range from Rp. 15 thousand to Rp. 25 thousand.

Instant Noodle variant

Japan has many variants of instant noodles. There is instant noodle soup, there is also fried or called yakisoba. The two variants also have many flavors.

For instant noodle soup, there are flavors of miso, shio, kitsune udon, shoyu, curry, and spicy. Additional fried noodles are available such as mayonnaise, wasabi, teriyaki, and mayo.

Meanwhile, in Korea, most of the instant noodles are in soup. There are various flavors with local flavors, from kimchi, jjampong, and yukgaejang.

Just like Japan, Indonesia also has instant noodle soup and fried variants. For noodle soup, there are many flavors, such as soup, chicken curry, onion chicken, and shaked noodles.

As for the fried noodle variants, there are original flavors, geprek chicken, rendang, and green chilies.

Seasonings

Each country has instant noodles that are packed with different spices. In Korea, the seasoning consists of broth powder and dried vegetables. There is also additional cheese powder in certain variants.

While in Japan, they usually use powder, oil, dry vegetables, mayonnaise. Meanwhile in Indonesia, the seasonings only consist of powder and oil. However, some products contain dried vegetables and fried onions.

How to cook

Even though the products are the same, instant noodles from Korea, Japan and Indonesia have different cooking methods. In Indonesia, most of the noodles are cooked using a one-handled pan and then the spices are put on the plate. Only then are the noodles mixed and stirred.

It's different from how to cook Korean and Japanese instant noodles. Usually, Japanese and Korean people use two-handled, aluminum pans. This material can conduct heat faster. After that, put the spices into the boiled water, then add the noodles and cook until cooked. Korean and Japanese people are also used to eating instant noodles straight from the pot.