It's easy to see why our kitchen larders have been invaded by Korean instant noodles! With hot, piquant flavours and al-dente noodles, spicy Korean instant noodles are so popular that even local supermarkets commission their own house brands.

Although slightly pricier, Korean instant noodles normally come in bigger packets of 120g, compared to 70g for locally made brands. In an attempt to make them more healthy, many Korean instant noodles are now MSG-free (four out of the five noodles in this review have no MSG).

For the most authentic taste, go to a Korean supermart such as Shine Korea and Korean Trading, which often stock a mind-boggling variety of made-in-Korea instant noodles. inSing.com taste-tests five spicy flavours to find out what's hot and what's not! Just look out for our spicy level rating!

Paldo - Bibim Myun
Weight: 130gms
Price: $1.80, from Koreana Trading
Spice level: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Not all instant noodles come in broth! Bibim myun means 'mixed noodles'. First, you boil the noodles, rinse them in cold water, drain the noodles, then toss them in the accompanying chilli paste. Served cold, the noodles are light and springy, and taste very appetising with the sweet, spicy, and vinegary chilli paste. It's a refreshing change from the usual soup noodles, and is great on a hot day. You can also jazz it up with julienned cucumber, lettuce, omelette or ham.