Yes, I know they are available in most shops in Thailand, but hard to find in the West and not cheap. Yes, I do know instant noodles were invented in Japan, but why are they so popular in Thailand?

Cheap and easy. Same reasoning for kids in uni.

1 minute ago, Peabody said:

Cheap and easy. Same reasoning for kids in uni.

But not healthy 

1 hour ago, still kicking said:

But not healthy 

Yes definitely not healthy.  High in sodium and msg.

33 minutes ago, anchadian said:

Yes definitely not healthy.  High in sodium and msg.

also high in fat, made with palm oil

Although I have a pack of noodles for an emergency, they've expired by the date for sure.  High in Sodium, low in nutrients, high in refined carbs and fats, artificial additives, 0 calories…15 years in Asia and, definitely, not in my kitchen.👎

Mama noodles are to a Thai, as a sausage roll or a meat pie is to a Brit. For Amurcans it's probably a hotdog. 

 

A gap-filler food, available everywhere and can be eaten on the run. 

Lightly fry some sliced garlic and chilli with some chopped green leaf vegetable and spring onions. Add a bit of oyster sauce. Add some fish sauce to cooked noodles and add to the fry mix. This is my preference.

 

For an occasional snack sure.  But, too many people especially Thais use it as a staple to their diet.  Mostly because it is cheap.  It is really terrible for you minimal nutrients and processed.  Dog food probably is better.

5 hours ago, still kicking said:

But not healthy 

 

Try putting it in a Air Fryer 

52 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

Try putting it in a Air Fryer 

Rather doubt that will make it any healthier.

1 hour ago, Celsius said:

 

Try putting it in a Air Fryer 

..With a “Touch” of Air pollution 😬