For those of us who are disorganized, inept in the kitchen, or both, instant noodles are infinitely appealing. They’re cheap, readily available and require no culinary faculty. What fellow instant noodle-devotees may not be aware of is the existence of Mamee Monster Noodle Snack. It is, indisputably, the best speedy noodle I’ve ever sampled — and it takes no time at all. Produced by a Malaysian snack-food company, the light, non-oily treat comes in plastic, purse-size packaging, much like regular instant ramen noodles. There’s a difference though; no “cooking” is involved (and you don’t need a spoon). Mamee’s hardened, squiggly strips — condensed into a tight, square block — are designed to be eaten as is, much like deep-fried potato chips.
I discovered Mamee Monster Noodle Snack during elementary school in Sydney, Australia, where our canteen sold them alongside spring and sausage rolls. My fondness for the savory food was widely known, to the point where I was gifted on birthdays with boxfuls of the stuff, purchased wholesale from Asian supermarkets.
I enjoyed (and still enjoy) Mamee for several reasons: The affable, bright-blue monster on the package’s exterior, the distinct flavoring (a salty mix of MSG and sesame oil), the exaggerated crunch. Much of the visceral pleasure lies in the preparation. Before eating, you crush the noodly cluster to bits with a fist, then open the packet, add the seasoning (either BBQ or chicken), and then shake the bag. You feel like you’re making something, even though it’s purely tokenism. I recently discovered that the noodle snacks are available on Amazon, with free shipping. I’m ordering as we speak.
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