The best spicy noodle bowls don't just bring the heat, they balance flavour and texture in every bowl. In this guide, we'll explore the different ways to build spice into your itsu noodles & broth pot, from choosing the right flavour to layering fresh chillies, crispy’chilli oil and other toppings. Whether you're looking for a gentle warmth or a bowl that really packs a punch, we'll help you discover your perfect level of heat.
adding heat with itsu noodles & broth pots
Starting with the base, itsu noodles & broth pots come in six flavours: chick’n ramen, satay style, katsu curry, chilli miso, teriyaki ramen and spicy chick’n. Ready to eat in 5 minutes, they are made with hand-folded rice noodles that are steamed [never fried] in clean miso broths blended with natural ingredients; each pot is gluten-free and low in fat, with no additives for genuinely health[ier] instant noodles. Our three spicy pots [chilli miso, spicy chick’n and satay style] are the perfect place to start your spicy noodle journey, as they can be enjoyed as a spicy bowl on their own.
how to make:
1. Open lid half-way
2. Remove sachets from pot & pour broth paste over noodles
3. Add boiling water to fill line & stir
4. Close lid & wait for 5 minutes. Add toppings [optional]
5. Drizzle over sesame oil as desired
build a spicy noodle pot
While itsu noodles & broth pots are a satisfying snack on their own, building a well-balanced dish with control of the spice level is a great way of transforming them into a healthy lunch or dinner. Top your pot with protein, fresh vegetables and different layers of heat to achieve your ideal spicy noodle bowl. Here are some quick and easy recipes to start with.
spicy chick'n noodles with chilli
serves 1 | prep time 5 mins | cook time 5 mins
Double up the heat with toppings of itsu’s crispy’chilli oil, the fresh, peppery sharpness of spring onion and the spicy miso broth. The result is a hotter flavour that builds and lingers. Accompany this heat with a jammy egg, and you have a balanced meal that is packed with flavour.
katsu curry noodles & broth pot with chilli
serves 1 | prep time 1-2 mins | cook time 5 mins
Pair the sweet and nutty taste of katsu curry flavoured miso broth with the sharp, vibrant heat of freshly sliced red chillies that persist throughout the dish with the peppery warmth of spring onion. This is a spicy noodle pot suited to someone who loves the flavour of milder spice, tamed by the sweetness in the broth.
chilli miso salmon & sriracha noodles
serves 1 | prep time 1 min | cook time 5 mins
Top the mild chilli miso noodles & broth pot with cooked salmon and a generous drizzle of sriracha to create a balanced combination of gentle chilli heat, rich umami and fresh savoury flavours. By elevating the heat of chilli miso with sriracha, the layered flavours create a sharper kick of spice while maintaining a rich broth that is full of flavour.
chilli chick’n ramen
serves 1 | prep time 1 min | cook time 5 mins
For a quick burst of spice, simply add one master ingredient: itsu’s crispy’chilli oil, made with fermented miso for rich umami depth and chilli flakes combined with crispy garlic, shallots and roasted sesame seeds for a sweet, nutty crunch. With just a spoonful, transform the chick’n ramen noodles & broth pot into a textured, spicy noodle bowl.
finding the perfect level of spice
Whether you prefer a gentle kick or a bowl packed with layers of lingering heat, there is no wrong answer when it comes to building a delicious spicy noodle pot. Once you know your chilli burn from your aromatic warmth, the rest is just experimenting. Next time you need more ways to top your pot, get creative with these instant noodles for every craving.
Dr Emma, what is your favourite flavour, and why do you recommend it?
“For me, taste and palatability really shape the eating experience. Different mixes of spices create very different flavour profiles across the pots, and the combination of tamarind paste, paprika, ginger and chilli powder in the Satay pot makes it my personal favourite - I find it warming and comforting.”
