Best Instant Ramen Brands

best-instant-ramen-brands

While nothing beats proper ramen from a shop, there is something strangely satisfying about the DIY route: those inexplicably cheap, dry noodles and their dehydrated broth packs. They taste like childhood, or—if you went to college—like survival. For what they are, it’s amazing how delicious they can be. But they can also be pretty easy to dress up and make it a little more like proper ramen from your favorite ramen shop.

At least, that’s true for some instant ramen. Some of it tastes like watery nothing…or worse.

You don’t have enough meals in your life to waste them on bad ramen. Check out the best instant ramen brands, pitted head-to-head in categories of flavor, noodles, and authenticity.

 

MAMA

MAMA brand instant ramen noodles cup
We’re starting out on a high point with this beloved brand. From the variety of creative flavors MAMA offers, to the surprisingly fresh ingredients hiding in each dehydrated soup packet, it’s no wonder that this brand is so treasured in its home country of Thailand.

While ramen is a Japanese invention, the concept has become a worldwide phenomenon, especially in its instant form. MAMA has adopted the dish and breathed new life into it, by infusing traditional Thai flavors bursting with spice.

This instant ramen has personality, to say the least.

MAMA Ramen’s Best and Worst Flavors

The flavor that MAMA is perhaps best known for is the Shrimp Tom Yum flavor, and for good reason. It’s spicy, but underneath that lie the surprisingly delicate flavors of fresh spring onions and seafood.

The addition of fish sauce—a common secret ingredient in Thai dishes—makes the shrimp feel less artificial and strange, compared to the seafood ramens that other brands have on offer.

The worst flavor, however, is the Tom Yum Creamy Shrimp flavor. It’s almost the same idea as MAMA’s best offering, the Shrimp Tom Yum, but with the addition of coconut cream.

In theory, this should work; it’s reminiscent of Tom Ka Ga or Sai Nom Khom, the practice of adding coconut milk to Tom Yum. However, despite MAMA’s best efforts, the powdered coconut cream and tapioca powder do not do this concept justice. Instead, it waters down the otherwise bold flavors.

 

mama ramen noodles brand flavor, noodle, and authenticity score

Final Score: 92/100

 

Maruchan

This is the brand that’s perhaps the most recognizable to American audiences, possibly because it’s made here rather than imported from Japan. It’s sold everywhere from gas stations to Walmart.

But, no matter where it’s sold, it manages to be incredibly consistent in how mediocre it is. It’s very American, which effectively robs this convenience meal of its individuality.

Very little makes this brand stand out, apart from how easy it is to find. Most of the flavors have no nuance at all. It’s really just plain noodles in an inoffensive, forgettable broth.

There are, of course, some exceptions.

 

Maruchan Ramen’s Best and Worst Flavors

In a sea of blandness, the Chili Lime Shrimp flavor stands out as a beacon of redeemability. The addition of real habanero peppers gives the flavor packet some punch and personality.

With the addition of lime and seafood, the taste is very reminiscent of classic Vietnamese dishes, such as Tom Ka Ga.

Unfortunately, this ramen brand crashes back down to earth with its Creamy Chicken flavor.

The concept is meant to imitate fettuccine alfredo, but it’s the cursed Japanese-Italian fusion dish no one asked for. Something about the instant alfredo sauce swimming in a sea of ramen noodles and chicken broth creates an eating experience similar to chewing on wet Tuscan leftovers.

You leave the table feeling the need to apologize to every culture that was dragged into the creation of this hate-child.

maruchen instant ramen noodle brand flavor, noodle, and authenticity score

Final Score: 58/100

 

Top Ramen

Package of Top Ramen brand instant noodle brand
Another brand that’s ubiquitous in the States, Top Ramen is extremely similar to Maruchan, to the point you might wonder if they’re made by the same company.

They aren’t, but they’re clearly made for the same audience. They’re almost the same foods, even down to the flavors both brands offer.

However, in a side-by-side comparison, Top Ramen does taste different. It’s somehow blander, while still tasting more like its source material.

A quick look at the ingredients confirms why: while Top Ramen contains no added MSG, Maruchan lists it as its third ingredient, right behind sugar.

Once you strip away the flavor enhancers that Maruchan puts front and center, all that Top Ramen has going for it is nostalgia and its “less than 2% powdered chicken.”

As for the noodles, they somehow go from waxy and undercooked to absolute mush in seconds, depriving hungry consumers of the satisfying, chewy texture all the best ramen brands offer.

 

Top Ramen’s Best and Worst Flavors

Top Ramen’s Hot and Spicy Beef flavor excels over the brand’s other offerings, because it has the strongest flavor. Beef and chili are difficult flavors to overlook, so this is the only variety that is not instantly forgettable.

The Shrimp flavor, however, has all the charm of the unidentifiable liquid at the bottom of an empty buffet pan. It tastes vaguely of nothing, and vaguely of shrimp. Overall, it’s underwhelming and slightly unpleasant.

Top Ramen instant ramen brand flavor, noodles, and authenticity score

Final Score: 55/100

 

Sapporo Ichiban

A variety of Sapporo Brand instant ramen noodles

This brand comes straight from Gunma, Japan, but it’s sold all over the country in American grocery stores. Chances are you’ve seen it in the import section.

Overall, it’s not a bad representation of the traditional Japanese style. The items on offer, like miso and tonkatsu, imitate the style of classic ramen shops as faithfully as any instant ramen brands can.

The broth in a Sapporo Ichiban soup packet is thicker than the watered-down version accomplished by much of its competition. Its flavor tends to be mild and comforting, which is typical of Japanese ramen.

Overall, the subdued flavors in Sapporo Ichiban products seem to call out for ingredients that the manufacturers had no way to include in the package.

This brand of ramen is best eaten with a poached egg or fresh bean sprouts from your own fridge.

 

Sapporo Ichiban’s Best and Worst Flavors

With such a traditional style, it’s best to lean into this brand’s strengths.

Their original Miso flavor is, in a word, delightful. It’s mellow, but also satisfying and familiar.

If you’re looking for something more from this one, it also makes an incredible base for a dizzying array of vegetables and proteins, like eggs, spring onions, and snow peas.

Meanwhile, Sapporo Ichiban’s Shrimp flavor is easily its worst. Ramen brands just keep trying to make seafood flavors that don’t taste like the air in a fish market on a hot summer’s day, and they keep failing.

In this case, the shrimp flavor is too subtle to be impressive, yet it still stands out from the rest of the sauce packet like a sore thumb.

Sapporo Ichiban instant ramen brand flavor, noodles, and authenticity score

Final Score: 87/100

 

Nongshim

Package of Nongshim instant ramen noodles brand

This Korean brand is much larger and more diversified than the others on the list, and they actually have a few separate lines of ramen products targeted at different palates.

The two varieties Americans are most likely to be familiar with are the “Shin Noodle” products, and the “NeoGuri” line.

While the flavors in these noodle packets aren’t particularly inventive, they are the hot cousins to brands such as Maruchan and Top Ramen. They all follow the same formula of combining flavor enhancers with uninspiring protein flakes, only Nongshim does it better. Much better.

 

Nongshim’s Best and Worst Flavors

The Shin Ramyun Black flavor is by far the best reviewed product from Nongshim, and for good reason. It improves on the classic Shin Ramyun, a previously released product with flavors of beef, chili, and vegetables, thanks to an extra flavor packet.

The noodles are also thick and bouncy, like udon, and the dehydrated mushrooms and beef are actual slices, instead of powdered versions.

However, once again, the worst item on the list is a seafood ramen.

The questionably-named Savory Lobster Bowl sounds like something Gordon Ramsey would regurgitate behind a crab shack in Kansas—and the ingredients match. It somehow contains every sea creature besides a lobster, and yet it tastes like none of them.

Nongshim instant ramen noodles brand flavor, noodles, and authenticity score

Final Score: 78/100

 

Indomie

A package of Indomie instant ramen noodles

This Indonesian brand has one huge advantage: flavor.

Some varieties of Indomie ramen come with five entire flavor packets, including sauces and garnishes, and it shows from the first bite. It tastes like the best street food you’ve ever made at home.

It has everything that South Asian food is known for, from the spice that punches you in the teeth to the sweet and pungent aftertaste. The noodles are also perfectly chewy and plump.

While Indomie doesn’t offer anything that resembles Japanese ramen, they do base their flavors on the dishes of their home country of Indonesia. Their Rendang flavor mimics the intense curried meat of the same name, which is one of Indonesia’s national dishes. They’ve also created instant versions of dishes from Singapore, Malaysia, and Nigeria.

In fact, the cult following Indomie has gotten in Nigeria is spectacular. It dominates the market there, and it’s infiltrated the culture to the point that it’s inspired music videos.

 

Indomie’s Best and Worst Flavors

Originally, Indomie infiltrated the ramen market with their Chicken flavor. It’s simple, but unlike the chicken flavor offered by brands like Maruchan, it actually tastes like chicken. This savory dream is ideal for meat lovers everywhere, yet it’s mild enough to suit any palate.

It’s hard to pick a “bad” flavor on Indomie’s line, but there is a weak link: the Vegetable Lime flavor.

Kudos to Indomie for trying to draw in vegetarian consumers, but this one really doesn’t taste like anything. There’s a citrus flavor, some unidentifiable orange slivers, and a distinct lack of joy.

indomie instant ramen noodle brand flavor, noodle, and authenticity score

Final Score: 98/100

 

Myojo

A package of Myojo instant ramen noodles

Myojo Chukazanmai—and its American extension, Myojo USA—have a reputation for creating the most delicious ramen you can buy in a Walmart Supercenter.
The flavors from this Japanese company are exciting without straying too far from tradition, and the noodles are thick and substantial.

Overall, the praise for this brand is well-deserved. However, there’s a difference between the original Myojo brand and Myojo USA, and it’s a pretty obvious one; Myojo USA specializes in udon.

Now, the idea of vacuum-sealed, pre-cooked udon is a good one. How else would you recreate the distinct, succulent texture that udon is known for? Unfortunately, the good idea is ruined by the bitter flavor of the udon itself.

The perfectly cooked, chewy texture fools you into thinking you’re about to eat a delicious bowl of ramen, only to have bitterness sneak onto the back of your tongue at the last second.

 

Myojo’s Best and Worst Flavors

The Myojo Chukazanmai Garlic Miso variety has an umami flavor that is completely unmatched by other, similar flavors of instant ramen. Frankly, it doesn’t seem possible that so much flavor came from a powder.

The bitter udon noodles still rear their ugly heads, though. The worst offender is the Artificial Chicken, which is so bland that the only distinctive flavor is the udon and some salt.

Imagine eating an entire bowl of unflavored wheat flour, while the sodium slowly dries out your gums from within.

It’s almost bad enough to discount the flawless noodles and the mouthwatering flavors of the rest of Myojo’s line…almost.

Myojo instant ramen noodle brand flavor, noodles, and authenticity score

Final Score: 95/100

 

Maggi

A package of Maggi Malaysia Instant Ramen Noodles

This brand is manufactured in India, for Indian palates. While the original manufacturer was based in Switzerland, of all places, it’s a beloved snack and street food staple all across this spice-hungry nation.

While the varieties of ramen that Maggi offers are certainly flavorful, there’s a distinct emphasis on convenience. The selling point is that the ramen can be ready quickly and cheaply, not on how good it tastes.

Which is a shame, because the earthy, curry flavors lurking in the flavor packets are a delight.

That being said, despite the variety of flavors Maggi has on offer, in reality, they all pretty much taste like one thing: masala. And while the masala in question is delicious, it is a shame that no other classic Indian flavors are represented. There’s no chutneys or kormas in sight, and it feels like a wasted opportunity.

 

Maggi’s Best and Worst Flavors

Because masala is the underlying flavor of most of these ramen packs, it’s best to go with the original Masala. It’s spicy, but still lets the flavor shine.

The worst is the 2-Minute Noodles Without Onion and Garlic, which is really just an inferior version of the Masala flavor. It’s rare that a savory dish isn’t improved by onions and garlic—so without these elements, the whole flavor falls flat.

Maggi instant ramen noodles flavor, noodles, and authenticity score

Final Score: 83/100

 

Ching’s Secret

A package of Ching's Secrete Hot Garlic flavor of Instant Ramen noodles

This brand is pretty hard to find in America. It’s an Indian creation, and hasn’t gained enough popularity in the States to be imported very often.

Fortunately, it’s popular enough in India that you can find it in import stores, at least in neighborhoods with a high enough South Asian presence.

Most Chinese food in America has been altered from its original form so that it aligns with Western tastebuds. This happens in India as well, creating Indian and Chinese fusion dishes.

Ching’s Secret is a whole brand of ramen with this concept. (And if the name sounds like a misguided imitation of Chinese culture…it is.)

That being said, Chinese and Indian flavors actually go together beautifully. The earthy flavors of India complement the spicy flavors of Szechuan, or the sour aromatics of the northeast provinces, perfectly.

 

Ching’s Secret Best and Worst Flavors

A quick disclaimer: if you don’t like garlic, you won’t like this pick.

The Hot and Spicy Garlic flavor from Ching’s Secret is an absolute bomb of garlic. Honestly, the seasoning packet might be 90% garlic, and 10% Szechuan chilies. It’s ridiculously spicy, but the broth bursts with so much flavor it feels like it’s straight out of a hot pot restaurant.

The Singapore Curry, however, just doesn’t know what it’s trying to be. Theoretically, they’re meant to be like the popular street food in Singapore in which dry noodles are fried in curry and garlic. However, the flavor is more like a yellow dahl, but with a few chilies added. It’s not quite curry, nor is it a Singapore noodle.

Ching's Secret Instant Ramen Noodles flavor, noodles, and authenticity score

Final Score: 86/100

 

Final Brackets:

Final bracket of scores comparing all brands' flavors, noodles, and authenticity

Nothing beats real ramen, but the best instant ramen brands offer a convenient fix when time (and money) are scarce. When ramen by itself or even dressing it up just won’t cut it, you can always mix it up with these budget friendly dinners. Or if you just aren’t in the mood to cook or just aren’t super hungry, you could always whip up a quick, easy, healthy smoothie.

Comparisons of the Best Tents for Camping

best-tent-camping-interior

Typically, a tent is the first piece of equipment an experienced backpacker or hiker packs. It’s also the first piece of equipment a beginner researches and purchases when starting their outdoor recreation journey.

Whether you’re hitting up some up the coolest places to travel this year, planning your first biking adventure, or simply taking a day trip from the city, these tents are versatile to meet almost any needs.

The following list compares the five best tents on the market in 2021, and takes a look at the outright best performing tents in the following five categories: family camping, budget, rough weather, backpacking, and rooftop. Notable brands include REI, Coleman, and The North Face.

 

Best Family Camping Tent

REI Co-op Base Camp 6

 

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Image Credit: REI

Often, a family camping trip includes exposing small children—and maybe a dog or two—to the joys of camping…and the elements. So, when it comes to family camping, space and comfortability are almost as important as ease of use.

The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 tent is the best family camping tent on the market in 2021. This tent is easy to set up and use, which will keep the whole family enthusiastic about camping.

The tent is also spacious enough to fit 6 individuals, and includes a protective rain fly.

In addition to the 6-person setup, options include a 4-person version. The tent can also be paired with a designed footprint, sold separately, to increase the tent’s durability against heavy foot (or paw) traffic.

Learn more here.

 

Best Budget Camping Tent

Coleman Sundome 6

For occasional campers, the Coleman Sundome 6 is ideal. Not only is this tent one of the cheapest 6-person tents on the market, but it also performs well and is rather easy to set up—so the Sundome is easy on your wallet and your patience.

This dome-shaped tent is constructed out of polyester and fiberglass poles. The Coleman Sundome 6 performs best in dry and sunny conditions, but also will stand up to frequent rain showers.

Learn more here.

 

Best Rough Weather Tent

The North Face Mountain 25

 

north-face-25-tent
Image Credit: North Face

Planning to camp in rough weather? You’ll need the best tent for rugged mountain adventures.

Whether facing hail, snow, heavy winds, or blinding rain, The North Face Mountain 25 is up to the task. The tent is equipped with dual doors and a poled vestibule. Additionally, it features a fully taped nylon bucket floor, reflective guylines, and glow-in-the-dark zip pulls.

Price-wise, the Mountain 25 is a hefty investment. However, if you’re ever stuck inside the mountains in a severe weather event, you’ll find every cent worth it.

Learn more here.

 

Best Backpacking Tent

REI Co-op Half Dome

 

rei-coop-half-dome-tent
Image Credit: REI

When it comes to backpacking, the weight of a tent is just as important as its overall performance. The REI Co-op Half Dome weighs in at 3 pounds and 14 ounces, which is light enough to carry on even the longest of trails.

In addition to its stellar weight, the REI Co-op Half Dome is a worthy investment in terms of ventilation, rain protection, and overall performance.

The half-dome also is equipped with a number of helpful and clever storage pockets, which will allow backpackers to keep several items within arms reach without leaving the tent.

While it’s listed as a 3-season tent, reviews show it holds up well even in the early stages of winter in many regions.

Learn more here.

 

Best Rooftop Tent

Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 Tent

Cartop tent for camping off the ground.

Price: $1,749

Thule exceels when it comes to producing rooftop camping tents and accessories. Their latest production, the Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3, is a durable camping tent that can accommodate up to three people.

The tent is designed to be used year-round, and can keep campers comfortable in the middle of summer or in the dead of winter.

The Tepui Explorer is equipped with a single door, ladder system, and a number of helpful organizational pockets.

Its body is manufactured from polyester, cotten, and ripstop, whereas the poles are produced from welded aluminum. The tent is also designed to be compatible with most roof rack systems.

Learn more here.

 

A blue tent set up in the desert under the stars with the sunset in the distance.

Leaking or drafty tents can completely ruin otherwise amazing camping trips. Likewise, warm and comfortable tents provide moments of solace and peaceful tranquility to salvage even the worst excursions. Before you set out on your next adventure, make sure you’re well-protected and equipped with the best tent for your hiking or camping needs.

 

The History of Skateboarding and Its Best Skaters

A closeup of a skateboarding performing a trick of grinding on a ledge

Skateboarding is a pastime enjoyed by many, from youngsters learning on their first board, to seasoned pros whose performance and handling leave spectators in awe. It’s so popular, in fact, that it’s now an Olympic event.

The history of skateboarding is, unsurprisingly, rooted in a very similar sport: surfing.

The 1950’s

Skateboarding got its start in the 1950s, in Hawaii and California, when athletes who sought the feeling of riding waves on dry land. It’s believed that skateboards already existed, in some form: crate scooters were already invented, and some people modified them to make wheeled boards.

Once surfers were involved, though, the sport really had legs. Early boards were rudimentary and comparatively slow to later versions, but this new class of “sidewalk surfers” loved them. Many even skated barefoot, the way they’d surf, and translate their maneuvers from ocean to land.

When the toy industry got wind that people were using a board to surf the streets, commercial skateboards came into fashion.

 

A skateboarder about to perform a trick as he's reaching down for his board at the lip of the ramp

 

The 1960’s

Roller Derby first launched the first mass-produced commercial skateboard in 1959, which marked its transition from “toy” to sports equipment. More companies followed suit, most notably surfing manufacturers who knew the sports’ crossover appeal was huge with current clientele.

Skateboarding competitions became more popular, with downhill races in San Francisco and other valley cities, but ultimately dipped in the mid-1960s when in- and outdoor roller derbies started.

The media painted skateboarding as dangerous, and the sport saw a decline in popularity.

 

A skateboarder preparing to safely land from his fall from an unsuccessful dismount or trick

The 1970’s

Like any sport, skateboarding changed constantly to make it more fun, challenging, and more welcoming to newcomers.

Frank Nasworthy introduced the urethane wheel with the company Cadillac Wheels. These plastic upgrades glided along city streets, instead of gripping them like clay wheels. They also lasted longer and, most importantly, were smoother and much faster. Suddenly, skateboards were both safer and more exciting.

Skateboarders started magazines; competitions took root; and the first man-made skate parks—rather than abandoned or repurposed construction sites—were born. Riders with different styles began clamoring for more, and customization shops popped up.

The 1970s and 1980s also saw the advent of tricks like the ollie. Thus, modern skateboarding was born.

 

The 1980’s

VHS cassettes featuring training techniques and new tricks became widely available. Magazines also detailed tricks and tips; new shops continued to pop up, offering new features on skateboards. Some boards became wider and longer. Depending on what you wanted, you could customize a board to suit your exact riding style.

Sponsorships, cash-prize contests, and the overall rising popularity of skateboarding made it possible for athletes to get paid skating.

The sport continued to spread, despite—or, arguably, because of—its reputation as a counter-culture activity: skate parks were now magnets for injury lawsuits, and boarding was banned in many public areas.

 

A trio of skateboarders taking a break and sipping on soda as they sit upon large steps

The 1990s

The introduction of the “Street League” for international racers helped skateboarding grow further as a professional sport, with cash prizes upwards of $200,000.

The televised X Games and its high flying aerials made skateboarding even more well-known. New skateboards and safety equipment meant newbies and seasoned skaters alike could attempt the tricks pro-skaters displayed on screen.

 

The 2000’s

Now that skateboarding is a professional sport and mainstream, few innovations have occurred in recent years.

The sport itself has continued to grow, though, with training videos readily available on YouTube, more X Game-esque competitions, and video games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise, now boasting an impressive 21 titles.

Skateboarding is close to the height of its technical abilities, and has changed a bit for competitions like Red Bull’s downhill series, featuring serious downhill races on regular streets.

 

The Boarders

Tony Hawk

Embed from Getty Images

Tony Hawk is almost a household name, even if you don’t skateboard. Hawk landed the “Trick Heard Round the World” in the 1999 X Games by completing the first professionally landed 900 spin. That’s 2.5 revolutions mid-jump, a trick no skater had ever landed correctly in a professional competition.

Hawk is also well-known for his self-titled video game franchise, which was popular with skaters and non-skaters alike for not only the visuals and game physics, but its killer videogame soundtrack.

 

Paul Rodriguez

Embed from Getty Images

Rodriguez won a total of eight medals at X Games competitions, and later launched his own skateboard deck company, Primitive (https://primitiveskate.com/). He’s also a rapper and recording artist, as well as the owner of his own private skatepark.

Rodriguez last won a professional competition in 2012, and now focuses on acting, music, and his businesses.

 

Eric Koston

Embed from Getty Images

Despite being featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games, Koston is part of the generation of skaters who came before Hawk. He placed first in the X Games in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

He was featured in many videos for the Girl skateboard company and garnered many sponsorships, including a Nike shoe named after him. Koston now owns his own business, Fourstar Clothing.

 

Skateboarder Eric Koston performs a trick in the bowls of a skatepark by the beach

Skateboarding is now fairly mainstream and accepted (though you probably still can’t get away with skateboarding down the library rails). Its transition from a humble hobby to competitive powerhouse is, in large part, owed to professional skateboarders innovating both the equipment and the sport itself. As you’re riding your board, and hopefully not taking too many spills, find yourself listening to the best pop-punk songs or the best albums on Spotify.

Best Things to Do In Portugal

Porto Portugal

Portugal offers a wide variety of activities to delight history buffs, adventurers, and nightlife-lovers alike. No matter what type of traveler you are, you’ll find things to do in Portugal that will make your next vacation one for the books.

Furnas Lake

A still lake surrounded by lush greenery make for a tropical setting at Terra Nostra, Furnas, Portugal
Terra Nostra, Furnas, Portugal

There are more than a few things to do at Portugal’s Furnas Lake. Sporting a magnificent view, the crater lake has beautiful blue-tinged waters surrounded by green hills, all with mud volcanoes and hot springs.

Take a relaxing half-hour walk around the lake, while visiting bubbling mud cauldrons and enjoying the multi-hued lake water. For some up-close views, rent a canoe and paddle out.

 

Visit the Castle de Guimaraes

Guimaraes castle in Portugal against a deep blue sky

This medieval fortress, located within a historic walled city, was the birthplace of Portugal’s first monarch.

You can look at the Roman architecture of the castle walls, and learn the history of the families who once lived there (and, later, served as prominent figureheads). This is a perfect itinerary addition for travelers who love history.

 

Castelo de São Jorge

Castelo de São Jorge Portugal sits in the background as a neighborhood of red roofs makes up the foreground

This hilltop castle offers glimpses of medieval architecture, as well as stunning views of the city of Lisbon and its waterfront.

For great views, it’s ideal to visit during the fall and summer seasons. If you’re more interested in exploring Portugal’s heritage, however, any time of the year will be lovely.

 

Cabo de Roca

An aerial view of Cabo de Roca, Portugal depicting a large building atop of large cliff overlooking the ocean
Image Source: Visit Portugal

Welcome to the westernmost point in mainland Europe! Cabo de Roca offers beautiful walking trails, which border the Atlantic ocean and provide amazing birdwatching opportunities.

Cabo de Roca offers raw beauty, towering cliffs, and lots of nature. Be sure to check out its gold-sand beaches, and the unique sand and rock formations (accessed via ropes).

 

Ribeira District

Ribeira District in Portugal on partly cloudy evening as the streetlights from the city light up the river

The area is known for its vibrant night scene and dining. The district also offers outstanding views of the River Douro, visible through many restaurants’ floor-to-ceiling windows. And speaking of: foodies in search of fresh, traditional Portuguese food will adore the local cuisine. Foodies from cities like Portland should have this city on a “must-visit” list.

The Ribeira also has an elevator, so view-seeking tourists can soak up the entire city at once.

 

Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz Portugal shows aggressive looking waves crashing into the beachfront city

For some of the best views in Portugal, look no further than Porto Moniz. The city sits atop dramatic cliffs, offers a complex of lava pools to bathe in, and boasts several beaches perfect for tanning.

The area is known for its lack of crowds and traffic, compared to other local beaches.

 

Porto Cálem

A large sign of "Calem" is displayed atop a white building with a golden brown roof at Calem Winery in Portugal

The grapevine connoisseurs in your group can happily mingle with the history buffs, for once. This fourth-generation winery provides guided tours and an onsite museum.

The winery rests in the Vila Nova de Gaia, along the Duoro River. Wine cellar tours are available, and the winery makes red and white varieties to please any palate.

 

Braga

A castle style historic building with countless statues and stairways make up Braga in Portugal

No trip to Portugal is complete without a detour through Braga, the city between Amarante and Porto. It offers an exceptional variety of history and culture, with some of Portugal’s oldest religious buildings, shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

The city also has one of the most famed churches in Portugal, the Bom Jesus de Monte.

 

Amarante

The Amarante is reflected on a complpetely still lake in Fall or Winter in Portugal

Located near Braga, Amaranta is known for its beautiful arched bridge and riverside routes overflowing with local cuisine and culture.

Like many cities in Portugal, Amarante delivers beautiful architecture and amazing views.

 

Monsanto

Sweeping hilltop view of Monsanto, Portugal were the sun is beginning to set behind wisps of hazy clouds

The mountaintop village of Monsanto gives travellers spectacular views of the country, as well as some very unique homes.

Built around a series of moss-covered boulders, Monsanto and its tiny, winding streets isn’t just charming: it’s also rich with history, and its strategic placement was crucial in defending Portgual against invasions.

Monsanto features the remains of a Templar castle, semi-destroyed in an explosion over a century ago. Even travellers who prefer sunny beaches to history lessons will find Monsanto fascinating.

 

Cascais

A train and several stairways lead to a small rocky beachfront at Cascais, Portugal

This old fishing town offers more dramatic cliffs, fascinating museums, and beautiful beaches.

Cascais was the former vacation city of Portuguese royalty, reflected in its many modern amenities. Visitors can take a boat ride and explore the Santa Marta lighthouse, enjoy a walk along the seaside promenade, and dine on seriously fresh fish.

 

Jeronimos Monastery

Jeronimos Monastery Lisbon, Portugal
Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal

This gorgeous landmark is a must-visit for those who not only wish to learn about the history of the country but also for its beautiful architecture and manicured courtyard.

Beginning construction in 1495, and taking 100 years to complete, the monastery was ‘built by pepper” as the construction was funded by a 5% tax on spices.

 

Escape to Sintra

Pena Palace at Sintra, Portugal
Pena Palace at Sintra, Portugal

Sintra is a page out of a fairytale with colorful architecture, castles, convents, and palaces located at the foothills of the Serra Mountains.

Just a short while away from Lisbon, Sintra is a popular day trip from the capital. Be sure to visit Sintra and stroll through the lush, shady gardens and pass through a palace or two for variety’s sake.

 

 

Ribeira District in Portugal on partly cloudy evening as the streetlights from the city light up the river under the bridge

Rich in stunning views and history, there’s no shortage of things to do in Portugal: it’s a one-stop destination for travelers who want to do and see everything. When you’re ready to wander, this beautiful and captivating country is undoubtedly one of the best places to land. It’s one of the best places an avid world explorer can go to. It may not be as quick as a day trip out of NYC, but it’s worth the time to explore.

 

Best Instant Coffee Brands

instant coffee brands person

Artisanal coffee snobs loathe those little crystals, but quality instant coffee brands deserve far more credit than they get. (After all, even the renowned Starbucks has an instant variety.)

Firstly, it’s important to note that any coffee bean can be transformed into instant coffee. The process involves freeze-drying coffee, essentially forming an extract of that blend.

In other words, just as different coffee beans can vary in quality and taste, so, too, can their instant counterparts. Here are the best instant coffee brands for your next quick cup.

Bustelo Instant Espresso (Puerto Rico)

A jar of Cafe Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee

There’s little not to love about this Bronx-born brew.

Cuban exiles preferred the Bustelo brand in their stovetop espresso makers, versus filtering coffee grounds through a sock (though, honestly, who wouldn’t?). That alone is a testament to its simple preparation.

Bustelo Instant boasts a lineage straight from the company’s signature espresso. It’s strong, creamy, not too bold, and instantly likable.

Try: Bustelo Dalgona Whip

Bustelo instant coffee whipped with a touch of sugar, a kiss of honey, a dash of milk poured over ice.

 

Hula Girl Instant Coffee (Hawaii)

A bag of Hula Girl Coffee, 100% Instant Kona Coffee

Stumble upon this unbelievably tasty instant coffee, and you’ll definitely second-guess that it’s instant.

Hula Girl instant coffee is for those long rainy days when all you care to do is sit in a comfortable chair with a blanket, watch the drops hit the window, and listen to some phat ChillHop beats. It’s unmistakably Kona: exceptionally smooth and flavorful.

 

Tim Hortons Instant Coffee (Canada)

A jar of Tim Hortons Premium Instant Coffee

Perfect for a blended iced cappuccino, Tim Hortons takes instant coffee to the next level with its smooth, desirable flavor.

Instead of using hot water to dilute the instant coffee crystals, you use hot milk. This creamy creation then forms a silky, batter-like texture that’s unforgettable.

What’s more, it’s available in Light Roast, Dark Roast, Medium, and Decaf.

 

Africafe Instant Coffee (Africa)

A can of "Africafe" Instant Pure Coffee with a gold and black label

Some instant coffee brands take your taste buds on a journey.  Africafe takes them on safari.

Originating in Tanzania, home to one of the most infamous coffee beans, all the Africafe company does is produce instant coffee.

The love, care, and pride that go into creating this blend are evident in every cup. Africafe instant coffee also makes a very cool gift, and it’s organic.

Try: Africafe Tiramisu Instant Coffee Swiss Roll

Create your own version of Italy’s decadent, iconic dessert with this recipe by Izy Hossack of Top with Cinnamon.

 

Highground Instant (Spain)

A jar of Highground Organic Insant Coffee with the words "organic fairtrade" on the label

When you purchase a Fairtrade-certified Highground instant coffee, everybody wins. Each cup helps pay farmers fair wages and supports sustainable production practices that respect the environment.

Try: Highground Jiggly Buzzers

Combine homemade Japanese-style instant coffee jellies with sweetened condensed milk for a passable, perky snack your guests will love. Get the recipe from The Subversive Table.

 

Republica Instant (Australia)

A jar of Republica brand Organic Instant Coffee with a red cap and red and white label

With one taste of this brand, you’ll become an instant coffee connoisseur.

Republica produces its coffee with time-honored growing and roasting traditions, passed down among Colombian coffee farmers for generations.

Republica instant coffee has notes of caramel, and the velvety texture is unforgettable.

 

Trader Joe’s Instant (USA)

A box of Trader Joe brand Instant Coffee, in a white box with brown polka dots

TJ’s believes in their instant coffee so much, they took out a full-page digital ad titled, “Change Your Opinion of Instant Coffee.”

Instead of freeze-drying, Trader Joe’s passes a curtain of steam over the grounds in a technique known as agglomeration.

That’s why Trader Joe’s instant coffee instantly dissolves, putting an end to stubborn granules at the bottom of your mug.

 

Douwe Egberts Pure Gold Instant Coffee Sticks (Netherlands)

Packaged "sticks" of Pure Gold Instant Coffee, packaged in small brown and gold narrow stick-shaped bags

For on-the-go aromatic indulgence—or that sudden Zoom call with your in-laws—tuck a few Douwe Egberts instant coffee sticks in your pocket.

This caffeine treat from the Netherlands is a light golden roast, produced with a mix of the finest tasting Arabica and Robusta beans. Smooth and slightly bitter, it makes for an absolutely perfect cup.

Try: Douwe Egberts No-Fuss Coffee Bean Cookies

Keep an airtight jar of these on your desk. Slightly sweet and gently caffeinated, they’re the ideal treat for that 3 o’clock slump. Get the recipe from Vancouver Pigout.

 

Waka Coffee Instant Coffee (USA)

waka coffee instant coffee in a bag next to a white coffee cup with a single-serve sized pouch in front

This single-serve coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans so it’ll taste just like a freshly brewed pot. If you were to add a dash of cream or however you like to dress your joe, you’d never know the difference.

The best part about this brand is they’ve got just about any origin you’re looking for. Columbian, Indian, Kenyan, Japanese, Chinese, you can try them all.  Additionally, Waka Coffee recognizes the water waste that goes into the production of instant coffee. So with their program “Add Water, Give Water”, they give a certain percentage to support projects that give fresh, clean drinking water to 26 countries around the world.

 Try: Instant Coffee Chili 

Coffee may be one of those ingredients you may never think to add to chili or any meal, but when you do add it to a chili dish, the coffee brings out rich and complex flavors because of the subtle earthy flavor from the coffee pairs very well with savory spices like cumin. Check out the recipe from Waka Coffee.

 

A lone cup on coffee on a saucer with a spoon atop a natural wood table

Instant coffee is extremely undeserving of its bad rep. It’s been touted as a poor man’s coffee, “factory floor sweepings,” and other claims that couldn’t be further from the truth. Like all great coffee, you can find brands ranging from lackluster to truly exceptional.

Quick and instant is becoming increasingly popular. From instant coffee to instant ramen. Even other foods like minute rice, which can be added to some budget-friendly dinners, are wildly popular. But for the days you’re not feeling like a nice hot cup of coffee, maybe you’d like to try kombucha. It offers a slew of health benefits and claims to be naturally energizing as well.