Noodle Journey Episode 106: Maggi 2-Minute Masala Noodles

For today’s review, I’m diving into my very first Indian instant noodles and my first experience with the Maggi brand, with these 2-Minute Masala Noodles. I actually had something completely different planned for this review, but prior to filming, I met up with a friend from a neighboring state who handed me a couple of packs. These are likely the most popular Indian instant noodles in the world, yet I can’t find a single store near me that sells them, despite Nestlé distributing them in the US. I’ve been searching for any Maggi product for ages, so finally getting my hands on these feels like a small victory.

Before we go further, there’s some history here I need to get into. About eight years ago, Maggi faced a massive recall after excessive lead levels were found in their noodles. The issue’s long since been resolved and they’re now confirmed safe to eat, but the incident still comes up any time these noodles are discussed online. They’re cheap, typically 50¢ to $1 per pack (often cheaper in multipacks), with a spicy variety and possibly a cup version if you can find them. At just 2.46 ounces, they’re clearly a snack or side dish rather than a full meal. The flavor comes from a powdered masala spice blend mixed with the cooking water, something often mislabeled as “curry powder” in the US, despite that not being quite accurate.

The noodle block is thin, fragile, and slightly glossy. The masala spice mix, which is trademarked by Maggi as its “Tastemaker” blend, contains peanut protein, onion powder, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, garlic powder, cumin, and a generic “spices” category likely hiding a few proprietary secrets. The green dot on the package confirms it’s vegetarian, and it appears to be vegan-friendly, but anyone with peanut allergies should avoid it. Sodium is a reasonable 970 mg per serving.

Noodles:
These thin noodles cook quickly and plump up well, but their texture is unusual – chewy yet soft, with a faint brittleness. It’s not a cheap feeling, but it’s noticeably different from instant noodles made elsewhere in Asia. Not bad, not amazing, just solid middle-ground.
• 6/10

Spiciness:
There’s a mild kick from the chili powder, roughly between a mild and medium level you might find at an Indian restaurant. The heat’s pleasant but far from intense.
• 2.5/10

Overall:
The masala spice blend is the star here. It’s aromatic, earthy, savory, and balanced, with garlic adding a welcome punch. The chili is noticeable without being overpowering, and the overall profile is warm and inviting. While some longtime fans say the flavor isn’t as good as it was decades ago, I can only judge this current version, and I think it’s reasonably tasty. The biggest drawbacks are the noodles themselves, which are merely okay, the small portion size, and the complete lack of garnishes or vegetables. Still, this is meant to be a budget-friendly snack, and at under a dollar, you could easily add your own extras without breaking the bank. I can see why these have such a devoted following, and I’d happily pick them up again if I ever spot them locally.
• 6.5/10