Pancit Canton Kalamansi shines in NYT's Best Instant Noodles '25

A beloved Filipino instant noodle brand has made its mark on the global stage! Lucky Me! Pancit Canton Kalamansi has been included in The New York Times’ “Best Instant Noodles 2025” list, as featured in the publication’s Wirecutter section.

In the January 2025 article, Lucky Me! was recognized as a standout in the citrusy ramen category, ranking ahead of the popular Mama Shrimp Tom Yum Noodles from Thailand.

“Of all the noodles we’ve tested, the Pancit Canton Kalamansi disappeared from the bowl the fastest,” wrote New York Times supervising editor Marilyn Ong.

The article praised Lucky Me! for its unique balance of bright, citrusy flavors while remaining homey and comforting.

“The dry seasoning, soy sauce, and oil packets combine to produce a nuanced blend of light soy and fresh, aromatic citrus. The noodles are skinnier and more extra-curly than even your standard cheap ramen, so they had almost a fluffy feel,” the review described.

According to Ong, the Wirecutter team curated the list by consulting a panel of experts, including cookbook authors, ramen reviewers, and ramen shop owners. Each brand was carefully taste-tested before being selected as one of their favorites.

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service of The New York Times, known for its in-depth and reliable reviews.

Lucky Me! is a household staple in the Philippines and is among the flagship brands of Monde Nissin.