Mama Tom Yum, Shrimp instant noodles

Mama's noodles were produced in Thailand but come to us from Camberley, Surrey (where I used to work for Ford as it happens)! The noodles are okay quality but the soup base is gorgeous... really sour! Then we have the chilli powder and the hot lemongrass powder. I threw the lot in and I have to say this noodle soup was hot. Very hot! Sadly aside from the sourness this killed most of the flavour. This is not entirely a criticism however as it tasted lovely, brought blood to my cheeks and went down extremely well. The salt content was a tad unhealthy but I rarely bother with these types of things. Would most certainly have these again but those wanting a less 'scorchio' noodle soup they may want to be wary of adding all the chilli powder!

 If they were a computer game: Always Sometimes Monsters. Okay, so this game was released on Steam this week and I have to say I'm rather taken with the choices it offers in terms of character and gameplay. With these noodles you may decide to opt out of one or t'other of the additional flavour packets. Certainly worth checking out; both the game and the noodles!

If they were a rock band: The Clash... hot tunes though their latter material may leave you with a sour taste!

VIFON Tom Yum Instant Noodle Soup (hot)

 VIFON Tom Yum Instant Noodle Soup (hot)

VIFON noodles  are everywhere in London; usually sold in small corner shops (especially Polish ones as we have a large Polish and Eastern European population). They can usually be bought for three packets at £1 or four for £1.20 depending on shopping around. It terms of food these noodles can be purchased 24/7 as a lot of these shops also operate as Off Licences.


Tom yum is a spicy clear soup typical in Thailand and popular in Malaysia and Singapore but given the  popularity of cheap noodles and restaurants in London it is becoming a popular flavour for any fish soup. These noodles do it a disservice however; possibly the blandest I have tasted so far. Even the noodles are thin and tasteless but the soup base almost offends in it's lack of taste. There is a mild shrimp and vegetable flavour and absolutely no heat at all; perhaps this being the reason why the term 'hot' appears within brackets. I would have added hot sauce but I felt it unfair to add anything when attempted a review.

If they were a computer game: The F2P version of dungeon keeper; known as 'free to wait' or rinse your cash. So bad you will be tempted to go onto GOG and buy the original!

If they were a rock band: Katy Perry; largely inoffensive pop music that fills the radio playlisters hole but won't change anything musically or artistically.