*+:｡.｡　Isolation Day 2: Shi Zu Ren Energy - Hot and Sour　｡.｡:+*

Ok, we’re off to a good start – these noodles were kind of great. I’d go as far as to say they’re the best cup noodle I’ve ever had.

I’ve wanted to try these noodles since sometime around the first lockdown. Our house went into self-imposed quarantine about a month before it became official, and to tide us over, I remember we made a huge order from the local supermarket, and everything turned up in different Shi Zu Ren boxes. A lot of the order was noodles.

Delivery box

(Oh, memories…)

Anyway, I saw the box and thought, wow, that’s an adorable mascot! And thus, I’ve had the image of these cute lil guys in my head for over a year. It’s fitting that now I’m going into an actual quarantine I finally get to try it.

The Shi Zu Ren Energy cup was super cute, with a little devil on the side. On the side, he’s in armour fighting off little vegetables.

The top of a Shi Zu Ren cup

There were a ton of toppings in the packet – six in total. These were chilli oil/paste, black vinegar, seasoning, tofu skin, vegetables, and peanuts. There was also a packet of sweet potato vermicelli noodles. There was also a little plastic fork – it seemed sturdy, but I used chopsticks instead, so can’t vouch for its quality.

Toppings

I don’t know if it is due to the importer, but the English instructions were mistranslated – you cook these by putting everything together in the cup, pouring over boiling water up to the fill line, and covering for 4-5 minutes. The English said to do so for 10 and didn’t mention a fill line, which I think would have made everything far too soggy.

Top-down noodle action Noodles

The soup was delicious and thicker than most instant noodle broths, though it was a tad too liquorice-y. The Sichuan peppers weren’t very spicy but had a little kick, so good for everyone! Not gonna lie, if I were served these in a cafe, I’d be very happy. The noodles were soft but never got soggy, and had a good length to them. The orange colour from the soup was really pretty! I’ve never had tofu skin or peanuts in noodles before, but they were super good and made the meal. I could wax lyrical about these. I’m going to go away and order more now…