Choosing Asian snacks: a practical guide to flavour, packaging and preparation

Asian snacks come in all shapes and sizes, from Korean snacks and Chinese frozen snacks to Asian noodles, prawn snacks and fried onions. There’s plenty to choose from, which is useful but can make comparing products tricky. Eye-catching packaging doesn’t tell you much about portion size, allergens or how to prepare a product.

Three common pitfalls to watch out for:

• “Ready in a few minutes” doesn’t always mean ready to eat. Instant noodles often need to be boiled, and some frozen products must be heated thoroughly.
• A large pack isn’t automatically better value. Check the net weight, number of portions and whether the product can be stored again after opening.
• Flavour names can conceal important ingredients. “Shrimp”, “onion” or “spicy” don’t just refer to flavour. Check the ingredients list for prawns, soya, wheat, peanuts or milk, for example.

What to look for when choosing Asian snacks

1. Preparation and storage temperature

First, distinguish between ready-to-eat snacks, instant noodles and frozen products.

Onion rings, prawn snacks and some Chinese party snacks can be eaten straight from the pack. Instant noodles usually need to be boiled for 2 to 3 minutes. A product such as ACECOOK Hao Hao Mie Goreng is drained after cooking; you then add the sauce, oil and seasoning.

Dumplings and other Chinese frozen snacks need a little more attention. According to the product information, Synear dumplings can be fried in a pan straight from the freezer. There’s no need to defrost them first. Sanquan fried dough sticks must also be cooked thoroughly from frozen in the oven, air fryer or deep fryer.

Always check:

• whether the product should be stored chilled, frozen or in a dry place;
• whether defrosting is recommended;
• how long to heat the product for and which method to use;
• whether an opened product can be frozen again.

2. Ingredients, allergens and nutritional information

The label “Asian” tells you nothing about the ingredients. So always read the label, especially if you have a food allergy or dietary requirements. Many Asian snacks contain wheat or gluten, soya, peanuts, milk, fish or shellfish.

For example:

• According to the product information, Nongshim Shrimp Cracker contains prawns and soya.
• Synear Crispy Fried Dumpling contains wheat, peanuts and soya.
• Oishi Onion Rings contain wheat and soya.
• According to the listed ingredients, Asian Boy Fried Red Onions contain 95% red onion, palm oil and wheat flour.

Also check the nutritional information per 100 grams and per pack. A 40-gram bag and a 185-gram family pack aren’t directly comparable. Instant noodles often come with several seasoning sachets, so the amount of salt and fat can vary depending on how you prepare them.

3. Portion size, texture and when to enjoy them

Think about when you plan to enjoy your snack. Small, resealable or individually wrapped products are handy when you’re out and about. Onion rings, prawn snacks and mini dough twists are easy to share at a get-together. Instant noodles or dumplings are better suited to a quick meal.

Textures vary too:

• Onion rings: crunchy and ready to eat.
• Fried onions: intended as a topping for rice, noodles, soup or salad.
• Dumplings: soft inside with a fried base.
• Asian noodles: can be dry, springy, spicy or savoury, depending on the product.
• Chinese party snacks: often ideal for sharing, but sometimes need to be heated first.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

ACECOOK HAO HAO Instant Noodles Mi Goreng Shrimp & Onion Flavor 76*30 (Box)

Why it suits this profile: The box contains 76-gram portions, making it handy to keep in the cupboard for a quick lunch or a late meal.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The preparation instructions are clear: boil for 2–3 minutes, drain, then add the seasoning sachets. So this isn’t a ready-to-eat product straight from the pack.

Key benefit & highlights

76 grams per portion; prawn and fried onion flavour combination according to the product description; handy to keep in the cupboard.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Synear Crispy Fried Dumpling Plant Protein Scallion Flavor 348g

Why it suits this profile: A good choice if you’re looking for a plant-based dumpling with a fried texture and don’t mind taking a little care when cooking it in a pan.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack says you can fry the dumplings straight from the freezer. Be sure to check the allergens, though: this product contains wheat, peanuts and soya.

Key benefit & highlights

348 grams; plant-based filling with spring onion; store at -18 °C or below; suitable for cooking in a pan from frozen.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users

Asian Boy Fried Red Onions – Bawang Goreng 100g

Why it suits this profile: Handy if you often finish rice, noodles, soup or salad with a crunchy topping.

How this product avoids the pitfall

There’s no need to fry the product again. According to the product information, the fried red onion can be used straight from the pack.

Key benefit & highlights

100-gram pack; 95% red onion according to the product information; suitable as a garnish for a range of dishes.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Oishi Onion Rings Original Flavour 40g

Why it suits this profile: A small bag is ideal for trying a new flavour or taking with you when you’re out and about.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 40-gram portion size is clearly stated, and the snack is ready to eat. That way, you don’t have to buy a large pack before you know whether you like the flavour.

Key benefit & highlights

Crunchy wheat snack; onion flavour and soya sauce powder according to the ingredients list; ready to eat.

Frequently asked questions about Asian snacks

Which Asian snacks are good for sharing?

Crunchy onion rings, prawn snacks, fried onions and mini dough twists are easy to share. For a hot snack, you can cook dumplings or Chinese frozen snacks in a pan, oven or air fryer. Check whether each product needs to be heated thoroughly.

How long do instant noodles keep?

The best-before date is printed on the pack. Store dry instant noodles in a cool, dry place and check the packaging for damage. Once you’ve opened an individual portion, it’s best to cook the noodles straight away. When choosing, check the portion size and nutritional information per 100 grams.

Are Korean snacks always spicy?

No. Korean snacks range from mild onion rings to spicy prawn snacks and noodle products. Words such as “hot”, “spicy” or “chili” usually suggest a stronger heat, but check the ingredients and product description for exact details.