I’d like to consider myself a person who’s not ‘influenced’ easily, particularly when it comes to shopping trends. Air fryers? Give me a break, move on.
But whenever I scroll through TikTok, there are some ‘#ad’ videos that pop up every now and again that can often lead me to being persuaded. This time it was one clip about the ‘TikTok viral noodle bowl’ - a ginormous 1.2L insulated jug.
Its premise is that within five minutes you’ll have a ready-to-go bowl of instant noodles, without boiling the kettle. In essence, a large Pot Noodle.
To me, the concept seemed to create an extra step in the noodle making process, disguising it as an attempt at efficiency. But ever the curious being, I bought the bowl from TikTok Shop.
It cost me only £2.80. Probably about the same price as a Freddo nowadays. The lack of brand and details about the sender should’ve sent me into a spin, but that's often what I find with TikTok Shop, it’s all a mystery.
Thankfully it arrived in one piece. And, if you’re ‘chronically online’, you’ll be happy to know the lid of the bowl comes with its very own 'Mobile Phone Holder'.
I found it was easy to use - simply follow the instructions on your chosen instant noodle packet (mine was Maggi 2 Minute Noodles Chicken Flavour) - then drain the water and add the seasoning.
Having placed the noodles in the boiled water, I reattached the lid and waited five long minutes. 'Could this really work? It’s a glorified jug with a lid on?', I thought to myself.
After five agonising minutes, I flipped the little tab to open the drainage spout - it is literally a jug - and out came the water. I sprinkled some chicken seasoning and stirred - that’s all it took.
I couldn't believe it actually worked. Although, one thing I will say, is I found the seasoning wasn’t equally distributed thoroughly and it cried out for some flavour.
But overall, the instant noodle bowl delivered on its promise. Gone are my days of cooking my noodles in a bowl of water in the microwave or boiling them on the stove.
I feel preposterous having bought such a thing, from TikTok no less, but honestly it’s brought me so much joy. I just laugh at the very sight of it. Have I completely lost my mind? Probably. Do I care? Absolutely not.
The Multi-Purpose Instant Noodle Bowl, in my opinion, is a must for anyone who wants to avoid the faff of cooking noodles. Consider myself ‘influenced’.
