Instant Noodle Moments

there is something delightful and warm in the familiarity of getting up and going to the kitchen to fix myself a nice steaming hot cup of instant noodles in the middle of the night. which flavour to have, i wonder as i open the cabinets and stare at the colourful variety. i always allow myself a little bit of indecisiveness when choosing the flavour du jour. and i always savour the anticipation as i fill the little yellow cup with water, and carry it into my room, fingertips warm from the heat.

i like to have instant noodles when i’m pulling an all-nighter to finish up assignments i procrastinated too much on. the aroma of the soup, as it permeates the air, keeps me company and the sounds of slurping are comforting. setting the cup down in the northeastern regions of my desk after each bite fills me with a sense of purpose, and i can go about my procrastinated-upon work in a businesslike manner. that is, until my reserves run dry, and i need more comfort … and so i will return to my little yellow cup of noodles, and partake once again in its delicious, warm love.

sometimes when i’m lonely, i make myself some instant noodles and sit in a corner of my room to think. actually, most of the time i dont think. i just stare into space and absently eat chicken flavoured instant noodles. and when i’m done i always feel better. it’s like magic.. instant noodles are like magic.

that first forkful from the cup, as you lift it to your lips and blow the steam away, and then push it delicately into your mouth - how do you describe the fulfillment as you chew slowly and allow the flavour to disperse all over your tongue? it’s a little bit like that first kiss. i relive my first kiss with Martian everytime i have instant noodles. then i miss him so much, and i start wishing that he was here beside me to share this lovely instant noodle moment with me. if he were here, i’d sit on the kitchen counter and wrap my legs around his waist, and i’d feed him noodles from the cup. and then i’ll tell him how much i love him.

i remember so many instant noodle moments from camping trips or holidays abroad. a significant one was during that trip to corea. some of the boys had run down to the grocery store down the street in the middle of the night, and returned bearing seafood, mushroom and kimchi flavoured instant noodles. then we all sat around the vending machines, eating noodles and playing card games. another time was at melaka a few months ago - darren and i couldnt sleep, so he fixed me a cup of tomyam flavoured noodles. he was going to fix himself the same, but i yelled at him to pick a different flavour. coz 2 flavours are better than one. heehee. he eventually chose the curry-flavoured. thank you darren, for that instant noodle moment. tomyam never tasted so good.

instant noodles have got to be the most intimate food on earth. it’s more than just a 2 minute thing, or something you scarf down to keep hunger pangs at bay. it’s about running into a 7-11 in the middle of the night to buy a cup, and eating it while leaning against the counter and talking to the cashier. it’s about truth or dare games and loud laughter during slumber parties. it’s about tenderness and sharing and countertop kisses. it’s about self discovery, companionship, longing and purpose.

i love instant noodles.

52 comments February 5th, 2007