29 Down

NYT Daily ? September 13, 2025

Instant ___

Answer:

RAMEN

Hint:

This popular quick meal often comes in a block with seasoning packets and is ready in just a few minutes of hot water. You might find it in college dorms or late-night snack stashes.

Explanation:

"Instant ___" hints at a quick, easy-to-prepare food, and "RAMEN" fits perfectly as the go-to instant noodle dish. The clue plays on the common phrase "instant ramen," which is widely recognized in pop culture as a fast, budget-friendly meal. No wordplay here—just a straightforward fill-in-the-blank referencing a staple of convenience food.

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General solving tip

Fill-in-the-blank clues want a set phrase or idiom. The crosses usually confirm the exact wording.

More tips → General Hints