For the Crispy Garlic Topping

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small garlic clove, very thinly sliced

For the Noodles

• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 large shallot, finely minced
• Spice seasoning: see recipe below
• 1 packet ramen noodles or maggi noodles
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt
• ¼ cup coconut milk (optional)
• Crispy garlic topping
• Thinly sliced green onions or minced cilantro, for garnish

For the Spice Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns or 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds or ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon whole coriander seeds or ¾ teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 whole cardamom pod or ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ cinnamon stick or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder