The tray format is a rigid rectangular or shallow-round container — typically made of polypropylene or microwave-safe plastic — designed for stovetop-free preparation. Water is added directly to the tray, the noodles cook in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, and the tray is eaten from directly.
Tray-format products are particularly prevalent in yakisoba and stir-fry categories, where the wider, flatter shape accommodates the drain-and-toss preparation that cup and bowl formats handle awkwardly. Maruchan Yakisoba rectangular trays — the definitive US yakisoba instant format — exemplify the category, with flavours including Teriyaki Beef, Sesame Ginger Chicken, and Fiery Chicken. Japanese UFO Yakisoba cups are the closest format cousin, though with a circular shape.
Compared to cups and bowls, trays carry a larger noodle volume and more substantial retort-pouch additions (vegetables, meat), making them the format of choice for single-serve microwaveable lunches. Their shape does make them slightly less portable than cylindrical cups or bowls.