#745: Nongshim Jinjja Jinjja (Really Really) Ramyun

Here’s something really new and very different from a lot of the instant noodles I’ve reviewed before. Jinjja Jinjja translates to “Really Really” (Spicy Spicy) – and I suppose in this review we’re going to find out how really really spicy Jinjja is! I should say that I sampled this one at Nongshim America while I was down there, so I have tried it before – but not a while bowl of it. I found out that the flavor comes from boiling pork bones for a long time, black beans and peanuts! It also turns out that the wheat flour used to make these has some red pepper powder added to them – heat in the noodle as well as from the dry seasonings! Let’s give this a try!

Here’s the back of the package (click image to enlarge). As you can see, it’s in Korean – it will be available in the United States soon. On Nongshim USA’s facebook page, they’re asking for suggestions as to what to call this in the states!

The big round noodle block – ready to rumble!

Here’s the heat – big red packet full of powder!

Took a pinch to taste before cooking – yeah this is spicy that’s for sure! Has a nice flavor to it too.

Here’s a packet that I imagine will have the peanut component to it.

Indeed it does – a nice peanut flavor and very fine powder.

Finally, the vegetable packet.

A myriad of thin, light and colorful veggie flakes.

Finished (click image to enlarge). Soon as it was done, my nose was happily greeted by the peanut smell. Then I dug in! First, the noodles: nice. They’re a little chewy and a perfect gauge to them. Not crumbly, not stiff – just right. The broth: first off, it’s spicy. Really really spicy! Underneath the heat lies a complex flavor of saltiness and spices that balance very nicely. Usually I’ve found that with instant noodle varieties that are about heat are not so much about flavor – this one is spicy as well as tasty. The veggies are there and in a decent amount. I would think this would be great with a little shredded pork, an egg  and some extra veggies as well – and I think next time I may try it with a slice of processed cheese. This is good stuff – my lips are happily burning! Bottom line: If you like it spicy, you’ll be pleased! 4.75 out of 5.0 stars! UPC bar code 8801043017916 .

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Here’s a TV commercial for Jinjja Jinjja – the two men are ‘cultwo’ – famous comedians Kim tae-kwyun and Jung Chan-woo.

Another Jinjja Jinjja commercial.