South Korean instant noodles are known around the world as being spicy and beefy for the most part. However, there are many different styles. In fact, seafood jjamppong, black bean jjajang, cold noodles, and creamy beef noodles exist in the scene. Today, I’ll do a rundown of my favorites – the best of the highest rated South Korean varieties from over 2,300 unique varieties I’ve reviewed from around the world. Finally, I would like to note that it’s tougher to find South Korean varieties. Therefore, any instant noodle companies from South Korea should contact me promptly to be considered for upcoming top ten lists. Let’s get started.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2017 Edition
This year’s video presentation with some extras!
#10: Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup
This is the first instant noodle on the top ten to be marketed towards vegetarians. What surprised me about it is that the broth has such a full flavor to it; deep and satisfying. The noodles are slightly larger in gauge than your run of the mill instant, which is common of South Korean ‘ramyun.’ Magnificent stuff! Original review here
#9: Samyang Foods Cheese Curry Ramyun
The noodles are of a decent ramyun gauge and hydrate nicely in the three minutes directed. In addition, the broth is thick with a very nice kind of creamy curry flavor. Finally, an inkling of spiciness. Beautiful stuff! Original review here
#8: Nongshim Zha Wang (Jjawang) Noodles With Chajang Sauce
The noodles are out of this world – soft and chewy, with a nice width and thickness – very hearty. The sauce coats everything and there’s more than enough of it. Finally, its thick, rich black bean flavor is has peas, cabbage and other veggies. This is the best jjajang I’ve ever tried. Original review here
#7: Paldo Cheese Noodle
These noodles – wow. Arguably the best addition to South Korean ramyun has to be cheese. Well, not only is cheese included here but it’s got just the perfect notes of spiciness and strong, rich flavor. The little guy with the sign that says cheese noodle rocks too! Original review here
#6: Nongshim Champong Noodle Soup Spicy Seafood Flavor
These noodles are big and plump and chewy – wider as well. They’re fantastic! Would love to see a Shin Ramyun using this noodle! The broth is equally wonderful insofar as the flavor has this taste and smell. It has a seafood barbecue kind of taste. The oil adds a nice extra to the broth. Spicy, tasty and awesome! Original review here
#5: Paldo Rabokki Noodle
The noodles plump up perfectly – thick and a good chew. The broth is more of a sauce and it’s very rich – spicy and sweet – like an adult version of Spaghetti-O’s which I find delectable. Original review here
#4: Nongshim Jinjja Jinjja
The noodles are very good – nice thick ramyun. In addition, I have read that they are augment them with chilli pepper in them as well. Next, the broth has a seriously spicy kick to it and a very peanut aroma with pork notes. Finally, the vegetables hydrate very well. Back with a vengeance! Original review here
#3: Nongshin Chal Bibim Myun
First, the noodles are nice and thick with a great chew – ramyun through and through. Second, the sauce works extremely well. It’s sweet and spicy and works perfectly with a cold noodle. Finally, the flavor is nice and crisp while smooth and effective. Original review here
#2: ChoripDong Hurricane Rice Cake
Very red. It’s got a thick spicy and sweet sauce. Fresh ramyun. It’s got topokki. Indeed, this is a real find – Just looking at the picture makes me want some right this instant. Slipping from #1 to #2 this year. Original review here
#1: Paldo Budae Jigae
As always, I’m shocked when something comes across my desk that’s unlike anything I’ve reviewed. In the first place, the noodles are great – thick ramyun. Indeed they are chewy and thick gauge. The broth is really good; thicker than most and has a kind of ‘boiling with hot dogs in it all day’ kind of thing going on. Moreover, the included garnish is a real treat as it contains not only beans, processed meat and slices of sausage, but pieces of macaroni as well. This one really goes above and beyond on this one – I’m impressed. Original review here
