Last year, I was way behind schedule on everything. This year however, it’s going to be the opposite. Last week, I kind of decided to go nuts on Top Ten Lists. I did more than one. I did up SEVEN OF THEM! So that should make 2021 a little better for everyone. I’m calling to all South Korean noodle companies – send me your stuff! I have been hoping to review more stuff from South Korea but it seems to be harder to come by – at least newer varieties as of late. Drop me a line! This list is current as of review #3,702. let’s check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition
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A visual presentation of The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2021 Edition
#10: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black
When Shin Ramyun Black came onto the scene a few years back it was a huge hit and still is. An upgraded version of their popular shin Ramyun, it includes a sachet of Sul-Long-Tang soup base which gives an extra heartiness to the broth. Thick ramyun noodles and a spicy bite round out the scene. Original review Get it here
#9: Samyang Cheese Ramen
A new cheese variety on the market and a very unique one. It’s got a neat smoky cheesiness to it which gives it a very different flavor. Great noodles and a rich broth make it pop onto the list for 2020. Original review Get it here
#8: Paldo Cheese Noodle
Paldo’s Cheese Noodle has been on the list for awhile now and with good reason. The way the cheese intermingles with the red spicy broth is amazingly good. The noodles are nice and thick ramyun and there’s a large quantity of them. Definitely one that everyone should try – and now there’s a spicier version on the market. Original review Get it here
#7: Nongshim Shin Light Air Dried Noodle Soup
The noodles in this one were unique – they were quite good! They worked nicely with the broth which was the standard kind of Shin thing going on. I wouldn’t call this Shin Light – I’d call it Shin White. I’d also say an apt name would be Shin Plus because I really enjoyed it. Original review Get it here
#6: Samyang Foods Buldak Light
The noodles are a refreshing changer. They have a very nice chew to them that imparts a little extra quality I think. The flavoring coats everything and is indeed less spicy – and works well. Included sprinkle seasoning is just as always – seaweed and sesame seed. A really nice newcomer to the well known Buldak range. Original review Get it here
#5: Samyang Foods Jjajang Buldak Ramen Topokki
Nope – those aren’t cocktail weenies. Topokki (or tteokbokki) are cylindrical rice flour pieces with a really unique chewiness and texture. These, coupled with Samyang’s noodles are presented in a thick jjajang sea (jjajang is a black bean sauce). Noodles and jjajang is one thing, but add that topokki in there and it’s a one two punch of amazing. Original review Get it here
#4: Paldo Rabokki Noodle
To understand Paldo’s Rabokki Noodle, you have to understand tteokbokki. It’s also spelled topokki – but however you spell it, tteokbokki are thick cylindrical rice tubes that have a nice chewiness to them. They’re often paired with a thick red sauce which is spicy as well as sweet and served with fishcake, egg and other garnish. These noodles are paired with the sauce in a very tasty representation and crossover of the dish. Original review Get it here
#3: Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen Spicy Flavor
This last couple years, I’ve really fallen for Samyang Ramen – both the regular and spicy version. It’s a bit different from most South Korean varieties as they usually lean towards beef, these have a ham flavor. The thick, chewy noodles and the rich and very tasty broth bring these to this list this year, and while I type this, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Original review Get it here
#2: Ottogi Jin Jjambbong Spicy Seafood Ramyun
Ottogi’s Jin series added a couple of new varieties recently, and this is my favorite of the two. During a trip to Taipei, I went to a restaurant called Love Instant Noodles where they doll up packs of instant noodles and serve them piping hot. This is the one I chose from their selection. Jjambbong is a kind of spicy stew and this one has a nice kind of grilled flavor to it, alongside the popular broader ramyun currently spreading around – great stuff! Original review Get it here
#1: Samyang Foods Carbo Buldak Ramen Topokki
The jjajang variety earlier on this list is exemplary. But this one’s just out of this world. Very spicy, combined with the creaminess and taste of carbonara – and you get ramen as well as topokki rice cake tubes. It’s absolutely wonderful stuff and a must get for anyone who’s a fan of the Buldak range and South Korean instant noodles. The ultimate South Korea instant comfort food, bar none. Original review Get it here
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The Ramen Rater Shop
People have been asking where to get a lot of varieties and so I’ve partnered with Exotic Noods to bring you The Ramen Rater Shop. Here you’ll find an expending variety of instant noodles at a pretty decent price. You’ll be able to try a wide array of varieties and not have to buy a ton of each variety. I really wanted to have a way you could just buy a single pack of two at a time. The same way I do when I visit an Asian grocery.
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The Ramen Rater App for Android has been given a whole new look and functionality. You can scan bar codes to see reviews I’ve done while at the store, peruse the top ten lists, and do simple searches. It’s really great – even a dark mode! Best of all it’s fr
