This one usually comes out in January, but a little late this year on edits. However, this one’s ready to go! This is my list of favorite South Korean varieties from my reviews up to number 4,650. Definitely want to try more South Korean varieties – especially those only found in South Korea – not export versions if at all possible. Anyways, let’s boil some water and check out The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition!
I’ve been reviewing instant noodles since 2002, doing episodes of Instant Noodle Recipe Time, The Chocolate Break with my wife, Professional Mukbang, Unboxing Time With The Ramen Rater and more. Right now, we’re in a pretty crummy financial situation and hoping that some of the fans will be able to help out – a lot of bills, loss of some resources, and ongoing illness have all contributed to being a perfect storm which is very hard. Big thank you from all who have already!! Please check the link here for details – thank you.
The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition
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The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2024 Edition
#10: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black
I remember when this variety came out a few years back. It’s a good one, that’s for sure – and many on my Facebook group Ramen Junkies thoroughly enjoy this one. A thick ramyun noodle is coupled with the spicy Shin broth and Sul Lon Tang powder – which adds a nice savoriness. Vegetables run around in the broth which are nice. A testament to the standard that people have found to love about Korean instant noodles. Original review | Get it here
#9: Paldo Cheese Noodle
I’ve loved this one for years. A nice thick noodle coupled with a spicy broth – and a sachet of cheese powder. It works well and is made even better with processed cheese or swiss cheese which is nice and gloppy when really hot. This is a tasty variety, through and through. Original review | Get it here
#8: Samyang Foods Buldak Light
A lighter version of the ultra spicy Buldak – less spicy, and made with a non-fried noodle. This makes for less oil of course and in turn, fewer calories. The noodle is a bit different – slightly chewier which makes for a more gourmet experience in my opinion. Original review | Get it here
Samyang Foods Buldak Quattro
oodles are thick with a very nice chew. Sauce has a nice amount of heat but isn’t so much that I think it will destroy anyone. Cheese flavor and standard Buldak sauce flavors go together in an apt fashion. If you’re looking for something a little lighter on the heat but really like cheese and Buldak flavor, this will fit the bill. Excellent and delightful. Original review | Get it here
#6: Paldo Rabokki Noodle
Rabokki or rapokki is what you have when you combine tteokbokki and ramyun noodle. This is just the noodle and a sweet spicy saucy kind of combo which is extremely good. Usually it comes with sliced egg as well as fish cake and other niceties. Original review | Get it here
#5: Yopokki Cheese Rapokki
Here’s another one where tteokbokki is included – starting to see a theme here? The texture of tteokbokki combined with noodles is really quite wonderful. This one has a cheese sauce and it’s a bit sweet. These are on the spendy side from what I’ve seen, but they’re really quite good, and a pretty large serving which could easily satisfy two. Original review | Get it here
#4: Samyang Foods Buldak Yakisoba HOT Chicken Flavor
Great gauge on these noodles. They work well with the sauce which in itself didn’t seem all that spicy – the heat seemed to be in the mayo – which is less mayo and more gel-like. This really worked well; I generally find a lot of things like spicy jjajangmyeon to be a bit weird and to not work incredibly well, however this worked perfectly and was excellent. Original review | Get it here
#3: Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen
Back in 1963, this was the first Korean instant noodle on the market. When it first entered the market, people weren’t exactly sure what it was; some thought it was a textile! After educating consumers and tunning the flavor from chicken to a spicy ham flavor, it took off. I absolutely love this stuff – great with ham, cheese, and egg. Definitely give it a try! Original review | Get it here
#2: Ottogi Jin Jjambbong Spicy Seafood Ramyun
This one is really quite wonderful. We start with a different gauge noodle from their usual fare – thicker and broader. The broth is a savory seafood stew – and smoky like grilled seafood. I tried this at an instant noodle restaurant called Love Instant Noodles a few years ago – really great! If you like seafood, this will make your head spin. Original review | Get it here
#1: Samyang Foods Rosé Buldak Stir-fried Noodles
Noodle is very thick and chewy – probably the best I’ve had from these if not neck and neck with the cream carbo noodle. The sauce is spicy and extremely creamy. The heat level is there but definitely less so than other varieties. Really impressed with this one. Original review | Get it here
Special Announcements
Definitive Guides
This year, I’ve decided to do a special series called Definitive Guides. Recipes, trivia, history, and more on some of the most loved and fascinating varieties of instant noodles around the world! So far, I’ve got one on Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun, and Indomie’s Mi Goreng and Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles Pumpkin Spice! Very recently, I released a Definitive Guide To Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup. Future guides will include MAMA Tom Yum, and more. My plan is do feature one or two products from each country.
Ramen Junkies
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