According to the World Instant Ramen Association (WINA), Korea ranks number one in the world for ramen consumption, with an average of 73.7 ramen consumed per person per year. Koreans truly love ramen and enjoy it as a late-night snack, a weekend lunch, or as a side dish with barbecue. It’s a simple, easy, and delicious meal that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Let’s explore some popular ramyun products!
Additionally, for those of you who are not in Korea but would like to try these ones, I’ll add an affiliated amazon link. Purchasing through this link will help me getting commission😊. I tried to search for every product, but some of them were not available. Also, the search result could vary due to delivery location.
Shin Ramyun (신라면)
Shin Ramyun is undoubtedly one of the most popular ramen brands in Korea. When people think of ramyun, this is the image that comes to people’s mind. It features a noodle soup with mushroom and scallion flakes, and its broth is known for its spicy and savory flavors.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3Km2cPw
Jin Ramyun (진라면)
Next, we have Jin Ramyun, which also offers a noodle soup with a spicy and savory broth. One distinguishing feature of Jin Ramyun is that it comes in two flavors: spicy (red) and mild (blue). If you’re curious to try it but unsure about the spiciness, the mild version can be a good starting point.
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/3KkqhpN
Neoguri (너구리)
Neoguri noodles are thicker than regular ramyun and resemble udon noodles. They are typically accompanied by kelp, which imparts a delightful seafood flavor. With its unique characteristics, Neoguri offers a spicy and seafood-flavored udon experience. Interestingly, if you flip the Korean characters, it resembles the acronym “RTA.”
Chamke Ramyun (참깨라면)
Chamke, meaning sesame in Korean, brings an extra burst of flavor to any dish, including ramen! Chamke Ramyun features a deep and spicy flavor achieved through the addition of sesame-flavored powder and spicy sesame oil. Adding an egg block to the noodles creates a creamier texture, enhancing the overall taste.
Buldak Noodle (불닭볶음면)
Now, let’s move on to the ultimate Buldak Ramyun, which has gained worldwide fame. Unlike the ramyuns mentioned earlier, Buldak Ramyun doesn’t require a soup base. Instead, you drain the water after cooking the noodles. It is extremely spicy but incredibly addictive. This fiery ramyun is often considered a go-to comfort food for stress relief. Additionally, it comes in various flavors such as jjajang (black bean), curry, carbonara, and corn cheese. Are you up for the challenge?
Bibim Myeon (비빔면)
Bibim Myeon is a favorite ramen choice during the hot summer months in Korea. Unlike the previous ramyuns, Bibim Myeon is best served cold. Simply cook the noodles with hot water, drain, and mix them with the accompanying sauce. The result is a slightly citric, sweet, and spicy flavor profile. Adding a slices of cucumber on top provides a refreshing finishing touch.
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/3OcIqHm
Korean ramen offers a wide variety of flavors and experiences, catering to different preferences and tastes. Whether you’re a fan of the spicy and savory Shin Ramyun, the unique seafood taste of Neoguri, or the addictive heat of Buldak Noodle, there’s a ramyun out there for everyone to enjoy. So grab a bowl, embrace the flavors, and embark on a delicious journey through the diverse world of Korean ramen.