Ramyeon (or Ramen/Ramyun), one of the most popular noodles, is a K-food we all know. The Ramyeon we see in K-dramas which makes us crave is one of the most famous noodles in the world. Koreans eat the most Ramyeon per person in the world.
The pretty well known non-vegetarian version of Ramyeon might cause some to skip on this unique delicacy BUT not anymore as we've brought the list of few Ramyeon version available in India with vegetarian option.
Let’s find out about Ramyeon, its origin, some famous Ramyeon brands and how Korea became the land of Ramyeon.
Korea Ramyeon in India - Annyeong India
Korean Ramyeon
There are two main types of Ramyeon.
1) The first one is called Ramen which we can find in Japanese restaurants and was borrowed from Japan and is spicier.
2) The second one is the more popular dish, and is called Ramyeon. Noodles which are instant and dried cup noodles with seasonings. The dish consists of a spicy chicken stock made from instant powder and fried pre-packaged wavy noodles which is more popular in Korea.
Ramyeon is one of the most popular foods in Korean households because it is easy to prepare and only takes a minute to cook. Ramyeon is also eaten raw and is used as a hangover. Processed packets of seasoning are used in the soup base.
Origin
Ramyeon or Ramen is a Japanese adoption of Chinese wheat noodles. Theory says Ramyeon was originally introduced to Japan during the 1660s by the Chinese neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Shunsui who served as an advisor to Tokugawa Mitsukuni after he became a refugee in Japan to escape Manchu rule and Mitsukuni became the first Japanese person to eat ramen but it is rejected.
More plausible theory is that Ramyeon was introduced to Japan in the late 19th or early 20th century by Chinese immigrants living in the Yokohama Chinatown.
Ramyeon in Korea
In 1958, Japanese national Momofuku Ando invented the world’s first instant noodles.His dish quickly gained massive popularity. The first flavour was a classic chicken broth ramen.
The first Korean instant noodles were invented by a man named Samyang Ramyeon in 1963. The Korean War caused mass poverty and food shortage, so he borrowed from Japanese ramen and made it an affordable meal option.
The rest of the world became acquainted with ramen in the early ’70s, and this dish has been a favourite ever since! The first Ramyeon in Korea was instant noodle developed by Samyang Ramyeon.
In 1963, Jung Yun Jeon, a founder of Samyang Food Company, introduced the technology of making Ramyeon from Japan to Korea.
Famous Korean Ramyeon brands in India
- Nongshim Shin Ramyeon (농심 신라면)
- Nongshim Neoguri Ramyeon (농심 너구리 라면)
- Samyang Carbonara Buldak Ramyeon (삼양 카르보나라 불닭 라면)
- Ottogi Jin Ramyeon (오뚜기 진라면)
- Ottogi Yeul Ramyeon (오뚜기열라면)
- Paldo Korean Ramyeon(팔도 한국 라면)
- Paldo Dakgalbi Ramyeon (팔도닭갈비 라면)
- Samyang Buldak Ramyeon (삼양불닭볶음면)
- Samyang Original Ramyeon (삼양 라면)
- Nongshim Chapagetti (농심 짜파게티)
Where to buy in India :
You can easily find these at Amazon, Big Basket and other online shopping malls delivering all across India which has made things much accessible for Indians.
Nongshim Shin Ramyun (농심신라면)
Image Credit: @nongshim on Instagram
The most famous Korean Ramyeon brand in the world, and the most easily accessible Ramyeon brand in different countries. Nongshim Shin Ramyeon is most famous as it is found more easily in local markets and in online markets.
It is not considered spicy by Koreans but is spicy for people who don’t eat spicy food and was spicy for me the first time I tried it. The well known Shin Ramyeon, is available in two colours; red and a ‘premium black colour’.
Nongshim Neoguri Ramyeon (농심 너구리 라면)
Credit : Adventure with nienie
Nongshim’s Neoguri Instant Ramyeon might be a fragile , classic package of noodles for the food lovers out there. Its slightly salty food flavour makes it an extended time favourite for several. I’ve heard from many of my friends and coworkers that this was the first South Korean Ramyeon they tried once they landed. to the present day, several of them still reach for this pack of instant noodles once they’re during a very rush. Neoguri Ramyeon continues to attract new followers everyday due to its delicate and easy to fancy classic flavour (there is additionally a spicy version). you will be happy to understand , there are some steps for preparing this Ramyeon despite its varied ingredients among the package. Here’s the thanks to prepare this classic package of noodles.
Paldo Korean Ramyeon (팔도 한국 라면)
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This Ramyeon is sort of almost like Nongshim's Shin Ramyeon but with a spicy kick thereto .Noodles are thick, springy and firm, typical Ramyeon type and absorbs the soup alright .Soup is extremely much delicious and has an additional spicy aftertaste thereto .It's a Vegetarian Ramyeon and little black spongy pieces are soya/veggie textured protein(TVP). So, no meat in it. Though it's almost like shin Ramyeon but spice wise I prefer Teumsae Ramyeon because it doesn't give the after taste like how Shin Ramyeon gives. majority of the Korean instant foods have very strong flavour due to this you end up having bad breath but not with Teumsae Ramyeon.
Paldo Dakgalbi Ramyeon (팔도닭갈비)
Paldo Dakgalbi Ramyeon(팔도닭갈비)
Again something for those that don't eat spicy food. They were tasty needless to say , but don't compare its spiciness with Samyang 2x or 3x. they're a touch spicier than black Buldak ones but the taste is far better. The texture of noodle really amazing, it's an honest amount of chewiness and not too thick.
Ottogi Jin Ramyeon (오뚜기 진라면)
Ottogi Jin Ramyeon
Another good Ramyeon brand and a good option for people who don’t eat spicy food as people generally agree that it is less spicier than other Ramyeons. It is also available in red and spicier options. The broth and beef mix will make you travel to Korea.
Ottogi Yeul Ramyeon (오뚜기열)
Ottogi Yeul Ramyeon
'Yeol Ramyun', which was first released in 1996, has recently been moving backwards. Yeol Ramyun is a spicy soup Ramyeon with a Scoville index of 5013 SHU, a standard for measuring spicy taste. The leading role in the reverse run is the MZ generation. The fact that Ottogi provides a unique recipe using Yeol Ramyun to give you a new experience in taste is gaining popularity mainly among the MZ generation.
Samyang Carbonara Buldak Ramyeon (삼양 카르보나라 불닭 라면)
Samyang Buldak Ramyeon (삼양불닭볶음면)
Carbonara - Lachimolala? Great BTS reference there !! That makes easier to remember the name of this delicious Ramyeon. These noodles are amazing , a touch sweet but spicy . If you can’t handle spice but crave for these noodles I suggest you create half a pack of those a bit.
You get 2 packets of seasoning: 1 consists of the spicy Buldak sauce and therefore the other packet has the cheese powder flavouring. The noodles begin looking creamy and herby.
If you prefer to undertake exotic flavours of varied instant noodles, this one's for you. Never ever seen "carbonara '' flavour on instant noodles. It's terribly creamy and not terribly spicy (just the proper amount). If you're checking out spicy noodles, attempt red and orange packages of the same whole.
I’d been a fanatical lover of the black bean noodles and ordered this as i used to be quite bored and didn’t wanna fall out of affection with the black bean on.
Samyang Buldak Ramyeon (삼양불닭볶음면)
Samyang Buldak Ramyeon (삼양불닭볶음면)
Samyang Buldak Ramyeon also popularised the Samyang fire noodle challenge as it was very spicy.
The Korean fire noodles, also known as the Buldak-bokkeum-myeon, isn't soup based like other Ramyeon and is number one in spiciness and will bring lava water in your mouth for sure.
Perhaps you will be able to finish this entire bowl of fierce noodle with your friends….if you think you are up to it.
Samyang Original Ramyeon (삼양 라면)
Samyang Original Ramyeon (삼양 라면) Annyeong India
Samyang makes some brilliant noodles and products – including the Buldak range. This is a super spicy chicken flavour (translates as fire chicken!) and they do all sorts, from a wide range of noodles to sauce and even frozen dumplings.
Although I really love them, they are quite hot.
Nongshim Chapagetti (농심 짜파게티)
Nongshim Chapagetti (농심 짜파게티)
Korea’s one of the best Korean instant noodles and the most popular in the world plus Korea’s main and one of the quality Korean on the spot instant noodles.
This Chinese-style Ramyeon is a noodle dish in a black sauce with some added vegetables. These are Jajangmyeon instant noodles(the black bean noodles).
This Chinese Korean dish was a fusion made when many Chinese immigrants moved to South Korea in Incheon.
In Korea, you can find this dish at a local Chinese Korean restaurant. The noodles are thicker than most Korean instant Ramyeon but thinner than average Italian pasta.
Not just the classic originals but Ramyeon is available in different flavours to suit your style and taste buds. From 3x times spice to umami flavour.
Some vegetarians might avoid due to usual ham or seafood in it.
Vegetarian Ramyeon options available in India
- Ottogi Cheese Ramen
- Ottogi Stir Fried Black Bean Flavor
- Paldo Fun & Yum Mr. Kimchi Noodles
- Samyang Sutah Ramen
- Samyang Vegetarian Kimchi Ramen
- Nongshim Soon Veggie Ramyun Noodles
Whether you are fond of seafood or not, spicy and exotic flavour of Korean ramyeon sauce has everything that will make your taste buds go crazy.
Quick & Easy Ramyeon recipe
Here’s an easy Ramen recipe for you all :
Ramyeon
Ingredients
- INGREDIENTS : (1 serving)
- 1 packet instant ramyeon noodles
--Seasoning Sauce--
- 1 tsp chicken stock powder (or vegetable stock for vegetarians)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sugar (add more if needed)
- 2 tsp oil
(Optional)1 tsp red pepper paste/ Gochujang
PROCESS:
- Keep the required amount of water for boiling.
- Mix the seasoning sauce and keep it ready.
- Add instant Ramyeon noodles to boiling water and cook until 80% cooked through.
- Drain most of the water and retain about 2-3 tbsp in the pan.
- Keep the flame at low and mix in the seasoning thoroughly.
- If the noodles get too dry while mixing, add 1-2 tbsp water and continue to mix.
- Pour the noodles into a bowl and fry an egg with some oil in the same pan.
- Top the noodles with fried egg, green onions and sesame seeds.
Ramyeon has been a historical food item for Korea and is now dominating in instant noodles food marketing and has been now part of their culture.
Although it was created in Japan and then borrowed, the future and the modernization of Ramyeon was done in Korea and is expected to lead more in future.
The popularity of Ramyeon in Korea made it a part of its economy too. There are markets and supermarkets full of Ramyeon separately which can show how big Ramyeon is now a part of our life.
Author : Saurabh Thapa