Korean ramen isn’t just a trend for mukbangers, it’s a mood for most. Consider it a mini trip to Korea from the comfort of your home. It’s more than just instant ramen, it’s a quick pick me up for every occasion that never fails to hit the spot.
From fiery Buldak to comforting Jin ramen, whether you like it creamy, brothy or mild there is instant ramen for everyone that fits their mood and spice tolerance.
- Samyang Buldak Ramen (Carbonara)
The Carbonara flavor comes in a cute pink packet but don’t let it fool you, it’s Buldak afterall, so it’s guaranteed to be spicy. This one can be considered the perfect love child between fiery spice and creamy goodness, the noodles are thick and chewy making it a match made in heaven for the rich sauce.
Taste – sweet yet spicy, perfect for those who can’t handle spice.
Add on – 1 jammy egg, mozzarella cheese.
Price – 140rs – 200rs
- Samyang Buldak Ramen (Cheese)
This one comes in yet another cute yellow packet, the spice range in this one is at part with Fiery Buldak. The cheese helps to tone down the spice just enough so you can keep going for more. The thick, chewy noodles coat themselves in the sticky creamy sauce making it almost addictive.
Taste – spicy ramen coated in cheesy sauce, def for spice lovers.
Add ons – fried egg, sliced cheddar cheese
Price – 130rs – 200rs
- Ottogi Jin Ramen (Spicy/ Mild)
This one is BTS Jin’s favourite ramen and there is a great reason for it, the Ottogi Jin Ramen is like an everyday comfort food style ramen. With noodles that turn soft and springy in a soupy broth-like base, this one can be eaten at any time of the day. The soupy base is flavoured to perfection making it not too heavy even when eaten as a mid-night snack.
Taste – perfect blend of umami rich yet light soupy base
Add ons – soft boiled egg, drizzle of sesame oil, a side of kimchi
Price – 100rs – 120rs
- Nongshim Shin Ramen
Another comforting ramen in the list, perfect especially for the upcoming winter months. This one offers light springy type noodles with a soupy umami rich broth that’s perfectly seasoned with a kick of pepper, it’s one of those kinds of noodles that’s delicious soupy or dry.
Taste – seasoned soup base with a kick of pepper that offers warmth.
Add ons – mushrooms, green onions, boiled egg
Price – 120rs -130rs
- Paldo Bibimyeon Ramen
This one’s Korea’s favourite cold noodles of all time. The concept of cold noodles has always fascinated me. It comes with a tangy, sweet, gochujang style sauce that perfectly coats the thin strands of noodles, making it a light summer go to dish.
Taste – sauce based noodles, perfect for hotter months
Add ons – boiled egg, thinly sliced cucumber/carrots
Price – 100rs – 120rs
- Paldo Samgyetang Ginseng Ramen
This one’s inspired by traditional Korean ginseng soup, it’s a lightly seasoned yet rich broth based ramen with a hint of ginseng and ginger. I got a cozy vibe with every spoonful, the thin noodles are a perfect match making it a wonderful choice for when you’re under the weather or whenever in need of something soothing.
Taste – lightly seasoned broth style
Add ons – shredded chicken, mushrooms, sesame seeds
Price – 140rs – 200rs
- Nongshim Soon Veggie Ramen
One of my all time fav veggie ramen, the Soon ramen is a perfect blend of warmth and spice. This one is highly recommended for those who want a comforting rich bowl of ramen without the meat. A wholesome, easy to customise brothy ramen.
Taste – very clean tasting
Add on – veggies of choice, grilled tofu
Price – 120rs – 200rs
- Nongshim Kimchi Ramen
This one packs a kick of tangy kimchi flavor, the broth is my absolute favourite as it’s a savoury, rich kind with perfect chewy noodles. The slightly tangy yet spicy broth makes it my go to noodles for when I’m sick or in need of a pick me up. It’s literally kimchi in the form of soupy noodles.
Taste – kick of fermented kimchi in the soup
Add ons – egg, green onions, mushrooms
Price – 120rs – 130rs
Insider tips!
- Use half water, half milk for any spicy, fiery kind noodles to make it extra creamy and tolerable!
- Add a side of protein, and veggies to make it a somewhat balanced meal.
Written by – Rimpa Ash
About the author –
Hello hello! Two things I love the most? Putting pen to paper and sharing little bits about Korea, from its culture to food and everything in between. Here’s both of them combined for you by me, simply a guide for your next exploration, be it for a new k drama or a new kimchi recipe.I hope my words make you tingle with excitement and push you to try that next new thing. Just a cozy corner on the internet where we explore fascinating things together.