Category: South Korea

#2550: Samyang Foods Pagaejang

#2550: Samyang Foods Pagaejang - 육개장은 원래 이맛! 라면신제품 파개장(파듬뿍육개장)! - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

Here’s a new one from Samyang Foods – Pagaejang. It is similar to Yukgaejang. I looked up Yukgaejang and found this on Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2548: Ottogi Plain Instant Noodle No Soup Included

#2548: Ottogi Plain Instant Noodle No Soup Included - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - ramyonsari sari ramen

I reviewed this, however in a different package many moons ago. Back then the packaging said Ramyonsari. Recently, I did one called Sari Ramen. Basically, this is a plain instant noodle block in a plastic pillow pack. ...see full post

#2533: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black (SK Version)

#2533: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black (SK Version) - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

So for a long time, I’ve wanted to review the South Korean version of Shin Ramyun Black, and I know lots of people have wanted me to. Here in the United States, we have Nongshim America (NSA) in Rancho Cucamonga. Anywhere you find Shin Ramyun Black in the United States, it originates in California. However, Nonshim Korea (NSK) is its origin. You can thank Anders and his girlfriend Ji-Min from South Korea for sending this along! Thanks again! Here’s a little something about the Shin from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2530: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Honey Butter Flavor

#2530: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Honey Butter Flavor - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles snack

What have we today? This is a popular South Korean snack noodle – Ppushu Ppushu – and an interesting new flavor. Ppushu Ppushu means… I don’t know what it means, but it’s pretty neat stuff. Let’s check it out – right now! ...see full post

New Samples From Paldo South Korea

New Samples From Paldo South Korea - The Ramen Rater

Nowadays, soon as there’s a knock at the door my son Miles is racing for the door. It’s really funny actually – he wants to steal the box and try to get it open as soon as possible to see what’s inside!  I wasn’t expecting this one from Paldo – unexpected but definitely appreciated! Let’s see what’s inside! ...see full post

#2526: Samyang Foods Jjamppong Big Bowl

#2526: Samyang Foods Jjamppong Big Bowl - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - ramyun

Here’s one Samyang Foods sent a little while back – thanks again! So this is a jjamppong bowl – a spicy seafood concoction from South Korea. Here’s some more info from Wikipedia about it – ...see full post

#2523: Nongshim Budae Jjigae Noodle Soup

#2523: Nongshim Budae Jjigae Noodle Soup - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - 농심 보글보글 부대찌개 라면을 먹어봤습니다

Here’s one I found at the local HMart a couple months ago. I’ve had a budae jjigae instant once before – I know there’s at least one more variety out there… Very curious how this one is. Let’s see what Wikipedia has to say about budae jjigae – ...see full post

#2519: Guava Story Anchovy Flavor Guava Rice Noodles

#2519: Guava Story Anchovy Flavor Guava Rice Noodles - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - rice noodles

Here’s something the guys over at ExoticNoods.com sent over – thanks! Okay – guava noodles? I really enjoy guava juice, but never seen a guava noodle before. Better to tear into this pack and see what’s what. ...see full post

#2511: Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen Classic Edition

#2511: Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen Classic Edition - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodle ramyun

Here’s a bowl version clad in the trapping of olde. Samyang Ramen was the very first instant ramyun to come out in South Korea – in 1963. Here’s a little about it from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2508: Samyang Foods Mala Buldak Bokkeummyun

SPECIAL STATEMENT AS OF 12/19/2017: It has come to my attention that many places/people are under the impression that this variety is considered to be ‘Samyang Foods 4x Spicy Buldak Bokkeummyun.’ This is definitely NOT the case. Original Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun is 4,404SHU, 2x Spicy is 8,706SHU. I have been informed by Samyang Foods that Samyang Foods Mala Buldak Bokkeummyun is 2,700SHU – which is far less spicy than the original Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun. Sellers claiming this product as Samyang Foods 4x Spicy Buldak Bokkeummyun – this is misleading and untrue. I’ve mentioned in the past that I would love to try a Samyang Foods 4x Spicy Buldak Bokkeummyun, however NO SUCH PRODUCT EXISTS at the time of this update. Please refer to The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun for more information.

#2585: Samyang Foods Mala Buldak Bokkeummyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - fire noodle challenge sichuan pepper

GET AN ASSORTMENT OF THE SPICEST INSTANT NOODLES IN THE RAMEN RATER’S SPICY PACK FROM GOURMET RAMEN CLUB – CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Thanks go to Amelia from Samyang Foods in South Korea for sending these along! The Buldak Bokkeummyun line from them is a fiery range which starts with their hot chicken flavor of Fire Noodle Challenge fame. Here’s what they have to say about this one – ...see full post

Samyang Foods Samples Including New Mala Buldak Bokkeummyun

Samyang Foods Samples Including New Mala Buldak Bokkeummyun - South Kroea - The Ramen Rater - mala fire noodle challenge hot chicken ramen spicy

So both the kids were interesting this box that came yesterday. Miri is just about to start crawling but Miles is running around like a beast these days! Let’s see what’s inside! ...see full post

#2504: Nongshim Shin Ramyun (South Korean)

#2504: Nongshim Shin Ramyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

For awhile now, I’ve been trying to get my hands on some of this that actually is from South Korea. Thanks to Anders and his girlfriend Ji-Min, here we are! Here’s some info from Wikipedia – ...see full post

Bokkeum Neoguri & Mr. Bibim Samples From Nongshim South Korea

Bokkeum Neoguri & Mr. Bibim Samples From Nongshim South Korea - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - ramyun

A fellow reviewer from Happy Souper posted about these new Nonshim varieties and gave me the contact info for Nongshim Korea – I lost touch with my contact a while back. These were kindly sent by Danny – thank you very much! Let’s have a look! ...see full post

#2483: Paldo Bul Jjamppong Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup

#2483: Paldo Bul Jjamppong - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles - ramyun - spicy seafood

I’m pretty sure I found this one at HMart a few months back but to be honest I can’t remember. This one is a fancy variety of jjamppong. Here’s a little something from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2481: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Cup

#2481: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Cup - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - fire noodle challenge

Recently, I did a Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun series. However, the cup was just mentioned and not one that I have tried. Indeed, there are two I’ve not reviewed of the series – the curry version and the 2x spicy bowl (although I scarf one down in the video). ...see full post

Re-Review: Paldo Bulnak Bokkeummyun Pan Stirfried Noodle

Re-Review: Paldo Bulnak Bokkeummyun Pan Stirfried Noodle - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles - octopus - spiciest

Okay, okay. After being bombarded with people disagreeing with the odrer of the ranking on my The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodles list, I thought I’d give this one another go-round. ...see full post

#2476: Samyang Foods Kimchi Stew Ramyun

#2476: Samyang Foods Kimchi Stew Ramyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - 삼양 김치찌개면용기

Here’s one Samyang Foods sent me recently – thank you! It sounds good to me, but I know one person who would not like this. My son Andy really doesn’t like kimchi. Oh yeah – my friend Matt B. doesn’t like it either – in fact, I opened a big jar of it and tried to get him to taste it, but when he smelled it when opened. He recoiled and started yelling. I dunno why; I think its good! Here’s a little about it from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2474: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Noodle Snack Chilli Cheese Flavor

#2474: Ottogi Ppushu Ppushu Noodle Snack Chilli Cheese Flavor - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodle snack

Last moth I was looking for a specific variety at a local Korean grocery called Boo Han Market in Edmonds, Washington. Much to my chagrin, they have changed their instant noodle section! It used to be way in the back and kind of lackluster. Now it’s right up front and they’ve got an even better selection than before. That’s where I found this interesting instant noodle snack. ...see full post

#2467: Paldo Volcano Curry Kkokkomyun

#2467: Paldo Volcano Curry Kkokkomyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - 팔도 볼케이노꼬꼬볶음면6입

This one was sent by Anders and Ji-Min from South Korea! Thanks again! So here’s Paldo’s new extreme foray into the uber spicy class of instant ramyun. I really enjoy seeing these – especially how neat the packaging looks. ...see full post

#2464: Wang Extreme Spicy Hot Chicken Flavor Udon

#2464: Wang Extreme Spicy Hot Chicken Flavor Udon - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

Here’s a bowl I got at a local Korean store – Boo Han Market – in Edmonds, Washington. I was looking for something else and found this. So there’s a company that makes this style but in instant noodles, not udon. Curious to see how they differ insofar as the heat and flavor. Indeed, let’s give this one a go! ...see full post

2x Spicy Buldak Bokkeummyun Cups & More From Samyang Foods

2x Spicy Buldak Bokkeummyun Cups & More From Samyang Foods - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

Got an email from Samyang Foods asking to verify my address for a shipment of samples a week or so ago! Today the box arrived in all it’s glory! Wonder what’s inside? Let’s see! ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2017 Edition

The Ramen Rater's Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2017 Edition

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodle Bowls Of All Time 2017 Edition is a list of the best bowls I’ve tried of the over 2400 reviews posted to date. Bowls are interesting insofar as they often contain extra things, since there is more room for sachets, spoons, fork, etcetera. As always, I implore instant noodle manufacturers to contact me – I would love to review your products and all it costs is sending some samples and your time! So sit back, grab a bowl, some hot water, peel back the lid, stir – and enjoy! ...see full post

#2458: Samyang Foods Sari Ramen

#2545: Samyang Foods Sari Ramen - South Korea - The Ramen Rater -

This one was a surprise. Okay, so one question people ask me from time to time is ‘where can I get the noodles, but not the seasoning?’ Indeed, there actually are many many ways one can do trhis. Here’s yet another. So I’ve had sari ramen in the past as well, however it was with a different name. Sari ramen is (you guessed it) a single pack of instant noodles and no flavoring. ...see full post

라면 완전정복 저 지영준 / ‘Ramen Conqueror,’ By Ji Young Jun

About a year ago I was contacted by a man in South Korea. He was very interested in knowing my story – he also wanted me to help him and contribute to a book he was writing. He seemed like a nice guy so I figured hey – sounds like fun!My only stipulation was that when done, that he would send me three copies.Well, the book is finished! It’s in Korean and I can’t read it unfortunately, but I’m hoping someone will be able to help me out on that soon. ...see full post

#2424: Samyang Foods Cheese Type Buldak Bokkeummyun

#2424: Samyang Foods Cheese Type Buldak Bokkeummyun

Well lookie here – another one from Colin – thanks again! This one’s a cheesy version of the ever popular Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun. This is what people use to do the famous ‘fire noodle challenge’ – although this is the cheesy version. This stuff is hot – real hot. The Ramen Rater’s top Ten Spiciest Instant Noodle Of All Time list kinda hot. Let’s take a look. ...see full post

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2017 Edition

Well folks it’s that time again. This one’s a big deal – the list that people from around the world have been waiting for every year. Since the last list came out, I’ve reviewed over 400 varieties of instant noodles – a new record in one year for me. So many good ones this year! These are my absolute favorites of the over 2,400 reviews of instant noodles I’ve posted to date. There are some big announcements at the end of the video, so make sure to check them out! As always, I invite instant noodle makers to contact me so I can try your noodles! Now without further ado, The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2017 Edition! ...see full post

#2397: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkummyun Cheese Flavor (Black Bowl)

#2397: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkummyun Cheese Flavor (Black Bowl) - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles

Wait a second – this looks familiar. So there are two versions of the Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkummyun cheese flavor bowls. Indeed there are two versions of the packs as well. Here’s the orange version I reviewed – #2291. What’s the difference? I’m going to guess that they came out with the black one first and people mistook it for the regular version and were annoyed. Kind of makes sense since the black one definitely looks like the standard Buldak Bokkummyun bowl. Well, except for the chicken with the cheese. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about the original variety: ...see full post

Pounding A Plate Of Paldo Volcano Curry Kokomen

I was sent these by Anders and Ji-Min to try a few weeks back and although I’m not posting the review today, I thought it would be fun to do a video and put it out there. ...see full post

#2391: Ottogi Jin Jjambbong Spicy Seafood Noodle

#2391: Ottogi Jin jjambbong Spicy Seafood Noodle - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - instant noodles - ramyun

It’s definitely been a while since I reviewed anything by Ottogi that’s for theSouth Korean market. Actually, this one is an export version, but the more recent ones have been for Mexico and so this is more of a South Korean variety. So, what is jjambbong? Wikipedia has this to say about it: ...see full post

#2382: Nongshim Seaweed Instant Noodle Cup

#2382: Nongshim Seaweed Instant Noodle Cup - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

Here’s a cup I found at Carrefour in Taipei, Taiwan during my trip in November of 2016. I’ve never seen this one before and from what it looks like, it’s made for the Chinese/Taiwanese market. At least the packaging in Chinese gives that away. Also, I can see that it’s referencing www.nongshim.com – not a .cn or .tw, so these should be made in South Korea. It also has a little banner proclaiming ‘number one’ but unsure what that’s referring to. Anyways, let’s see what we have here and give these seaweed noodles a try! ...see full post

#2380: Pulmuone Non-Fried Ramyun With Spicy Beef Broth

#2380: Pulmuone Non-Fried Ramyun With Spicy Beef Broth - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

So here’s something new I found at HMart. This is going to be battle for me, however you might wonder why. Well, much of the package is shiny gold colored. Unfortunately, shiny gold and silver packages are evil. I mean, not really, but really at the same time. Indeed they look nice, but they add a bit of an issue to my process. Indeed, scanning gold or silver foil packs presents a real problem. No matter what, there are wrinkles in the packaging, and ones I usually can use Photoshop to get rid of. However, these wrinkles when in a shiny foil wreak havoc with the scanner and the images come out extremely light and dark in spots. Anyway, just a little behind the scenes on what I do when putting out a post. ...see full post

The Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun

#2370: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Zzaldduck Snack

#2370: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Zzaldduck Snack - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - 짤떡

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

ZZALDDUCK SNACK / 짤떡 / Zzaldduck / Launch 2014.12

Well, today is my birthday and I’m up at 5am getting this post ready. Actually it’s 6am now – I’ve been getting all my ducks in a row (actually chickens har har) in order to post The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun. It’s a total of 9 posts including the guide itself that I’m putting up today. A lot of work, that’s for sure and I’m rushing to get it up. ...see full post

#2369: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Curry Flavor

#2440: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Curry Flavor - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - fire noodle challenge

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Curry / 커리불닭볶음면 / Curry Buldak Bokkueummyun   Launch 2016.12 / SHU 3,810

Here’s the newest variety from Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun line. Curry! I make no illusion to the fact that I absolutely think that curry is the finest thing in the universe. I freaking love curry. Here’s a little about Korean c urry from Wikipedia – ...see full post

#2368: Samyang Foods Cool/Ice Type Buldak Bokkeummyun

#2426: Samyang Foods Ice Type Buldak Bokkeummyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Cool/Ice Type / 쿨불닭볶음면 / Cool/Ice Buldak Bokkueummyun Launch 2016.8 / SHU 4,404

Today it’s the cold variety. Indeed, cold noodles with spicy sauce have long been around in South Korean ramyun varieties. However I’m guessing while cold in temperature, these will probably surpass most other in their hot flavor. This particular one is the export version, sent by a reader named Colin from Massachusetts. I noticed that the liquid sachet didn’t say ‘ice’ but ‘cool.’ Was this to be the original name? Well, I asked! ...see full post

#2367: Samyang Foods 2x Spicy Haek Buldak Bokkeummyun

#2425: Samyang Foods Haek Buldak Bokkeummyun - South Korea - 2x spicy - hot fried chicken

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

GET AN ASSORTMENT OF THE SPICEST INSTANT NOODLES IN THE RAMEN RATER’S SPICY PACK FROM GOURMET RAMEN CLUB – CHECK IT OUT HERE!

2X Spicy HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen / 핵불닭볶음면 / Hack/Haek Buldak Bokkueummyun / Launch 2016.1 / SHU 8,808

Alright. Today’s the day. I heard about the double spicy Buldak Bokkeummyun a couple of months ago. After hoping to simply find it at the store with no luck, I received a few of these packs – first, I got one from Anders from South Korea which is a reader who’s sent varieties in the past – thank you! Since I wanted to try these as soon as possible, I (for the first time) ordered some from an eBay seller called 1theKorea – they’ve got all sorts of neat South Korean varieties, and lots of the spicy ones that aren’t the easiest to find or are unavailable in the USA. I also got a ton of varieties from Samyang Foods – including the bowl versions of this one and the Stew as well as a couple snack variants. ...see full post

#2366: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Snack Noodle

#2424: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun Snack Noodle - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - Instant Noodles

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun

Hot Chicken Ramen Snack / 부셔먹는 라면스낵불닭 / Busyeomeongneun Ramyeonseunaek
Buldak / Launch 2016.6

I’ve reviewed a lot of snack noodles in my day and still delight in the comments I get about them. I get people telling me about smashing domestic US varieties, sprinkling the seasoning on them and eating them raw; kind of like they’ve uncovered something fascinating, new and innovative. Unfortunately – I have to break it to y’all, but this isn’t anything new. Moreover, varieties designed and sold in South Korea to be smashed and sprinkled and enjoyed have been around for a long time. ...see full post

#2365: Samyang Foods Stew Buldak Bokkeumtangmyun

#2423: Samyang Foods Stew Buldak Bokkeumtangmyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - 불닭볶음탕면 - fire noodle challenge

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Buldak Bokkeummyun

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Stew Type / 불닭볶음탕면 / Buldak Bokkueumtangmyun

Launch 2016.8 / SHU 4,705

This one came by way of eBay seller 1theKorea – they’ve got all sorts of neat South Korean varieties, and lots of the spicy ones that aren’t the easiest to find or are unavailable in the USA. ...see full post

#2364: Samyang Foods Cheese Buldak Bokkeummyun

#2422: Samyang Foods Cheese Buldak Bokkeummyun - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - Fire Noodle Challenge

Part Of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeuymmyun

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen Cheese / 치즈불닭볶음면 / Cheese Buldak Bokkueummyun

Launch 2016.3 / SHU 2,323

This one came by way of eBay seller 1theKorea – they’ve got all sorts of neat South Korean varieties, and lots of the spicy ones that aren’t the easiest to find or are unavailable in the USA. . ...see full post

#2363: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun (New Packaging)

#2363: Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun (New Packaging) - South Korea - The Ramen Rater - fire noodle challenge

Part of The Ramen Rater’s Definitive Guide To Samyang Foods’ Buldak Bokkeummyun Series

HOT Chicken Flavor Ramen / 불닭볶음면 / Buldak Bokkueummyun

Launch 2012.4.16 / SHU 4,404

This one came by way of eBay seller 1theKorea – they’ve got all sorts of neat South Korean varieties, and lots of the spicy ones that aren’t the easiest to find or are unavailable in the USA. This is the variety that set off the Fire Noodle Challenge. In reality, Buldak Bokkeummyun is spicy fried chicken flavor. In South Korea as well as many places in Asia, fried chicken is extremely popular. Korean fried chicken is great; double coated and comes in violently spicy, regular and honey garlic to name a few. ...see full post