Here’s a new one from Nongshim, and it’s definitely unique. It’s a stir noodle, which means that there’s no broth, but a sauce that it stirred in to coat the noodles. Another unique thing is that it can be served hot OR cold! I was thinking of using a special divided bowl I have, but one side is bigger than the other and so I came up with an idea: since they sent a few packs, I’ll make one hot, sample it and then make one cold and sample it – easy enough. Something else I found interesting was on the right and left sides of the package. It says “NONGSHIM BLACK CLASS NOODLE DISH.” The final interesting this about this one is the inclusion of chipotle. Chipotle? Now that’s different – don’t think I’ve come across that being used in an instant before. Well, let’s open this one up and see what’s inside!

Here’s the back of the package (click image to enlarge). Contains fish. To prepare, add noodle block and vegetable sachet to 400ml boiling water and cook 3-4 minutes. Now to make it hot, simply drain and stir in contents of the liquid sachet. To make it cold, drain and run under cold water and stir in contents of liquid sachet. Enjoy!

The noodle block.

The vegetable sachet.

Loys of mushrooms and peas!

The sauce sachet.

Can smell the chipotle!

Finished (click image to enlarge). Added mung bean sprouts and sliced green onion. The noodles have a thick ramyun gauge. They have a nice texture and chewiness – very good! The flavor is nice – has a light start and then wham – spicy! What’s interesting is the chipotle component too – not something I’ve tasted in an instant before and it works pretty well. The heat lingers and builds the more you eat! The vegetables were very good – I liked the mushrooms and I’m not a big fan of mushrooms! 4.25 out of 5.0 stars. By the way, the above is it served cold. On hot versus cold, I liked them about equally – although since it’s a warmer day here and in the Summer, cold seemed a skosh nicer.

Here’s a video about where these noodles are made! Yup – in California! I got to visit with my wife in 2012 and it was really awesome there – if you are in the area and can do a plant tour, you won’t regret it – it’s a lot of fun and fascinating!