Tag Archives: shin ramyun

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition

It’s January 2019, and so it is time for the first of many Top Ten Lists. I always start the year with the latest South Korean Top ten. This list was compiled as of posting 3,058 unique reviews of instant noodles, 349 of which are South Korean. All varieties are manufactured in South Korea. If you are a company interested in having your products showcased, please drop me a line. Let’s begin!

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition

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Watch the full video presentation of this year’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time! Don’t forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel for daily videos!

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2019 Edition

#10: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black

When Shin Ramyun Black came onto the scene a few years back it was a huge hit and still is. An upgraded version of their popular shin Ramyun, it includes a sachet of Sul-Long-Tang soup base which gives an extra heartiness to the broth. Thick ramyun noodles and a spicy bite round out the scene. It took me some time to get a pack made in South Korea, a requirement of this this. Original review Get it here

#9: Paldo Cheese Noodle

Paldo’s Cheese Noodle has been on the list for awhile now and with good reason. The way the cheese intermingles with the red spicy broth is amazingly good. The noodles are nice and thick ramyun and there’s a large quantity of them. Definitely one that everyone should try – and now there’s a spicier version on the market. Original review Get it here

#8: Nongshim Champong Noodle Soup Spicy Seafood Flavor

Nongshim Champong is a spicy seafood noodle soup. It combines what you are used to with the beefiness of a standard Korean ramyun but replaces the beef with seafood flavor. This more ‘of the sea’ variety works very well with the chewy ramyun noodle. It’s kind of like a seafood stew to be honest. Excellent when paired with seafood. Original review Get it here

#7: Nongshim Neoguri Stir-fry Noodles Spicy Seafood

Neoguri Spicy Seafood Soup is a long time favorite of many and now it’s been converted in this new version as a dry noodle, sans broth. To be honest, I like this much better – not only does it have the great flavor of Neoguri, it’s got a plethora of garnish included – featuring little pieces of fishcake with the raccoon mascot on them. Original review Get it here

#6: Paldo Rabokki Noodle

To understand Paldo’s Rabokki Noodle, you have to understand tteokbokki. It’s also spelled topokki – but however you spell it, tteokbokki are thick cylindrical rice tubes that have a nice chewiness to them. They’re often paired with a thick red sauce which is spicy as well as sweet and served with fishcake, egg and other garnish. These noodles are paired with the sauce in a very tasty representation and crossover of the dish. Original review Get it here

#5: Ottogi Jin Jjambbong Spicy Seafood Ramyun

Ottogi’s Jin series added a couple of new varieties recently, and this is my favorite of the two. During a recent trip to Taipei, I went to a restaurant called Love Instant Noodleswhere they doll up packs of instant noodles and serve them piping hot. This is the one I chose from their selection. Jjambbong is a kind of spicy stew and this one has a nice kind of grilled flavor to it, alongside the popular broader ramyun currently spreading around – great stuff! Original review Get it here

#4: Paldo Budae Jjigae

Here we have 2017’s #1 from this list and it was also on the annual The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2017 list. So, what’s Budae Jjigae? Well, take donated rations from US soldiers from the Korean War and mix them with the local South Korean cuisine. This interesting fusion works so well including tastes from both cultures. Original review Get it here

#3: Ottogi Budae Jjigae Ramen

Ottogi also has a Budae Jjigae – and it’s my favorite of the varieties to spring onto the market in the last couple years. With bits of processed meats and other niceties, it combines with South Korean flavors into a crescendo of tasty goodness. Budae Jjigae translates to ‘troop stew’ or army stew’ as it originated from donated rations from US forces during the Korean War. Original review Get it here

#2: Samyang Foods Samyang Ramen Spicy Flavor

This last year I’ve really fallen for Samyang Ramen – both the regular and spicy version. It’s a bit different from most South Korean varieties as they usually lean towards beef, these have a ham flavor. The thick, chewy noodles and the rich and very tasty broth bring these to this list this year, and while I type this, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Original review Get it here

#1: Gookmul Knight Of Ribs

With imagery heralding to days of yore, a very unique and tasty one from South Korea tops this year’s list. A thick noodle is complimented with a retort pouch (a metallic sachet) which brings a sweet and savory sauce full of real pork – really like a pulled-pork noodle. What’s surprising is that this was the first variety I’ve found with one of these from South Korea – and it was excellent. Original review Get it here

#3030: Nongshim Shin Black Spicy Rich Bone Broth Flavor – South Korea

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Here’s one I found at the new T&T Supermarket in Lansdowne Center up in Richmond, BC. A Shin Black bowl! I knew they must exist; I mean, there’s generally a pack, cup and bowl for everything that comes out of South Korea. Well, here it is. What’s interesting is that this isn’t available in the United States, and up in Canada it’s not a product of the Nongshim China factory, which most bowls up there seem to be.

I don’t know if I’ve seen it referred to as ‘spicy rich bone broth flavor’ either, but as ‘spicy pot au feu’ in the past. Also something interesting to note is that this one’s microwavable. Anyways a neat find and sounds like something neat to try today. Let’s get started.

Nongshim Shin Black Bowl – South Korea

Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains beef, pork, shrimp and fish. To prepare, remove lid and add in sachet contents. Fill to line with room temperature water. Microwave (1000W) for 4 minutes. Finally, stir and enjoy!

Detail of the lid (click to enlarge).

The noodle block.

Loose bits from inside the cup.

A soup base sachet.

A spicy scented powder.

Another dry sachet.

A light powder.

Finished (click to enlarge). Added Chinese sausage, scallion and Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts. Noodles hydrated well and had a great texture to them from the microwave. Broth had that standard Shin Black flavor – no surprises here. Tasty! 5.0 out of 5.0 stars. UPC bar code 031146042517.

NongShim S h i n B l a c k Noodle Soup, Spicy, 2.64 OZ (Pack of 6)

Watch me cook this one up on an episode of Instant Noodle Recipe Time!

#2959: Nongshim Shin Ramyun (Japanese Version)

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Today we have a Zenpop.JP variety – so what’s Zenpop? They’re a subscription service for all things Japanese! Definitely, check them out. By the way, use coupon code RAMENRATER to get $2 off! Here’s what they had to say about this one –

“Ramen noodles in Korean-style hot chili soup. As you can imagine from the packaging, it’s pretty hot! But tasty! Topped with shiitake mushroom, green onion, and carrot. Have a glass of water ready before you eat!”

Curious if this will be any different from the other versions out there. Let’s find out!

Nongshim Shin Ramyun – Japan

Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains chicken and pork. To prepare, add boiling water to fill line and cover for 3 minutes. Add in sachet contents. Finally, stir and enjoy!

Detail of the lid (click to enlarge).

The noodle block.

The soup base sachet.

A spicy scented powder.

Loose bits from inside the cup.

Finished (click to enlarge). Added chashu, Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, hard oiled egg, spring onion and shichimi togarashi. The noodles came out slightly spongy. They’re thick and soak up a lot of the broth’s flavor, which is a plus. The broth has a spicy heat and a slightly bitter back to it. Expected something a little different but seems like standard Shin Ramyun cup form. 3.5 out of 5.0 stars. JAN bar code 8801043030694.

NongShim Shin Cup Noodle Soup, Gourmet Spicy, 2.64 Ounce (Pack of 12)

A Shin Ramyun TV spot

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2018 Edition

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UPDATE: Here’s the new 2019 List!

Kicking off Top Ten List season, I bring you the South Korean Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time for 2018. I looked at how many varieties from South Korea I’ve reviewed to date and got 326 so far. South Korean varieties continue to evolve and innovate in different ways in order to satisfy the changing needs and tastes of the consumer – definitely keeps things interesting. As always, I ask any companies, whether in South Korea or elsewhere – that would like me to review their products to send me an email! I am happy to talk to you! Without further delay, let’s have a look at the Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles list for 2018 – the best South Korean varieties available out of the over 360 South Korean varieties from the over 2,500 varieties of instant noodles I’ve reviewed thus far.

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodle Of All Time 2018 Edition

Video Presentation

A video presentation of the Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodles Of All Time 2018 Edition.

The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten South Korean Instant Noodle Of All Time 2018 Edition

#10: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black

#9: Paldo Cheese Noodle

#8: Nongshim Champong Noodle Soup Spicy Seafood Flavor

#7: Nongshim Neoguri Stir-fry Noodles Spicy Seafood

New to the market is Nongshim’s Neoguri Stir-Fry Noodles. Neoguri Spicy Seafood Soup is a long time favorite of many and now it’s been converted in this new version as a dry noodle, sans broth. To be honest, I like this much better – not only does it have the great flavor of Neoguri, it’s got a plethora of garnish included – featuring little pieces of fishcake with the raccoon mascot on them. Original review

#6: Paldo Rabokki Noodle

#5: Nongshin Chal Bibim Myun

Nongshim’s Chal Bibim Myun is a cold noodle which is great anytime, but especially during the summer months. A kind of sweet and spicy sauce coats the noodles and is also refreshing at the same time. Pairs very well with fresh cucumber and hard boiled egg. Original review

#4: Ottogi Jin Jjambbong Spicy Seafood Ramyun

Ottogi’s Jin series added a couple of new varieties recently, and this is my favorite of the two. During a recent trip to Taipei, I went to a restaurant called Love Instant Noodles where they doll up packs of instant noodles and serve them piping hot. This is the one I chose from their selection. Jjambbong is a kind of spicy stew and this one has a nice kind of grilled flavor to it, alongside the popular broader ramyun currently spreading around – great stuff! Original review

#3: Paldo Budae Jjigae

Here we have last year’s #1 on this list and it is also on the annual The Ramen Rater’s Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2017 annual list. So, what’s Budae Jjigae? Well, take donated rations from US soldiers from the Korean War and mix them with the local South Korean cuisine. This interesting fusion works so well including tastes from both cultures. Original review

#2: Ottogi Budae Jjigae Ramen

#1: Samyang Foods Paegaejang Ramen

The number one this is year is Samyang Foods Pagaejang. This is a very tasty beef noodle with strong flavor – a hearty broth and rich taste. The noodles are just perfect for me – a nice light outer edge and chewier insides. Definitely one to try and I hope it comes to the United States for all here to sample. Original review

#2533: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black (SK Version)

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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 –

Shin Ramyun/Ramyeon is a brand of instant noodle (including cup ramyeon) that is produced by a South Korean food company Nongshim since October, 1986. It is now exported to over 100 countries, and is the highest selling instant noodle brand in South Korea.

Shin Ramyun is well known for its spicy flavor. It is produced in two kinds: Shin Ramyun,^[1] the original one, and Shin Ramyun Black,^[2] which was introduced in 2011. A standard package of Shin Ramyun consists of noodles, a sachet of flavoring powder (soup base), and a sachet of vegetable flakes. Shin Ramyun Black contains extra beef stock soup.

Shin Ramyun was introduced in October 1986 by Nongshim. The Nongshim R&D team came up with the idea of Sogogijanguk, a Cabbage and Beef Stew, which is one of the most popular traditional South Korean dishes.^[3]

After Shin Ramyun was introduced, Nongshim’s market share hit 46.3% in 1987, and exceeded 50% for the first time in 1988 (53.8%).^[4] With the market share of over 20% just by itself, Shin Ramyun is a leading brand of the instant noodles in Korea.

In 2015, Shin Ramyun has achieved 28 billion units sold since it was first introduced.^[5] Shin Ramyun is listed on the National Brand Consumption Index (NBCI)^[6] as the number 1 brand in South Korea (2012~2016) for its brand awareness and brand power.^[7]

The name of Shin Ramyun is from a Chinese character Shin (辛), which means “spicy.” Shin Ramyun uses red and black packaging with the emphasized calligraphic word “辛”.^[3] The meaning of the Chinese character is shown on the background of the package. Nongshim decided to emphasize the Chinese character Shin (辛) for their brand with a belief that a single Chinese character delivers the brand image better than written in Korean. Additionally, the character is the surname of both the founder of Nongshim and his elder brother, who started Lotte.

Ok bam there’s a little snippet of info. Indeed, Shin Ramyun is quite a phenomenon in the instant noodle world. Let’s check out it’s new companion, Shin Ramyun Black.

Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black – South Korea

Here’s the back of the package (click to enlarge). I think this contains beef. To prepare, add everything into a pot with 550ml boiling water and cook for 4 1/2 minutes. Finall,y stir and enjoy!

The round noodle block.

The powder base.

A lot of powder here.

The sul-long tang powder.

Light and powdery with a pleasant scent.

The vegetables sachet.

A groovy mixture.

Finished (click to enlarge). Added Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, stewed beef and egg. The noodles hydrated very nicely – good thickness and chew – excellent ramyun. The broth is quite good. You have the spicy side and the smooth side – kind of creamy Shin Ramyun with garlic; more savory. The vegetables they include hydrate well. Very good! 5.0 out of 5.0 stars. EAN bar code

Original Korea Nongshim Shin Black Noodle Soup (Pack of 4)

A timely Shin Ramyun TV spot

#2504: Nongshim Shin Ramyun (South Korean)

1 Reply

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 –

Shin Ramyun/Ramyeon is a brand of instant noodle (including cup ramyeon) that is made by South Korean food company Nongshim since October, 1986. It now exports to over 100 countries, and is the highest selling instant noodle brand in South Korea.

Shin Ramyun is well popular for its spicy flavor. It is produced in two kinds: Shin Ramyun,^[1] the original one, and Shin Ramyun Black,^[2] which was introduced in 2011. A standard package consists of noodles, a sachet of flavoring powder (soup base), and a sachet of vegetable flakes. Shin Ramyun Black contains extra beef stock soup.

In 2015 it has risen to 28 billion units sold since its first introduction.^[5] Shin Ramyun is listed on the National Brand Consumption Index (NBCI)^[6] as the number 1 brand in South Korea (2012~2016) for its brand awareness and brand power.^[7]

As you can see, its definitely what you can call a success story. It’s probably one of the most popular instants around. Let’s check out this South Korean version!

Nongshim Shin Ramyun – South Korea

Here’s the back of the package (click to enlarge). Unsure whether it contains meat or not. To prepare, add noodles block and sachet contents to 550ml boiling water and cook for 4 minutes. Finally, stir and enjoy!

The noodle block.

The soup base sachet.

The spicy soup base.

The vegetables sachet.

A nice mix of vegetables.

Finished (click to enlarge). Added beef, spring onion and Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts. The noodles come out really nice – a very standard ramyun – thicker and with a good chew. The broth has a spicy and beefy kind of taste, however I’m getting a lot of mushroom and a burnt kind of bitterness as well. It’s been a long time since I’ve had Shin Ramyun and honestly, I’m not too enthused. Now everyone hates me. 3.0 out of 5.0 stars. EAN bar code 8801043014809.

Korea Noodle Pot / Aluminum Pot 6.3″(16cm)/ Traditional HOT POT

A TV spot for the iconic product.

#2248: Nongshim Shin Noodle Soup

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Every year in January I come out with a Top Ten list of South Korean varieties. Much to the disappointment and anger of many people, this will never be on that list. Why? Simple. It’s made in the United States. People have debated me into the dirt on it too ‘so, why does it matter?’ Well, if I put Nissin top Ramen on the Top Ten Japanese list that would be a little ridiculous, wouldn’t it? The differences between the Nongshim Shin Cup manufactured here and manufactured in South Korea might be only geographic and packaging, but those are the rules. This could be on the Top Ten Made In The USA list at some point (I haven’t come out with a new one of those lists in a while – maybe next year perhaps). I’m working on getting some South Korean varieties soon, so I guess we’ll see this January!

Anyways, this is a pretty ubiquitous cup around the United States. A lot of people are huge fans of Shin Noodle Soup (aka the soup formerly known as Shin Ramyun). I must admit I really like the name change; I’ve seen so many people call it Shin Ramen – this isn’t ramen – it’s ramyun. I guess instead of continuing to allow this incorrect nomenclature, changing it to noodle soup makes a lot more sense. Let’s see what’s in here!

Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains beef and anchovy. To prepare, add in contents of sachet. Add room temp water to fill line and microwave at 1000W for 3 minutes. stir and enjoy!

Detail of the lid (click to enlarge).

The noodle block.

The soup base sachet.

The spicy reddish powder.

Some of the vegetables from inside the cup.

Finished (click to enlarge). Added Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, spring onion, beef, tteokbokki (ricecake), processed cheese. The noodles came out really well microwaved. Everything was hydrated perfectly. The noodles have a light chew – definitely now as chewy as the ramyun in the packs but still very nice. The broth has the signature Shin taste to it – spicy with beef and mushroom notes. The included vegetables were of good size and quality and hydrated nicely. 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. UPC bar code 031146270606.

Nongshim Shin Cup Noodle Soup, Gourmet Spicy, 2.64 Ounce (Pack of 12)

I find this fascinating – a recipe from Nongshim to make Rice Krispies Treats using Shin Ramyun Black!

#1678: Nongshim Shin Black Spicy Pot-Au-Feu Flavor (New Edition)

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It’s been a long time since I’ve reviewed Nongshim Shin Black – and it’s gotten a packaging facelift. This is made here in the USA in Rancho Cucamonga, California! This is the ‘flagship’ of their new line of ‘Black Class Noodle Soup’ varieties. This one’s got neww clothes – but is it still the same underneath? Let’s have a look at this dressed up pack of Nongshim Shin Black noodles!

Here’s the back of the package (click image to enlarge). Contains beef. To prepare, boil 550ml water and add contents of package. Cook 4-5 minutes (I’ll be doing 4.5 minutes), stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

The noodle block.

The spicy soup base sachet.

Has a spicy scent.

A sul-long-tang soup base sachet.

Has a very nice garlic and beef scent.

The vegetables sachet/.

A nice mix!

Finished (click image to enlarge). Added beef, egg, spring onion and mung bean sprouts. The noodles are thick and chewy as ramyun always should be. There'[s a lot of them and they are very good. The broth is a strong beef and garlic affair with a good hit of spiciness to it. What I really liked are the vegetables – mushrooms are present as well as a ton of sliced garlic – which hydrates to a crisp fresh pinnacle of yumminess. A great bowl of ramyun! 5.0 out of 5.0 stars. UPC bar code 031146013524.

Nongshim Shin Black Noodle Soup, 4.58 Ounce Packages (Pack of 18)

A TV spot for Nongshim Shin Black.

#1563: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup (New Edition)

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Before you go crazy and say ‘what you’ve never reviewed Shin Ramyun before,’ just listen for a second. So this is the new packaging they rolled out recently. I thought it was worth as whole new review as they’be had the old packaging on this one for eons and eons.

Here is the old packaging. As you can see, the new one’s very red. Red and angry! Rrawr! Let’s get cooking!

Here’s the back of the package (click image to enlarge). Contains beef. To prepare, add noodle block and contents of sachets to 550ml boiling water and cook 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

The noodle block.

The soup base sachet.

Smells spicy!

The vegetables sachet.

Looks like green onion, mushroom and a little pepper possibly.

Finished (click image to enlarge). Added beef and sweet onion sauteed in soy sauce and some sliced spring onion. The noodles are thick and luxuriant as well as plentiful. Good chew. The broth has a nice kind of beef flavor with a nice heat to it that is accessible to many. The vegetables are a nice touch as well. I don’t know if it’s different from the old packaged version, but I sure enjoyed it today. 4.25 out of 5.0 stars.UPC bar code 031146150601.

This is one seriously ubiquitous product – however if you can’t find it, your can get it here.

A Nongshim Shin Ramyun TV commercial from South Korea.

#1443: Nongshim Harmony Korean Spicy Noodle Dish With Chipotle

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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!

The Ramen Rater Ramyun Burger Makes The Front Page!

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I got a big envelope int he mail today…

The K Herald is a supplement that goes to certain zip codes in the Los Angeles Times. It came out last Friday! Click here to check out the full article. Thanks to Michelle Y. Cho at K-Herald!

#1187: Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup (South Korean version)

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Here we have a Shin Ramyun cup – this one was bought in South Korea and brought back to me by Kristen W. or Arizona – thanks! Let’s check it out!

Here are the side panels (click image to enlarge). The version sold in the US contains beef, so I am assuming this one does as well.

The noodle block.

Soup base sachet.

Spicy and smells good.

Some bits of veg from the bottom of the cup.

Finished (click image to enlarge). Added green onions and processed cheese. The noodles were pretty good – a little spongy. The broth was excellent though – nice spicy and rich flavor. 3.5 out of 5.0 stars.UPC bar code 8801043015714.

[AMAZONPRODUCTS asin=”B000LQNK6E”]Here is the US version – looks to be about the same. [/AMAZONPRODUCTS]

My son really likes Minecraft – I’ll have to show him this!