๐ฐ๐ทHey there, K-food lovers! ๐You’ve probably heard of Korean culture taking the world by storm โ K-pop, K-dramas, Korean movies… and let’s not forget the food!
๐คค Korean cuisine offers so many delicious flavors, but one item that’s become a global superstar is, without a doubt, Korean Ramyeon (๋ผ๋ฉด), also known as Ramyun or instant noodles!It’s quick, easy to make, incredibly versatile, and packs a punch of flavor that people just can’t get enough of.
While there are hundreds of different Korean ramyeon out there, a few have become absolute legends, particularly among international fans!Ready to find out which ones made the list? These are the top 3 Korean ramyeon that foreigners around the world seem to love the most, based on popularity, online buzz, and deliciousness! Let’s dive in! ๐๐ฅ
1. The Undisputed Global Classic: Shin Ramyun (์ ๋ผ๋ฉด)
* Manufacturer: Nongshim (๋์ฌ)
* Why Foreigners Love It: For many international fans, Shin Ramyun is their first taste of Korean ramyeon. It’s the most widely available Korean ramyeon outside of Korea and has built a solid reputation as the classic spicy Korean noodle soup. It’s the benchmark!
* Key Characteristics/Taste: Shin Ramyun features a rich, savory beef-flavored broth with a clear, spicy kick.
It’s not insanely hot compared to some others, but it has a satisfying, warming heat that is incredibly addictive.
The noodles are perfectly chewy, and it comes with dried flakes including mushrooms, green onion, and carrots. It’s the quintessential Korean spicy soup noodle experience. ๐ฒ
* Popularity Info: Shin Ramyun is a global phenomenon. You can find it in pretty much any Asian grocery store, many international food aisles in mainstream supermarkets, and countless online shops worldwide.
It consistently ranks as one of the best-selling ramyeon internationally and is the most recognizable Korean ramyeon brand.
* Where to Find It & Price (General): Everywhere! Seriously, if you’re looking for Korean ramyeon outside of Korea, Shin Ramyun is the easiest to find. Prices vary by country and store, but typically range from $1 to $2 USD per pack. Multi-packs (usually 4 or 5 packs) offer better value.
* Tip/How to Enjoy: Shin Ramyun is perfect on its own, but adding an egg cracked right into the boiling soup is a popular Korean way to enjoy it. You can also add sliced rice cakes (tteok), mandu (dumplings), or whatever vegetables you have on hand! Pairs amazingly with kimchi.
๐ฅ๐ฅข๐ฅ 2. The Viral Sensation: Buldak Bokkeummyeon (๋ถ๋ญ๋ณถ์๋ฉด) Series
* Manufacturer: Samyang Foods (์ผ์์ํ)
* Why Foreigners Love It: This ramyeon series exploded in popularity globally thanks to the “Spicy Noodle Challenge” on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
It became famous for its extreme, often painfully spicy flavor. People love challenging themselves (and their friends!) with the intense heat. Beyond the challenge, the unique savory-sweet-spicy flavor is genuinely addictive for those who can handle the heat.
* Key Characteristics/Taste: Unlike Shin Ramyun, Buldak Bokkeummyeon is a stir-fried noodle (๋ณถ์๋ฉด), meaning you drain the water after cooking and mix in the sauce.
The flavor is based on spicy chicken (Buldak means “fire chicken”).
The original is very spicy, but variations like 2x Spicy (ํต๋ถ๋ญ) are legendary for their extreme heat. There are also less spicy or different flavored versions like Carbonara, Cheese, Jjajang (black bean), and Kimchi, offering variety within the brand.
The noodles are thicker and chewier than average. ๐ถ๏ธ๐ฅ๐
* Popularity Info: This series is a modern icon of Korean spiciness. Its popularity is driven heavily by social media trends and word-of-mouth.
It represents the “extreme” side of K-spicy and is particularly popular among younger consumers internationally.
* Where to Find It & Price (General): Widely available in Asian grocery stores and increasingly in international sections of larger supermarkets.
You’ll definitely find it online. Prices are typically slightly higher than classic ramyeon like Shin Ramyun, ranging from $1.50 to $3 USD per pack, depending on the specific variation and location.
* Tip/How to Enjoy:
For the soup-less versions, adding cheese or a fried egg on top is a common way to balance the heat and add creaminess.
Many enjoy mixing different Buldak flavors together or using the sauce on other foods! If you’re new to super spicy, start with a milder variation or use only half the sauce packet!
๐ง๐ณ๐ฌ
3. The Movie Star: Chapagetti (์งํ๊ฒํฐ)
* Manufacturer: Nongshim (๋์ฌ)
* Why Foreigners Love It: Chapagetti was already popular in Korea, but its global fame skyrocketed after being featured in the Oscar-winning movie ‘Parasite’.
The dish “Chapaguri” (์งํ๊ตฌ๋ฆฌ, also known as “Ram-Don” in the movie’s English subtitles), which mixes Chapagetti and Neoguri ramyeon, caught everyone’s attention.
Foreigners love it because it offers a completely different, non-spicy Korean noodle experience and is linked to a famous movie.
* Key Characteristics/Taste:
Chapagetti is based on Jjajangmyeon (์ง์ฅ๋ฉด), Korean black bean sauce noodles. It’s a sweet and savory flavor, similar to a Chinese-style black bean sauce but adapted for instant noodles.
It’s another stir-fried noodle type. It has a unique slightly sweet, slightly bitter, and deeply savory profile.
It’s not spicy at all, making it a great option for those who prefer savory over spicy. ๐ค๐ฅข
* Popularity Info: Its popularity surged internationally after ‘Parasite’ (2019) and remains high, especially as people recreate the “Chapaguri” dish.
It’s a staple in many international K-food hauls.
* Where to Find It & Price (General): Easily found in Asian grocery stores and online. Availability in mainstream supermarkets is growing, especially since the movie.
Prices are similar to Shin Ramyun, typically around $1 to $2 USD per pack.
* Tip/How to Enjoy:
The most famous way is to make Chapaguri! Follow recipes online to mix Chapagetti and Neoguri (usually one pack of each) โ often with steak added, as in the movie! You can also enjoy Chapagetti on its own, maybe adding some vegetables or a fried egg.
Try it with kimchi or danmuji (yellow pickled radish) โ it’s a classic pairing in Korea! ๐ฅฉ๐ฅ๐๏ธ Where to Buy & Price Tips Globally!Finding these top 3 ramyeon outside of Korea is getting easier every day!
* Asian Grocery Stores: These are your best bet for finding the widest variety, including different flavors of Buldak and multi-packs at good prices.
* International Supermarket Aisles: Many larger supermarkets now have international food sections, and Korean ramyeon, especially Shin Ramyun and Buldak, are common finds.
* Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and dedicated Asian food online stores ship worldwide and often have a huge selection.
* Prices: As mentioned, prices vary a lot depending on your country, the store, and whether you buy a single pack or a multi-pack. Generally, Korean ramyeon is very affordable compared to eating out. Multi-packs (4 or 5 packs) are always cheaper per serving than buying single packs.
* Discounts: Don’t expect big percentage-off sales like clothing stores. Discounts are usually found in the form of multi-packs offering better value, or sometimes special promotions at supermarkets.
โจ Which One Will You Try?Whether you love fiery heat, classic spicy soup, or savory non-spicy flavors, there’s a popular Korean ramyeon for you! These top 3 are beloved by international fans for great reasons โ their unique tastes, exciting popularity, and widespread availability.
Shin Ramyun is the essential starting point, Buldak is the thrilling challenge, and Chapagetti offers that famous movie magic and a break from the spice.Have you tried any of these? Which is your favorite? Or is there another Korean ramyeon you love? Share in the comments below!
๐Grab a pack (or three!) and enjoy a delicious taste of Korea right in your own home. Happy slurping!
๐ฅข#KoreanFood #KoreanRamyeon #ShinRamyun #Buldak #Chapagetti #KoreanSnacks
