Instant noodles aren’t just easy to make. They’re also extremely delicious, especially if they’re the best Korean instant noodles of 2022! You may be familiar with Nongshim but have you heard of other brands like Pulmuone and Ottogi? Read on to find out more about the best Korean instant noodles you have to taste at least once in your life!
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Which is the most famous ramen in Korea?
While Korea is known for its myriad of food choices, one of those that you’ll always come across is its instant noodles. Since instant noodles are easy to make, some brands have adapted traditional Korean ramen recipes so more people can consume them from anywhere. You won’t ever have to scour for ingredients just to make complex soup broths with some of the best Korean instant noodles of 2022 from these brands:
- Nongshim
- Pulmuone
- Ottogi
- Samyang
- Paldo
Is Japanese or Korean ramen better?
Both Japanese and Korean instant noodles are commonly referred to as ramen. However, there are tons of differences between the two that make each unique in their own way!
Japanese instant ramen tend to have milder flavours as compared to their Korean counterparts. Think of your favourite tonkotsu or miso ramen and compare these to kimchi noodles or jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles). Also, Korean instant ramen usually have a spice factor in their soup broths. This could either be in the form of chilli paste or some peppery powder added to the ramen.
Another thing you’d notice is how Korean ramen broths are made with processed ingredients like kimchi, chilli paste, black bean paste and more. Alternatively, making Japanese ramen broths usually involve raw ingredients like pork and beef bones, vegetables or seafood to create a thick soup base.
Generally, go for Japanese instant ramen if you feel like having something simpler for your meal. And if you’re craving for richer flavours, Korean instant noodles would be your best bet!
Which Korean noodle is the spiciest?
From kimchi soup broths to black bean noodles, a general rule of thumb is to note that almost all Korean instant noodles are spicy. But the spiciest would usually be kimchi instant noodles. This is due to the chilli paste used in the making of kimchi. Following that would be other noodles like jjampong as these tend to be seasoned with peppery spices. If you can’t take any spice, go for jjajangmyeon as these are made with black bean pastes that are sweet and savoury.
With that said, if we have to pinpoint to one specific instant noodle that will set your mouth ablaze, it will have to be the Samyang Hot Chicken Ramen (#12). They’re extremely hot, so it’s best to prepare some milk before diving into one of these!
Best Korean instant noodles: Nongshim
1. Nongshim Ansungtangmyun
If you love doenjang jjigae (soybean soup), you’ll love the Nongshim Ansungtangyum (available on Koryo Mart & K-Market Official Store). This is one of the best-tasting Korean instant noodles of 2022 thanks to its rich beef stock. The flavour essence has been wholly extracted from beef bones and meat to create a scrumptious soup base. The addition of soybean paste and chilli makes the broth more complex and delicious too, which explains why Nongshim is one of the best Korean instant noodle brands!
2. Nongshim Sarigomtangmyun
Most of the best Korean instant noodles tend to be spicy, so the Nongshim Sarigomtangmyun (available on Shopee Supermarket) is a great alternative if you’re looking for something non-spicy. This Nongshim ramen is one of the best Korean instant ramen options that feature a decadent beef broth with just the right amount of saltiness. Moreover, the noodles here are exceptionally thick and chewy, so you’ll definitely get that QQ feel with the Nongshim Sarigomtangmyun!
3. Nongshim Jjapagetti
The Nongshim Jjapagetti (available on Koryo Mart & K-Market Official Store) is one of the best jajangmyeon instant noodles thanks to its authentic black bean flavour. Jjapagetti is a combination of jajangmyeon and spaghetti, so you’ll get those pasta-like noodles that are thick and chewy in this Korean instant ramen! This is also the best Korean instant noodles of 2022 thanks to its flavourful black bean paste that all jajang lovers would enjoy.
4. Nongshim Spicy Mushroom Shin Ramyun
We can’t talk about the best Korean cup noodles without mentioning the Nongshim Spicy Mushroom Shin Ramyun (available on Shopee Supermarket)! The Shin Ramyun instant noodles feature a delicious soup broth with hints of mushroom and seafood. The soup broth here also has a lovely kick of spice that isn’t too overpowering, so you don’t have to worry even if you have a low tolerance for spice!
5. Nongshim Korean Kimchi Ramyun
No Korean meal is complete without kimchi. So you definitely have to bag the Nongshim Kimchi Ramyun (available on Shopee Supermarket) for an authentic Korean meal! This is one of the best Korean instant kimchi ramen that features a spicy and slightly sour broth. The main difference between the Nongshim Shin Ramyun and the Kimchi Ramyun is how the latter’s broth has a hint of smokiness. The Nongshim Kimchi Ramyun also has a spicier broth, but it’s not too overwhelming, so you’ll still get hints of acidity from the kimchi.
6. Nongshim Korean Kimchi Dried Noodles
Not a fan of soupy instant noodles? Go for the Nongshim Korean Kimchi Dried Noodles (available on Shopee Supermarket) instead! Instead of a kimchi broth, the rich and sour flavours are condensed into a sauce. Simply cook your noodles and pour the sauce all over to coat every strand of noodle. These are the best Korean instant noodles of 2022 thanks to the accompanying dehydrated kimchi flakes. The kimchi flakes are still sour, so you’ll get a truly authentic kimchi flavour with these Nongshim Korean Kimchi Dried Noodles!
7. Nongshim Neoguri Cup Noodle
Look no further than the Nongshim Neoguri (available on Koryo Mart & K-Market Official Store) for the best Korean cup noodles! This cup noodle has a fragrant broth that’s full of seafood and seaweed flavours. The Nongshim Neoguri’s rich soup broth is further enhanced by the dried seaweed and thick piece of kombu. We especially love how there are pieces of fishcake in the Nongshim Neoguri. It’s no wonder that this is one of the best Korean instant noodles of 2022!
8. Nongshim Spicy Buckwheat Noodles
(Credit: Lee Mart)
If you’re a fan of naengmyeon, you’ll love the Nongshim Spicy Buckwheat Noodles (available on Lee Mart)! Naengmyeon usually features buckwheat noodles that are steeped in an icy, cold broth. But the Nongshim Spicy Buckwheat Noodles are a dry version where gochujang (red chilli paste) coats every strand of noodles. These are the best Korean instant buckwheat noodles of 2022 because the gochujang sauce offers a lovely kick of spiciness that enhances the entire dish.
9. Nongshim Chapaguri
Riding on the waves of award-winning Korean movie Parasite, the Nongshim Chapaguri (available on Shopee Supermarket) is truly one of the best Korean cup noodles you must get your hands on! While the film refers to the Chapaguri as ram-don, these noodles are simply a combination of black bean noodles and Neoguri ramen. The result? The best jajangmyeon instant noodles with a spicy seafood flavour that’s common with Neoguri ramen!
10. Nongshim Budae Jjigae Ramyun
We love Korean Army Stew but it’s usually offered in large servings, so you’ll have to share the entire pot with friends. But you can now have a solo serving at home with the Nongshim Budae Jjigae Ramyun (available on Shopee Supermarket)! Usually featuring canned food, this best Korean instant ramen includes dehydrated luncheon meat. You can also add sausages and other processed food to complement this best Korean instant noodles! The Nongshim Budae Jjigae Ramyun’s broth is also just as delightful, with a savoury and spicy flavour that’s similar to those served in restaurants.
Best Korean instant noodles: Samyang
11. Samyang Korea Gomtang Ramen
Beef soup fans will love the Samyang Korea Gomtang Ramen (available on Samyang Singapore Official Store). These are the best Korean instant noodles of 2022 because of the flavourful soup broth. The soup broth contains all the essence of beef! And because of its milkiness, you can be assured that this is the best-tasting beef soup broth that no other Korean instant noodle can beat!
12. Samyang Hot Chicken Ramen
The Samyang Hot Chicken Ramen (available on Shopee Supermarket) is one of the spiciest Korean instant noodles. So if you love spice, this Samyang one is the best Korean instant ramen noodles to go for! Despite the chilli, this best Korean cup noodle is extremely flavourful and you can still pick up the taste of chicken. Nevertheless, you can simply use half of the spicy sauce packet to enjoy these best Korean instant noodles of 2022!
13. Samyang Potato Ramen
The Samyang Potato Ramen (available on snackial.sg) is one of the best Korean instant ramen that’s vegan-friendly. Made with potatoes, the noodles in the Samyang Potato Ramen are chewy and springy, so you won’t have to worry about overcooking these! These Korean instant ramen has a savoury broth that’s extremely addictive. These Samyang Noodles are also highly-raved as the broth tastes somewhat beefy and has a peppery flavour.
14. Samyang Hot Chicken Cream Carbonara
If you can’t take the heat from the Samyang Hot Chicken Ramen (#12), go for the Samyang Hot Chicken Cream Carbonara (available on Shopee Supermarket). Both spicy and decadently creamy, this is no doubt one of the best Korean cup noodles! We love the Samyang Hot Chicken Cream Carbonara since the creaminess allows us to enjoy the chicken flavour better. You won’t have to sweat with these best Korean instant noodles that are just as delicious as the original version!
15. Samyang Jjajang Ramen
Did you know that Samyang also has some of the best jajangmyeon instant noodles? The Samyang Jjajang Ramen (available on Samyang Singapore Official Store) is the best Korean instant noodles with authentic black bean flavours! The aromatic black bean sauce is savoury with the right amount of sweetness. We especially love how the Samyang Jjajang Ramen’s noodles are chewy and springy, so you’ll definitely get the best jjajangmyeon with these Korean instant noodles!
16. Samyang Hot Chicken Curry Ramen
Japanese curry is all the rage but have you tried the Samyang Hot Chicken Curry Ramen (available on Shopee Supermarket)? These are the best Korean instant noodles of 2022 that taste remarkably like Japanese curry – except more spicy. But even so, they’re still not as spicy as the Samyang Hot Chicken Ramen (#12), so rest assured that you won’t have to keep reaching for water or milk to ease that spice!
17. Samyang Rose Buldak Noodles
Capitalising on the growing popularity of rosé among Korean foodies, Samyang has launched a spicy, rosé-flavoured ramen. While the creamy pink sauce is more commonly associated with pasta, it works just as well with ramen. So if you’re still on the hunt for the best Korean instant noodles of 2022, then you have to give these Samyang Rose Buldak Noodles (available on Dynamic Marketplace) a try! Made of high quality ingredients sourced from all over the world, these noodles promise to pack a punch.
Best Korean instant noodles: Pulmuone
18. Pulmuone Spicy Beef Soup
Pulmuone Spicy Beef Soup (available on Shopee Supermarket) is one of the best Korean instant noodles of 2022 because of its delicious broth. The essence of beef can be tasted with each mouthful of soup and the flavour is enhanced by the spice that isn’t too overpowering. Moreover, Pulmuone Spicy Beef Soup isn’t too salty, so it’s perfect for those who prefer simple-tasting instant noodles.
19. Pulmuone Cold Noodle Ramen
What we love about the Pulmuone Cold Noodle Ramen (available on LIVIART Korean Food and Beauty Shop) is how the noodles are air-dried instead. This means that the noodles haven’t been pre-fried, so it’s healthier. Air drying has also allowed little pores to develop, so these noodles are thus able to fully absorb flavours from the included sauce. It’s no wonder that these are the best Korean instant ramen. Additionally, these noodles feature a red pepper paste that’s sweet and flavourful. The taste is further enhanced by the sesame oil and especially an aged chilli sauce, thus making these the best-tasting Korean instant noodles of 2022!
Best Korean instant noodles: Ottogi
20. Ottogi Spicy Cheese Ramen
Cheesy ramen makes the best Korean instant noodles. Ottogi Spicy Cheese Ramen (available on Dynamic Marketplace) takes this up a notch by adding a spicy kick! The soup is spicy and has an umami flavour that isn’t too salty. With the cheese powder, you’ll end up with a soup that is ridiculously creamy and thus not that spicy. It’s no wonder that this Ottogi Ramen is one of the best Korean instant noodles of 2022!
21. Ottogi Yeul Ramen
Look no further than the Ottogi Yeul Ramen (available on Prestigio Delights) for the best Korean spicy cup noodles! The spice level of the Ottogi Yeul Ramen Bowl isn’t too overpowering. It tastes similar to Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun (#4), but boasts a spice that lingers in your mouth. You’ll get a delicious beef taste that is followed by the mild spice. So if you love mala then this is the best Korean instant ramen to go for!
22. Ottogi Jajangmyeon Noodles
Jjajangmyeon fans can rejoice with the Ottogi Jajangmyeon Noodles (available on Kobee Market, Korean Premium Shop)! You’ll only get the best jajangmyeon with these springy instant noodles that are thick and chewy. Apart from the amazing texture, the Ottogi Jajangmyeon Noodles have a black bean sauce that’s incredibly sweet and savoury. The sauce coats each noodle strand evenly so you’ll always get mouthfuls of aromatic black bean. The best thing about this Korean instant ramen is how onions are included. The onions add a layer of complexity that truly makes this the best Korean instant jajangmyeon noodles!
Best Korean instant noodles: Knorr
23. Knorr Hot & Spicy Seafood Ramen
Other than stock cubes, Knorr also offers some of the best Korean cup noodles. Their Hot & Spicy Seafood Ramen (available on Shopee Supermarket) carries a strong seafood flavour that reminds of jjampong (seafood noodle soup). Featuring squid and oyster, this fragrant broth is savoury and tasty. The blend of spices have also made this the best Korean cup noodles. In addition, the Knorr Hot & Spicy Seafood Ramen was specially made in Korea, so you’ll definitely get the most authentic flavours in this best Korean instant noodle of 2022.
24. Knorr Korean Spicy Ramen
Another one of the best Knorr Korean cup noodles is their Spicy Seafood Ramen (available on Shopee Supermarket). The Knorr Spicy Seafood Ramen has a yummy broth that contains all the essence of mussels, shrimp, crab and oyster. The broth is a lot more complex and it’s elevated by the blend of peppery spices that makes this one of the best spicy Korean instant noodles of 2022!
Best Korean instant noodles: Others
25. Mishik Jangin Ramen
Calling all Squid Game fans! Ever wanted to try the Mishik Jangin Ramen (available on mintnshop.sg) eaten by Lee Jung Jae in the show? As one of the best Korean instant noodles of 2022, they are dried in the wind after kneading. This removes most of the moisture and gives the noodles a firm shape. What’s more, it comes with a thick and deep chicken broth! Psst, check out these easy Korean recipes inspired by K-dramas for other yummy options!
Slurp on the best Korean instant noodles of 2022
From Nongshim to Samyang, you’re bound to love these best Korean instant noodles of 2022. Head over to Shopee Supermarket and shop our wide selection of items for all your grocery needs. Remember to check out our 9.9 Super Shopping Day for exciting deals on your favourite Korean instant noodles! Tune into these best Korean dramas of 2022 as you feast and remember to complete your meal by using these Korean side dish recipes for banchan! Still up for more? Indulge in some of the best Korean snacks as you round up the perfect night!
This article was updated on 15 August 2022. Additional research done by Gabriel Choo.
