Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably come across videos or stories surrounding a very particular type of spicy noodles from South Korea.
While not everyone can stand the heat of chili peppers, many enjoy the rush and are obsessed with trying as many hot foods as possible. I think that’s why this Samyang ramen caught on so quickly and has remained a popular choice for many, even years after it went viral. So, what’s with all the hype surrounding Korean fire noodles?
To deliver the answer, my buddy and I created this site to give you ALL the information you need to know.
We’ve lived in South Korea for years and have been able to closely monitor the situation. It’s always fun for us to visit a convenience store like CU or GS25 in Seoul and see a new flavor because that means we get to come back here and work on typing up some updates you. So without any further delay, let’s get started.
What are Korean Fire Noodles?
Korean fire noodles are an internet-famous dish created by the Samyang Foods company in South Korea.
Established in 1961, Samyang Foods, Inc. produced Korea’s first ramen in 1963. The 60s saw food shortages in Korea, so the company sought to create something to overcome them. Decades later, ramen is the second most popular food staple for the country. I’m assuming kimchi is considered the first.
The actual product name of the original spicy ramen used in many of the internet videos is Buldak Bokkeum Myun, which translates roughly to “hot chicken stir-fried noodles.”
Although Samyang produces a variety of ramen flavors, the internet grabbed hold of this particular hot spicy noodle flavor, making it the brand’s leading K-Food (their word, not mine). Now they export their noodles and snacks across the globe to hungry fans and curious netizens just like you.
The company has capitalized on the demand for their spicy noodles by creating more flavors under the hot chicken family. You can now try Samyang ramen versions like Cheese, Curry, and the spiciest — 2x Nuclear. Let’s take a detailed look at each of them now.
Where to find Samyang Ramen near me?
If you live outside of Korea and are searching for where to buy Korean fire noodles, you will probably find that your local Asian food market might carry some varieties. As mentioned at the top of the page, Samyang is exporting their ramen and snacks all over the globe.
Noodles at your local Asian food market may be overpriced and they may carry limited quantities, but you might just get lucky. Doing a quick search online for local Asian food markets in your area should give you a better idea of what’s around you. The search results should include phone numbers, so if the marts aren’t within walking distance or a quick drive, it’s a good idea to call ahead and see what’s available.
Cities like Los Angeles and New York City have Korea-towns that are almost certain to have shops that will carry what you’re looking for. Since there will most likely be multiple places that carry Samyang, shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Buldak Bokkeum Myun (Curry Flavor)
First off, curry here refers to the Japanese/Korean version of the thick, stew-type curry — reminiscent of Indian curries. If you’re feeling adventurous and have tried the original variety, give this one a try. It’s not quite as spicy, but it’s still a good idea to have a glass of milk handy. Cheers!
FAQ
Is cheese Samyang less spicy?
How spicy is Samyang cheese Scoville?