Today we’re diving into Samyang’s original orange-packaged ramen, a product that’s been around since 1963 and is often regarded as the blueprint for red chili Korean instant soups. Given how much I enjoyed their Buldak Carbonara, I’m curious to see how this more traditional offering stacks up. This is the company’s flagship noodle product, and it seems like every major Korean instant noodle brand has their own take on this style, including Nongshim Shin, which I referenced heavily in this episode as a benchmark.
This one came from a Cokoyam jumbo combo pack, which is no longer available, but it’s widely available online and at many Asian supermarkets. You can expect to pay around $5 to $10 for a 5-pack depending on the store.
Although it’s sometimes advertised as a “spicy beef” flavor, this specific version doesn’t contain beef extract and appears to be vegan, and in actuality is marketed as a “spicy ham” flavor instead. It’s also labeled halal, though your mileage may vary depending on the region or vendor. Inside the package you’ll find a square block of thinner noodles, a soup base packet, and a dried flake packet with cabbage, bok choy, carrot, and chives. There are apparently no scallions listed here, because yes, chives and scallions are not the same thing. The sodium content clocks in at a bold 1930mg, which is 80% of the daily recommended intake.
Noodles:
These are thinner than what I’ve seen from Samyang’s Buldak series, but they hold up surprisingly well. Chewy with a nice bite, they stay firm throughout the bowl. A solid showing.
• 7/10
Spiciness:
This hits in the same general range as Nongshim Shin, maybe just a notch below. The chili flavor is front and center, with a nice smoky undertone likely from smoked paprika. It’s not overpowering, but it’s got presence.
• 5/10
Overall:
This is a really impressive bowl of noodles. The broth has a unique smoky quality that sets it apart from similar Korean red soups, and it’s chili-forward without being aggressively spicy. While it might not dethrone Shin as my go-to (largely due to availability), there’s actually a bit more going on flavor-wise here. It’s salty, sure, but that salt is working in service of depth, not just intensity. I’d gladly grab this again, especially if I’m ordering online or spot it at an H-Mart. Definitely recommended, particularly for those looking for a vegan or halal option in this category.
• 7.5/10
If you’re building a Korean ramen comparison lineup, this one absolutely belongs in the mix.
Notes since filming: After a very long gap of not buying this, I finally got around to reviewing the Korean version of this flavor right here, and it’s even more incredible. Don’t sleep on trying this flavor if you enjoy the idea of a smoky, spicy soup.
