by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 66: Paldo Jjajangmen

Notes since filming:

This is the gold standard for mild jjajang (black bean) noodles. If you try this and don’t like it (which is totally cool; it can be an acquired taste), don’t bother with any other jjajangmen because you probably won’t like it.

Original video description:

Now that I know I’m a fan of black bean sauce, I thought I’d review what seems to be the most popular non-spicy variety currently on shelves. This heavy pack of noodles is Paldo’s Jjajangmen.

Links to purchase:
4-pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/paldo-instant-ramen-with-soybean-paste-4-packs-800g
https://www.hmart.com/10010008
https://smile.amazon.com/Paldo-Jjajangmen-Chajang-Noodle-4-pack/dp/B0112KDP6M

Check all sellers on Amazon and don’t overpay. Also check your local Asian grocery store!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 9/10
  • Spiciness: 0/10
  • Overall: 10/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 65: Trader Joe’s Instant Ramen Cups

Original video description:

I found out when I bought the Trader Joe’s Taiwanese noodles to review in the last video that they also carry a trio of instant ramen cups, so naturally I bought them to review as well. Anything seem odd about these to anyone else…? Watch this review for all sorts of surprises!

Scores:

Chicken flavor:

  • Noodles: 4/10
  • Spiciness: 0/10
  • Overall: 2/10

Miso flavor:

  • Noodles: 4/10
  • Spiciness: 0/10
  • Overall: 4/10

Spicy Miso flavor:

  • Noodles: 4/10
  • Spiciness: 2.5/10
  • Overall: 4.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 64: Trader Joe’s Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles with Soy and Sesame Sauce

Original video description:

If you’re a Trader Joe’s fan, you might not know that they have started carrying an exclusive Taiwanese noodle kit in their stores that appears to be a direct challenger to Momofuku’s noodle packs. So I thought it was worth reviewing Trader Joe’s Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles with Soy and Sesame Sauce to see how it stacks up to the competition. Check out this review for all the info you need!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 10/10
  • Spiciness: 2/10
  • Overall: 5.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 63: Nongshim K Army Stew

Notes since filming:

Truly one of the most love-it-or-hate-it flavors I’ve ever reviewed. Either you appreciate all of the bold, fishy, beany umami this has to offer, or you think it smells like rotten feet.

I can’t tell if this is discontinued or in short supply or what. Nongshim’s USA site removed all traces of it being a current product in the middle of 2024, and it was scarce for a while, and then I saw it come back in stock at my favorite Asian market. I honestly have no idea what’s going on with this flavor, but if you spot it and you are curious about the flavor, don’t hesitate to buy it in case it really does go away.

Original video description:

Ready to take a look at one of the wildest instant noodle packs you’ve ever seen? There’s no shortage of interesting ingredients (and potential meal applications) in Nongshim’s K-Army Stew.

Links to purchase:
4-pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/nongshim-k-army-style-noddle-soup-132g-4
https://smile.amazon.com/Nongshim-K-Army-Style-Noodle-4-62oz/dp/B084RR36RJ
https://ramenmall.com/products/nongshim-k-army-stew-style-family-pack-18-6oz

Check all sellers on Amazon and don’t overpay. Also check your local Asian grocery store!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 9/10
  • Spiciness: 5/10
  • Overall: 9.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 62: Samyang Buldak Quattro Cheese

Original video description:

After having a great experience with the super spicy Buldak Cheese, I wanted to know how one of Samyang’s newest Buldak flavors from 2022, this Quattro Cheese flavor, compares to it. Check out this review for all the details, and please excuse the orange cheese sauce that stained my fingers towards the end!

Links to purchase:
5-pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/buldak-quattro-cheese-hot-chicken-flavor-stir-fried-ramen-5-pack-x-4-76oz/1021096141
https://www.hmart.com/10010135
Bowl: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/buldak-quattro-cheese-hot-chicken-flavor-stir-fried-ramen-bowl-3-88oz/1021096151

Check all sellers on Amazon and don’t overpay. Also check your local Asian grocery store!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 6/10
  • Overall: 9/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 61: Samyang Buldak Cheese

Original video description:

Time to get back to the spicy stuff to kick off 2023! This time we’re going back to the omnipresent Buldak product line from Samyang to try their Cheese variety. There are endless debates about whether or not cheese belongs in instant noodles, so check out this review to see if this flavor works or is a flop.

Links to purchase:
5-pack: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/samyang-stir-fried-noodle-hot-spicy-chicken-cheese-flavor-ramen-5-packs-700g
https://www.hmart.com/10010046
https://smile.amazon.com/Samyang-Korean-Noodles-Buldak-Cheese-5Pack/dp/B07CL23WHH
Bowl: https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/samyang-stir-fried-noodle-hot-spicy-chicken-cheese-flavor-ramen-big-bowl-105g

Check all sellers on Amazon and don’t overpay. Also check your local Asian grocery store!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 7.5/10
  • Overall: 8.5/10