Noodle Journey Episode 95: Samyang Buldak Light Ramen

I’m looking at Samyang Buldak Light, an alternative to the brand’s iconic Hot Chicken Ramen that promises 28% fewer calories and 40% less spice. The noodles are air-dried rather than fried, meaning there’s no oil in the ingredients, which makes them lower in fat. This could appeal to anyone who enjoys Buldak’s flavor but finds the full spice level overwhelming, or maybe wants a less fatty rendition. The trade-off is a noticeably smaller block of noodles, about an ounce less than the standard version, which makes the package feel slimmer.

Despite the reduced weight, the price is identical to the original, typically around $2 for a single pack or $7–$10 for a five-pack, but availability is a little more scarce at the time of review. Whether this is worth it over the original flavor depends on your priorities. Sodium is also a bit lower here at 1,270 mg, which may be partially due to the smaller serving size.

Inside the package are oil-free noodles with a slightly thinner gauge and a glossy finish, along with a liquid sauce packet and a flake packet containing the familiar sesame seed and dried seaweed combo. Ingredient-wise, the sauce is almost identical to the original. The big question is whether the lighter build changes the experience enough to justify choosing it over the standard version.

Noodles:
The air-dried noodles have a firm, bouncy texture that works great with the sauce, and there’s no oily aftertaste. They’re a touch thinner than the original Buldak noodles but still hold up well in the bowl. Overall, a great fit for this flavor profile.
• 8.5/10

Spiciness:
Compared to the original Buldak, which rates an 8/10 on my scale, Buldak Light comes in at maybe a smidge more than half of that to my spice tolerance. That makes it far more approachable for those who find the original too intense. For reference, I’d put average hot buffalo wings at about a 2 or 3. This is a notch above that, so spice novices should still proceed with some caution.
• 4.5/10

Overall:
The flavor here is virtually the same as the classic Buldak, with a sweet, smoky, and savory finish with a hint of mild curry powder in the background. It’s a profile that still holds up, even after all the variants Samyang has released. The reduced heat level means more people can enjoy it without being overwhelmed, and the air-dried noodles actually elevate the experience slightly for me. They add a cleaner texture that complements the sauce and makes the dish feel lighter without sacrificing depth. While the smaller portion size is a minor drawback, the taste and texture are so enjoyable that it balances out for me. This is a great option if you want the essence of Buldak without the full burn, and it’s also easy to dress up with extras like a fried egg, scallions, or additional protein. I’d happily reach for this again when I want the flavor without the burn.
• 8.5/10

Notes since filming:

Another victim of discontinuation from Samyang. It’s a shame, because the noodles in this one were unique and the spice level was far more tolerable for people who found the original flavor too hot. If Buldak Light ever comes back on the market, it’s worth a try for the noodles alone. Until then, your best bet to get all of that Buldak flavor with a fraction of the spice is to track down the Lovely Hot variety.