I’m wrapping up my current stash of Buldak products with something you don’t often see in US supermarket aisles: Samyang’s Buldak Jjamppong. Jjamppong is a spicy seafood soup that originated in Nagasaki, Japan, before being adapted into various regional styles. The Korean take leans toward a red chili broth similar to Nongshim’s Neoguri, which I loved back in Episode 25. This is Samyang’s super-spicy version of that style—one of only two Buldak varieties that are soups rather than stir-fries.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 99: Samyang Buldak Jjamppong RamenWhile many Buldak varieties are made specifically for English-speaking markets, this one is sold in decidedly non-English packaging in South Korea. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find, because H Mart carries it both in stores and online, and if they import it, chances are other Asian markets do too. At $11 for a four-pack at the time of review, it’s a little pricier than the export five-packs, but not unreasonable given current noodle prices. Sodium is high at 1,890mg, so keep that in mind.
Inside are my favorite Buldak flat noodles, plus three packets: a soup base with soy sauce, ginger, curry powder, and multiple meat extracts (beef, pork, chicken, squid), a generous flake packet with green onions and beef-flavored soy protein, and a mystery seasoning oil that smells mildly of sesame and possibly shellfish. Cooking takes five minutes, with the oil added at the end. The aroma is more robustly beefy than seafood-heavy, with just a hint of chili and shellfish in the background.
Noodles:
Flat, chewy, and plump, the same great variety found in Buldak’s Carbonara, Rosé, and Stew versions. They hold up great in this broth, staying firm and satisfying from start to finish.
- 9/10
Spiciness:
Hot, as you’d expect from Buldak, but slightly tamer than the stir-fry versions. The broth dilutes the heat just enough to make it slightly more manageable for those used to the brand’s regular kick. It’s still a lingering burn, especially on the lips.
- 7/10
Overall:
The standout here is the generous flake packet. There’s plenty of green onions and impressively beefy soy protein chunks that look and chew like real meat. They elevate what’s already a strong broth into something special. The seasoning base combines Buldak’s usual onion, garlic, and soy backbone with a subtle sweet seafood note from shrimp and squid, without letting it overpower the meatiness. The beef flavor is clearly from real extract (if Google Lens was accurate in its translation) and comes through rich and hearty, making this soup feel more indulgent than most instant offerings. Between the satisfying noodles, the deep, meaty broth, and the excellent flake packet, this one earns a perfect score from me. If you enjoy both Buldak heat and the flavor of meaty seafood soups, it’s absolutely worth tracking down.
- 10/10
Notes since filming:
Like some of the other flavors, there have been reports that this one has been discontinued. While it’s a bit hard to confirm the lack of stock with this one (since it’s a Korean import), it does indeed no longer exist on the Samyang Korean website. I loved this flavor – what a terrible loss.
