by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 143: Samyang Buldak Tom Yum

Notes since filming:

Here’s another variety I will defend on Reddit frequently. The common complaint is that it doesn’t taste like “authentic” tom yum and that Mama’s tom yum is better. While that may be a valid critique, it doesn’t change the fact that this I think this is delicious, and its existence in no way invalidates Mama’s existence, or vice versa. I buy Buldak Tom Yum and Mama Tom Yum to scratch different itches.

I have no problem calling out a product when it isn’t authentic to what’s on the label, but if it’s delicious on its own merits then that is certainly worth a good score. That’s the case with this flavor from Samyang: it’s certainly more of a Korean-inspired take on tom yum than an authentic tom yum (you only need to look at the kimchi in the ingredients to see that that’s the case), but that doesn’t make your experience any less valid if you enjoy the flavor of this.

Original video description:

This Tom Yum Ramen is Samyang’s brand-new Buldak flavor launched in the USA in January 2024. With all of the other Buldak varieties out there, is this one worth hunting down? Check out Noodle Journey’s full in-depth review!

Links to purchase:
https://ramenmall.com/collections/ramen/products/samyang-buldak-tomyum-family-pack
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/buldak-spicy-tomyum-hot-chicken-flavor-stir-fried-ramen-23-81-oz/1021111181

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 9/10
  • Spiciness: 6.5/10
  • Overall: 9/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Unboxing: Ramen Mall

Notes since filming:

I didn’t really get into it in this video, but I was always hesitant to order from Ramen Mall because their site always looked so amateurish that I was suspicious it was a scam. When Buldak Tom Yum came out and I couldn’t find it anywhere else, I decided it was worth the risk.

Their site went down for an “upgrade” in September of 2024 and while it’s still technically online, you can’t see any products or order anything. A shame, because they had some other varieties I was planning on ordering that I couldn’t find anywhere else.

Original video description:

Here’s a new unboxing video from January 2024 containing some super unique goodies from Ramen Mall! Delivery took only 3 days and they carry a lot of stuff that I have never seen anywhere else. Check them out at ramenmall.com!

by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 142: The Han Kitchen Budae Ramyun

Notes since filming:

I bungled/reversed the translation of “budae” and “jigae” in this video and got (rightfully) called out on it. Don’t regret your little mistakes and always take the opportunity to learn from them.

Original video description:

This is the last of the three Han Kitchen varities I currently have, and it’s their take on army stew, aka budae jigae. Check out this review of their Budae Ramyun to see how it compares to the king of K Army Stew, Nongshim!

Links to purchase:
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/authentic-army-stew-budae-ramen-119g-x-4pack/1021103661
https://www.hmart.com/10010147

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 5/10
  • Overall: 8/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 141: The Han Kitchen Pocha Ramyun

Original video description:

Today we’ve got Han Kitchen’s version of something that might be familiar to all of you Korean ramyun aficionados. This is their take on a spicy red chili soup, similar to Nongshim Shin or Ottogi Jin. If you’re a fan of those kinds of ramyun, you’re going to want to check out this review!

Links to purchase:
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/spicy-korean-street-pocha-ramen-118g-x-4pack/1021103671
https://www.hmart.com/10010148

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 6/10
  • Overall: 7.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 140: The Han Kitchen Gomtang

Original video description:

Today I’m checking out a product that’s been around for a little while globally but only recently started showing up in the US. This is The Han Kitchen Gomtang, a milky beef bone soup with thick and chewy Korean noodles.

Links to purchase:
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/gomtang-premium-beef-ramen-117g-x-4pack/1021103651

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 0.5/10 (Due to black pepper)
  • Overall: 7.5/10
by Noodle Journey -

Noodle Journey Episode 139: Daebak Ghost Pepper Spicy Chicken Flavor

Notes since filming:

This is currently the hottest thing I’ve ever eaten in any form. If the flavor of the sauce was better, I’d be buying this in bulk to enhance my spice tolerance.

Original video description:

You’ve probably heard of this one or seen it for sale, and there’s no doubt that this is going to be a super spicy cup of noodles, but I’m on a journey of flavor and want to know if this is worth eating outside of all those spicy noodle social media challenges. If you’re at all curious about Daebak Ghost Pepper Spicy Chicken, you’re going to want to check out this review.

Links to purchase:
https://www.yamibuy.com/en/p/ghost-pepper-spicy-ramen-2-82oz/1021084721
https://www.bokksumarket.com/products/daebak-ghost-pepper-chicken-noodle
https://www.amazon.com/Daebak-Ghost-Pepper-Chicken-Noodles/dp/B08FF81JTS

Also check your local Asian markets and grocery stores!

I experimented with some more dynamic editing in this video rather than keeping it as the stagnant point-and-shoot approach I’ve been using up until now. Let me know if you like it or if you preferred the older style!

Scores:

  • Noodles: 8/10
  • Spiciness: 9.5/10
  • Overall: 3.5/10