Pororo Cream Tteokbokki Review - Noodle Journey Episode 103
by Noodle Journey -

Pororo Cream Tteokbokki Review | Noodle Journey Episode 103

This review is a bit of a departure. Rather than noodles, I’m trying an instant rice cake cup: Pororo Cream Tteokbokki. This licensed product, featuring the popular children’s character Pororo the penguin, appears to be marketed toward kids, but it works just as well as an accessible way for anyone to try tteokbokki. While the manufacturer is unclear to me (some online sources list Paldo, others MUKKO), I picked this up as an import from South Korea for $6 (I know, I overpaid, but I needed to hit an expedited shipping threshold). US shoppers can sometimes find these for $3–4 at Asian grocery stores or online.

Nissin Cup Noodles Black Pepper Crab Review - Noodle Journey Episode 102
by Noodle Journey -

Nissin Cup Noodles Black Pepper Crab Review | Noodle Journey Episode 102

For this episode, I’m trying one of the more intriguing flavors from the Hong Kong Cup Noodles lineup: Nissin Cup Noodles Black Pepper Crab. This variety caught my attention after a Reddit post claimed it was disappearing from store shelves, which made me even more curious to find and review it. Black pepper crab is a Singaporean classic, made by frying whole crabs in black pepper and aromatics, and this cup promises to deliver a version of that rich, peppery seafood experience. Like most cup noodle offerings, I know the noodles themselves won’t be the star, but the flavor could be.

Nongshim Shin Green Ramyun Review - Noodle Journey Episode 101
by Noodle Journey -

Nongshim Shin Green Ramyun Review | Noodle Journey Episode 101

For Episode 101, I’m following up my Shin Gold review with the other recent addition to the Shin lineup: Nongshim Shin Green Ramyun. Released in the US in 2022, this variety started out as a Kroger-exclusive before finally making its way to other markets. This one takes Shin in a completely different direction: a certified vegan spicy mushroom and fried tofu soup. While many instant noodles happen to be vegan, Nongshim went the extra step to have this one officially certified, making it a notable option for vegan noodle fans. I’m not vegan myself, but as a mushroom fanatic, I was eager to see what they had done here, especially since early feedback from others has been very divided.

Nongshim Shin Gold Ramyun - Noodle Journey Episode 100
by Noodle Journey -

Nongshim Shin Gold Ramyun | Noodle Journey Episode 100

I’m marking the 100th episode milestone with a fitting choice: one of Nongshim’s two new additions (at the time of this review) to the Shin lineup, Nongshim Shin Gold Ramyun. Since starting this channel with reviews of Shin and Shin Black, it only feels right to celebrate with another Shin variety. This one is a spicy chicken ramyun that promises a rich, flavorful bone broth while keeping the same core appeal that’s made Shin products some of my all-time favorites. The classic Nongshim balance of taste, portion size, and availability is here, and it’s just as easy to enjoy straight from the pack as it is dressed up with add-ins.

Samyang Buldak Jjamppong Ramen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 99
by Noodle Journey -

Samyang Buldak Jjamppong Ramen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 99

I’m wrapping up my current stash of Buldak products with something you don’t often see in US supermarket aisles: Samyang Buldak Jjamppong Ramen. 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, and one of only a handful of Buldak varieties that are soups rather than stir-fries.

Samyang Buldak Cream Carbonara Ramen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 98
by Noodle Journey -

Samyang Buldak Cream Carbonara Ramen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 98

I’m finally reviewing the second-to-last Buldak flavor in this marathon, Samyang Buldak Cream Carbonara Ramen, after months of hunting it down. This flavor, released in the US in 2023 alongside Quattro Cheese and Habanero Lime, proved far harder for me to find than its siblings. While the others were easy to spot online and in local Asian markets, Cream Carbonara was elusive for me, selling out quickly at YamiBuy and not restocking in what I would consider a reasonable amount of time. My local store even had an empty shelf tag for weeks before replacing it with regular Carbonara. The breakthrough came when I spotted a random case of it sitting on the floor at H Mart, hidden under other boxes.

Samyang Buldak Curry Ramen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 97
by Noodle Journey -

Samyang Buldak Curry Ramen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 97

Today I’m looking at Samyang Buldak Curry Ramen, one of the most recommended Buldak flavors I’ve seen on Facebook and Reddit. From the first time I tried Buldak, I noticed hints of sweet, earthy curry powder in the base sauce, alongside umami smokiness and spice. This curry version promises to turn up that profile with extra curry seasoning. As someone who enjoys a well-balanced curry, I’m curious to see if this hits the mark or if it leans too far in any one direction.

Samyang Buldak Lovely Hot Ramen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 96
by Noodle Journey -

Samyang Buldak Lovely Hot Ramen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 96

Following on the Buldak Light review from the last episode, now I’m diving into the elusive Samyang Buldak Lovely Hot Ramen flavor, a variation that tones down the trademark fire but keeps the indulgence of fully fried noodles. While Buldak Light offers an air-dried, lower-fat approach with a milder sauce, Lovely Hot is designed for those who want the same reduced heat without sacrificing the fried finish of normal Buldak noodles. It’s marked with a “fire level 1” indicator, which is something you won’t see on English-export packaging but would be pretty welcome here, and it comes with a small but notable twist in the ingredients.

Samyang Buldak Light Ramen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 95
by Noodle Journey -

Samyang Buldak Light Ramen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 95

Today I’m looking at Samyang Buldak Light Ramen, 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.

Samyang Buldak Kimchi Ramen Review - Noodle Journey Episode 94
by Noodle Journey -

Samyang Buldak Kimchi Ramen Review | Noodle Journey Episode 94

Samyang Buldak Kimchi Ramen feels like a natural fit with the rest of the Korean flavors in the Buldak lineup. When I first opened the massive variety pack of Korean noodles I bought ages ago (that essentially hallmarked that start of this whole site and channel), I was surprised by how many Buldak varieties there were all-told, some of them unexpected like Corn or Tomato Pasta. The combination of Samyang’s signature heat with the sour fermented kick of kimchi seems like a no-brainer for fans of bold, punchy flavors. Unless you hate kimchi, of course, in which case this one’s probably not going to be your thing.