Noodle Journey Episode 157: Paldo Volcano Chicken Noodle

It’s time to take on Paldo Volcano Chicken Noodle, one of the earliest examples of Buldak-inspired instant noodles that I’m aware of. The packaging screams danger with flames, a volcano logo, and a crying chicken that leaves no doubt what kind of experience this is supposed to be. It’s positioned as a spicy curry chicken noodle, though we’ll get to that “curry” claim soon. Either way, I’m curious whether Paldo’s version can bring something new to the table or if it’s just another heat-for-heat’s-sake bowl.

Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 157: Paldo Volcano Chicken Noodle

This one’s been around since about 2016 and is easy to find online or in any Korean grocery store that stocks Paldo products. I picked up a four-pack for around $12, which is a little higher compared to Samyang’s Buldak pricing, but I’ve been told you can find these way cheaper. Paldo is no stranger to spice (this is the same company that makes Teumsae) but this particular product is clearly designed for the same audience chasing the “fire noodle” Buldak trend.

Each pack contains about 1260 mg of sodium, roughly 53 percent of your daily value. Inside are three components: a thick noodle block fortified with potato starch, a liquid sauce packet full of chili, soy, sugar, and curry seasoning, and a small garnish packet with sesame seeds and seaweed flakes. Weirdly though, the ingredients in the “curry” are listed as MSG, turmeric, and mustard, which doesn’t sound like any curry seasoning I’ve ever heard of. The listed ingredients also mention both artificial chicken and artificial beef flavor, which makes this one appear vegan-friendly, although I’d still double-check if that matters to you.

The sauce smells sharp and tangy with heavy chili, soy, and vinegar notes. The “curry,” as expected doesn’t smell like curry at all. Once stir-fried, the sauce stays thin unless you cut back on water, but it clings well enough to coat the noodles evenly.

Noodles:
These are excellent: flat, chewy, and thick enough to feel substantial. They hold their bite even after a few minutes and don’t collapse under the sauce. There’s a faint oily aftertaste, but otherwise they’re easily among the better instant noodle textures. Paldo almost never disappoints with their noodle quality.
• 9/10

Spiciness:
This one’s legitimately hot. The burn builds quickly and centers on the lips and tongue but doesn’t linger forever like Buldak does. It’s still above what most people would consider comfortably spicy, but the heat feels cleaner and less punishing.
• 7.5/10

Overall:
While this nails the heat, it misses the complexity of Buldak sauce. The flavor is briny and salty with a hint of vinegar tang and a mild sweetness underneath, but it never develops that smoky, layered depth that makes Buldak stand out. The “curry” element is basically nonexistent; there’s no warmth, no spice blend, just a faint mustard note that adds sharpness but no richness. It’s dangerously close to the “spicy for the sake of being spicy” designation. The sesame and seaweed toppings look nice but don’t contribute much to flavor. What saves it are the noodles themselves; they’re fantastic, giving the dish real chew and body. It’s a fun novelty if you want a fast heat fix or a milder alternative to Buldak, but it doesn’t hold up flavor-wise once the burn fades. I’d call it a solid one-time experience rather than a repeat buy.
• 6/10