It’s time for something vegan-friendly from Korea, so today I’m checking out Samyang Vegetasty Noodle Soup, a product that’s been around for years under different names but is finally becoming easier to find in the US. It’s Samyang’s answer to Nongshim Soon, a mildly spicy vegetable ramen made for those who want a full-bodied Korean chili broth without animal products.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 163: Samyang Vegetasty Noodle SoupI picked up a five-pack from Yamibuy for $8.99, though it’s also available at most Asian grocery stores for around the same price. Each pack contains 2,200 mg of sodium, which is higher than Soon’s 1,800 mg, but that’s a fair tradeoff for stronger flavor. If you’re watching your salt, you might want to split a pack.
Inside are medium-gauge wheat noodles made with sesame powder and both onion & garlic extract, ensuring they’re savory even before adding broth. The powder packet contains soy sauce, apple juice concentrate, Stevia, yeast, onion, garlic, MSG, chili pepper, peanut powder, and coconut oil, while the flake packet is unusually generous, with green onion, carrots, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and broccoli. It’s fully vegan but does contain potential allergens and that divisive Stevia sweetener. Once cooked, it smells rich and savory, dominated by onion and garlic with subtle earthy vegetable notes.
Noodles:
The same chewy, medium-thick noodles Samyang uses in their other soup products. They’re hearty and flavorful with a touch of oiliness that complements the broth well.
• 9/10
Spiciness:
Warm but approachable. It has enough chili to be noticeable without crossing into Shin Ramyun territory. Medium heat that balances nicely with the salty broth.
• 4/10
Overall:
This is easily one of the best vegan instant noodles I’ve tried. The broth is deeply umami, salty, and full of character, almost like a vegan beef soup more than a vegetable one. The slight sweetness from Stevia and apple juice adds dimension without feeling overly bitter or unnaturally sweet, though Stevia-sensitive eaters should take note. The flake packet delivers a satisfying mix of textures, with the broccoli and mushrooms adding a surprising freshness. Compared to Nongshim Soon, I think this wins in every category: saltier, fuller flavor, more vegetables, and a better overall quality. Despite the sweetness being a potential issue for some, this is a knockout product and a new go-to for anyone who loves hearty Korean soups without the meat.
• 10/10
Notes since filming:
This is the one I recommend most when someone asks for vegan noodle options. As good as Nongshim Soon is, this blows it out of the water.
