Noodle Journey Episode 32: Ottogi Jin Ramen (Spicy)

In this review, I’m checking out the counterpart to the last review, this time trying Ottogi’s Jin Spicy Ramen. This is the counterpart to the Mild variant I reviewed in the previous episode, and while the core formula is nearly identical, the spice level promises a different experience. If you haven’t checked out the last review yet, go do so first, since there’s some overlap between the two reviews.

The only notable difference on the ingredient list is the prominence of chili paste powder, which is unsurprisingly ranked higher in the Spicy version. Everything else appears to be the same: same noodles, same flake packet, same artificial beef broth base.

You can find this version easily online or in stores that carry the Mild version. Sodium content is similar to the Mild version as well, clocking in at 1480mg.

Noodles:
No surprises here, they’re the same noodles from the Mild version. Springy, chewy, and satisfying, with a good mouthfeel typical of Korean noodles.
• 8/10

Spiciness:
This is noticeably spicier than the Mild version, about double in heat. I’d put it on par with Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun or Samyang’s orange package red chili soup, though it still falls a bit short of Paldo Namja. The spice is clean, present, and contributes real chili flavor without overwhelming the broth.
• 6/10

Overall:
After cooking, I noticed right away that the flake packet actually contains more visible red chili flakes than the Mild version, despite looking identical at first glance. The broth keeps the same beefy, garlicky foundation as before, with very slightly sweet and notes behind all the savoriness. But the added chili intensity, for me, actually improves the balance by cutting through the sweetness and making the soup feel more rounded. This is exactly what I was hoping for when I picked up the Spicy version: a familiar flavor with an amount of heat I prefer.
• 8/10

If you’re new to spicy noodles, working your way up from the Mild to the Spicy version makes for a great training path. And since both are pescatarian-friendly, they’re a solid pick for folks with dietary restrictions.

Notes since filming:

As of early 2025, Ottogi has rebranded to Otoki and has reportedly changed the recipe in this flavor. That means this review is not reflective of the new recipe and so should only apply to the old recipe.