Samyang Ramen: How Spicy is it?

A lot of people will often be shocked when they try this popular Korean instant ramen for the first time. Introduced by the South Korean company Samyang in 1963, it wasn’t until 2012 that they would release the Buldak flavor. In this article, we answer the question, “How spicy is Samyang ramen?” while sharing all you need to know about this snack. 

What Is the Samyang Buldak Ramen?

Known as Samyang Buldak Ramen, this is one of the spiciest Samyang noodles around and is also a favorite among fans of spicy noodles. It’s also known as buldak-bokkeum-myeon which translates to “fire chicken stir fry noodles” which is described to be deliciously spicy noodles with seaweed flakes and sesame seeds. In Korean, Buldak means “fire chicken” and since it reached popularity in social media, Samyang has released many versions of this spicy chicken noodle, including the 2x Spicy Buldak Ramen. 

First introduced in 2017 as “Extreme Buldak Ramen,” the 2x Spicy Buldak Ramen is a spicier version of the original Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen. On the spicy scale, it tips over the line of being “nuclear,” which is categorized as extremely spicy. It’s also worth noting that it was only supposed to be sold as a limited edition but because it was so popular, it has become a regular flavor and will hopefully see global expansion. 

What’s Inside the Spicy Buldak Ramen?

Now that you know all there is to know, it’s time to see inside this spicy package! The Samyang Buldak 2x Spicy Ramen contains the noodles, a small pack of hot sauce, and a small pack of flakes. Below is the actual ingredient list found on every packet of the Buldak 2x Spicy Ramen. 

Ingredients:

• Noodle(76.7%): tapioca starch(12%), wheat flour(52%), palm oil(11%), water, salt, wheat gluten, soybean oil, sodium carbonate(e500), acidity regulator[potassium carbonate(e501), sodium polyphosphate(e452), sodium phosphate dibasic(e339), colour[riboflavin(e101)], thickener [guar gum(e412)], citric acid(e330)], emulsifier[lecithin(e322)] 
• Soup(22.7%): artificial chicken flavor powder, water, salt, soy sauce, white sugar, soybean oil, red pepper powder, chilli extract, onion powder, garlic powder, yeast extract powder, tapioca starch, curry powder, black pepper powder 
• Flake(0.6%): roasted laver, roast sesame 

How Spicy is the Samyang Buldak 2x Spicy Ramen? 

There are two ways to describe just how spicy this ramen can be. In their most basic form, these noodles are drenched in a spicy sauce and then garnished with sesame seeds, seaweed, and green onions, producing a wonderful flavor. However, we will be looking into how spicy these noodles are using the Scoville Scale; according to Wikipedia, this is a measurement of the heat or spiciness of chili peppers. 

The scale records its data through Scoville Heat Units (SHU) which are based on the concentration of capsaicinoids, which determines its spice level. How it works is the lower the number on your scale, the lower the spice level will be. Originally, there were two versions of these noodles; the first version came in at 8706 SHU, which is similar to eating a Tabasco Habanero Sauce or a hot jalapeno pepper which is pretty hot! 

According to an article found on KoreaHerald.com, the second and current version of these instant noodles holds a Scoville rating of 10,000 SHU. This is equivalent to munching on a scorching serrano pepper and at 10,000 Scoville units, the Samyang Buldak 2x Spicy Ramen is among the spiciest instant noodles in the world! 

What to Expect When You Try Samyang Ramen?

While many people have tried to complete the Fire Noodle Challenge on social media, many have failed to finish a whole bowl in one sitting. Many people have reported that they lost several pounds after eating these noodles on a regular basis, but there’s no proof that anyone actually lost weight as a result of eating these noodles. If you’re a fan of spicy food, however, you’re sure to love the taste and heat it produces. 

You can expect these ramen noodles will be soaked in a spicy sauce and garnished with sesame seeds, seaweed, and green onions. The first thing you’ll notice after putting it in your mouth is a burning sensation, and you should also begin sweating almost immediately. Some enthusiasts also reported that they started spluttering and coughing after drinking a spoonful of the soup. 

But the more you eat, the more you’ll appreciate the great spicy taste and flavor that Samyang has to offer! While you will continue to sweat, you will surely enjoy these hot noodles but keep in mind that they are among the spiciest in the world, so make sure you can take the heat! 

Where to Buy Your Samyang Ramen?

Luckily, they’re not just available in South Korea anymore and can be found around your local Asian markets. They might even be available inside your local grocery stores, but the fastest way to get them is through Amazon, which sells them in packs of 10. 

Conclusion 

Samyang Ramen is among the hottest and spiciest instant noodles in the world, and will surely tickle your taste buds whether you’re a fan of spicy noodles or not. If you’re looking for a real challenge and want to get your hands on something truly special for your next snack then this is a great option. However, if you’re not ready for the challenge of 10,000 Scoville units and don’t want to sweat while enjoying your meal, then steer clear of the Samyang Buldak 2x Spicy Ramen. 

Sources 

• asiangroceryuk.com
• target.com
• nikankitchen.com