Ranking Buldak Spicy Chicken Ramen Flavors: A Seoul Local’s Take

On a recent visit to my local H Mart in Yeonnam-dong, I couldn't help but notice the impressive array of Buldak Spicy Chicken ramen options lining the shelves. As a resident of Seoul, I’ve seen the meteoric rise in popularity of these fiery noodles, both here and abroad. With flavours ranging from cheesy to curry, it’s time to separate the best from the rest.

What Is Buldak Spicy Chicken Ramen?

Launched by Samyang Foods, Buldak Spicy Chicken ramen made its debut in 2012 and quickly became a hit thanks to its trademark heat and bold flavour. The name literally translates to “fire chicken,” and the initial product was notable for being a challenge among spice enthusiasts. However, the flavour lineup has since expanded beyond the original, and that’s where my personal ranking comes into play.

Ranking the Buldak Flavours

While I can’t claim to have tried every single variant, I’ve sampled a good number of them over multiple trips to various convenience stores in Gangnam and Itaewon. Here’s my ranking based on flavour, spice level, and overall satisfaction.

1. Buldak Spicy Chicken Ramen (Original)

The classic Buldak Spicy Chicken ramen is still my favourite. Coming in at approximately 1,200 won (~$1), it offers a well-balanced spiciness without overpowering the palate. The chewy texture of the noodles complements the rich, savoury sauce superbly. It remains the gold standard.

2. Buldak Carbonara Ramen

Next up is the Carbonara flavour, which takes the original's heat and marries it with a creamy, comforting sauce. Priced at around 1,800 won (~$1.50), it’s surprisingly rich, delivering the best of both worlds: spice and creaminess. This variant is perfect for those who appreciate a touch of indulgence with their heat.

3. Buldak Cheese Ramen

The Cheese flavour, available for about 1,500 won (~$1.30), initially caught my attention due to its alluring combination of spice and cheesy goodness. However, I found the cheese to be somewhat overwhelming. It’s a good option, but I prefer to enjoy my cheese on pizza rather than mixed with noodles.

4. Buldak Curry Ramen

Offered at approximately 1,800 won (~$1.50), the Curry flavour does a decent job of bringing a different twist to Buldak. The curry adds a unique flavour profile, but I felt it strayed too far from the traditional Buldak taste. If you're a curry lover, you may enjoy it, but it left me longing for the original.

5. Buldak Stir-fried Ramen

This variant, found at about 2,000 won (~$1.70), boasts a bit more heat and a distinctly different cooking method. While some find it appealing, the stir-fried texture didn’t impress me as much. It’s definitely spicier than the original, but the sauce felt a bit scant, making it less enjoyable.

6. Buldak Hot Chicken Flavour Ramen (2x Spicy)

Finally, the infamous 2x Spicy ramen, retailing for around 1,500 won (~$1.30). This one is not for the faint of heart. While it delivers extreme heat, I found the flavour to be lacking compared to the original. It tends to overwhelm rather than complement the noodles, and it's an experience more for challenge-seekers than food lovers.

Where to Buy Buldak Ramen

If you’re in Seoul and want to try out these flavours for yourself, most convenience stores and supermarkets like GS25, 7-Eleven, and H Mart will stock them. Prices may vary slightly, but they generally fall within the ranges I mentioned above. Don't hesitate to explore the smaller shops in areas like Seongsu-dong, where you may find limited-edition flavours or promotions.

Final Thoughts

While Buldak Spicy Chicken ramen has taken the world by storm, not every flavour will cater to your taste preferences. The originality of the Classic version remains unmatched, and I would argue that the allure of the newer variants can sometimes overshadow the essence of what made Buldak so popular in the first place.

Have you tried any of these flavours? What’s your go-to pick? Next time, I may take a look at the growing trend of Korean fusion foods and how they’re reshaping traditional dishes.