[Tasted] A More Familiar Spiciness Than Buldak... The Addictive Appeal of Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles

Shin Ramyun Expands with Kimchi Stir-Fry
A Spicy Ramen Aimed at the Global Market

"A spicy flavor that even consumers who prefer natural, wholesome meals can enjoy without hesitation."

On December 26, I personally cooked and tasted Nongshim's limited edition product, "Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles." Nongshim boldly reduced the broth in its Shin Ramyun and brought the Korean flavor of kimchi stir-fry to the forefront with this product. Since November 24, it has been sold exclusively at Emart.

Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles. Provided by Nongshim.

The noodles use the same round shape as the original Shin Ramyun. In addition, it features a kimchi paste liquid sauce stir-fried with sesame oil, as well as a flake packet containing kimchi flakes and bok choy. Although it is a stir-fried noodle meant to be mixed and eaten without broth, the texture and spiciness of the noodles remain true to the identity of Shin Ramyun.

The cooking process is simple. Add the noodles and flakes to boiling water and cook for three minutes, then drain all the water and mix in the liquid sauce. The dried toppings, which looked small at first, noticeably expanded as they absorbed moisture. As soon as the sauce was poured, a tangy and savory aroma of stir-fried kimchi spread. The liquid sauce is relatively thin, making it easy to mix evenly with the noodles. The noodles are not too thick, so the seasoning is absorbed uniformly and does not clump at the bottom. The typical dryness that often occurs toward the end of eating stir-fried noodles was barely present.

Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles. Photo by Hyesun Lim.

With the first bite, the tangy and umami-rich flavor of kimchi was immediately noticeable. This was followed by layers of spiciness, sweetness, and nuttiness. It is definitely on the spicy side. However, the level of heat is milder than Samyang Foods' "Buldak Bokkeum Myun," and even more subdued than "Shin Ramyun Stir-fried Noodles." While "Buldak Bokkeum Myun" competes with intense heat, "Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles" uses familiarity as its strength. Even consumers who are not accustomed to spicy foods will find it approachable.

The nuttiness, in particular, is a hidden element of this product. Sesame oil and beef oil support the spiciness, allowing the heat to subside quickly rather than linger. For those who often feel discomfort after eating spicy food, this product may feel less burdensome. On the other hand, the texture of the kimchi itself is not very pronounced. If you were expecting a chewy kimchi bite, you might be left wanting more. However, for consumers who are put off by the distinctive texture of kimchi, this could be an advantage.

The total serving size is 137g, with a calorie content of 545 kcal. The sodium content is 1,450mg, which is 73% of the daily recommended intake. The price is 4,880 won for a four-pack multipack.

Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles. Photo by Hyesun Lim

Nongshim launched this product for the global market, targeting overseas consumers. Starting next year, it plans to develop it as a flagship global product. The product also reflects the "swicy" trend, which is gaining attention in the food industry. This trend, combining sweetness and spiciness, is expanding beyond restaurant dishes to beverages and ice cream, offering foreign consumers a new taste experience. Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles focuses on harmonizing a sweetness that is relatively familiar to foreigners with Korean-style sweet and spicy flavors.

While "Buldak Bokkeum Myun" has dominated the global market with its challenging spiciness, "Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles" targets a broader consumer base. Rather than emphasizing intensity, it offers a familiar combination of flavors, positioning itself as "a spicy ramen that is easy to enjoy even for first-timers." It seems designed for repeat consumption, rather than being a one-time novelty.