11 Best Buldak Ramen Flavors Ranked in 2025
Known for being some of the spiciest on the market in South Korea, Buldak ramen flavors are not for the faint of heart. With the original packet of these instant noodles having a Scoville Heat Unit rating of around 4,400, eating some of the varieties can be as much of a challenge as a treat.
Buldak is a brand of the South Korean food manufacturing company Samyang. This company has been producing these noodles since 2012, and the innovative Buldak ramen flavors have exploded in popularity. With over 4 billion units sold to date, Buldak ramen is one of the best-selling products for Samyang and has become a worldwide instant ramen culinary phenomenon.
According to Korea Joongang Daily, Samyang's overseas sales increased 34% in 2024, with around 68% of the brand's revenue now coming from outside of South Korea, primarily due to the sale of the Buldak line of products. These noodles even went viral as a part of the Fire Noodle Challenge, where brave diners try to survive the extremely high heat level of these popular noodles.
If all of the buzz online has made you curious to try the product, which is the best Buldak ramen flavor? And which should those testing the waters with super spicy instant noodles try first?
While the best Buldak ramen flavor is highly subjective, we’ve done our best to create a list of the top Buldak ramen flavors, ranked from pretty good to great. Whether you’re looking for the hottest type on the market or a noodle that packs a spice punch without being overwhelming, read on for the best Buldak ramen flavors to try.
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How Many Flavors of Buldak Ramen Are There?
There are currently 11 fiery flavors of Buldak ramen for adventurous eaters to explore. Among these 11, there are a few different flavor profiles and heat levels to try. For example, the 2X Spicy flavor is an intense, spicy explosion with a smoky, savory base, while the Quattro Cheese version tempers the heat with a creamy, cheesy richness.
New flavors and limited editions also come out occasionally and there are non-ramen noodle varieties of Buldak, including yakisoba-style instant noodles and those with glass noodles. You can also get Buldak tteokbokki, an instant version of a popular Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes in gochujang sauce.
If you’ve never eaten these instant noodles, you may recognize some of the flavors available due to the spiciest Buldak ramen flavors being banned in Denmark due to being too hot, a decision that was then overturned to the relief of spicy food fans in the country. You may also have seen them promoted on social media, including in spicy noodle eating challenges, one of many TikTok food trends of the last few years.
Whether you’ve tried them before or have become curious after all the buzz around them, most people will discover a flavor they love among all the Buldak ramen flavors. And with only 11 currently to try, it’s not too challenging to give them all a go and decide which is your favorite via your own taste test.
The 11 Best Buldak Flavors Ranked
1. Curry Buldak Ramen
Unlike some lists of Buldak ramen flavors ranked, we’ll start with what is generally considered the most popular flavor: Curry Buldak ramen. This option offers a bold fusion of fiery spice and rich, aromatic curry flavors.
This variety combines the signature heat of Buldak sauce with savory curry notes that create a balanced warmth and spice level. The curry version of Buldak ramen introduces layers of umami, mild sweetness and earthy spices without the spiciness overpowering the other flavors. It’s the perfect cozy comfort food for ramen lovers that still has a decent amount of heat.
2. Quattro Cheese Buldak Ramen
Quattro Cheese Buldak ramen is a more unique option, offering a rich and creamy take on the fiery Buldak noodle flavor. This cheesy ramen blends four types of cheese: mozzarella, cheddar, Camembert and Gouda.
This creamy profile is offset by a spicy kick of Buldak sauce. If you’re looking for quick and unique dinner food ideas, this is a top pick, offering a South Korean spin on classic American mac and cheese.
3. Jjajang Buldak Ramen
Jjajang Buldak ramen is a unique twist on classic Buldak noodle flavors. This flavor combines the intense heat of the signature spicy sauce with the deep, savory richness of Korean black bean sauce (jjajang).
It offers a bold umami punch with hints of sweetness, smokiness and a hearty sauce, ranking high on this list of the best Buldak ramen flavors due to its unique and umami flavor profile that still packs a good amount of heat. Jjajang Buldak ramen is great for those who enjoy the balance of spice and fermented flavors found in Korean-Chinese cuisine.
A potential con of this Buldak ramen flavor is that the black bean sauce might be an acquired taste for those unfamiliar with jjajangmyeon. Some also say the sauce becomes slightly runny when the amount of water on the instruction label is used, so excess liquid may need to be drained to create a thick sauce.
Jjajang Buldak ramen is often enhanced with chopped onions or ground meat to mimic the traditional dish, making it a favorite for those who love bold, fusion-style instant noodles.
4. Kimchi Buldak Ramen
This next flavor ranks highly due to the growing popularity of kimchi. Whether you’ve tried it at a Korean BBQ spot, seen round-ups of the best kimchi brands online or simply like trying new flavors, the kimchi Buldak ramen flavor is a must-try.
Kimchi Buldak ramen is a fiery fusion of two iconic Korean flavors, blending intense chile pepper heat with tangy fermented kimchi. This variation of Buldak ramen flavors delivers a bold, zesty kick with layers of sourness, umami and a lingering spice that builds with every bite.
It’s perfect for those who love the combination of heat and the unmistakable punch of fermented flavors. This is the perfect Buldak ramen flavor for kimchi enthusiasts and fans of traditional Korean cuisine.
However, those who simply love sampling the newest food trends will want to check it out as well. Kimchi Buldak ramen also pairs well with extra toppings like tofu, scallions or more kimchi for an intensified experience.
5. Stew-Type Hot Chicken Buldak Ramen
Sitting almost mid-way on this list of the best Buldak ramen flavors, Stew-Type Hot Chicken offers the signature fiery heat the brand is known for in a rich and soupy chicken broth. It’s almost like a spicy twist on chicken noodle soup.
Unlike the traditional versions, this stew-style variety features a spicy, savory broth that blends deep chicken flavors with the intense kick of Buldak sauce. This flavor offers a comforting yet fiery bowl of ramen and is a favorite of those who enjoy a nice hot bowl of stew.
A major benefit of this flavor is its versatility. It can be easily customized with ingredients like eggs, vegetables or tofu for added heartiness.
6. Habanero Lime Buldak Ramen
The zesty kick from the lime flavor with the fiery spiciness from the habanero make this a number one pick for some. However, the previously covered flavors come up a little more popular in general, landing Habanero Lime Buldak ramen around the mid-way point.
This Buldak ramen flavor delivers a sharp, citrusy tang that cuts through the spice and creates a bold and slightly smoky flavor. This flavor is a perfect example of a Mexican-Asian fusion snack and is loved by fans of innovative fusion cuisine.
Habanero Lime Buldak ramen pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, making it another of the Buldak ramen flavors that you can enjoy on its own or with added toppings for a complete meal.
7. Carbonara Buldak Ramen
This is another pick that many people will want to see nearer to the top spot. However, Carbonara Buldak ramen misses the mark just a little for some, hence its lower spot. While the base of a carbonara pasta dish is there, the flavor strays too far, leaving some disappointed.
However, if you enter your taste test of this Buldak ramen flavor with an open mind (and knowing it won’t taste exactly like the Italian version), you’ll likely be impressed with Buldak’s creamy and indulgent take on the dish.
So, if you opt for this Italian-inspired ramen pick, what can you expect? The carbonara Buldak ramen flavor blends the brand’s signature fiery spice with a rich, cheesy sauce. This variety delivers a velvety texture with hints of butter, milk and black pepper.
A major benefit of this flavor is that the creamy sauce dulls the heat from the spice a little, which makes it one of the most approachable of all Buldak flavors. Many fans enhance Carbonara Buldak ramen with extra cheese, heavy cream or even a raw egg yolk, elevating its creamy richness even further.
8. Tomato Pasta Buldak Ramen
Another Italian-inspired flavor, Tomato Pasta has a spicy chicken taste combined with zesty tomato. This Buldak ramen flavor falls a little below mid-list on this ranking of Buldak noodles due to many people preferring the more traditional instant noodle flavors.
It somewhat resembles a spicy tomato sauce but with more heat than an Italian sauce like arrabiata and a little bit of sweetness. Some say it slightly resembles Filipino spaghetti. So, if you like that particular Filipino food, you’ll probably enjoy Buldak Tomato Pasta.
9. Cream Carbona Buldak Ramen
Cream Carbonara Buldak ramen offers a richer, creamier twist on the beloved Carbonara flavor. This Buldak ramen flavor enhances the signature fiery spice with an even more indulgent, buttery cream base for a luxurious balance between heat and creaminess.
It appeals to those who enjoy spicy food but prefer a milder, more comforting experience compared to the original Buldak lineup.
The drawback of this flavor is that some feel it takes away too much of the heat that Buldak ramen is known for, while others find it too rich. However, for many, this indulgent instant noodle dish is the best Buldak ramen flavor they’ve tasted, so all that’s really left to do is try it yourself!
10. Spicy Chicken Buldak Ramen
Spicy Chicken is a fiery powerhouse that embodies the essence of Buldak ramen flavors. It delivers an intense heat with a savory chicken base.
This variety strips away extra ingredients and focuses purely on spice and umami, making it perfect for heat seekers and those who love the bold simplicity of classic Korean fire noodles.
This flavor is often used as a base for spicy ramen challenges. It can also be customized with cheese, eggs or vegetables to balance its intense kick, making this variety a great option when you’re looking for quick and easy yet filling dinner or lunch food ideas.
Why is this Buldak ramen flavor so low in the rankings? Simply because it’s a little basic compared to the others and strongly resembles regular chicken instant noodles with some spicy sauce, lacking the innovation the brand is known for. Yet, if you want a spicy, no-frills bowl of instant noodles, this is the one to go for.
11. 2X Spicy Chicken Buldak Ramen
2X Spicy Chicken Buldak ramen takes the heat of the original Buldak ramen flavors to a whole new level. This flavor contains double the spiciness for those who crave an even fiercer challenge. In fact, this is the spiciest flavor of all Buldak flavors on the market.
With its signature smoky chicken base, 2X Spicy Chicken packs an overwhelming punch of heat that is intensified by a potent spice blend. But be aware that this instant ramen may be far too spicy for anyone not accustomed to extreme heat, and it can potentially overwhelm the taste buds.
So, while this has to rank last for the reason alone that many people won’t be able to fully enjoy it, those who love extra hot food will likely have this one as their best Buldak ramen flavor.
Offering a wide range of unique and bold options, each Buldak ramen flavor caters to different spice preferences and tastes. Whether you're a heat enthusiast looking for a fiery challenge or someone who enjoys a creamy, comforting bowl of noodles, there's a Buldak ramen for everyone.
These ramen varieties bring the perfect balance of spice, flavor and creativity to the table, making them a must-try for anyone who loves bold noodles. So, now that you have a list of all the Buldak ramen flavors in hand, you can start trying them to discover your favorite.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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