There are many different types of ramen, but if we were to pick the ones most popular among Koreans, they would include Shin Ramyun, Neoguri, Chapagetti, and Ansungtangmyun from Nongshim, Jin Ramyun and Snack Myun from Ottogi, Buldak Bokkeummyun and Samyang Ramyun from Samyang, and Bibim Myun from Paldo. Raw ramen is often enjoyed at home while watching TV or movies as a substitute for snacks or popcorn. It's also popular as a side dish with beer or as a snack during breaks at work or school. Most types of ramen have the right crunch to be crushed into smaller pieces and eaten raw, except for Nongshim's Geonmyun (건면, dry noodles), which are too hard to be consumed this way.
The following is a list of the top 5 Korean ramen varieties that are best enjoyed raw. This selection is based on my own opinion and feedback from acquaintances. The criteria include a crunchy texture and a savory taste when eaten raw, but these ramen varieties are also delicious when cooked.
Top 5 Ramen for Eating Raw
5th - Jin Ramyun
Jin Ramyun (진라면) comes in two flavors: spicy and mild. Among the five types of ramen, it has slightly thicker noodles, but they have a soft texture that makes them great for eating raw. Some people find the noodles a bit soggy, but this softness can enhance the flavor. If you microwave them for about 20 seconds, flipping them over halfway through, they become even crunchier. For an extra delicious snack, break the noodles into thumb-sized pieces and sprinkle about one-third of the seasoning packet on them.
4th - Ansungtangmyun
The powdered seasoning in Ansungtangmyun (안성탕면) has a subtle Doenjang (된장, soybean paste) flavor with a hint of spiciness, making it delicious whether cooked or eaten raw. The noodles, like Jin Ramyun, can feel a bit soggy, which some people may not prefer. However, among enthusiasts, there are those who buy boxes of 20 packs just to enjoy them raw. The noodles are not thick, giving them a crispy, snack-like texture that's enjoyable to chew. The moderately spicy soybean paste seasoning pairs well with other ramen varieties, making it a versatile option.
3rd - Yukgaejang Sabalmyun
Due to the nature of Yukgaejang being a cup ramen, its noodles are thinner compared to other packet ramen, making them easy to break with just a little pressure and giving them a soft texture when eaten raw. Unlike other ramen, it doesn't need to be microwaved to achieve a crunchy texture. Simply sprinkle a bit of the seasoning and dip the noodles in ketchup for an even tastier snack. Yukgaejang Sabalmyun (육개장 사발면, bowl noodles) have such tender noodles that they can be more enjoyable than most snacks.
2nd - Snack Myun
Snack Myun (스낵면) has no spiciness at all and is famous for being the best ramen to enjoy with cold rice after cooking. However, it's also delicious when eaten raw, just like a snack. Snack Myun comes with only one powdered seasoning packet and no additional dried ingredients. While not as thin as Yukgaejang noodles, Snack Myun noodles are the thinnest and softest among packet ramen, offering a crunchy and savory taste. It has many enthusiasts and remains quietly and consistently popular.
1st - Shin Ramyun
Shin Ramyun (신라면) is a popular ramen that is well-liked by most people, whether cooked or eaten raw. It has a basic crunchiness and savory flavor, but unlike other ramen, it also has a slight sweetness that fills your mouth with a rich, savory taste. While Shin Ramyun is not as easy to break as Yukgaejang or Snack Myun, it is not hard either. Its soft yet crunchy texture, combined with the spicy flavor of the powdered seasoning, has made Shin Ramyun a popular choice.
Although not in the top rankings, Buldak Bokkeummyun (불닭볶음면) is also delicious when eaten raw. Samyang's Buldak Bokkeummyun is highly popular for its extreme spiciness. In particular, Carbo Buldak Bokkeummyun has gained even more popularity due to the addition of cheese powder and cream powder, which makes it milder compared to the original Buldak Bokkeummyun.
Unlike other ramen that use powdered seasoning, Buldak Bokkeummyun comes with a liquid sauce packet. This allows you to break the noodles into pieces and dip them into the sauce, adjusting the spiciness to your taste. Dipping Buldak Bokkeummyun's liquid sauce or regular ramen's powdered seasoning is called 'jjikmeok (찍먹, dip and eat)' in Korean, while sprinkling and mixing the powdered seasoning with raw ramen is called 'sseokmeok (섞먹, mix and eat).' Additionally, the most recently manufactured raw ramen tends to be crunchier and have a more savory taste.
A Basic Way to Enjoy Raw Ramen
1. Before opening the ramen package, gently press it with your fingers or lightly tap it with your fist to crush the raw ramen into thumb-sized pieces. After crushing it, you can check the size to estimate the pieces..
2. Once the ramen is well crushed, open the package and sprinkle 1/4 or 1/3 of the provided seasoning packet over the pieces. This method mixes the seasoning with the ramen. If you prefer dipping the ramen into the seasoning, you can skip this step.
3. Hold the top of the package containing the ramen and seasoning, and shake it up and down several times to ensure the crushed ramen and seasoning mix well.
4. Put small pieces of the raw ramen mixed with seasoning into your mouth one by one and savor the taste. It's also delicious if you dip them in liquid sauce or powdered seasoning.
Shelf life of Ramen
Ramen typically has a long shelf life of 5-6 months, leading some people to mistakenly believe that it contains a lot of preservatives. However, ramen is actually a product that uses no preservatives at all. The long shelf life is possible because the moisture content of ramen is below 10%, which prevents microorganisms from growing. While ramen doesn't require refrigeration or freezing, it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It's best to discard it if the expiration date on the packaging has passed.
Raw Ramen Precautions
Raw ramen is a popular snack due to its unique crunchiness and savory taste, but some precautions should be taken when eating it.1. While those with healthy teeth can chew and eat it without any issues, it may be difficult for others, so it’s best to avoid it if you have dental concerns.
2. Raw, uncooked ramen has a high particle density and can take longer to digest, so it’s best to avoid it for those with weak stomachs or digestive issues.
3. Once the package is opened, raw ramen is susceptible to moisture, so it’s best to consume it as soon as possible. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container.
4. Since raw ramen is usually eaten with your hands, it can transfer bacteria if your hands are not clean. It's best to wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
Calories in Ramen
A 120g (4.2oz) packet of ramen contains around 500 kcal and carbohydrates, protein, fat, and calcium. This caloric content is similar to that of one 105g (3.7oz) Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownie, which has 480kcal (2008kJ). (Source - CalorieKing: Food Nutrition Facts and Free Calorie Counter).
When eaten raw, ramen's total calories may be lower than cooked ramen's, as the provided seasoning is either not consumed or only partially consumed. However, cooked ramen contains 1,790mg of sodium, and Buldak Bokkeummyun contains 1,280mg. Although these amounts are below the USDA's recommended daily sodium intake of 2,300mg, it is advised to avoid consuming more than one packet of ramen per day.
Ramyun Pronunciation by Natives
- Ramyun and ramen have the same meaning, but 'ramyun' is the Korean pronunciation, and 'ramen' is the Japanese pronunciation. Korean instant ramyun is known for its spicy flavor and can be enjoyed quickly and conveniently as a meal or snack. Japanese ramen comes in both instant and fresh forms, with fresh ramen noodles typically served in a broth with various toppings. |
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