The Best Buldak Ramen Flavor Isn't Original Or Carbonara
Basic ramen noodles aren't just a college dorm cliche anymore. You're probably familiar with brands such as Nissin and Maruchan, but one of the more popular ramen options is Buldak, a brand owned by South Korea-based company Samyang (once banned in Denmark for being too spicy). When we ranked 11 of Buldak's ramen noodles from worst to best, we found some of the better options weren't necessarily spicier. For example, our favorite was the yakisoba flavor, Buldak's take on the Japanese stir-fried noodle dish.
These noodles were a touch thinner with a softer texture than some of Buldak's other offerings, which let them cling to the delicious soy-based sauce. We also enjoyed the earthy, curry-like flavors that benefited from a touch of sweetness combined with savory, meaty flavor from the soy-and-Worcestershire sauce and dried cabbage. Buldak advertises these noodles as spicy, but we didn't think the yakisoba really met that criteria. There was a touch of heat, but nothing that would be considered overly spicy. More basic ramen noodles really go next-level when you add other ingredients, but Buldak's yakisoba is absolutely delicious on its own.
Buldak's yakisoba noodles offer a creative take on a Japanese classic stir fry
Online reviewers love Buldak's yakisoba noodles. One Redditor says, "Probably one of the best yakisoba flavors I have ever had (even compared to fancy restaurants)." Another adds, "I tried Samyang's take on yakisoba ramen and it blew my expectations away! This is a must try for any ramen fan let alone Buldak fans!" One TikTok reviewer raved about these noodles after she added a fried egg to the thin noodles. Overall, the Buldak yakisoba also gets great ratings from customers, with a 4.5 rating at Walmart and 4.1 rating at Target.
Still, in the world of ramen noodles, you have plenty of options. A large portion of some grocery store aisles are reserved for many ramen brands, though Buldak is definitely one of the better choices, especially if you have a high tolerance for spicy dishes. If you want to go beyond the standard spicy ramen that many brands offer, though, we highly suggest Buldak's yakisoba noodles. They still offer a touch of spice, but also a creative spin on a beloved Japanese dish. If you're interested in any of Buldak's other flavors, we suggest original and carbonara. Original comes with a side of sauce that has all the spiciness you could ever want while carbonara is a clever take on the Italian classic pasta dish that adds plenty of spice alongside the typical creaminess you expect.