4 Recommended Korean Cup Noodles (1)

1. Yukgaejang (육개장)

2. Yukgaejang Savalmyeon (육개장 사발면)

When it comes to cup ramen, ‘Yukgaejang Savalmyeon’ is the first that comes to mind. Although it's named after Yukgaejang, it doesn't really capture the flavor of authentic Korean Yukgaejang. While the original Yukgaejang is known for its spicy and savory flavor, this Yukgaejang Savalmyeon tends to be a bit richer and less spicy.

The red Yukgaejang in #1 and the Yukgaejang Savalmyeon in #2 are different products. The #1 product is from Ottogi, while the #2 product is a cup ramen from Nongshim. When comparing the two cup ramen, Ottogi's Yukgaejang increased its content by 20% in 2021, making it a larger portion. If you prefer a larger serving, choose Ottogi Yukgaejang, and if you want a standard single serving, Nongshim Yukgaejang is recommended.

Another difference lies in the taste. Ottogi Yukgaejang is spicier than Nongshim Yukgaejang. If we use Shin Ramyun as a reference, Ottogi Yukgaejang has a similar level of spiciness to Shin Ramyun, while Nongshim Yukgaejang is considered less spicy than Shin Ramyun.

Nongshim Yukgaejang Savalmyeon

• Total content 86g, 375kcal
• 1 pack 1,100 won
  
  

Ottogi Yukgaejang

• Total content 104g, 375kcal
• 1 pack 900 won
  
  

3. Dosorak (도시락)

This cup ramen, ‘Dosorak’, is unique in that it uses a square container instead of the usual round one. It got its square shape from its design mimicking an old-fashioned lunch box. Generally, cup ramen noodles are thinner than those in bagged ramen, and Dosorak has particularly thin noodles among cup ramen varieties.

This product is said to have gained immense popularity in Russia. It was apparently a favorite on the long Trans-Siberian Railway, considered ideal for eating during extended journeys. Unlike other round cup ramen, its square and flat shape makes it easy to pack in bags, which also contributed to its popularity. It's not overly spicy either, which seems to have perfectly suited Russian palates.

• Total content 86g, 390kcal
• 1 pack 1,000 won

4. Cup Noodle (컵누들)

Cup Noodle is a diet-friendly ramen. There are many enemies of dieting, such as hamburgers, pizzas, and fried chicken, but ramen is the most easily accessible among them. This is why ramen is often cited as the food to avoid most when on a diet. However, the human psyche yearns for delicious food and weight loss at the same time. Ottogi tapped into this desire by launching a low-calorie ramen.

Some may assume that because it's low-calorie, it must lack flavor, but its taste is not at all deficient compared to regular ramen. People commonly think that ramen broth contains more calories than the noodles, but the noodles actually contribute a significant portion of the calorie count. This is because ramen noodles are typically fried. That's why the calorie content of non-fried, dry noodles is much lower. Cup Noodle utilizes noodles with a texture similar to konjac, keeping the calorie count incredibly low, ranging from 120kcal to 170kcal.

It also comes in a variety of flavors, including spicy, udon, and pho, as well as popular flavors like spicy chicken stew, mapo tofu, and rose. Particularly, the mapo tofu flavor is incredibly similar to real mapo tofu. Considering the calorie count of real mapo tofu, Cup Noodle seems like a perfect substitute when craving mapo tofu while on a diet.

However, there's one drawback: the price. For a small portion, it's pricier than regular cup ramen. Still, I believe it's a great choice for those occasionally trying to manage their weight or those who get a late-night ramen craving.

• Spicy Flavor 37.8g, 120kcal
• Udon Flavor 38.1g, 120kcal
• Spicy Chicken Stew Flavor 45.5g, 150kcal
• Rose Flavor 49.8g, 165kcal
• Mapo Tofu Flavor 44.7g, 150kcal
• Janchi Pho 34.2g, 120kcal
• Spicy Pho 37.8g, 130kcal
• Jajangmyeon Flavor 40.5g, 170kcal
• 1 pack 1,800 won