Buzz
Buldak Bokkeum, a Korean spicy stir-fried noodles, is known for its fiery kick. Chicken Ramyun, a creation by Samyang company, represents one of the flavors of Buldak Bokkeum noodles.
Meet the spicy Korean noodle sensation that's taking the virtual world by storm. Here's the scoop on this fiery chicken flavor.
The packaging of this noodle variety guarantees a heat level of 3,210 SHU (Scoville Heat Units, a scale for measuring chili pepper heat invented by American chemist Wilbur Scoville in 1912). This SHU rating, equivalent to the heat of Jalapeno peppers, doesn't even mark the peak of spiciness. Speaking of Jalapenos, these are robust, slightly plump chilies from Mexico with fewer seeds.
In reality, many skeptics argue that this Korean spicy noodle should register far higher than 3,210 SHU due to its intense heat. A serving of the super spicy Chicken Ramyun costs around ₩1300 or $1.25, which converts to roughly 28,000 VNĐ.
Once prepared, these Korean spicy noodles will look something like this.
A Trend Sweeping the Globe
Inside the Korean spicy noodle package, you'll find three things: the noodles themselves, a packet of dried seaweed and sesame, and the infamous super spicy seasoning packet – the very thing that has made these noodles world-famous. Like any instant stir-fry noodles, after adding boiling water and letting the noodles expand, drain the water, mix in the seasoning packets, and enjoy.
Just a whiff of the aroma and you'll feel the intense spiciness hit your nose immediately. Many have proclaimed themselves masters of spice only to bow down to this fiery noodle as their sensei, wiping their noses and continuously sweating due to its extreme heat. Can you guess what to drink to ease the heat when eating spicy food? Soda, water, alcohol, beer, etc.?
The answer lies in fresh milk. Drinking milk will immediately alleviate the spicy sensation. Milk contains a type of protein that acts as a 'cleanser,' washing away the spicy sensation on the tongue. When indulging in spicy food, always have a bottle or glass of milk nearby.
Returning to the topic of Korean spicy noodles, YouTubers have a fun challenge: two people eat this super spicy noodle and can only drink exactly 2 sips of milk. The one who doesn't finish their bowl of noodles is the loser and must endure a punishment like eating a lemon, jumping into a 10°C lake, etc.
The lovely vlogger Phuong Nguyen Pretty also took on the challenge of Korean spicy noodles.
Vietnam catches the trend of Korean spicy noodles just in time.
Korean restaurants have caught onto the trend of these super spicy noodles, bringing them to Vietnam this summer. The spicy noodles at Korean eateries have been adapted to be more fragrant and meatier, featuring ingredients like shrimp, squid, beef, sausage, mushrooms, kimchi, etc. Before you dig into these super spicy noodles, the staff will need to ask if you have any stomach or digestive issues before you attempt them.
I guarantee you, no matter how good you are with spicy food, you'll be blowing smoke, wiping tears, and constantly sipping water. Gather your spicy food warriors and see who can handle the heat better.
In Saigon, actor Quoc Thuan's Korean spicy noodle joint on Duong Ba Trac Street is extremely popular, especially among young people. There are 7 levels of spiciness to choose from, with level 7 being the highest, but many are defeated by this level of heat right on the spot.
Actor Quoc Thuan with a bowl of Korean spicy noodles.
For Korean restaurants serving spicy noodles, you can visit the Gimbap House chain in Hanoi, which has many branches: Tay Son, Doi Can, Dao Tan, Xuan Thuy, My Dinh, Ngoc Lam.
Purr Purr
Some great articles you should read:
• Successful female entrepreneurs making men tip their hats
• Top renowned Japanese restaurants in Saigon
• Four Korean cultural aspects you definitely haven't heard of
