Ramen Piki / Design By Kpopmap
Korean ramen has now gained global fame. To provide more specialized and intriguing stories about Korean ramen, we have brought in Korea’s only ramen expert critic, Piki. These articles are all written by Piki and offer various insights about ramen. We plan to release this series daily over the course of two weeks, so please stay tuned!
Let’s get into it!
Hello, ramen enthusiasts! I’m Ji YoungJun, a ramen connoisseur and adventurer of spicy flavors.
Introduction to Scoville Heat Units and Spicy Ramen
Have you heard of the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU)? It measures capsaicin concentration in chili peppers, translating the spicy heat into a quantifiable number.
Developed by American chemist Wilbur Scoville in 1912, the Scoville scale is widely used to gauge the spiciness of foods, including ramen.
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Since it allows us to compare the spiciness of different ramen varieties, objectively, today I’m here to introduce the top 5 spiciest ramen currently available (as of March 2024) based on their Scoville ratings.
Note that this list exclusively features soup-based ramen, as stir-fried or mixed noodles tend to feel spicier even with lower Scoville scores.
For reference, Shin Ramyun has a Scoville rating of 3,400 SHU.
Let’s dive into the world of fiery ramen to see which ones top the chart!
The Spiciest Korean Ramen Ranked
Top 5: Nongshim Shin Ramyun The Red (7,500 SHU)
At number five, we have **Nongshim Shin Ramyun The Red**, which is twice as spicy as the original Shin Ramyun. It retains the signature flavor while delivering a more intense heat. Some say it brings back the taste of Shin Ramyun from the 80s. If you love a deliciously spicy ramen, this one’s a must-try.
Rating: ★★★★★
Spiciness: High
Review: A fiery upgrade to the beloved Shin Ramyun, balancing bold flavor with a satisfying heat.
Top 4: Paldo Teumsae Ramyun Bbalgyetok & Teumsae Ramyun Spicy Kimchi (10,000 SHU)
In fourth place, we find **Paldo Teumsae Ramyun Bbalgyetok and Teumsae Ramyun Spicy Kimchi**. The Bbalgyetok variant is modeled after the famous spicy dish from Myeongdong’s Teumsae Ramyun restaurant, capturing the hearts of spice lovers nationwide. The Spicy Kimchi version combines the heat of Teumsae Ramyun with the tangy flavor of kimchi, creating a masterpiece for spicy food aficionados.
Rating: ★★★★★
Spiciness: High
Review: Intense and addictive, these ramen varieties offer a perfect blend of heat and flavor.
Top 3: Paldo King Lid (12,000 SHU)
Ranking third is **Paldo King Lid**, the spiciest cup ramen available domestically. It features a robust flavor profile enhanced by Vietnamese chili and Cheongyang pepper, making it a must-try for those who love a hearty, spicy broth.
Rating: ★★★★★
Spiciness: Extreme
Review: A generously portioned cup ramen with a kick, perfect for spice enthusiasts.
Top 2: Geumbi Bulmawang Ramen (14,444 SHU)
Taking second place is **Geumbi Bulmawang Ramen**, known for its use of the fearsome Carolina Reaper pepper. Initially the spiciest ramen on the market, it has since been overshadowed but remains a formidable challenge for those seeking the ultimate heat.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Spiciness: Extreme
Review: While not as flavorful as it once was, Bulmawang still delivers an intense, fiery punch.
Top 1: Paldo Teumsae Ramyun Extreme Challenge (15,000 SHU)
The spiciest ramen currently available is **Paldo Teumsae Ramyun Extreme Challenge**. This product, featuring Vietnamese chili, is about 1.5 times spicier than the Bbalgyetok variant and was initially released as a limited edition but became a staple due to its popularity. If you found the original Teumsae Ramyun not spicy enough, this one’s for you.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Spiciness: Extreme
Review: A must-try for spice maniacs, delivering the highest level of heat among commercially available ramen.
Today, we explored the top 5 spiciest ramen available on the market. Have you tried any of these fiery bowls? If so, which one did you find the most delicious? I look forward to bringing you more delicious ramen recommendations on various themes.
Scoville Ratings Recap:
– Nongshim Shin Ramyun The Red: 7,500 SHU
– Paldo Teumsae Ramyun Bbalgyetok & Spicy Kimchi: 10,000 SHU
– Paldo King Lid: 12,000 SHU
– Geumbi Bulmawang Ramen: 14,444 SHU
– Paldo Teumsae Ramyun Extreme Challenge: 15,000 SHU
Additional Notes:
– Nuclear Buldak Bokkeum Myun: 8,706 SHU
– Dare Buldak Bibimmyeon: 12,000 SHU
– Nuclear Buldak Bokkeum Myun Mini: 12,000 SHU
– Bulmawang Stir-fried Ramen: 14,444 SHU
– Yeomra Daewang Ramen (discontinued): 21,000 SHU
Thank you for reading!
