Ranking the Best to Worst Samyang Buldak Noodles

Samyang Buldak Ramen is one of the most well-known instant noodle brands, famous for its fiery flavors and unique combinations. Whether you’re a spice lover or just enjoy a good bowl of ramen, Samyang has something for everyone.

In this ranking, we’ll go from the absolute best to the least enjoyable flavors, according to taste, texture, and overall experience.

1. Samyang Carbonara (Packet & Cup) – The Ultimate Favorite

The Carbonara flavor is hands-down the best offering from Samyang. This variety takes the beloved spice of the original Samyang Buldak Ramen and blends it with a creamy, cheesy twist that balances the heat.

The packet version has a thicker, richer sauce, while the cup is slightly milder but just as enjoyable. The creamy aspect makes it more palatable for those who struggle with extreme heat, but it still retains that signature Samyang kick.

It’s perfect for those who love spicy but want something indulgent and comforting.

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2. Quattro Cheese (Cup) – A Cheesy Delight

The Quattro Cheese Cup is a game-changer for cheese lovers. Combining four different types of cheese, this ramen is decadent, rich, and slightly toned down in spice compared to the original Buldak series.

The creamy, cheesy sauce coats the noodles perfectly, making every bite a delightful mix of heat and indulgence. If you enjoy mac and cheese with a kick, this is an instant noodle you need to try.

3. Original Buldak (Packet & Cup) – The Classic Spicy Champion

The Original Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen is what started the Samyang craze. This flavor is intensely spicy, featuring a rich and deep chili sauce that coats the chewy noodles beautifully.

While it’s incredibly fiery, the flavor is also complex, with a slight smokiness and sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. The cup version is slightly milder than the packet but still delivers a punch.

4. 2x Spicy Buldak (Packet & Cup) – Only for the Brave

If the Original Buldak wasn’t hot enough for you, then the 2x Spicy Buldak is the ultimate challenge.

This one is not for the faint of heart—it’s brutally spicy, to the point where your lips will tingle, your nose will run, and you’ll probably break a sweat. While the heat is intense, the flavor is still enjoyable, and the noodles maintain the perfect chewy texture.

If you love extreme heat, this one is a must-try.

5. Jjajang Buldak (Packet & Cup) – A Sweet & Spicy Twist

For those who love jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), this version offers a unique blend of Samyang’s signature spice and the sweet, umami-rich flavor of black bean sauce.

The combination is unexpected but delicious, with a deep, smoky sweetness that balances the heat well. It’s a great option for those looking for something different from the usual spicy chicken flavors.

6. Mala Buldak (Packet) – Sichuan Pepper Madness

The Mala Buldak takes inspiration from Sichuan cuisine, featuring the distinctive numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns. The result is a fiery and tingly experience that enhances the usual Buldak flavor.

The mala spice lingers long after eating, making it an exciting choice for those who love bold, intense flavors.

7. Curry Buldak (Packet & Cup) – Spiced with a Twist

The Curry Buldak is an interesting mix of Indian-style curry and Samyang’s signature spice.

It has a strong, aromatic curry flavor that complements the heat well. While not as creamy as the Carbonara or Quattro Cheese versions, the depth of spice makes it a great option for those who enjoy more complex flavors.

8. Kimchi Buldak (Packet & Cup) – A Tangy, Spicy Fusion

Kimchi lovers might enjoy this one, as it combines the tangy, fermented taste of kimchi with Samyang’s famous spice. While it has a nice sour kick, the flavor might not be for everyone, especially if you’re not a fan of the strong fermented taste. Still, it’s a solid choice if you enjoy traditional Korean flavors.

9. Ice Buldak (Packet) – A Cold & Spicy Experiment

This variety is meant to be eaten cold, which is a unique twist on Samyang’s usual offerings. While the concept is intriguing, the experience can be hit or miss.

The spice still packs a punch, but the cold noodles change the texture and overall enjoyment factor. It’s a refreshing option in hot weather but might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

10. Stew Buldak (Packet) – A Slightly Milder Take

The Stew Buldak is designed to be enjoyed as a soup, which makes it different from the usual dry-style Samyang noodles. While the broth adds a different dynamic, it also dilutes some of the intense spice that makes Buldak famous.

It’s a good option if you prefer a soupy, less aggressive version of the original.

11. Samyang Tomato Pasta Buldak (Packet) – An Odd Combination

The Tomato Pasta Buldak is one of the more experimental flavors, combining a tomato-based sauce with the usual Buldak heat. The result is a mix of spicy and slightly sweet tomato, similar to an arrabbiata pasta.

While it’s not bad, it doesn’t quite match up to the better creamy or cheese-based flavors.

12. Carbo Tomato Pasta Buldak (Packet) – An Unnecessary Fusion

This is a variation of the Carbonara flavor with a tomato-based twist.

However, the flavors don’t blend as well as they do in other varieties. The tomato and cream combination is slightly off-putting, making it one of the less impressive choices.

13. Light Buldak (Packet & Cup) – A Mild and Forgettable Version

The Light Buldak is meant to be a lower-calorie, milder version of the original, but it sacrifices a lot of the boldness that makes Samyang noodles special. While it’s a decent option for those who can’t handle spice, it lacks the same addictive quality as the classic versions.

14. Cheese Buldak (Packet & Cup) – A Disappointment Compared to Other Cheese Flavors

While this might sound appealing to cheese lovers, it doesn’t quite hit the mark.

The cheese flavor is artificial and doesn’t blend as well as the Carbonara or Quattro Cheese versions. The spice also seems slightly off-balanced, making this one of the weaker options.

15. Sriracha Buldak (Packet) – A Missed Opportunity

Given how popular sriracha is, you’d expect this to be a fantastic option.

However, the flavor is somewhat underwhelming compared to the more complex and bold flavors of the other varieties. The sriracha taste is mild, and it doesn’t quite bring the heat that Samyang is known for.

Final Thoughts

Samyang has an impressive range of instant noodles, from ultra-spicy to creamy, cheesy, and even cold variations. The Carbonara (packet & cup) and Quattro Cheese (cup) take the top spots for their perfect balance of heat and indulgence. The classic Buldak and 2x Spicy versions remain iconic, while some of the experimental flavors fall flat.

If you love spice, there’s a Samyang noodle for you—but if you want something more balanced, go for the creamy or cheesy varieties.

Which Samyang noodle is your favorite? Let us know!