A Guide to Popular Nongshim Noodle Varieties

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I monitor the demand for quick and authentic meals. Korean instant noodles, in particular, are enjoying growing popularity in the UK, driven by the fame of K-dramas and K-pop. Many are looking for a straightforward way to experience the diverse flavours of Korea at home. The Nongshim brand is a central name in this space. This article serves as an objective guide to give you an overview of some of the most sought-after Nongshim noodles and to help you with your selection.

Buying Guide: What to Look for When Choosing Nongshim Noodles

The decision on which Nongshim ramen to buy depends on personal preference. Three criteria can make the choice easier.

1. Flavour Profile: Soup or Sauce?

A fundamental distinction is the type of dish. Do you want a classic Asian noodle soup or a noodle dish with a thick sauce?

• Soup-Based Noodles: Varieties like Shin Ramyun or Neoguri are served in a boiling broth. They are ideal for cold days or when you prefer a warming, broth-based meal.
• Sauce-Based Noodles: Chapagetti is an example of noodles where most of the water is drained after cooking, and the noodles are mixed with a thick paste-like sauce. This version is drier and has a more intense, concentrated flavour.

2. Spice Level: From Mild to Fiery

Nongshim is known for its spicy products. The level of heat is a crucial factor.

• Spicy: Varieties like Shin Ramyun are renowned for their distinct spiciness and are aimed at fans of piquant dishes. If you are specifically looking for spicy noodles, this is a popular choice.
• Spicy-Moderate: Neoguri offers a combination of seafood flavours and a noticeable, but often perceived as more moderate, heat.
• Mild: Chapagetti is the mild option. Its flavour comes from a savoury black bean sauce, not from chilli.

3. Pack Size: Single Serving or Multipack

When you order Nongshim ramen online, you will often find offers for multipacks (e.g., packs of 5 or 6). For students, young professionals, or families, buying multipacks can be an economical option. Single packs, on the other hand, are great for trying a new variety first.

Featured Nongshim Noodles

Here is a presentation of three popular varieties that cover different flavour profiles.

Nongshim Shin Ramyun Instant Noodles

What Makes This Product Stand Out Shin Ramyun is one of the world's most famous Korean instant noodles. Its popularity is based on the robust, spicy broth with a beef flavour and a signature heat. The combination of chewy noodles, a rich broth, and dried vegetable flakes makes for a satisfying meal.

Objective Features

• Robust, spicy broth with an umami flavour.
• Contains vegetable flakes such as chilli, carrots, and spring onions.
• Preparation time of about 4-5 minutes.

Who Is It For? This product is aimed at people who are looking for a very spicy and flavour-intensive noodle soup. It is a common choice for anyone wanting to experience the characteristic taste of spicy Korean ramen.

Nongshim Neoguri Seafood & Spicy Noodles

What Makes This Product Stand Out Neoguri stands out with its thick, udon-style noodles and a spicy seafood broth. The name "Neoguri" means raccoon in Korean, which alludes to the thick and plump shape of the noodles. The broth combines flavours of squid, mussels, and fish with a pleasant spiciness.

Objective Features

• Thick, chewy noodles that hold their shape well.
• Spicy broth with a distinct seafood flavour.
• Contains dried ingredients like seaweed and fish cakes.

Who Is It For? Ideal for those who prefer a hearty, spicy soup with a seafood aroma and thicker noodles. The heat is present but is often perceived as less intense compared to Shin Ramyun.

Nongshim Instant Noodle Soup Chapagetti

What Makes This Product Stand Out Chapagetti is Nongshim's take on the Korean-Chinese dish Jajangmyeon. Instead of a soup, the noodles are mixed with a thick, dark sauce made from black bean paste (Chunjang). The result is a savoury, slightly sweet, and umami-rich dish with no heat.

Objective Features

• Mild, non-spicy seasoning based on soybean paste.
• Thick sauce that clings well to the noodles.
• Contains flakes of textured vegetable protein and vegetables.

Who Is It For? This product is the right choice for anyone looking for a mild yet flavourful alternative to spicy soups. It is also well-suited for children or individuals with a low tolerance for spice.

Discover More Options

If the varieties presented here don't fully meet your expectations or if you're curious about the entire range, there are many more options to discover. From extra-spicy versions to special flavours, the market offers a wide selection.

Browse our entire collection of ramen noodle box and find your next favourite meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Nongshim noodles vegetarian?

Most common varieties of Nongshim noodles are not vegetarian or vegan. Shin Ramyun is made with beef flavouring, and varieties like Neoguri contain extracts and flakes of fish and seafood. According to its ingredient list, Chapagetti contains shrimp. It is essential to carefully check the specific ingredient list on the packaging before purchasing, as recipes can vary.

How spicy are Nongshim noodles?

The spice level varies greatly depending on the variety. Shin Ramyun is considered spicy and is a benchmark for many fans of piquant food. Neoguri is also flavourful and spicy, but the seafood aromas balance the heat somewhat. Chapagetti, on the other hand, is mild and not spicy at all, as its flavour is based on a savoury bean paste.

Where can you buy Nongshim noodles?

Nongshim products are available in most well-stocked Asian supermarkets in the UK. A convenient alternative is to order Nongshim ramen online. Online retailers often offer a larger selection and the option to purchase multipacks, which makes shopping easier and is often more cost-effective.