By Honorary Reporter Suthida Chang from Thailand

Photos and image = Suthida Chang

Samyang's Buldakbokkeummyeon means Spicy Chicken Roasted Noodles in English.

Noodles are a staple food in many cultures and their appeal lies in being easy to make and matching well with any dish. When it comes to flavor, Korean ramyeon (instant noodles), especially the famous Buldakbokkeummyeon (Fire Chicken Fried Noodles), packs a punch.

Despite being from Thailand, a country with its own famous instant noodle brands like Mama and Waiwai, I didn't understand why any Korean would choose a pack of Shin Ramyun over a bowl of bibimbap (rice mixed with red paper paste, vegetables and meat). But after learning more about the history of ramyeon, I began to understand that these noodles aren't just fast food. Ramyeon exists in the Korean DNA and has become more known around the world like kimchi. 

Supermarkets in Bangkok often have a section for Korean instant noodles.

After the Korean War, ramyeon offered a solution to social issues like poverty and starvation, but initially had a negative connotation due to its connection to poverty. But as the Korean economy grew, the noodles were rebranded and adopted as a household meal. Korean emigrants also brought ramyeon to the world, which expanded the food's influence overseas.

Whenever I travel abroad, I always take a pack or two of Thailand's spicy tom yum goong instant noodles. The food reminds me of home and is easy to make. And I'll bet this is also why Koreans abroad brought ramyeon to their host countries. It retains a traditional Korean flavor, doesn't spoil easily and is easy to cook. For Korean residents of Bangkok, ramyeon is widely available at all supermarkets, though priced higher than in Korea. 

Buldakbokkeummyeon (Spicy Chicken Roasted Noodles) is great for those who love their food spicier than most.

Being a noodle lover, I was conflicted over trying Samyang's notoriously spicy noodles: Buldakbokkeummyeon (Spicy Chicken Roasted Noodles). I've watched dozens of videos on YouTube, Facebook and TikTok showing this challenge, which is something even my friends have taken on. I enjoy the spiciness of Thai food, which is hotter than gochujang (spicy red pepper paste), yet I was still hesitant over the noodles. The people I saw who took on the challenge seemed like they were in real pain.

Yet after almost two years of waiting, I saw the noodles being freshly prepared at a Korean ddeok (rice cake) buffet restaurant in Bangkok and decided to try them. I wondered if I could finish all of the noodles and wanted to avoid being fined for wasting food. 

Long story short, I cried tears of happiness, joy, pain and relief as I finished a bowl of the noodles. I needed two glasses of lemon iced tea to stop the burning in my mouth as yes, the noodles were extremely spicy. It does burn but I think I'm addicted to them and can't wait to eat them again.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.