Nongshim Ramen
Nongshim Ramen was first released in 1975 under the company name Lotte Industrial Corporation, which was founded in 1965. After the success of its ramen business, the company changed its name to Nongshim. The original Nongshim Ramen was discontinued, but it has been reintroduced to celebrate the company’s 60th anniversary.
The price is listed at 1,180 KRW, but it is currently available at E-Mart for 4,280 KRW for a pack of four, with a 10% discount running until the end of January.
This ramen features beef-based broth and noodles made with domestic rice flour. It comes with three types of seasoning packets. The final seasoning powder, added just before serving, enhances the rich beef flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Boil 500ml of water.
Once boiling, add the noodles and two seasoning packets (flavor powder and flakes). Let it cook for 4 minutes and 30 seconds.
I also added an egg for extra flavor.
Turn off the heat and stir in the third seasoning packet (beef seasoning powder) to maximize the beef aroma.
The third seasoning seems to be designed to bring out the beef flavor right before eating.
When I tasted the broth, it reminded me of beef noodle soup. It has a rich, savory beef flavor with a slight spiciness-not as spicy as Shin Ramyun. The noodles, made with rice flour, have a pleasantly firm and chewy texture. Since I prefer firm noodles, I initially boiled them for only 4 minutes, but they felt slightly undercooked. Following the recommended 4 minutes and 30 seconds might be better.
The flakes include soy-based meat chunks, which have a surprisingly realistic meaty texture. The product is very well-made.
I expected it to taste similar to Ansung Tangmyun, but the broth is richer and has a stronger beef aroma. If you add some ham or meat, you could transform this ramen into a hearty budae jjigae (army stew).