Paldo Bulnak Spicy Octopus Noodles

Paldo Bulnak is the most unusual flavor profile in instant ramen that actually works: spicy octopus (nakji-bokkeum style) in a Korean sweet-spicy sauce applied to exceptionally good noodles. The seafood umami from octopus extract and the sweet Korean chili sauce combine into a broth that is genuinely novel without being gimmicky. The noodle quality is among the best in Korean instant ramen — thick, wavy, and maintaining appropriate chew through the cooking window. Blind tasting score: 7.6 out of 10. Paldo as a brand is consistently underrated internationally relative to Nongshim and Samyang; the entire Paldo lineup (including the Volcano Chicken and Bibim Myun cold noodle variety) rewards exploration. Available at H Mart and Korean grocery stores; sporadic availability on Amazon.