Shin Ramyun by Nongshim

Shin Ramyun by Nongshim is the most widely distributed premium instant ramen outside Japan and the benchmark against which all spicy instant noodles are measured. The Korean gochugaru-based broth is built around dried shiitake, beef extract, and multiple chili sources that produce a heat that builds progressively rather than hitting immediately — a more sophisticated structure than most spicy ramens. The noodles are round, springy, and maintain appropriate chew at the 4-minute mark without becoming soft. Shin Ramyun Black, the premium sub-line at $3.00 per pack, adds a beef bone broth sachet and a garlic-sesame oil packet that transforms the base product into something genuinely impressive. Nongshim has sold over 32 billion packages of Shin Ramyun since its 1986 launch — the consistent formula over 40 years is a testament to how well-calibrated the flavor profile is. Available in virtually every Asian grocery store and increasingly in major supermarket chains globally.