Samyang Spicy Hot Fire Chicken Noodles Review

I may be writing a review today, for the sake of adding it to my noodle blogs series, but I have had these noodles a few years ago when the entire Spicy Noodles challenge actually started. Samyang noodles at that time were not available in Pakistan and most people were unaware of them here, so I used to ask my family coming from USA to get me some because unfortunately, I don't know anyone in South Korea, yet!

Samyang is a Korean food brand that makes many instant ramen variants, amongst other things, but are most known for the Hot Chicken Ramen range that went viral with the spicy noodle challenge a few years ago. I did the challenge too and that was the very first time I tried the Samyang Spicy Hot Chicken noodles. 

The very first time was a killer, I was on fire, inside out. Fast forward to today, it is nothing intense for me and I can easily consume the entire bowl without even a sniffle. The moral of the story, be cautious when trying this for the first time. I have always had a considerably high tolerance for spicy food (thanks to my desi roots) so it was never too crazy for me. If you are sensitive towards spicy food you will not enjoy these. 

The Samyang noodles come with a thick brick of noodles along with a packet of not so generous garnish of sesame seeds and seaweed flakes along with a packet of liquid spicy seasoning. This was the first time I had come across liquid seasoning when eating instant ramen. Also would like to point out for those who are super careful about the food they eat (unlike me, I just avoid pork) this is Halal certified by the HACCP.

Ingredients: noodles(76.7%): wheat flour (52%), tapioca starch (12%), palm oil (11%), wheat gluten, salt, soybean oil, water, E501, E500, E339, E452, E330, E412, E322, E101.

Cooking instructions are similar to most instant noodles and as always I eyeball it because of experience. You basically need enough water to just cook the noodles till they are nice and firm, which is how I like it. Some people prefer gooey, not my bowl of noods. After the noodles are done. Drain water and just keep one tablespoon to make it easier to mix in the sauce, this is also why they call it "stir-fried noodles". Many people make this soupier which is not really the way it is eaten but then there are no restrictions either so you do you. After the noodles are done you add the sauce, mix it well and then top it with the garnish and it is ready to burn your mouth and tummy.

Do you know why these noodles are so hot and spicy? This particular range has mixed capsaicin in its liquid seasoning. Capsaicin is the extract of the chemical found in chillies that creates a burning, numbing sensation. The chemical itself has zero flavours. Therefore, the added heat and numbness we feel when eating these noodles is thanks to capsaicin.

The overall experience is full of heat but I really do enjoy the actual flavour of the noodles. They are definitely spicy but also have a great umami flavour. The noodles are chewy which I like and you can add some chopped green onions and fried or boiled egg to enjoy it further. I simply love it and it has become one of my favourites and is always available in my noodle cupboard.

These are now easily available in Pakistan in many superstores and you can also get them from Amazon here.