The Most Popular Korean Noodle Dish, Ranked

Choose the dish you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:42
In the bustling streets of Seoul, the enticing aroma of Korean noodles beckons locals and tourists alike to take a culinary pause. With each region claiming a signature twist, a visitor might ponder the best version to savor. Establishing a ranking of the most loved dish helps newcomers navigate their way through this flavor-packed part of Korean cuisine. On this site, enthusiasts and neophytes can cast their votes, impacting the live standings of competing noodle dishes. Your votes not only guide newcomers but also celebrate your personal favorite, ensuring it receives the recognition it deserves. Engage and help in crafting a definitive guide that mirrors the collective taste of its user community.

What Is the Most Popular Korean Noodle Dish?

  1. 1
    63
    votes
    Made with sweet potato noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and meat or seafood, Japchae is a popular Korean noodle dish due to its delicious and satisfying taste.
    Japchae is a traditional Korean dish known for its delicious blend of flavors and textures. It is a stir-fried dish made with glass noodles made from sweet potato starch, mixed with various vegetables and thinly sliced meat. The dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, giving it a savory and slightly sweet taste. Japchae is often enjoyed as a side dish or served as a main course, particularly during special occasions and celebrations.
    • Main Ingredients: Sweet potato glass noodles, vegetables, meat
    • Cooking Method: Stir-fried
    • Flavor: Savory and slightly sweet
    • Seasonings: Soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil
    • Texture: Soft noodles, crispy vegetables
  2. 2
    9
    votes
    Ramyun is a Korean version of instant noodles that is immensely popular among college students and young adults. It is quick and easy to prepare and is available in a variety of flavors.
    Ramyun is a popular Korean noodle dish known for its spicy and savory flavors. It consists of wheat noodles served in a rich broth, often made with beef or pork bones, dried seafood, and various spices. The dish is typically garnished with sliced scallions, mushrooms, egg, and sometimes kimchi or other vegetables.
    • Region: South Korea
    • Broth Flavor: Spicy and savory
    • Noodle Type: Wheat noodles
    • Broth Ingredients: Beef or pork bones, dried seafood, spices
    • Garnish: Scallions, mushrooms, egg, kimchi (optional)
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish that is typically served in the summer. Made with thin, chewy noodles, broth, and various toppings, this dish is refreshing and perfect for hot weather.
    Naengmyeon is a popular Korean noodle dish known for its refreshing taste and unique texture. It is typically served cold and consists of long, thin noodles made from buckwheat or sweet potato starch. The dish is often garnished with various toppings such as slices of beef, pickled radish, cucumber, and egg. Naengmyeon is commonly enjoyed during the summer months as a refreshing and cooling meal.
    • Type of noodles: Buckwheat or sweet potato starch
    • Temperature: Served cold
    • Garnishments: Beef slices, pickled radish, cucumber, egg
    • Seasonal preference: Popular in summer
    • Texture: Chewy
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    Bibim Guksu is a spicy noodle dish that is served cold. It features thin wheat noodles, mixed vegetables, and a spicy sauce that is both tangy and sweet.
    Bibim Guksu, also known as spicy mixed noodles, is a popular Korean noodle dish. It is made with thin wheat noodles, typically somyeon, which are mixed with a spicy sauce and various vegetables. The dish is flavorsome, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather.
    • Noodle Type: Thin wheat noodles (somyeon)
    • Sauce: Spicy sauce made with gochujang (red chili paste), sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar
    • Vegetables: Commonly includes thinly sliced cucumber, carrot, radish, and sprouts
    • Seasonings: Often garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions
    • Optional Protein: Can be topped with boiled egg, beef, or sliced chicken for added protein
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Kalguksu is a soup noodle dish that is made with handmade wheat noodles and a flavorful broth. It is often served with various vegetables and meat or seafood.
    Kalguksu is a popular Korean noodle dish that literally means 'knife-cut noodles'. It is a hearty soup dish consisting of handmade wheat noodles, various vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood. The dish is known for its comforting and savory flavors.
    • Noodle type: Handmade wheat noodles
    • Ingredients: Various vegetables, meat or seafood
    • Soup base: Rich and savory broth
    • Texture: Chewy noodles and tender vegetables
    • Seasoning: Salt, soy sauce, or other savory sauces
  6. 6
    3
    votes
    Jajangmyeon is a popular Korean-style Chinese noodle dish that is made with thick wheat noodles and a savory black bean sauce. It is a comfort food that is loved by many Koreans.
    Jajangmyeon is a popular Korean noodle dish that features thick, wheat noodles topped with a rich and savory black bean sauce. It is a Chinese-inspired dish that has become a staple in Korean cuisine.
    • Main Ingredients: Thick wheat noodles, black bean sauce, pork or seafood, vegetables
    • Flavor Profile: Savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich
    • Serving Style: Hot and freshly cooked
    • Garnish Options: Cucumber strips, shredded carrots, green onions
    • Condiments: Black vinegar, chili oil
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    Dangmyeon is a type of glass noodle that is made from sweet potato starch. It is often used in stir-fries and soups and is a popular ingredient in Korean cuisine.
    Dangmyeon is a popular Korean noodle dish made from sweet potato starch noodles. It is commonly used in dishes like Japchae, a stir-fried noodle dish with various vegetables and meat. Dangmyeon noodles have a chewy and slightly slippery texture, and they absorb flavors well. The noodles are typically cooked until tender, then rinsed in cold water to remove excess starch. They are used in soups, stir-fries, and salads, often accompanied by vegetables, meat, or seafood.
    • Noodle Type: Sweet potato starch
    • Texture: Chewy and slightly slippery
    • Flavor: Neutral, absorbs flavors well
    • Cooking Method: Boiled and rinsed in cold water
    • Common Dish: Japchae (Korean stir-fried noodle dish)
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Kongguksu is a cold noodle soup that is made with soy milk and wheat noodles. It is a refreshing dish that is perfect for hot summer days.
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    Jjamppong is a spicy noodle soup that is made with seafood and vegetables. It is a popular dish in Korean-Chinese cuisine and is often served in Chinese restaurants in Korea.
    Jjamppong is a popular Korean noodle dish known for its spicy and flavorful broth. It originated in China but has evolved to suit Korean tastes over the years. The dish typically consists of thick wheat noodles cooked in a rich seafood-based broth, infused with spices and chili paste. It is often garnished with various vegetables, such as cabbage, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and seafood like shrimp, mussels, and squid.
    • Origin: China, adapted in Korea
    • Broth: Seafood-based and spicy
    • Noodles: Thick wheat noodles
    • Garnishes: Cabbage, onions, carrots, mushrooms, seafood
    • Spices: Chili paste, garlic, ginger
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    Chapagetti is another Korean-style Chinese noodle dish that is made with thick wheat noodles and a black bean sauce. It is a popular instant noodle product that is enjoyed by many Koreans.
    Chapagetti is a popular Korean noodle dish that combines instant noodles with a savory black bean sauce. It is known for its unique taste and is loved by many Koreans and foreigners alike. The dish has gained significant popularity due to its convenience and deliciousness.
    • Type: Instant Noodle Dish
    • Main Ingredient: Wheat Noodles
    • Sauce Flavor: Black Bean Sauce
    • Spiciness Level: Mild
    • Texture: Soft and Chewy Noodles

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Ranking factors for popular dish

  1. Taste and flavor
    The overall taste and flavor of the dish should be considered, including its unique combination of ingredients, seasoning, and sauces.
  2. Cultural significance
    The popularity of a dish may be influenced by its cultural significance in Korea or within the Korean diaspora. This includes historical background, regional specialties, or connection to traditional celebrations and events.
  3. Popularity in restaurants and street food stalls
    The dish's prevalence in Korean restaurants, street food stalls, and food markets can indicate its general popularity in Korea and among Korean cuisine enthusiasts.
  4. Global appeal
    The extent to which a dish has gained international recognition can influence its popularity ranking. This may include the dish's availability in Korean restaurants worldwide, as well as the growth of its fanbase among non-Korean food lovers.
  5. Versatility and customizability
    A popular noodle dish should be versatile in terms of ingredients, toppings, and variations. The dish should be customizable to suit different preferences and dietary requirements, making it more appealing to a wider audience.
  6. Ease of preparation and cooking
    A popular dish should typically be relatively easy to prepare and cook at home, with accessible ingredients and simple techniques required.
  7. Nutritional value and health benefits
    A dish's nutritional profile and potential health benefits can also affect its popularity among health-conscious consumers. This may include the balance of proteins, healthy fats, and vegetables within the dish, as well as any specific health-promoting qualities of key ingredients.
  8. Unique and distinct features
    A popular noodle dish should have at least one unique and distinctive feature that makes it stand out from other dishes in Korean cuisine.
  9. Presentation and appearance
    An aesthetically pleasing dish can also contribute to its popularity, as people often eat with their eyes before they take a bite. This may include the colors, textures, and plating of the dish.
  10. Social media and internet presence
    In today's digital age, a dish's popularity may be heightened via social media and the internet. A popular dish may have a strong online presence through food blogs, recipe websites, restaurant reviews, or social media hashtags.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Korean noodle dish. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Dish is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1553 views
  • 165 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Dish once every 24 hours. The rank of each Dish is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular korean noodle dish

Korean cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and their noodle dishes are no exception. Korean noodles come in various shapes and sizes, each with its unique taste and texture. From the famous spicy and savory Jjajangmyeon to the comforting and flavorful Kalguksu, Korean noodle dishes have gained popularity worldwide. In this article, we will explore the most popular Korean noodle dish and delve into its history and ingredients to help you understand what makes it so delicious.

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