Blogs

If you have ever seen someone crying at a bowl of noodles on TikTok, there is a good chance they were eating Samyang Buldak. The South Korean fire noodle has become a global phenomenon — and for good reason. They are genuinely delicious once you know how to cook them properly.Here is everything you need to know.What Are Buldak Noodles?Buldak (불닭) literally translates to "fire chicken" in Korean. Samyang's Buldak range is a dry-style instant noodle — meaning you drain the water before adding the sauce, rather than leaving it in a broth. The result is an intensely saucy, chewy noodle with a flavour that builds from savoury to powerfully spicy.The original 2x Spicy version is one of the hottest mainstream instant noodles in the world. But don't let that put you off — the range includes milder options like Carbonara, Rose, and Cheese that are approachable for anyone.What You Need 1 packet of Samyang Buldak noodles (any flavour) Water for boiling Optional toppings: spring onion, sesame seeds, a fried egg, gim (dried seaweed), cheese, or mayonnaise Step-by-Step InstructionsStep 1 — Boil the noodlesBring a pot of water to the boil. Add the noodles and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The noodles are done when they are chewy but not hard in the centre.Step 2 — Drain almost all the waterThis is the most important step that most people get wrong. Drain the water but leave about 8 tablespoons (roughly 120ml) of cooking water in the pot. This water helps the sauce coat the noodles evenly. If you drain completely, the sauce will clump.Step 3 — Add the saucePour the liquid sauce sachet directly onto the noodles over medium heat. If included, add the flake sachet too. Stir vigorously for about 30 seconds until the sauce is fully absorbed and the noodles look glossy and evenly coated.Step 4 — Add toppings and serveTransfer to a bowl and add your toppings. A fried egg on top is the classic move — the runny yolk softens the heat beautifully. Sliced spring onion, sesame seeds and a sheet of gim are all excellent. For the very spicy versions, a spoon of mayonnaise or a slice of cheese melted on top will cut the heat significantly.Heat Level GuideNot all Buldak noodles are the same. Here is a rough guide: Carbonara — creamy and mild, barely spicy. Perfect for beginners. Rose — creamy tomato-style, gentle heat. Cheese — saucy with cheese powder, moderate heat. Original — proper spicy. 2x Spicy — extremely hot. For experienced spice lovers only. Where to Buy Samyang Buldak in LatviaOishii Asian Mart carries the full Samyang Buldak range and ships across Latvia and the Baltics from Rīga. Browse our Instant Noodles collection to find your flavour.