Itaewon in Seoul has earned a reputation for its dynamic nightlife, association with the US Army base, and its renowned dish, budae-jjigae. Translated as ‘army base stew’, budae-jjigae is a spicy type of jjigae that features an assortment of ingredients, frequently canned or processed, such as ham, sausage, Spam, baked beans, kimchi, instant noodles, and gochujang. The Han Kitchen Budae Ramyun is an instant noodle creation that draws inspiration from this distinctive stew.
Each package contained dehydrated noodles, dried flakes (mushroom, onion, bok choy, soybean, carrot and chilli) and a powdered soup base.
The preparation process involved boiling the noodles along with the soup base and vegetable flakes for 4.5 minutes in 550 mL of water. Served hot, the soup emitted a rich, savoury aroma reminiscent of cured meats or sausages. This same aroma translated into the taste, accompanied by underlying notes of the kimchi base soup, which offered a moderate level of spiciness and a subtle tanginess. The noodles, boasting a delightful chewiness and springiness, proved to be adept at absorbing the flavourful soup. Meanwhile, the flakes rehydrated into substantial pieces of kimchi, carrots, and beef, each contributing to the overall texture and taste. The immensely gratifying blend of flavours and textures rendered these noodles an enticing repurchase, inviting further exploration of the brand’s other offerings.
This The Han Kitchen Budae Ramyun contained 119 g and came in a package of 5 serves. It was produced in South Korea and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2023.