Best Spicy Ramen Noodles of 2025 (Ramen Blogger-Reviewed)
Instant ramen noodles are the star food item of university life – easy, simple, and quick to make. And they’re tasty to boot! But sometimes a cup of classic instant noodles just doesn’t cut it. If you love spices—that tingling sensation lingering on your lips and your tongue after a good bowl of extra spicy ramen noodles, then you need to find the right pack!
We’re here to help you pick out what’s spicy and what’s not with our handy buying guide and list of picks. Personally, we loved Samyang’s Buldak Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen - Carbonara for its extra-hot blend of spices, broth, and notoriety. Check out some more of our favorites below, and read some valuable insight from an experienced ramen blogger.
Quick List - Top Spicy Ramen Noodles
Cody Mizuno is the editor and founder of Ramen Guide Japan, a website dedicated to sharing ramen with the English-speaking masses. He has eaten at over 500 ramen restaurants throughout Japan and documents his trips on his website where he writes detailed reviews and translates menus, as well as on his Instagram where he uploads photos of all the bowls he eats.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose a Spicy Ramen Noodle - Buying Guide
- Choose a Spice Level That Suits Your Tolerance1
- Look for Pepper-Related Ingredients for More Spice2
- Try Complex Flavors for Nuance, Simple Flavors for Customizing3
- Look Into the Style of Broth4
- Pay Attention to the Texture of the Noodles5
- Consider Convenience and Preparation Time6
- Tips for Leveling Up Your Ramen
- How do I make spicy noodles taste less spicy?
- Need More Ramen?
- Amazon's Best Selling Packaged Noodle Soups
How to Choose a Spicy Ramen Noodle - Buying Guide
When choosing a spicy ramen noodle, there are a couple of things you should consider. These include looking at the spice level, how much spice you can actually handle, how much flavor besides pepper that you want, and seeing how much time the ramen takes to prepare.
Choose a Spice Level That Suits Your Tolerance
Just because you want spice, doesn’t necessarily mean you want spicy! Everyone's spice tolerance is different, and you’ll have to know yourself well on whether or not you can handle spice or not. If provided, we suggest looking at the Scoville scale information when deciding on spice levels of the ramen you're considering.
The Scoville scale measures the hottest peppers in the world on an easy-to-read graph in SHU (Scoville heat units), ranging from the completely unspicy bell pepper to the terrifyingly spicy ghost pepper. It’s based on the measure of capsaicin, the compound causing that burning feeling on your tongue, in the food item.
For reference, we’ve listed some of major ones below:
- Jalapeño peppers are 2,500 – 8,000 SHU
- Cayenne peppers are 30,000 – 50,000 SHU
- Habanero peppers are 150,000 – 575,000 SHU
- Ghost peppers are 800,000 – 1,001,300 SHU – and ghost peppers are only the fifth hottest pepper in the world!
Generally, less broth means more concentration of spices, so go for soupy ramen if you don't want it too spicy. You can also opt for a spicier ramen and dilute it with more water than the package recommends to try and lessen the spice levels!
The most important part in understanding your spice tolerance level is to not jump headfirst into the spiciest noodles you can find. A great way to experiment with spice is adding hot sauce to your neutral noodles and gauging how much heat you can tolerate.
Buldak actually bottles and sells the spicy sauce they use for their noodles. I would definitely recommend buying a bottle and adding some in, bit by bit, to see how hot your taste buds can tolerate.
Look for Pepper-Related Ingredients for More Spice
If you are looking for strong spices, then watch out for a few special ingredients that help to kick up the spice level. These are mainly concentrated in the soup or sauce part of the noodles, rather than the noodles themselves.
As you’ll note, many of these are pepper varieties. So, keep an eye out for black pepper powder, red pepper powder, paprika, or chili peppers – or combinations of all of the above for a spicier meal!
You can also look for sauce names, such as Mala, for more specific kinds of spicy. Mala is a sauce based on Szechuan peppercorns, which is the ingredient that gives it its signature, tingly feeling (this is from the hydroxy alpha sanshool molecule).
Unfortunately, there are only a few studies done on peppers and their effects on the perception of "slow-burning" versus the "immediate burning" sensation you feel on your tongue when you eat spicy foods. So, to make sure of the exact type of spice sensation you're going to get with a spicy ramen, take a look through the reviews.
What you want to avoid when looking for spicy noodles or even hot sauces are synthetic/artificial spice flavoring or pepper extract that mimics the heat of natural chili without actually using them.
Chili pepper extract is the easiest way for manufacturers to increase the Scovilles of their sauces, but oftentimes it brings in the heat without any flavor (as they aren’t using the natural chili). If you see any chili pepper extracts on the ingredient list, be prepared, it may be spicy just for the sake of being spicy.
Try Complex Flavors for Nuance, Simple Flavors for Customizing
If you like a simple flavor or prefer to customize your own noodles, you can go for simple flavors like spicy chicken, spicy beef, or kimchi. Since the flavor is nothing too complicated, you can add your own spices like garlic, hoisin sauce, or gochujang paste to make the noodles more special!
But of course, there are many noodles with a complex flavor profile. Undeniably, Korean noodles are the king of heat. Noodles from brands such as Samyang and Nongshim are widely recognized for their intensely spicy taste. Some are so spicy that you might need to drink milk while eating.
Besides having a lot of heat, Korean noodles are flavorful as well. Try jjajangmyeon, dried noodles covered in savory black bean sauce. Jjamppong is a Korean spicy seafood noodle soup that has umami and a rich taste!
Besides Korea, there are plenty of other countries creating ramen noodles packed with flavor. Thai noodles tend to be more acidic, balancing sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness together in perfect harmony.
Japanese noodles are more subtle in flavor, toning down spiciness in favor of clean, smooth tastes. Chinese noodles that are inspired by Szechuan can also pack a punch with their spicy peppers. There are also spicy and cheesy noodles for those who like a creamy flavor.
In general, when looking at flavor profiles, checking the reviews is your best bet. Find comments on tasting notes such as sweet or sour – not just spicy. This will give you an idea of whether or not you’ll be able to enjoy your ramen noodles beyond that fiery exterior.
One of the beauties of instant noodles is that it comes in so many different styles and is a blank canvas for you to add whatever toppings and extra sauces you’d like.
If you find a spicy Korean noodle to your liking, head on over to your local Korean supermarket and pick up some kimchi and other Banchan (Korean side dishes to amp up your meal). For Thai noodles, grab some Thai chili or even some basil to give it an authentic, fresh aromatic kick.
Look Into the Style of Broth
When it comes to soupy noodles, you can choose between light or thick and rich soup bases. Light soup bases are usually made from chicken stock, vegetable stock, or soy sauce. Meanwhile, creamy and rich soup bases often contain bone broth and animal fat. Some broths have milk or cheese powder for added creaminess and flavor.
There are also soupless ramen noodles for those who don't like to drink broth! Some great examples include Indomie's Mi Goreng and Maruchan's Spicy Yakisoba. Soupless noodles tend to be spicier and more flavorful than soupy ones since the noodles are directly covered in the spicy sauce or seasoning.
Pay Attention to the Texture of the Noodles
Another factor to keep in mind is the texture of the noodles. If you like thick, chewy noodles, opt for noodles that require boiling like pasta. They will also remain chewy in sauce or broth for a longer time!
On the other hand, noodles that only require hot water to cook tend to be thinner and less chewy. They soak up sauce and broth well. However, you should eat them quickly or else they will become soggy.
Consider Convenience and Preparation Time
Ramen can come in two main types of packaging: cups or bowls, or packets. Cups and bowls are extremely convenient since the ramen can be made right away without having to transfer the noodles from stove to bowl. They also tend to have more extras packaged with them to add more flavor to your noodles.
However, packets are more commonly available to buy online, and they take up less storage space in your home. They also tend to come in multiples and are cheaper to purchase. It’s easy to personalize packets because they come with fewer additional ingredients. You can cook them on the stove or in a microwave.
Though cups and bowls are more convenient for preparation time reasons, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they take a shorter time than packets to make! Make sure to check the label for how much boiling time is required for making the ramen before purchasing.
10 Best Spicy Ramen Noodles
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flavor | How Many | Calories | Sodium | |||||
1 | Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup | | Best for Spice Lovers Looking for a Slightly Milder Level | Gourmet Spicy | 20 pack | 280 | 1040 mg | |
2 | Samyang Buldak Buldak｜Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen | | Feel the Heat, Embrace the Flavor | Artificial Spicy Chicken | 5 pack | 440 | 960 mg | |
3 | Buldak Artificial Spicy Chicken Ramen | | Fiery heat, bold flavor—are you up for the challenge? | Chicken | 5 pack | 550 | 1330mg | |
4 | Nongshim Shin Black Cup Noodle Soup | | Bold, beefy, and irresistibly rich | Beef Bone Broth | 6 pack | 230 | 750mg | |
5 | Buldak Quattro Cheese Ramen | | Creamy, cheesy, and packed with heat! | Cheese | 5 pack | 590 | 1920mg | |
6 | Nissin Hot & Spicy Ramen Noodle Soup | | Bold spice, zesty kick—ready in minutes | Chicken | 6 pack | 430 | 1300mg | |
7 | Maruchan Chili Flavor Ramen Noodles | | Spicy, satisfying, and ready in minutes. | Chili | 24 pack | 380 | 1520mg | |
8 | Nongshim Spicy Seafood | | Best Umami-Filled Seafood Soup With Thick Japanese Noodles | Spicy Seafood | 10 pack | 260 | 1010mg | |
9 | Nongshim Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup Instant Ramen | | Korean and American Comfort Combined | Spicy Chicken | 12 pack | 190 | 890 mg | |
10 | Maruchan Instant Lunch Hot & Spicy Chicken | | Spice Up Your Quick Fix! | Hot & Spicy Chicken | 12 pack | 290 | 1310 mg | |
NongshimShin Ramyun Noodle Soup
| Sodium | 1040 mg |
|---|
- Calories
- 280
Best for Spice Lovers Looking for a Slightly Milder Level
This spicy ramen from in South Korea has a bold, hot flavor, but the dried toppings included—a mix of mushrooms, beef, and carrots—still come through clearly. The soup is made from beef fat, beef stock, beef extract, and other spices, so it tastes rich and flavorful. Shin Ramyun also comes in cups and bowls, if you want that convenience.
One common complaint from some buyers is that the noodles are a bit salty, while some find it just spicy. Nevertheless, the majority are fans of the thick, chewy noodles and like that these have more flavor than your standard cup noodles. Reviewers recommend adding in toppings such as a boiled egg or bok choy for more substance.
| Flavor | Gourmet Spicy |
|---|---|
| How Many | 20 pack |
Samyang BuldakBuldak ｜ Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen
| Sodium | 960 mg |
|---|
- Calories
- 440
Feel the Heat, Embrace the Flavor
The Samyang Spicy Ramen Noodle offers an intense flavor experience that's more fiery than your average instant noodles. With a subtle sweetness that quickly gives way to a continuous heat, this ramen is perfect for those who crave a serious kick. Made with carefully selected ingredients and crafted through a meticulous process, these noodles boast a vibrant red color and a bold, spicy aroma.
The chewy noodles, made from high-gluten wheat, provide a satisfying texture, making each bite enjoyable. Preparing this spicy treat is easy—simply boil, simmer, and stir-fry to bring out the full flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it alone, sharing with friends, or challenging your team, Samyang Spicy Ramen adds excitement to any occasion with its addictive taste.
| Flavor | Artificial Spicy Chicken |
|---|---|
| How Many | 5 pack |
BuldakArtificial Spicy Chicken Ramen
| Sodium | 1330mg |
|---|
- Calories
- 550
Fiery heat, bold flavor—are you up for the challenge?
Turn up the heat with Samyang Spicy Ramen, the ultimate instant noodle experience for spice lovers. These bold, chewy noodles are made from high-gluten Korean wheat, giving them a satisfyingly firm texture that pairs perfectly with the signature sweet-then-spicy sauce. Crafted with carefully selected ingredients and an intense, slow-brewed spice blend, every bite delivers an addictive, mouthwatering kick.
Perfect for solo indulgence or a fun spicy challenge with friends, these noodles bring the original fire noodle experience straight to your bowl. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re a must-try for those who crave bold, intense flavors with every slurp.
| Flavor | Chicken |
|---|---|
| How Many | 5 pack |
NongshimShin Black Cup Noodle Soup
| Sodium | 750mg |
|---|
- Calories
- 230
Bold, beefy, and irresistibly rich
Indulge in the deep, savory taste of Nongshim Shin Black Beef Ramen, featuring a rich pork bone broth with just the right amount of spice. Packed with chewy al dente noodles, hearty beef chunks, and a flavorful mix of bok choy, mushrooms, and red peppers, this premium ramen delivers a satisfying and well-rounded bite every time.
Perfect for a quick, convenient meal, this microwave-safe bowl is ready in minutes—just add hot water or heat in the microwave. Whether at home, work, or on the go, enjoy the bold, comforting flavors of this Korean classic anytime hunger strikes.
| Flavor | Beef Bone Broth |
|---|---|
| How Many | 6 pack |
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with heat!
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of spice and cheese with Samyang Quattro Cheese Spicy Chicken Ramen. Combining the bold heat of Buldak sauce with a rich, creamy four-cheese blend, this ramen delivers a perfect balance of fiery and savory flavors. The chewy Korean noodles soak up every drop of the spicy, cheesy sauce for a satisfying, mouthwatering bite.
Whether you're craving a spicy carbonara twist or looking to elevate your ramen game, this variety pack is a must-have pantry staple. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s the perfect choice for those who love their noodles hot, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor.
| Flavor | Cheese |
|---|---|
| How Many | 5 pack |
Bold spice, zesty kick—ready in minutes
Savor the perfect balance of heat and zest with Nissin Spicy Chicken Ramen Bowls, featuring a signature chili-lime sauce that adds a tangy twist to every bite. Mixed with flavorful vegetables, this ramen delivers a satisfying, spicy broth paired with chewy, slurp-worthy noodles.
Convenient and microwavable in just 3 minutes, this no-MSG-added ramen is perfect for a quick meal at home, work, or on the go. Whether you're craving comfort or a fiery flavor boost, this top-selling ramen bowl has you covered.
| Flavor | Chicken |
|---|---|
| How Many | 6 pack |
MaruchanChili Flavor Ramen Noodles
| Sodium | 1520mg |
|---|
- Calories
- 380
Spicy, satisfying, and ready in minutes.
Turn up the heat with Maruchan Ramen Hot Chili Flavor, a bold and fiery twist on classic instant noodles. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory broth and spicy kick, making it a go-to choice for those who crave a little extra heat in their ramen.
Quick and easy to prepare, this 24-pack is perfect for stocking your pantry, whether for a quick lunch, late-night snack, or comforting meal anytime. Enjoy it on its own or customize with your favorite toppings for a delicious, spicy ramen experience in just minutes!
| Flavor | Chili |
|---|---|
| How Many | 24 pack |
NongshimSpicy Seafood
| Sodium | 1010mg |
|---|
- Calories
- 260
Best Umami-Filled Seafood Soup With Thick Japanese Noodles
Pros:
- Made from a combination of seafood like tuna, squid, and mussels, the broth is savory and delicious
- Udon-style noodles are thick, chewy, and soak up the broth nicely
- Great for those who love seafood
- A few buyers warn that the noodles will become very salty if you use the whole flavor package
This ramen noodle soup contains different kinds of seafood, including bonito, tuna, squid, and mussels. For those who like seafood, this is a great option! Plus, it includes big pieces of dried seaweed in a small packet. It's udon-style noodles, which are thick and chewy Japanese noodles.
A few reviewers complain that the flavor packet is too strong. But overall, most people say it has umami and comes with the right amount of spice. Additionally, they are satisfied with the big portion size, and they also like the thick noodles that absorb the broth well.
| Flavor | Spicy Seafood |
|---|---|
| How Many | 10 pack |
NongshimSpicy Chicken Noodle Soup Instant Ramen
| Sodium | 890 mg |
|---|
- Calories
- 190
Korean and American Comfort Combined
Experience the perfect blend of Korean-style chicken soup and American comfort food with this savory, spicy ramen. High-grade noodles, mushrooms, and bok choy come together in a quick and delicious meal that’s ready in minutes. Simply add hot water or use the microwave for a satisfying snack or hearty meal anytime.
Convenience meets taste with this recyclable, microwave-safe BPA-free bowl, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly dining option. Enjoy a satisfying meal with 0g trans fat per serving, made with care in the USA. Perfect for a hot, flavorful snack or a full meal on the go.
| Flavor | Spicy Chicken |
|---|---|
| How Many | 12 pack |
MaruchanInstant Lunch Hot & Spicy Chicken
| Sodium | 1310 mg |
|---|
- Calories
- 290
Spice Up Your Quick Fix!
Fuel your hunger in just three minutes with Maruchan’s Hot & Spicy Chicken Ramen Cup. Designed for those who crave bold flavors, this fiery hot sensation ignites your palate with every bite. Simply add boiling water, let it stand for three minutes, and enjoy a quick and satisfying meal straight from the cup. Perfect for customizing, this instant lunch can be enhanced with your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices, creating a ramen experience that’s uniquely yours.
An essential for college students, Maruchan ramen offers a convenient and comforting snack option for late-night study sessions or quick hunger fixes. The 12-pack ensures there’s always a cup ready when the craving strikes, making it an ideal addition to care packages for students. With its easy preparation and intense flavor, this ramen cup is a go-to choice for anyone looking for a delicious, no-fuss meal.
| Flavor | Hot & Spicy Chicken |
|---|---|
| How Many | 12 pack |
Tips for Leveling Up Your Ramen
Instant ramen might come with dried veggies or meats as a topping, but sometimes this doesn't feel like enough! Maybe you want some acid or some crunch—adding texture, additional spices, or fresh ingredients can really help to make a bowl of noodles sing.
The most common additional topping you'll see on ramen bowls are eggs. They can be softboiled for those who love the creamy, runny consistency of the yolk, or they can be hardboiled for more density. Then there's also spring onions—adding just a bit of it into the soup makes the ramen taste lighter and fresher. This same idea applies to the addition of lemon juice.
Other additions you can think about include sriracha or ginger, for just a bit more spice, and bean sprouts or crispy onions, for crunch. Any fresh vegetable can work, and succulent meats such as big chunks of pork or stewed beef could also pair well with ramen!
For the more adventurous home chef, consider making your own pork chashu. The process is a lot easier than it sounds, and you can often level up from the most basic pan-fried versions to more advanced sous vide styles.
One of the most useful guidebooks on ramen is available free online written by Mike Satinover, or Ramen_Lord as he is called over on Reddit. There, you can find a variety of recipes to help sharpen your ramen topping game and class up any instant noodle you might find.
How do I make spicy noodles taste less spicy?
Cody says, "Before I dive into a spicy noodle, I will often eat yogurt or have a yogurt-based drink to help coat the inside of my stomach. This will help you later on as it keeps your stomach from feeling too fiery after your meal.
As for the noodles themselves, I will often prepare an egg, sunny side up with a runny yolk, and have it as a topping if I find the dish to be too spicy. The yolk can coat the noodles and make the impact of the spice a bit less intense. I also will have a bit of Kewpie mayo on the side, and I find that the creaminess of Kewpie will help lessen the spiciness of the sauce."
Need More Ramen?
Have you ever wanted to create your own ramen from scratch? There are various ingredients involved in the process, but we’ve got you covered with our top picks for each. Check out the links below for more helpful tips on choosing the best products to make and plate your own perfect bowl of noodles!
Top 5 Spicy Ramen Noodles
No. 1: Nongshim｜Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup
No. 2: Samyang Buldak｜Buldak｜Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen
No. 3: Buldak｜Artificial Spicy Chicken Ramen
No. 4: Nongshim｜Shin Black Cup Noodle Soup
No. 5: Buldak｜Quattro Cheese Ramen
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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