As a brief reminder, henceforth on most Friday mornings F&D will be linking to prolific local writer Kevin Gibson’s “The Taste Bud” column, including new posts as well as ones from the past.
There is general agreement that ramen originated in China, from whence it migrated to Japan.
A number of geopolitical and economic factors—the reindustrialization of Japan’s workforce during the Cold War, the redefining of national identity during twenty years of economic stagnation—all combined to elevate ramen from working-class sustenance to a dish that is internationally recognized, beloved, and iconic.
Ramen proliferated by means of parallel tracks: a few cents for instant, and more than a few dollars when served by trendy eateries. Both paths are valid, although in South Korea’s case, ramen was an integral factor in the country’s rise from post-war poverty to international economic success.
Ramyun literally means noodles in a spicy broth; the noodles are usually instant and other side items are often added with kimchi or an egg being the most common. Korea was devastated after the Korean War, and the population was left with little disposable income and time to make their meals. Ramyun noodles were quick and easy to make, and they were able to fill a gap in the population’s need for food supply at a relatively low cost. The first instant ramyun was manufactured in 1963 by a company called Samyang and cost 10 won or 1 penny. Later other companies entered the fray with Shin Ramyun rising as the top producer of ramyun under the Nongshim company.
In this installment of Kevin’s column, he finds a ramen brand that brings the heat and is produced by the aforementioned Samyang, originator of instant ramen in South Korea.
The Taste Bud: Buldak Ramen Brings the Heat — and Flavor
Laura brought me a package that was bright red, with the brand name Buldak in big red letters. Flames shoot out from behind the logo, with a picture of a bowl of ramen (“serving suggestion”) and an angry looking Hochi, which the label identifies as a “Buldaki trade character.” Hochi has fire shooting from his head, a bright red forehead and dark red cheeks, as he slurps on a bowl of ramen with a hot pepper poking out the side. The package also identifies this version of ramen as “stew type,” which was a new one on me. The product is made by South Korean company Samyang Foods.
Photo credit: Kevin Gibson.
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Kevin Gibson has been a professional writer for more than three decades, having written about restaurants, beer, bourbon, sports, night life, music and plenty more. He has won numerous awards from The Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists and Indiana State Press Association, among others, but can’t remember where he put most of them. In addition, he has written for publications like LEO Weekly, Bourbon+ magazine, Thrillist, Alcohol Professor, Louisville Magazine and many more, including various newspapers. When he’s not busy writing books or stories about Louisville, he’s likely hanging out at a brewery with his dog, Atticus.
