This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Alright, so this isn’t instant ramen, but it’s instant Korean rice cakes (Tteokbokki)! Although this site is all things instant ramen, I also wanted to include items you can find in the instant ramen aisle. I also may or may not have been influenced by the Squid Game marketing on the packaging…
Produced in South Korea.
Table of Contents
The first thing you notice is the smell – it’s a punch of gochujang, which immediately tells you what you’re in for: Korean flavors! The spice level is okay; it’s got a good warmth that goes well with the slight sweetness. You can definitely taste that gochujang, and I even picked up on the distinct flavor of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes).
If you wanted to elevate this cup of rice cakes, I’d definitely throw in a raw egg while it’s cooking to make it richer and creamier. A splash of soy sauce would add some savory depth to balance the sweet and spicy. And kimchi? YES, please! That tangy, crunchy kick would be amazing.
Oh, and these rice cakes? A perfect 5 out of 5 on the chewiness scale. I also tried their cheesy version.
Tasting Notes
- Spice level: 2/5
- Broth viscosity: N/A
- “Noodle” thickness: 5/5
- Noodle type: Rice cake
- Topping suggestions: Raw Egg, Soy Sauce, Kimchi. (Please note: Consuming raw or undercooked eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially for certain individuals.)
Order the non-Squid Games version here: CJ Foods Bibigo Tteokbokki Rice Cake with Hot & Spicy Sauce
Have you tried these instant Korean rice cakes? What did you think? Spill the noodles and leave a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the spice level, my friend James, who taste tests the ramens with me, gives his rating out of 5 based on his experience with the heat. My own spice tolerance tends to be higher than most, so James’s rating gives a more general sense of the spiciness. Keep in mind that spice is still subjective, so what’s mild for him might be spicy for you, and vice versa!
That’s how thick or thin the broth is. A 1/5 would be very watery, while a 5/5 would be super thick and almost syrupy.
This is just a general gauge of how thick the noodles are compared to other instant ramen noodles I’ve tried. A 1/5 would be very thin, like vermicelli, and a 5/5 would be very thick and wide.
Here, I’m just describing the style or texture of the noodles, like “udon-like” for a chewy and thick noodle, or “thin and curly” for a more classic instant ramen style.
