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The Samyang MEP Garlic and Clam is a South Korean export distributed out of California. The smell when you open it is immediately and intensely clammy. If you’re not prepared for a heavy seafood bowl this is your warning.
Produced in South Korea. Distributed in the United States.
What’s in the Package
Inside the packaging, you’ll find a round block of fried wheat noodles and two sachets. The cream-colored sachet is the Mep Powder soup base, and the maroon-bordered sachet is the Mep Flake packet containing dehydrated vegetables and seafood bits.
How to cook Samyang Mep Garlic & Clam Flavor Video
Cooking directions per package instructions:
- Boil 2 cups (16.9oz) of water.
- Add the noodles, seasoning powder, and flake packet. And cook for 4 minutes, stirring occassionally.
- Stir well and serve.
How Does It Taste
The clam flavor is front and center and it stays there. Sweet, comforting, and one-note in the best sense. We like that it’s not trying to be complex, it’s just fully committed to the clam. There’s a mild pepper note underneath that works well alongside the sweetness. What we were not expecting was the heat.
James was not prepared. Neither was I. The spice hits at the front of the tongue and again at the back. It’s a 3 out of 5 that catches you completely off guard given how sweet and mild the smell is. James had a coughing fit. Don’t let the clam scent fool you into thinking this is mild.
The noodles are standard Samyang quality with a good chew. Thin broth, almost drinkable.
James didn’t like this one. I did. I’ve also realized through these tastings that I apparently just love clam-flavored ramen. That’s a new thing I know about myself.
How Does It Compare
Within the Samyang MEP lineup the Garlic and Clam is the more distinct and adventurous pick compared to the Black Pepper Beef. For other clam-forward instant noodles the Shizuren Energy Instant Vermicelli Clam Flavor is the closest comparison on the site. Both are committed clam bowls with a heat level that surprises.
How to Level Up Samyang MEP Garlic & Clam Flavor
Canned clams or smoked oysters double down on the seafood and fill out the one-note profile. Spinach or Tong Ho add a fresh green element and help manage the heat. Both are necessary here rather than optional.
Final Verdict
A fun bowl if clam ramen is your thing. The spice surprise is real. Don’t go in expecting mild just because it smells sweet. James would skip it. I’d buy it again.
Tasting Notes
- Spice Level: 3/5
- Broth Viscosity: 1/5
- Noodle Thickness: 2/5
- Noodle Type: Wavy
- Topping Suggestions: Canned Clams, Smoked Oysters, Spinach, Tong Ho.
How do I rate my ramen? Check out the Ramen Rating Guide.
Related Instant Ramen
- Samyang MEP Black Pepper Beef Flavor
- Shizuren Energy Instant Vermicelli Clam Flavor
- Han Baw Oyster Flavor Noodles
- Nissin Cup Noodle Seafood
- Vifon Instant Bean Thread Crab Flavor
Where to buy Samyang Mep Garlic & Clam Flavor
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