If you’re a fan of spicy food or have spent time watching Korean mukbang videos, chances are you’ve seen (or tried) Samyang’s Buldak Ramen, famously known as “Korean fire noodles.” With its signature kick of heat and addictive flavor, Buldak noodles have gained cult status around the world—including in the US. Whether you’re craving the original Hot Chicken flavor, the creamy carbonara version, or the nuclear-level spicy 2x edition, the question remains: Where’s the best place to buy Buldak noodles in the US?
In this guide, we’ll compare two main options: buying online (like Amazon) and shopping in local stores such as Asian supermarkets or large retail chains. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, including pricing, availability, freshness, flavor variety, and even shipping speed, so you can choose the best way to stock up on your favorite Korean instant noodles.
What Are Buldak Noodles?
Before we dive into shopping tips, let’s quickly go over what makes Buldak ramen so popular.
Buldak (불닭) means “fire chicken” in Korean. The instant noodle version by Samyang Foods is famous for:
Chewy, thick noodles
Fiery gochujang-based sauce packets
Optional seasoning flakes like sesame and seaweed
A variety of flavors ranging from sweet and spicy to ultra-hot
The most well-known versions include:
Original Hot Chicken Flavor
2x Spicy (Nuclear)
Carbonara
Cheese
Curry
Jjajang (black bean)
All are quick to cook (usually 4–5 minutes) and come in both packaged and cup ramen forms.
Buying Buldak Noodles on Amazon
Amazon has become a go-to option for many people in the US who want fast, convenient access to international food items. Buldak noodles are no exception.
Pros:
Wide selection of flavors, including multipacks
Delivered directly to your door, usually in 1–2 days with Prime
Combo bundles available with snacks or other Korean products
Customer reviews and ratings help compare options
Often includes expiration date details in listings
Cons:
Higher prices than in physical stores (especially from third-party sellers)
Some flavors may be temporarily out of stock
Bulk sizes may not suit all customers (e.g., 5 or 10 packs minimum)
Risk of counterfeit or expired products if buying from lesser-known sellers
Price Example (as of 2025):
5-pack Original Hot Chicken: $8.99 – $11.99
6-flavor variety pack: $14 – $18
2x Spicy 10-pack: $18 – $22
Best for:
People who want convenience and variety
Those living in areas without local Asian markets
Fans looking to try multiple flavors at once
Buying Buldak Noodles in Local Stores
Buldak noodles have made their way into many brick-and-mortar retailers across the US—especially as Korean food trends continue to rise.
Where to look:
Asian grocery stores like H Mart, 99 Ranch, Lotte Plaza, and local Korean marts
Walmart: Often carries Original and 2x Spicy versions in international sections
Target: Select locations have started stocking the original or carbonara flavors
Costco: Occasionally offers bulk deals on popular Buldak flavors
World Market / TJ Maxx / HomeGoods: Sometimes carry Korean snacks and instant noodles
Pros:
Usually cheaper per pack than online
Can inspect packaging and expiration dates directly
No shipping cost or wait time
Option to buy individual packs instead of a whole set
Greater chance of local promotions or discounts
Cons:
Limited flavor availability, depending on location
Some stores don’t restock regularly
Might be out of stock during sales or holiday demand
Requires a physical trip and may not be near rural areas
Price Example:
1 pack Original Hot Chicken: $1.49 – $1.99
5-pack at H Mart or 99 Ranch: $6.99 – $8.99
Costco bundle (16-pack): $17.99 – $20.99
Best for:
Urban or suburban shoppers near Korean/Asian markets
Those who want to try one pack before committing to more
Shoppers who prefer in-person shopping or immediate pickup
Flavor Availability: Amazon vs Local Stores
| Flavor | Amazon | Local Stores |
|---|---|---|
| Original Hot Chicken | ✅ Always | ✅ Usually in stock |
| 2x Spicy | ✅ Often | ✅ Frequently |
| Carbonara | ✅ Often | ❌ Not always |
| Cheese | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rare |
| Curry | ✅ Sometimes | ❌ Limited |
| Jjajang (Black Bean) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rare |
| Mini Bowl / Cup Versions | ✅ Yes | ✅ H Mart / Walmart |
If you’re specifically looking for flavor variety, Amazon and other online stores have a clear edge. But if you just want the popular versions at a lower price, in-store shopping might be better.
Shipping Times and Storage Tips
Amazon Prime offers 1- to 2-day delivery on most Buldak noodles.
For specialty flavors, expect 3–5 days if fulfilled by a third party.
Store unopened noodles in a cool, dry place (like a pantry).
Check expiration dates—shelf life is typically 12 months from manufacture date.
Once opened, transfer leftover sauce packets to an airtight container and refrigerate, especially for multi-use recipes.
Other Online Retailers to Consider
Besides Amazon, there are a few other reliable places to buy Buldak noodles online:
H Mart Online (hmart.com): Local pickup or national delivery
Yamibuy (yamibuy.com): Wide variety of Asian snacks and pantry items
Weee! (sayweee.com): Great for West Coast & East Coast metro areas
Karman Foods: Korea-focused online store with fast shipping
These platforms may offer free shipping for orders over a certain threshold and occasional coupon codes.
Buying Buldak Noodles in the US: Pick What Suits Your Taste and Budget
So, is it better to buy Buldak noodles on Amazon or from a local store? It really depends on what matters most to you.
Choose Amazon if:
You want access to every flavor including rare versions
You’re okay with slightly higher prices in exchange for convenience
You’re shopping in bulk or combo packs
Choose local stores if:
You want to save money per pack
You’re near a Korean or Asian grocery store
You prefer shopping in person and checking expiration dates
No matter how you buy them, one thing is clear—Buldak noodles are a spicy, flavorful favorite that’s here to stay. Whether you’re cooking them for a challenge, a midnight snack, or a quick meal with flair, you’ve got plenty of places to find your next fire noodle fix in the US.