I’m back at it again after a short couple day hiatus. I took a break, because I am seriously running low on Korean ramen noodles to review! Samyang, Nongshim, Ottogi, and the like need to start pumping out more noodles to fuel my reviews or else, I’ll have to switch my focus to Korean snacks instead. Looks like I’ll be doing that regardless though. It might even be refreshing to step away from ramen noodles for a bit. Don’t worry though! I’m not quitting! The only change is that Korean ramen noodle how-to guides and reviews will be more intermittent in the future. Trust me, it’ll be a great changeup!
So, I guess I should probably talk about the instant noodles you came here to hear about. For today, I picked up another new cup of instant noodles at my local CU Convenience Store. What’s interesting about these noodles is that their made in collaboration with CU and the Korean Ministry of SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) and Startups. I’m as confused as you are about how this relationship came about or how it even makes sense. Last time I checked, CU isn’t exactly a small or medium-sized business… I consider myself a small business of uno, but I haven’t seen any collaborations being thrown my way lately…
Anyways, CU Huimangjul Ramen is the cup of noodles that you need to know for today. It features a starry-eyed delivery man that looks to be high on ramen noodles on its cover. He should probably think twice about driving his scooter, at least until the MSG wears off… but kudos for wearing a helmet!
Ah! I almost forgot! You’re probably wondering what the name of these noodles even means… Well, my wife just explained the play on words to me for the past ten minutes and I still have no idea what she’s talking about. I guess I’m too brain damaged to understand… Apparently, there is some double meaning with “giving hope to the people” and the actual name, “giving hope noodles.” Does this even make any sense to you? Because I couldn’t be any more confused. Oh, well, at least it makes sense to Koreans!
I’m sure the confusion still hasn’t worn off, but if you think you’re ready to make these noodles, let’s get to it!
Step 1.) Partially open the lid and remove the packet from inside
Step 2.) Add the powdered soup packet to the cup
Step 3.) Boil around 370ml (just over 1 1/2 cups) of water and fill the cup up to the fill line
Step 4.) Close the lid and wait patiently for 4 minutes
Step 5.) Mix and Enjoy!
That couldn’t have been any easier today! One packet for one cup of instant noodles. No certificate from culinary school or a PhD required. The only thing that would have made these noodles easier to make would be munching on raw and uncooked ramen noodles!
What’s your opinion of the CU delivery man on the cover? What do you think is going on in his head right now? Let me know in the comments!
If you’re interested in hearing more about instant ramen, check out my on-going series, Noodle Story: An Exploration of Korean Instant Noodles, here on Medium.
