Chasing the spiciest ramen in the world is something thrill-seekers and lovers of strong flavors often do. Many people want food that really brings the heat. So, what is the world’s spiciest ramen? There’s no single answer because new contenders appear all the time. For instant noodles, New Zealand’s Culley’s World’s Hottest Ramen is widely known for being extremely hot. If you want the hottest ramen from a restaurant, Kikanbo in Tokyo is a famous stop many spicy food fans try. This article breaks down what makes ramen super spicy, lists some of the most fiery instant and restaurant ramen options, describes what happens to your body when you eat them, and gives advice for anyone bold enough to try them.
What Counts as the Spiciest Ramen?
Calling something the “spiciest ramen” is not simple. Chefs are always making hotter versions, so the list keeps changing. The spiciest ramen is not just about burning heat; it should also taste good, with the heat adding excitement to the meal instead of hiding other flavors.
To get really hot ramen, makers pick powerful chili peppers and extracts. These ingredients create that strong burning sensation people chase. The best spicy ramen combines intense heat with bold, tasty flavors, so you get more than just a fiery mouthful.
How Do You Measure Spiciness?
Spiciness is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Wilbur Scoville created the Scoville test in 1912 to find out how much capsaicin (the heat chemical) is in food. The higher the SHU, the hotter the food feels.
Instant ramen often comes with a SHU rating to show how spicy it is. Ramen in restaurants isn’t always given a number, but instead is based on stories, chef’s choices, and how much heat the customer thinks they can handle. Many places let you choose how spicy you want your bowl. Either way, spicy ramen makes a big impression.
What Ingredients Make Ramen Extremely Spicy?
Super spicy ramen uses some of the world’s hottest chili peppers, like Carolina Reaper, Trinidad Scorpion, Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia), and Habanero. These aren’t mild peppers – they can be seriously painful.
To take things up a notch, some ramen uses chili extracts, like capsaicin oil, increasing the heat level far past what regular peppers can do. Other add-ins include chili powder, chili oil, and hot chili pastes for extra flavor and spice. Some recipes even use Sichuan peppercorns, which give a tingly numbing feeling and make the heat seem even stronger.
Which Brands Make the Hottest Instant Ramen?
Instant ramen is a hot competition, with brands always trying to make the spiciest noodle on the shelf. The list changes fast, but a few names come up again and again when people talk about extreme spicy noodles. These brands have succeeded at packing a lot of heat into a single package.
Here are some of the most famous spicy instant ramen:
| Brand | Country | Famous for | SHU (heat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samyang Buldak Bokkeummyeon | South Korea | “Fire Noodles”; started the “Fire Noodle Challenge” | Original: ~4,400 2x Spicy: ~8,808 3x Spicy: ~13,200 |
| Paldo Teumsae Ramen | South Korea | Deep red, spicy broth; strong chili taste | ~9,413 |
| Shinsegae Mamee Ghost Pepper | Malaysia | Ghost Pepper Spicy Chicken with black noodles | Very hot (exact not stated) |
| Culley’s World’s Hottest Ramen | New Zealand | Ranked as the spiciest instant noodle | Top of the scale (exact SHU varies) |
Other Spicy Instant Noodles
- GB Company’s The Devil Of Fire Ramen (South Korea)
- Liangchengmei 30S” Hot Bird Noodle (China)
- Mamee SLRP! Mi Segera Perisa Kari Xtra Pedas (Malaysia)
There are many more options worldwide, meaning you can always find a new spicy noodle challenge to try.
Where to Try the Spiciest Restaurant Ramen?
Instant noodles are a simple way to try extreme heat at home, but restaurant ramen brings the whole experience to another level. Some restaurants have secret chili mixes, and the cooking is almost like a performance, making the challenge bigger than ever.
Famous ramen shops in Japan and other big cities make spicy bowls that take skill and bravery to finish.
Well-Known Spicy Ramen Restaurants
- Kikanbo (Tokyo, Japan): Famous for the “Devil Ramen.” Customers can choose how much chili and numbing pepper goes into their bowl. Many people travel just to try the “maximum” spice level, which is an extremely hard challenge.
- Other International Ramen Shops: Cities like New York, Sydney, London, and Los Angeles also have ramen places serving mega-spicy bowls, often using local chili peppers or mixing them in new ways.
What Happens to Your Body After Eating Super Spicy Ramen?
Eating fiery ramen doesn’t just burn your mouth; it affects your whole body. Capsaicin triggers pain sensors, making you sweat, your heart beat faster, and sometimes even causing a “high” as your body releases endorphins.
Possible Health Effects and Risks
- Pain and burning in your mouth, throat, or stomach
- Stomach cramps, nausea, or even vomiting and diarrhea, as your body tries to get rid of the spice
- Muscle cramps or tingling, and in rare cases numbness or chills
- People with stomach problems (like ulcers or reflux) should be very careful or not try these foods at all
Can Eating Spicy Food Be Good for You?
- Spicy foods trigger endorphins (“feel-good” hormones) that can make you feel happy for a while
- Capsaicin (hot pepper chemical) may speed up your metabolism a bit and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Many people like how spicy food makes meals more exciting and bold
Tips to Handle the Heat
- Keep milk or dairy nearby, as dairy helps with the burning feeling
- Don’t use water-it spreads the burn!
- Eat slowly and give yourself time to recover between bites
- If cooking spicy instant ramen, you can add cheese or a splash of milk to the broth to cool things down a little
- Bread or rice can also help soak up some of the spiciness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many Scoville units can ramen reach? | Examples: Samyang Buldak 3x Spicy can hit around 13,200 SHU. Others use chili extracts, so may go much higher, even if the exact number isn’t listed. |
| Is it safe to eat extremely spicy ramen often? | If you’re healthy, eating it rarely is usually fine. Eating it all the time can cause stomach problems or make heartburn worse. Listen to your body and stop if it hurts. |
| What should you drink after super spicy ramen? | Dairy (milk or yogurt) works best. Ice cream can help too. Sugar drinks help a little. Avoid water, soda, and alcohol, because they can make the burn feel even worse. |
Final Thoughts
The hunt for the world’s spiciest ramen is a fun way to test your limits and try new flavors. Whether it’s classic instant noodles or a legendary bowl at a ramen shop, extreme spicy ramen is both a challenge and an adventure. If you want to take the challenge, have milk at hand, listen to your body, and enjoy the ride-at least as much as you can!
