Momofuku vs. Shin Ramyun — Which Ramen Is Better?

Two Leaders, One Clear Standout


 Shin Ramyun and Momofuku Instant Ramen are both well-known in the world of noodles—but they serve different purposes. Shin is a classic Korean instant noodle. Momofuku was created by a chef to raise the bar. If you’re looking for bold heat and nostalgia, Shin delivers. If you want flavor depth, better ingredients, and more versatility in the kitchen, Momofuku is the better choice.

 

Noodle Texture: Restaurant-Level vs. Processed

  • Momofuku: Air-dried noodles with a firm, springy bite. Designed to mimic restaurant-style ramen.

    Shin Ramyun: Fried noodles with decent chew, but can soften quickly and carry residual oil.

Winner: Momofuku. The air-dried method gives you a more satisfying texture with less fat.

 

Flavor Format: Sauce vs. Powder

  • Momofuku: Includes a sauce packet made with ingredients like soy, chili, sesame, fermented pastes, and aromatics. These sauces coat the noodles evenly and offer layered, balanced flavor.

  • Shin Ramyun: Uses powdered seasoning. Big on spice, but lacks the complexity of a sauce.

Winner: Momofuku. Sauces deliver more depth, nuance, and finish.

 

Nutrition Facts Comparison

Feature

Momofuku (avg.)

Shin Ramyun

Calories

~300–350

~500

Total Fat

4–6g

14–16g

Saturated Fat

~1g

~7g

Sodium

~750–900mg

~1,790mg

Protein

10–15g

8g

 

Winner: Momofuku. It offers more protein, less fat, and significantly lower sodium—without compromising on flavor.

 

Flavor Variety and Use Cases

  • Momofuku: Available in five distinct flavors—from bold (Spicy Chili, Tingly Chili) to savory and aromatic (Soy & Scallion). The noodles hold up in soups, stir-fries, or cold preparations.

  • Shin Ramyun: Primarily one flavor—spicy beef broth. Best in soup form, less flexible for other formats.

Winner: Momofuku. More range. More ways to cook it. Built for more than just soup.

 

Price & Accessibility

  • Momofuku: Premium product sold at Target, Whole Foods, Amazon, and shop.momofuku.com.

  • Shin Ramyun: Widely available in grocery stores and Asian markets. Lower price point.

Winner: It depends. Shin is cheaper, but Momofuku delivers more value in quality and flavor.

 

Final Verdict: Why Momofuku Comes Out Ahead

Shin Ramyun is a spicy classic, but Momofuku is a step forward. With chef-developed recipes, better texture, higher protein, and sauces that bring real depth, Momofuku isn’t just different—it’s better. If you’re looking for an instant noodle that actually tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, there’s no contest.

Momofuku is instant ramen, upgraded.