Punch That Ramen!

When most people think of instant ramen, they picture a steaming hot bowl of noodles in a savory broth. But in Korea, ramen isn’t just a meal, it’s also a snack. But not just any snack: raw ramen. (My uncle foams at the mouth for this snack.)

Also known as bbukkeumbap ramyeon (뿌셔뿌셔 라면), this crunchy treat turns instant noodles into a convenient, hands-on snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It might sound odd if you’ve never heard of it, but to Koreans, munching on raw ramen is totally normal, delicious, and a go-to drinking snack.

Curious? It’s super simple. All you need is a package of instant ramen (and any kind/flavor works!)

Grab a pack (we usually use the brick kind). Without opening the bag, crush the noodles with your hands into bite-sized pieces. Bad day? Throw it at a wall. Annoyed? Punch the hell out of it. It’s a snack and a stress reliever.

Once crushed, open one side of the packet, pour in the seasoning powder, close it back up, and shake it like crazy. The seasoning coats the broken pieces, creating a crunchy, salty, and savory snack. Some people even skip the flavor packet and go sweet like cinnamon and sugar sprinkled over the noodles.

Funnily enough, there’s even a snack brand specifically made for this called Ppushu Ppushu (which literally means “crush crush”). The packaging actually says “Don’t boil it!” to make sure you know it’s meant to be eaten raw. The shaking and smashing part makes it super popular among kids and teens. But trust me, adults (like my uncles) love it too, often paired with a cold beer.

At first glance, eating uncooked noodles may seem weird. But this is just another example of how Korean food culture is creative and practical. Korea has a way of turning everyday ingredients into something clever, fun, and delicious. For example, convenience stores in Korea are packed with these kinds of mashups; snacks that combine familiar things in unexpected ways. Instant ramen is a pantry staple in most Korean homes, so transforming it into a crunchy treat is just another way to make the most out of what’s already on hand.

For many Koreans, this snack brings back childhood memories. My mom says this was her favorite after-school treat, something she’d grab to snack on during walks home with friends. It’s noisy, a little messy, but super satisfying; basically Korea’s version of a bag of chips.

Whether it’s nostalgia, convenience, or pure crunch-craving joy, eating raw ramen is a fun part of Korea’s playful food culture. So next time you reach for that packet of noodles and you’re feeling a little lazy (or snacky) skip the boiling water. Crush, shake, and snack instead!