The Spam and Sausage
The base must have high quality luncheon meat and cocktail sausages. They release their salty, fatty juices into the kimchi broth as it boils. If the meat tastes like generic flour, the whole stew suffers. The addition of baked beans adds a subtle thickness and sweetness to the soup.
The Noodle Soak
Timing is everything with the ramyun. You want to cook the noodles until they are just al dente, then eat them quickly before they soak up all the soup and turn into a mushy mess. A slice of processed cheese on top of the noodles is the pro move for a creamy finish.
Quick answers
- Is it very spicy?
- It has a kick, but the cheese and beans usually mellow it out. You can often ask the restaurant to adjust the spice level.
- Can I top up the soup?
- Most Korean restaurants in Singapore will offer free broth refills as the stew boils down and thickens.
- Is this a solo dish?
- Usually not. Most places serve it in large pots meant for at least two people.