Taste the Best: Top Jajangmyeon Brands to Savor!

Jajangmyeon, the savory Korean-Chinese noodle dish topped with a rich black bean sauce, has captured the hearts of food lovers around the globe. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a staple in Korean cuisine, and choosing the best instant brand can be delightfully daunting for those eager to enjoy it at home. From Shin Ramyun's bold spice to the familiar comforting taste of Nongshim's Chapagetti, there's a brand that caters to every preference. Curious about which brands made the cut for the best in jajangmyeon? Read on to discover our top recommendations.

Illustration of jajangmyeon

Best brands of jajangmyeon in 2025

Ottogi

Ottogi is a leading producer of jajangmyeon, with a significant market share in the South Korean instant noodle market, holding 23.9% as of December 2023. The company's Jin Jjajang instant jajangmyeon features 3-millimeter-wide noodles and a liquid black bean sauce for an authentic taste. Ottogi's revenue has consistently grown, reaching 3.64 trillion KRW in 2024, a 5.37% increase from the previous year. Their products, such as Jin Jjajang, have contributed to the trend of preferring thicker noodles for richer flavors. Ottogi's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a top choice for consumers. For more details on their market share, visit Ottogi instant noodle brand market share.

Samyang Foods

Samyang Foods has emerged as a leading producer in the Korean instant noodle market, particularly with its Buldak Ramen products, which have driven significant overseas sales growth. In the first half of 2024, Samyang's overseas sales accounted for 78% of its total sales, with operating profit surging 150% year-on-year to 169.5 billion won. The company's Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen, or Buldak-bokeum-myeon, has achieved 4 billion cumulative sales since its launch in 2012. Samyang's market capitalization has surpassed 4 trillion won, outpacing its competitors Nongshim and Otoki. The strong performance is attributed to the company's successful expansion into markets like the US and China. For more details, visit the article on Samyang's market position and expansion.

Paldo

Paldo, a renowned brand in South Korea, has been dominating the spicy noodles and jajangmyeon market for over 38 years since the launch of its best-selling "Paldo Bibimmeyon" in 1984. It once held a market share of over 60%, though this has decreased to around 50% due to competition. Despite this, Paldo remains a significant player, especially in the instant jajangmyeon sector, where it introduced improved black bean liquid-based flavoring in 2015. The market size of instant jajangmyeon, which Paldo contributes to, jumped 12.5% to 93.8 billion won in the first half of 2015. Paldo's commitment to authentic flavors, such as using liquid-type sauce, has helped maintain its strong market presence. For more insight into Paldo's market strategies and product innovations, visit their official news article.

Nongshim

Nongshim is a leading brand in the Korean instant noodle market, particularly renowned for its jajangmyeon products. The company's Chapagetti, introduced in 1970, is a flagship product that combines the flavors of jajangmyeon with the convenience of instant noodles. Nongshim's market share in the Korean instant noodle market stood at 56% in 2023, highlighting its dominance. The brand's jajangmyeon products, such as Jjawang, have seen significant sales growth, with a 54% increase in sales in June 2015 compared to the previous month. Nongshim's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a preferred choice for consumers seeking authentic jajangmyeon flavor. For more information, explore Nongshim Chapagetti.

Wang Korea

Nongshim's Zha Wang is a standout in the jajangmyeon market, known for its thick, 3-millimeter-wide noodles and rich jjajang sauce, which has significantly boosted its popularity. Since its launch in April 2015, Zha Wang has seen unprecedented growth, with sales reaching 70 billion won from April to October and projected to exceed 100 billion won by the end of the year. It became the second-highest-selling instant noodle in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, and third in Busan, according to Nielsen Korea market research. The product's success has been driven by its appeal to young consumers in large cities, who prefer the thicker noodles and authentic black bean sauce. This trend has led other companies like Ottogi and Paldo to follow suit with their own instant jajangmyeon products.

Cj CheilJedang

CJ CheilJedang, through its Bibigo brand, has established itself as a leading producer of Korean cuisine, including jajangmyeon, by leveraging its strategic products such as dumplings, Korean-style fried chicken, K-sauces, kimchi, and seaweed. The company's overseas food sales surpassed its domestic market in the fourth quarter of 2023, with overseas sales reaching 1.387 trillion won, driven by strong growth in North America, Europe, and Australia. In Europe, Bibigo's sales network expanded significantly, including markets in France, Sweden, the UK, and Germany, with a notable increase in the German dumpling retail market share from 18% in 2021 to 48% last year. The brand's global presence is further enhanced by its entry into major Western European marts and its successful launch of products like room temperature tteokbokki, which saw a 2.5-fold increase in Q2-24 sales. CJ CheilJedang's commitment to expanding its distribution channels and product offerings continues to drive its global success. For more insights into their international growth, explore their overseas market strategies.

Yeulboong Cafe

Jjajangmyeon, a beloved Korean-Chinese dish, has been a staple in South Korean cuisine since its introduction by Chinese immigrants in the 1980s. This hearty, umami-rich black bean noodle dish is a comfort food favorite, especially on Black Day, celebrated on April 14th. The sauce, made from chunjang (Korean black bean paste), is a key component, often combined with ingredients like pork belly, onions, and potatoes. The dish is known for its thick, chewy wheat flour noodles and can be found in various forms, including homemade recipes and store-bought mixes. Its popularity is evident in its widespread consumption and cultural significance. If you're interested in preparing this dish, explore detailed jjajangmyeon recipes by renowned culinary experts.

Pulmuone

Pulmuone, a leading South Korean fresh food company, has established itself as a prominent producer of Asian noodles, including products that rival the popular Korean-Chinese dish jajangmyeon. Despite not specifically producing jajangmyeon, Pulmuone's Asian noodle sales in the U.S. saw a remarkable 65% year-on-year growth in 2022 and a 119% increase over three years from 2019 to 2022, reaching $72.2 million in annual sales. Their products, such as Teriyaki Stir-fry Udon and Tonkotsu Miso Ramen, have gained significant traction, selling 1.8 million units in the U.S. and entering Canadian and UK markets. Pulmuone's expansion plans include increasing production infrastructure and entering new regions to maintain its competitive edge. The company's success is attributed to its authentic taste and convenient cooking methods. For more details on Pulmuone's expansion, visit their official newsroom release.

Haechandle

Haechandle, though not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources, is often recognized for its high-quality instant noodle products, including jajangmyeon. However, based on the available information, Ottogi and Nongshim are prominent brands in the Korean instant noodle market, with Ottogi holding a market share of around 23.9% as of December 2023. These brands have capitalized on the trend of thicker, more flavorful noodles, such as Nongshim's Jjawang, which saw a 54% increase in sales in June 2015 compared to the previous month. For those seeking authentic jajangmyeon, these brands offer products with liquid black bean sauce, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish. More about these flavorful creations can be discovered on the Ottogi official website.

Bibigo

Bibigo, a leading brand in Korean cuisine, has garnered significant attention for its high-quality products, including its popular dumplings and other Korean dishes, although it is not specifically known for jajangmyeon. However, Bibigo's success is evident in its sales, with over 17 million units of its dumplings sold in 2023, and a 1,100% increase in retail sales over the past four years. As part of CJ CheilJedang, Korea's No. 1 lifestyle company, Bibigo has been a key player in popularizing Korean food globally. The brand's commitment to authenticity and convenience has made it a favorite among consumers, with a strong presence on social media platforms like TikTok, where it has reached over 250 million views. Bibigo's new logo and packaging design aim to enhance its brand visibility worldwide.