Noodles and Meals: Yook Kal Knife Cut Noodles

These noodles, both upon glance of the ingredients and the look of the finished bowl, show similarities to a popular noodle here in the states: One Culture. One Culture focuses on thick udon/knife cut style noodles with bone broth reductions. The noodles themselves are quite flavorless and playdoh-like. However, the broth is always extremely satisfying. The same can be said of these, so-called 'Knife Cut Noodle Soup'. The Noodles are a tad rubbery and uninteresting, though they became better the longer it absorbed the broth. The broth, however, is a typical Korean pepper and bean-base, which differs little from a restaurant-bought bowl.

Problems with this bowl of noodles start to arise when one begins to get deeper into the bowl. For all of the seasoning oil, hair-singing spice and cliche, yet effective hot oil and vinegar, one comes to a realization: The broth simply is not that interesting. Satisfying? Without a doubt. And with calories clocking in at  half of most stir-fry ramens and jajangmyeuns, it would work well in a diet envritonment. But compare it to a Samyang-Stew Style. Or even better, the Nissin Raoh Tonkatsu: All budget noodles which abound in flavor, with sodium content being close for all three. The Yook Kal is thin, salty, and uninteresting. Is it a bad option for a quick lunch or dinner? No, as little instant noodles are. But better options, for cheaper, lurk around every corner.

OVERALL RATING: 5/10, Satisfying. But average by every measure.