Carbonara Buldak (까르보불닭볶음면, kkareubo buldak bokkeummyeon) is the pink-pack Buldak: the same fiery chicken-flavored noodles, softened with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It is the flavor most Koreans hand to friends who are scared of Buldak. But “milder” is relative. Here is exactly how spicy it is, how it compares with the other flavors, and how to tame it further.
Quick answer: Carbonara Buldak is about 2,400 SHU on the Scoville scale (some charts round it to 2,600). That is roughly half as hot as Original Buldak (4,404 SHU) and a bit milder than a typical jalapeño. Cream Carbonara is milder still, at about 2,000 SHU. If you have never had Buldak, start here.
How Spicy Is Carbonara Buldak?
| Flavor | Scoville (SHU) | Vs. Carbonara |
|---|---|---|
| 2x Spicy (핵불닭) | about 8,800–10,000 | 3–4 times hotter |
| Original (불닭볶음면) | 4,404 | about 2 times hotter |
| Carbonara (까르보불닭) | about 2,400 | — |
| Cheese (치즈불닭) | about 2,300 | about the same |
| Cream Carbonara (크림까르보불닭) | about 2,000 | a little milder |
Samyang gave the Carbonara figure as 2,400 SHU when it launched Cream Carbonara in 2020, describing the new flavor as about half as spicy as the Original. For a sense of scale, a jalapeño pepper usually measures 2,500–8,000 SHU. See our full Buldak spice levels chart for all 11 flavors.
What It Actually Tastes Like
The first bite is creamy and a little sweet, almost like instant mac and cheese. Then the Buldak heat builds over the next minute, mostly on the tongue and lips. Most people who find Original “too painful” can finish a Carbonara pack with a drink on the side. Koreans love it so much they shorten the name to 까불 (kka-bul).
Carbonara vs Cream Carbonara
Cream Carbonara (크림까르보불닭볶음면) came out in September 2020 as an even milder, creamier version, at about 2,000 SHU. Regular Carbonara keeps a bit more of the Buldak kick and a cheesier taste. In our taste ranking, both sit at the top tier.
A Short History
Carbonara Buldak started as a limited edition in December 2017, released to celebrate 1 billion Buldak packs sold. It became a hit almost at once: from January to mid-March 2018 it was the best-selling cup noodle at CU and 7-Eleven, ahead of long-time favorite Yukgaejang Sabalmyeon. Shoppers asked for it to stay, and Samyang made it a permanent flavor.
How to Make It Even Milder
- Use less sauce. Start with about two-thirds of the liquid sauce packet and add more to taste.
- Add a splash of milk when you stir in the sauce. It turns creamier and softer.
- Melt a slice of cheese on top. This is the most common Korean upgrade.
- Top it with a fried egg and break the yolk into the noodles, like in the photo above.
- Keep a sweet drink nearby. Banana milk or a yogurt drink helps far more than water.
Want more ideas? See Buldak hacks Koreans use.
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Lobster carbonara mac made with Buldak, from the official account @buldak_global (embedded from Instagram).
Where to Buy It in Korea
Every convenience store in Korea (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, emart24) carries Carbonara Buldak, in both cups and bags. A standard cup costs around ₩1,800 in 2026, and supermarkets sell multipacks for less per pack. Look for the pink packaging next to the black Original. More picks in our Korean convenience store food guide.
Order like a local
까르보불닭 있어요?
Kkareubo-buldak isseoyo?
“Do you have Carbonara Buldak?” If the staff answer “까불이요?” (kka-bul-iyo?), they are just using the nickname.
FAQ
Is Carbonara Buldak spicy?
Yes, but it is one of the mildest Buldak flavors. At about 2,400 SHU it is roughly half as hot as Original Buldak, and the creamy sauce softens the heat.
Which is less spicy, Carbonara or Cream Carbonara?
Cream Carbonara, at about 2,000 SHU. Regular Carbonara is about 2,400 SHU.
Is Carbonara Buldak spicier than Original?
No. Original Buldak is 4,404 SHU, about twice as hot as Carbonara.
How can I make Carbonara Buldak less spicy?
Use less of the sauce packet, add a splash of milk or a slice of cheese, or top it with a fried egg.
Keep exploring the Buldak series: Buldak spice levels chart · Every Buldak flavor ranked by taste · Korea-only Buldak flavors · Buldak hacks Koreans use · Korean ramyeon combos
