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Explainer | What are Korean Buldak fire noodles? Spicy ramen tickles taste buds worldwide, is deliciously addictive

  • US singing star Cardi B is a fan and TikTok food critic Keith Lee loves them
  • Standard setter for spicy food in Korea prompts ‘Fire Noodles Challenge’

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The hospitalisation of a US-based influencer after eating Korean Buldak fire noodles has thrust the product into the international spotlight. The Post explains what all the fuss is about. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Taobao/Weibo

A TikTok influencer had to be rushed to hospital after consuming a type of spicy ramen known as Buldak or “fire chicken” in Korean, every week for six months.

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US-based Lucy Mourad, 24, developed kidney stones and blood poisoning triggered by her obsession with this type of instant ramen.

However, her dash to accident and emergency has not stopped millions around the world from enjoying the product made by South Korean brand, Samyang.

Enthusiasts for the dish include American singer Cardi B and celebrity TikTok food critic Keith Lee.

“If this happened to me, I’d still eat Buldak,” more than one online observer said about Mourad’s plight.

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The Post explains the global fascination with these noodles.

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