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Buldak Carbonara vs. Cream Carbonara vs. Cheese vs. Quattro Cheese: Differences and Reviews 2025

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Buldak Carbonara vs. Cream Carbonara vs. Cheese vs. Quattro Cheese: Differences and Reviews 2025

Let’s be real: Walking down the instant ramen aisle these days feels like navigating a flavor maze—especially when Samyang’s Buldak line is involved. Known for turning up the heat with their signature spicy sauce, the brand has upped the ante with four mouthwatering cheese and carbonara twists: Buldak Carbonara, Cream Carbonara, Cheese, and Quattro Cheese. If you’ve ever stared at these packets, wondering: “Is Quattro Cheese just ‘more cheese’ than the original? Does Cream Carbonara actually taste creamier? And which one balances spice and cheese best?”—you’re not alone. As a self-proclaimed Buldak enthusiast (and someone who’s burned through more than a few packets in the name of research), I decided to put these four head-to-head in the ultimate taste test. We’re talking side-by-side comparisons of spiciness, cheese intensity, noodle texture, and that all-important “I need another bite” factor. Whether you’re a die-hard spice lover chasing that fiery kick, a cheese fanatic craving gooey richness, or just someone hunting for your new go-to late-night meal, this breakdown has you covered. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Buldak variant deserves a spot in your pantry—and which might leave you reaching for a glass of milk (or extra cheese). Let’s dive in.

Calling all spice lovers and ramen fanatics!

As self-proclaimed spice warriors and ramen enthusiasts, my team and I conducted an exhaustive taste test of Samyang's four most popular cheesy Buldak varieties.

The Contenders

We put these four heavyweights to the test:

Buldak Carbonara - The original creamy spicy hybrid

Buldak Cream Carbonara - An even richer, smoother version

Buldak Cheese - Straightforward cheese + fire

Buldak Quattro Cheese - The gourmet four-cheese experience

With so many cheesy, spicy options, how do you know which one deserves a spot in your pantry?

In this definitive taste test, we’re breaking down all four Buldak ramen varieties—flavor, spice level, texture, and cheesy goodness—so you can pick your perfect fiery noodle fix. We’ve combined hands-on testing with real user reviews from Reddit, Amazon, and food forums to give you the most honest, detailed comparison out there.

What You’ll Discover:

Spice rankings – Which one packs the most heat? (Spoiler: Not all are created equal!)

Cheese showdown – From simple mozzarella to a gourmet 4-cheese blend

Texture talk – Thick vs. creamy sauces, square vs. round noodles

Real user opinions – What the internet really thinks of each flavor

Final verdict – Which Buldak reigns supreme?

Whether you’re a Buldak newbie or a spicy ramen veteran, this guide will help you navigate Samyang’s iconic lineup. Let’s settle the debate once and for all—read on to find your next obsession!

P.S. Searching for "Buldak Carbonara vs. Cream Carbonara" or "Which Buldak cheese ramen is best?"? You’ve just hit the jackpot.

Our Spiciness Rating System

We ranked each flavor on a 5-level spice scale:

Level 1 (Mild Spicy) – Warm but manageable

Level 2 (Medium Spicy) – Noticeable kick, but balanced

Level 3 (Hot Spicy) – Serious heat, not for beginners

Level 4 (Very Spicy) – Intense, sweat-inducing

Level 5 (Extreme Spicy) – Proceed with caution

Buldak Carbonara vs. Cream Carbonara: Creamy with a Kick

1. Buldak Carbonara

Appearance:

Noodles: Lighter color, round shape

Sauce: Thick, dark red (smaller packet)

Powder: Greenish (milk, butter, mozzarella, parsley, black pepper)

Taste: Instant spiciness with a peppery, buttery finish

Spice Level: Level 2 (Medium Spicy)

Verdict: Great for those who want carbonara vibes with a moderate heat.

2. Buldak Cream Carbonara

Appearance:

Noodles: Darker yellow, round shape

Sauce: Thinner, light red (larger packet)

Powder: Pinkish (four-cheese blend + extra butter/sugar)

Taste: Creamier, slightly sweeter, and less spicy than regular Carbonara

Spice Level: Level 2 (Medium Spicy)

Verdict: The mildest and creamiest—ideal for spice-sensitive eaters who still want flavor.

Key Difference:

Carbonara = peppery, more savory

Cream Carbonara = sweeter, richer, and smoother

Buldak Cheese vs. Quattro Cheese: Cheesy Heat Battle

1. Buldak Cheese (Mozzarella)

Appearance:

Noodles: Light yellow, square shape

Sauce: Dark red (red packet)

Powder: Smaller pack (mozzarella, sesame, seaweed)

Taste: Spicy first, cheesy after—heat hits immediately

Spice Level: Level 3 (Hot Spicy)

Verdict: For those who love spice with just a hint of cheese.

2. Buldak Quattro Cheese

Appearance:

Noodles: Light yellow, square shape

Sauce: Slightly lighter red (orange packet)

Powder: Larger pack (four-cheese blend: mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, camembert)

Taste: Creamier, cheesier, and less spicy than regular Cheese

Spice Level: Level 2 (Medium Spicy)

Verdict: The best for cheese lovers—more complex umami with toned-down heat.

Key Difference:

Cheese = simple mozzarella, spicier

Quattro Cheese = gourmet cheese blend, milder

Real User Reviews Round - Up

Buldak Carbonara

"I'm a big fan of spicy food, and Buldak Carbonara is a game - changer. The creaminess of the carbonara - style sauce with the spicy kick is amazing. It's like a spicy twist on a classic pasta dish. The noodles are cooked perfectly, and the sauce sticks to them really well. I love how the herby notes from the powder packet add an extra layer of flavor." - Sarah, a food blogger.

"This is my go - to when I want a quick, spicy, and satisfying meal. The spiciness is just right for me, and the creaminess helps to balance it out. I like to add a fried egg on top for some extra protein. The only thing I would change is maybe a bit more cheese flavor, but overall, it's a great product." - John, an office worker.

Buldak Cream Carbonara

"I'm not a huge fan of super - spicy food, but I love creamy pastas. Buldak Cream Carbonara is perfect for me. It has a nice hint of spiciness, but the creaminess is the star. The multiple cheese blend is so rich and delicious. I've recommended this to all my friends who are like me and prefer a milder, creamier option." - Emily, a college student.

"I was a bit skeptical about trying this, but I'm so glad I did. The flavor is so well - balanced. The sauce is really creamy, and the noodles are great. I like that it's not as spicy as some of the other Buldak products. It's a great option for a cozy, comfort food meal." - Michael, a stay - at - home parent.

Buldak Cheese

"If you love spicy food, this is the one for you. Buldak Cheese is extremely spicy, and the cheese flavor is just a nice little addition. The noodles are good, and the sauce has a great consistency. I always have a glass of milk nearby when I eat this, but it's so worth it for the spice rush." - David, a spice enthusiast.

"I was a bit disappointed with this one. The spiciness was too much for me, and I couldn't really taste the cheese. I thought it would be more of a balanced cheese - spicy flavor, but the heat overpowered everything. Maybe it's just not for me, but if you can handle extreme spiciness, you might like it." - Lisa, a casual foodie.

Buldak Quattro Cheese

"This is hands down one of the best instant ramens I've ever had. The four - cheese blend in Buldak Quattro Cheese is out of this world. It's so creamy and delicious. The spiciness is there, but it's not too overwhelming, and it really complements the cheese. I've stocked up on this because I don't want to run out." - Rachel, a food lover.

"I love how Samyang has created such a complex cheese flavor in this. The different cheeses work so well together. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other varieties, but it's definitely worth it for the quality and taste. The texture is also amazing, with the cheese coating the noodles so nicely." - James, a home cook.

Final Rankings: Which One Should You Try?

By Spice Level

Buldak Cheese (Level 3) – Hottest of the four

Buldak Carbonara (Level 2) – Balanced heat

Buldak Quattro Cheese (Level 2) – Cheesier, slightly milder

Buldak Cream Carbonara (Level 2) – Mildest, creamiest

By Cheesiness

Quattro Cheese (Most complex cheese flavor)

Cream Carbonara (Extra creamy, slightly sweet)

Cheese (Simple mozzarella)

Carbonara (Lightest cheese presence)

Best For...