What is Chapaguri?

If you’re ready to take your love of comfort food internationally, then you need to try Chapaguri. Chapaguri, or Jjapaguri, is a Korean noodle dish that contains two types of instant noodles, Chapagetti and Neoguri, for a deliciously easy comfort food staple. If you’ve never tasted either of these noodles before, you’re probably wondering how they’re different, and why they work so well together. Here’s the rundown on everything you need to know about Jjapaguri, including what it is, how to make it, and everything in between.

What is Chapaguri?

As mentioned, Chapaguri is made by combining two variations of instant noodles together to create one extra tasty noodle dish. The kinds of noodles used are Chapagetti, a

Chinese-inspired jjajang ramen noodle, and Noguri, a Japanese-style of udon that pairs with a spicy Korean seafood broth – hence the name “Chapaguri.” Despite its use of noodles inspired by other asian countries, Jjapaguri is considered to be a Korean dish due to the fact that both of these kinds of noodles are made by a Korean manufacturer called Nongshim, therefore making Nongshim’s products the go-to ingredients for making Chapaguri. To put it simply, there would be no Jjapaguri if it weren’t for Nongshim.

If you’re curious about trying Chapaguri for yourself, here’s a quick rundown on the two types of noodles featured in the dish.

What is Jjapaghetti?

Jjapaghetti, or Chapagetti, is a type of instant noodle created by Nongshim, and holds the title as the second-most popular kind of ramyeon (ramen) in South Korea. Created in 1984, Jjapaghetti was the first instant noodle product made to look like jajangmyeon, and gets its name by combining the words “jajangmyeon” and “spaghetti.”

Jjapaghetti has a rather plain yet salty taste just like Jjang ramen, and uses rather chewy noodles for a unique yet familiar texture.

What is Neoguri?

Neoguri is another kind of instant ramen created by Nongshim in 1982 that’s known for its thick noodles and spicy seafood flavor. Neoguri can be found in over 80 countries, though the recipe may differ between markets – the Korean version of the dish, for example, contains a piece of edible kelp, or kombu, while the American version does not. There are eight different types of Neoguri to choose from, including Mild, Hot, Stir-Fry, Neoguri Big Bowl, and more.

Unlike Chapagetti, Neoguri has a subtle hint of spiciness, as well as a touch of seafood flavoring.

What Does Chapaguri Taste Like?

As you could probably imagine, Chapaguri has been described as tasting like a spicier version of Jjapaghetti. Though the dish only contains a mild amount of spice, the added blast of flavor is more than the usual savory taste of Jjapaghetti, making for a fun twist on a comfort food favorite.

Chapaguri in Korean Pop Culture

You may have heard of Jjapaguri via pop culture without even realizing it – in 2019, the South Korean film Parasite made a reference to the noodle dish, though it was referred to as“ram-don” in the English translation of the film. The translation got its name by combining the words “ramen” and “udon.” The film went on to win four Oscars at the 92nd Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film, and Best Picture.

How To Make Chapaguri

If you have any experience making ramen, you’ll probably find making Chapaguri to be a breeze. To prepare your very own bowl, all you have to do is bowl hot water in a pot over high heat, then add the Jjapaghetti and Neoguri ramen to the pot, along with any vegetable or seafood seasonings that may have come with your noodles. Let the noodles cook for 4-5 minutes, then use your ladle to take 2 scoops of the boiled brother and transfer to a bowl. Once you’ve done that and your noodles have cooked all the way through, drain the rest of the water and transfer the noodles back into the pot.

Next, add 1 packet of Chapagetti soup base mix and ½ packet of Neoguri soup base mix into the pot, before pouring in the water you just saved. Stir-fry the noodles on low heat for about a minute or until the mixes are fully covering the noodles, and your Jjapaguri dish is good to go!

Where To Buy Korean Instant Noodles

Interested in trying Chapaguri for yourself? Make sure to stop by Bokksu Market for all your Asian grocery needs!

At Bokksu Market, you can score all your favorite asian grocery essentials, including snacks, beverages, dry goods, condiments, and yup – even Korean instant noodles!