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Why Is Ramyeon Soup So Delicious? : 30 Chemistry Mysteries You’ve Always Wondered About
Have you ever wondered why fizzy drinks are so addictive or why chopping onions makes your eyes water?
Discover answers to these everyday mysteries through the captivating lens of chemistry.
This book transforms complex scientific concepts into engaging, easy-to-understand narratives filled with relatable examples.
Ideal for inquisitive readers, it will permanently alter how you perceive the world—beginning with your next delicious bowl of ramyeon.
Discover answers to these everyday mysteries through the captivating lens of chemistry.
This book transforms complex scientific concepts into engaging, easy-to-understand narratives filled with relatable examples.
Ideal for inquisitive readers, it will permanently alter how you perceive the world—beginning with your next delicious bowl of ramyeon.
- GenresScience
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2025
9 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 30, 2025
A LOT of science in this little book…
Some of the more interesting chapters include the following topics: Is eating capsaicin helpful or not? If paper can be made from elephant poop can the same be done from human? What’s a glue stick made of? How does liquid nitrogen get to -196 degrees Celsius? How are snowflakes made?
There are thirty chapters in all with the same number of unique topics. Many of them are very technical The authors attempted to present the material in an approachable way but most student readers are going to be overwhelmed, IMO.
As for the answer to the title’s question? Without providing a total spoiler situation, it’s three little letters, well known in culinary circles, that many frown upon, some are allergic to, (me included), and certain cuisines, (usually the lower end prepared producers), depend upon📚
Some of the more interesting chapters include the following topics: Is eating capsaicin helpful or not? If paper can be made from elephant poop can the same be done from human? What’s a glue stick made of? How does liquid nitrogen get to -196 degrees Celsius? How are snowflakes made?
There are thirty chapters in all with the same number of unique topics. Many of them are very technical The authors attempted to present the material in an approachable way but most student readers are going to be overwhelmed, IMO.
As for the answer to the title’s question? Without providing a total spoiler situation, it’s three little letters, well known in culinary circles, that many frown upon, some are allergic to, (me included), and certain cuisines, (usually the lower end prepared producers), depend upon📚
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October 22, 2025An interesting chemistry book. Full review later.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Now I know a lot of stuff I have never been curious about before in my life, but that's very cool to know. It's a very informative book, written in a way that younger audiences can understand it, as well, especially if they have an interest in chemistry.
You can tell that this book was written by two Korean scholars for a Korean audience, because majority of the examples given were about Korea. I just think that makes it even cooler, as there's likely already a wide array of similar books focusing on the U.S., for example, so this adds variety.
What I was a little disappointed by was that the pictures in the book weren't actually cute illustrations, unlike the cover picture. It ultimately didn't matter much, but it would have been nice. Still, it's much better than just not having any pictures at all, so this is only a small point of critique.
Now I know a lot of stuff I have never been curious about before in my life, but that's very cool to know. It's a very informative book, written in a way that younger audiences can understand it, as well, especially if they have an interest in chemistry.
You can tell that this book was written by two Korean scholars for a Korean audience, because majority of the examples given were about Korea. I just think that makes it even cooler, as there's likely already a wide array of similar books focusing on the U.S., for example, so this adds variety.
What I was a little disappointed by was that the pictures in the book weren't actually cute illustrations, unlike the cover picture. It ultimately didn't matter much, but it would have been nice. Still, it's much better than just not having any pictures at all, so this is only a small point of critique.
October 20, 2025
I enjoy popular science books and this title covers several original questions and contains some interesting nuggets of information. Unfortunately, I didn't find the format very readable. It was densely packed with information, so much so that there was often too much to take in. The book cover and marketing is aimed at a teen/YA audience but I am not sure this will have broad appeal to that market. I think this is a book best suited for those who are keen on chemistry as the barrage of facts could be off-putting to more casual or less knowledgeable readers. You can skim read it, but that seems to defeat the point of reading the book. It's a shame because there is interesting information, it's just not presented in a sufficiently engaging fashion.
It was frustrating that quite a few of the questions were not really answered. There might be a couple of lines but no real detail. The rest of the 'answer' explained something related to the question but felt rather like filler. For example, the question about what glue sticks are made of states they are made of synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylic resins. That's all we are told then the rest of the answer is about other adhesives and cement.
Several answers also contained information that we had just been told a few lines earlier in a slightly different sentence. I read an eARC and it's possible that some of this was an issue caused by unfinished formatting. Some lines felt as though they could be sub-headings but did not appear differentiated from the main body of text.
The introduction of the book informs the reader that it was written to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean Chemical Society. I think this could have been made clearer, perhaps as part of the blurb. It's an English translation of the original, so the language doesn't flow as well as I suspect it does in the original version. Quite a few of the answers contain references that will mean more to Korean readers.
Thanks to poppypub and NetGalley for the free eARC.
It was frustrating that quite a few of the questions were not really answered. There might be a couple of lines but no real detail. The rest of the 'answer' explained something related to the question but felt rather like filler. For example, the question about what glue sticks are made of states they are made of synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylic resins. That's all we are told then the rest of the answer is about other adhesives and cement.
Several answers also contained information that we had just been told a few lines earlier in a slightly different sentence. I read an eARC and it's possible that some of this was an issue caused by unfinished formatting. Some lines felt as though they could be sub-headings but did not appear differentiated from the main body of text.
The introduction of the book informs the reader that it was written to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean Chemical Society. I think this could have been made clearer, perhaps as part of the blurb. It's an English translation of the original, so the language doesn't flow as well as I suspect it does in the original version. Quite a few of the answers contain references that will mean more to Korean readers.
Thanks to poppypub and NetGalley for the free eARC.
November 6, 2025
I have always been an avid reader of food science and pretty much all science books in general and I was very excited to check this book out! With the title and cover catching my attention, I thought I would really take a liking to this book. However I still have my reservations.
First off, this book is primarily marketing towards teens or just in the YA category in general but to me, it's a more dense read than a lot of young people like want to check out. It can seem pretty overwhelming even for someone like me who tends to gravitate towards books like this.
Second, while the topics are fascinating and intriguing, the explanations are less to be desired. As it is, again, is marketed toward a younger audience, the answers are pretty cold and sterile for that very reason. While I appreciate it not being dumbed down, these are younger minds potentially reading this and I would have a hard time grasping the information in this particular style of writing. What I'm getting at here is if I wanna read a textbook, I'd read a textbook.
Lastly, I understand this is the ARC edition to this book so I'm sure it has some editing to be done (as an occasional editor for books myself, I've noticed a few things I would change for sure) and since it seems to be a Korean translated into English book, I can see where some of the translations didn't mesh well together. Albeit I've found this book to be quite interesting and informative. I would change the age level to an older audience because of the dense material but that's just my opinion. Other than that, I did enjoy checking this out and given the opportunity to review.
I received this ARC book complimentary from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
First off, this book is primarily marketing towards teens or just in the YA category in general but to me, it's a more dense read than a lot of young people like want to check out. It can seem pretty overwhelming even for someone like me who tends to gravitate towards books like this.
Second, while the topics are fascinating and intriguing, the explanations are less to be desired. As it is, again, is marketed toward a younger audience, the answers are pretty cold and sterile for that very reason. While I appreciate it not being dumbed down, these are younger minds potentially reading this and I would have a hard time grasping the information in this particular style of writing. What I'm getting at here is if I wanna read a textbook, I'd read a textbook.
Lastly, I understand this is the ARC edition to this book so I'm sure it has some editing to be done (as an occasional editor for books myself, I've noticed a few things I would change for sure) and since it seems to be a Korean translated into English book, I can see where some of the translations didn't mesh well together. Albeit I've found this book to be quite interesting and informative. I would change the age level to an older audience because of the dense material but that's just my opinion. Other than that, I did enjoy checking this out and given the opportunity to review.
I received this ARC book complimentary from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2025
I really liked this book- it answered so many questions I've had before and so many I never even thought to ask! As someone who is fascinated by food and everything that goes with it- biology, chemistry, evolution, history, culture, etc.- this really scratched an itch for knowledge that I had.
My ONE complaint is that it seemed like every answer would have a line or two that was just jibberish to the layman- like a long chemical composition or something along those lines usually- that wasn't really explained and was easier to skip over rather than read out a 10 part chemical chain. It slowed down my quest for knowledge and while this is obviously a non-fiction book, it "took me out of the story", so to speak.
That said, it was super easy to just skim those parts and keep reading. This would be such a fun book for any science lover or food lover, and especially for someone who loves both! Sometimes knowing WHY something is the way that it is makes it even more special.
My ONE complaint is that it seemed like every answer would have a line or two that was just jibberish to the layman- like a long chemical composition or something along those lines usually- that wasn't really explained and was easier to skip over rather than read out a 10 part chemical chain. It slowed down my quest for knowledge and while this is obviously a non-fiction book, it "took me out of the story", so to speak.
That said, it was super easy to just skim those parts and keep reading. This would be such a fun book for any science lover or food lover, and especially for someone who loves both! Sometimes knowing WHY something is the way that it is makes it even more special.
October 22, 2025
As a microbiologist, foodie, and scientist who’s obsessed with picture books, I was immediately intrigued by the title. Having spent many years teaching college biochemistry and microbiology, I was curious to see how this book translates complex science for younger readers.
The concept is fantastic—posing intriguing, everyday chemistry questions that could really spark curiosity—but the execution falls short. Despite being marketed for 5–11-year-olds, the layout, photos, and content feel far above that age range; this is material I could use in an undergraduate course. The stock-photo-style images and cold, detached tone make it hard for children to connect.
This book highlights the challenges of science communication. The cover is charismatic and inviting, but the content itself feels unrelatable and remarkably out of touch for its intended audience. A brilliant concept, but poorly executed for young readers.
The concept is fantastic—posing intriguing, everyday chemistry questions that could really spark curiosity—but the execution falls short. Despite being marketed for 5–11-year-olds, the layout, photos, and content feel far above that age range; this is material I could use in an undergraduate course. The stock-photo-style images and cold, detached tone make it hard for children to connect.
This book highlights the challenges of science communication. The cover is charismatic and inviting, but the content itself feels unrelatable and remarkably out of touch for its intended audience. A brilliant concept, but poorly executed for young readers.
October 31, 2025
Chemistry in Your Cup of Noodles: Everyday Science with Flavor
This book is a delightful blend of curiosity and clarity, turning mundane questions into fascinating chemistry lessons. Whether it's why spicy food tingles or how MSG makes ramyeon irresistible, Lee and Seok explain it all with humor and precision. I especially appreciated the honest takes on health myths—like the limited benefits of negative ions—and the nuanced look at capsaicin’s effects, both healing and potentially harmful.
The authors excel at making science personal. Chapters on scent recognition, food allergies, and viruses connect molecular mechanisms to everyday experiences, while fun facts—like snowflake photography or the impracticality of poop-based paper—keep the tone light. It’s a book that respects your intelligence without overwhelming you, perfect for readers who enjoy practical science with emotional resonance and a dash of culinary intrigue.
This book is a delightful blend of curiosity and clarity, turning mundane questions into fascinating chemistry lessons. Whether it's why spicy food tingles or how MSG makes ramyeon irresistible, Lee and Seok explain it all with humor and precision. I especially appreciated the honest takes on health myths—like the limited benefits of negative ions—and the nuanced look at capsaicin’s effects, both healing and potentially harmful.
The authors excel at making science personal. Chapters on scent recognition, food allergies, and viruses connect molecular mechanisms to everyday experiences, while fun facts—like snowflake photography or the impracticality of poop-based paper—keep the tone light. It’s a book that respects your intelligence without overwhelming you, perfect for readers who enjoy practical science with emotional resonance and a dash of culinary intrigue.
October 6, 2025
This was such a cool book and would make a great coffee table book or bathroom read for those who like to read on the porcelain throne!
The book as a whole seemed geared towards younger readers or those who don’t have as much knowledge of chemistry, and the authors took intriguing questions and explained complex chemical processes in a way even a middle schooler would be able to understand.
One hallmark of a great scientist and writer, in my opinion, is being able to take complex ideas and concepts and break those down in a concise way without belittling your audience. I think these authors succeeded in doing that really well.
Some of my favorite sections were on ramyeon soup powder and also elephant dung being made into paper. Apparently an elephant’s daily waste can make 660 sheets of A4 paper.
The book as a whole seemed geared towards younger readers or those who don’t have as much knowledge of chemistry, and the authors took intriguing questions and explained complex chemical processes in a way even a middle schooler would be able to understand.
One hallmark of a great scientist and writer, in my opinion, is being able to take complex ideas and concepts and break those down in a concise way without belittling your audience. I think these authors succeeded in doing that really well.
Some of my favorite sections were on ramyeon soup powder and also elephant dung being made into paper. Apparently an elephant’s daily waste can make 660 sheets of A4 paper.
October 6, 2025
I received a digital review copy of this title from NetGalley.
If I were still teaching chemistry I would use this book for my classes. The chapters are short and would make excellent introductions to several topics. The real world examples are relevant and interesting and don't dumb things down even though they are written at a beginner level. I was really impressed by the quality and thought of this work. I also appreciate how the authors made connections to how these topics affect the world today, from environmental concerns to the impact on humanity, without being heavy-handed or preachy. However, I do think the book would benefit from a glossary with definitions (rather than just a word list at the end) and a section listing sources for further reading.
If I were still teaching chemistry I would use this book for my classes. The chapters are short and would make excellent introductions to several topics. The real world examples are relevant and interesting and don't dumb things down even though they are written at a beginner level. I was really impressed by the quality and thought of this work. I also appreciate how the authors made connections to how these topics affect the world today, from environmental concerns to the impact on humanity, without being heavy-handed or preachy. However, I do think the book would benefit from a glossary with definitions (rather than just a word list at the end) and a section listing sources for further reading.
November 12, 2025
Why is Ramyeon Soup so Delicious by Duckhwan Lee is a wonderful book that draws the curtains off of 30 mysteries in chemistry.
The book is split into short chapters that go into brief details on a variety of different topics about elephant poop, DNA, or MSG in ramen. They bring out a lot of world examples from Korea, Sweden, and the US giving us a variety of different examples on how the world utilizes these different things. All of the examples were enjoyable to read, and because they were all bite size lessons, it was easy to read.
If you want a short scientific read, this is the book for you.
Thank you Duckhwan Lee and Netgalley for the free read.
The book is split into short chapters that go into brief details on a variety of different topics about elephant poop, DNA, or MSG in ramen. They bring out a lot of world examples from Korea, Sweden, and the US giving us a variety of different examples on how the world utilizes these different things. All of the examples were enjoyable to read, and because they were all bite size lessons, it was easy to read.
If you want a short scientific read, this is the book for you.
Thank you Duckhwan Lee and Netgalley for the free read.
December 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It takes everyday chemistry mysteries—like why fizzy drinks are so addictive, why onions make you cry, or what makes broth so comforting—and explains them in a way that’s fun and easy to understand. The authors break down tricky concepts with clever examples, and reading it honestly made me see the world a little differently. I also loved that it made me crave a bowl of ramyeon while reading! I learned a great deal from it, and I would highly recommend it to anyone curious about the science behind the little things in life.
A huge thanks to NetGalley, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!!
A huge thanks to NetGalley, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!!
October 5, 2025
Netgalley ARC-Cute concept, turning chemistry into everyday examples. It's definitely written for a younger audience, none of these questions are burning need-to-know and are definitely more juvenile. It's not dumbed down too much so an adult could enjoy it and it'll save some googling. The subcategory headers were hard to discern as they were in the same font as the rest of the section so I read a few thinking they were typos
October 21, 2025
It was all right. Kinda hard to read through unless you're science-minded. Which I discovered I'm not as much as I thought I was. Science lovers will probably love this book. Those for whom science is over their heads should probably just skip it.
**I won a copy of this book on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to all who made that happen!
**I won a copy of this book on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to all who made that happen!
November 30, 2025
Loved the science. The information is very interesting, but the formatting is not good. It's not visually appealing or reader friendly. By the cover, I was expecting a children's book with matching visuals and illustrations. But the information and photos used are very school textbook like, and the reading is definitely for older teens.
September 26, 2025
A well done book covering interesting science questions with good graphics.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews