In the mood for noods and buns? If so, Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC’s East Village might be the spot for you. With some truly amazing bites, and some that are quite interesting, this menu, although small, has something for everyone.
The ambiance in their East Village location was initially quiet at 6 PM on a Tuesday evening but soon filled up and became filled with lively chatter by 7. I would describe the decor as Muji meets Grand Central Station. The furniture is made of a simple and minimalistic oak while a train station flip board hangs above the bar and shows the specials of the night. The sound of the train flipboard turning is also a happy reminder of the city you’re currently in.
Now to the Food
One of the standout dishes at Momofuku Noodle Bar is their iconic Smoked Pork Ramen. It’s no exaggeration to say that this bowl of noodles has reached legendary status among ramen enthusiasts and I’d say it lives up to the hype.
The broth is rich, flavorful, and topped with tender slices of pork belly which have been perfectly charred, giving them a smoky flavor. The noodles also have the perfect bite. Wavy and chewy, they are the perfect texture! The dish is like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl that’s ideal for cold weather but honestly tastes good during any season.
Another showstopper item is their Pork Belly Buns. These soft, pillowy, semi-sweet buns cradle a GIANT succulent slice of pork belly. They are adorned with hoisin sauce, cucumber, and scallions and make the perfect symphony of sweet, smoky, umami-y, and fresh tastes! I must say, the combination of textures and flavors is nothing short of extraordinary (but I do consider myself a bun fiend).
A dish that I’m not sure I’d recommend, however, is their Chilled Spicy Noodles. When I ordered these, the waiter warned me that they were a 7/10 spiciness. Feeling quite confident in my spice tolerance, I happily said that it wouldn’t be a problem. That being said, this dish should definitely be reserved for those who prefer a little heat in their dishes.
The dish was chilled noodles that had been tossed in a spicy Sichuan sauce and covered in sausage, Thai basil, and candied peanuts. I wouldn’t say the sauce itself had that much flavor besides a sharp spice and there was barely any basil so the flavor wasn’t herby at all too. However, I thought the candied peanuts were delicious- sweet, smoky, and crunchy, they were the highlight of the dish for me.
In terms of drinks, to complement your meal, don’t miss out on their Yuzu Lemonade. This refreshing drink is the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, with the unique citrusy twist of yuzu. It pairs great!
Overall, Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village is a culinary gem with some standout dishes that shouldn’t be missed. That being said, stick to the classics: their ramen and pork belly buns are best. Plus, the vibes are amazing and you can just walk in most weekday nights, making it a simple, go-to choice!
