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Momofuku Noodle Bar
Category: Restaurants Restaurants [Edit]
171 1st Ave(between 10th St & 11th St)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhood: East Village
(212) 777-7773
- Nearest Transit:
-
1 Av (L)
3 Av (L)
Astor Pl (4, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 pm - 4:30 pm
Mon-Thu, Sun 5:30 pm - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 5:30 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 12 pm - 4 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Victoria W. said: "I love their penne with sun-dried tomato! The portion is small but super Delicious!!! Ravioli is also good but there are only about 6 pieces in an order. I wish they can increase the price a bit and add some more ........." read more »
1468 reviews for Momofuku Noodle Bar
Review Highlights
"The pork buns were superb as always."
(in 725 reviews)
"The ramen was huge and great for sharing."
(in 1001 reviews)
"I wish David Chang opened a Momofuku in CA."
(in 139 reviews)
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1468 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer Z.
Manhattan, NY
2/8/2012
Headed in there on a Sat. afternoon- was about a 15-20 min wait for a table. Very crowded in there.
The 4-star rating is mostly for the pork buns and dessert that I enjoyed more so than my noodles. The pork buns as other people have mentioned were delicious! The pumpkin ale & pretzel softserve ice cream afterwards were also amazing and incredibly unique.
I wish the ramen stood out more...but they were just good. Nothing extraordinary about them, but decent. -
Review from Shalin D.
2/5/2012
After almost 1500 reviews, what can you add?
Mmmmmmmm...
Pork buns, then Momofuku ramen, followed by shitake buns, capped off with pumpkin ale soft serve. A memorable meal.
I just wish I didn't have to wait around in the world's most cramped entryway. -
Review from Erica C.
2/5/2012
It's about time I reviewed this place.
The pork buns are top-notch. The best that I have ever had anywhere and after eating my first pork burn at Momofuku Noodle Bar, I have been on a conquest to eat all of the world's pork buns. The porcine goodness oozed into my month and filled my heart with glee. It was not overly dry, like many other pork belly adventures that I've had. The buns at Momofuku are way better than Ippudo. They are. No contest. That's it. I cannot replicate the pork belly, no matter how hard I try. I have Chang's book and have tried multiple times.
The ramen, though good, is no Ippudo. It's better than the ramen available in DC. The pork shoulder was tender and the toppings in the bowl were plentiful. I enjoyed it. There's a lot that goes into good ramen, so I can appreciate it. Ramen broth is salty everybody. Every other review of a ramen joint complains about the saltiness. It's the nature of the beast.
I like Momofuku Noodle Bar. I prefer Ippudo's ramen, but I'd compromise just to devour Momofuku's delicious pork buns. I got there right when the place opened, no line. That's the only way to avoid a wait.Listed in: East Coast Ramen= Japanese…
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Review from Jennifer H.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
We were so thrilled to check this place out, and surprisingly there was no line whatsoever when we went! We just waltzed in, voila! Table ready!
We shared a few things and really enjoyed them. We had the ramen with the pork belly, pork shoulder and egg, and a few buns, the braised oxtail one being my fav! We also tried one of their specials of the day which happened to be tamales. Yes, tamales!
I had three as they were on the smaller side. One of cheese and veggies, the other chile verde and the third...wait for it...kimchi and pork! Wowsa, those were some tasty little bites. I was thinking, I better let my {Mexican] grandmother know that there is a Korean-American moving in on the tamale territory! But really, they were actually very good. -
Review from oliver l.
Detroit, OR
2/7/2012
Good but I'm no expert on noodles, the pork belly in the soup was good but a little tough to manage due to its size and overall fattness.
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Review from Seisei T.
New York, NY
1/28/2012
If the majority of the people eating at a ramen bar are white, let that be a warning to you. No self-respecting Japanese will ever eat the ramen at this place.
While the pork bun was good, it was also incredibly fatty--too fatty. The meat-fat ratio meant that you were getting mostly fat with a hint of meat flavor. The smoked chicken wings were flavorless and dry. The shrimp bun tasted like a fish sandwich from McDonald's.
The ramen was a travesty: noodles so poorly cooked that they stuck together, broth that was unbelievably salty, and dry, chewy pork. There is absolutely no reason why ramen should be that bad. The worst ramen I had in Japan was never that bad; I'd rather eat instant ramen out of a packet than eat David Chang's.
The pumpkin ale soft serve was mediocre, the pretzel twist underneath it disgusting. They made it with rye and caraway, and the combination was unpleasant.
If you like waiting over an hour for pretentious, overpriced, barely-edible food, feel free to come here. -
Review from Corbo E.
1/16/2012 40 photos
Even with David Chang's empire ever growing by leaps and bounds, Momofuku Noodle Bar, the oldest of Chang's restaurants, will always likely be the most accessible of them all. Serving noodles (which seems to have a universal appeal) and, of course, those famous pork buns will see to that.
However, since it came on the scene in 2004 and helped usher in the ramen craze, Noodle Bar and the Momofuku restaurant group as a whole have veered away from the primary focus of serving noodles (ironically). Now, other ramen shops in the East Village (and across the city for that matter) have flexed their muscles, established footholds, and have wrested control of the ramen subculture.
Despite the current state of affairs and despite being overshadowed by various small plate offerings now on the very menu in which it appears, ramen is, of course, served in an undeterred manner at Noodle Bar (as it probably always will be). It is a "noodle bar" after all; and, in fact, of all the prominent ramen shops in town, it is still the only one that has named a version for itself (in the form of the "Momofuku Ramen"), which features what else? Pork (indeed, some of the best Berkshire pork shoulder and pork belly to be exact).
This selection of pork is tucked into the sides of a large serving bowl and happily intermingles with a garnish of chopped scallions, coins of fishcake, planks of bamboo or, alternatively, little wedges of napa cabbage. A gleaming poached egg, revealing a runny yolk inside, adds a finishing touch.
The noodles themselves are medium thick, al dente, and toothsomely chewy. The broth, which is made from a bacon dashi stock that is bolstered by ham hocks and chicken bones, has a thin consistency and an overwhelmingly smoky flavor that devotees of soyu, shio, or tonkotsu broths may not enjoy. Love it or leave it, it most definitely has David Chang's affinity for pork written boldly all over it.
As for the other items on the menu, Ty Hatfield and Sean Heller, chefs de cuisine at Noodle Bar, provide a mix of seasonal offerings (highlighted by an array of those aforementioned small plates, which are found under the heading of "daily" and "sides") and a few other types of noodle "bowls" as well.
Of these, the Brussels sprouts with spätzle, sausage, and mustard notably stand out. The plump, texturally confident spätzle lead the charge as a host of mashed Brussels sprouts and spicy clusters of boneless Berkshire pork complement the little nodules of spätzle in a coating of lively mustard.
The chilled spicy noodles, which are one of the non-ramen "bowl" offerings, feature the same toothsome ramen noodles. They are served cold under a lather of Sichuan chili oil and a topping of that same spicy boneless Berkshire pork (along with leaves of baby spinach, and candied cashews). The assemblage soars with tasty points and counterpoints as the pliable spicy noodles, tender, robust pork, and sweet crunchy cashews bring out the best in one another.
Ultimately, Momofuku Noodle Bar will unlikely relinquish its hold on the public's imagination anytime soon. With its ramen still drawing curious attention and other parts of its decidely fusion-inspired menu laying a strong foundation, Noodle Bar will remain a potent force for a long time to come.Listed in: Ramen
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Review from Yvonne Y.
Boston, MA
2/1/2012 2 photos
This place reminds me of home. Whatever you are eating now, stop, go here, do yourself a favor and try their pork buns. They are so heavenly. The tender meat with the crunchiness of the cucumber, along with the hoisin sauce and the soft and fluffy bun, it's a party in your mouth!
Their momofuku ramen was really good as well. I like my noodles chewy and bouncy, and these were just perfect. I also like that they change their menu based on the season. I will definitely return and I can't wait to try the other momofuku's restaurant! -
Review from Phil B.
1/21/2012
Grab a Lonestar longneck, order pork and/or shitakke buns, and a bowl of hot ramen with chicken. Top this all off with some soft-serve - the flavors change all the time and they're always unique and tasty. Devour said course and leave with this warm feeling that all is right with the world.
You don't require a reservation here but I recommend coming for lunch where you can usually find a spot if you're there before 12:30p. I used to head over at least 1x a week and now that I'm out of the city, its one of those places you wish you had next door.Listed in: East Village Haunts
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Review from Ann T.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Man, I didn't want to like this place, but I did. Especially since our host was kind of annoying as soon as we walked in, but everyone else in the place made up for her surly attitude.
We spent a lot of money, but we all left very stuffed. My favorite things:
1. amberjack risotto - I have never had a fish risotto, and I now hope to have one again very soon.
2. roasted rice cakes - awesome texture, spicy and delicious sauce.
3. chilled spicy noodles - the candied cashews + spicy sausage had that perfect salty/sweet flavor combination I search high and wide for.
Does anyone else think the shrimp bun tastes like a mini Filet O' Fish sandwich? Because it does. The pork and brisket buna are both really good. I love mushrooms and I really liked how the shiitake mushrooms were cooked, I just thought that bun needed some extra flavor. -
Review from Homer S.
Hoboken, NJ
1/21/2012
Not the best ramen in the city, but the quality shines through. I prefer a creamier broth and so Ipuddo is more my style. I did enough my food in any case.
The pork buns were well worth it. Tasty, succulent pork on fluffy white buns. Nice.
We'll be back to explore a few more items on the menu. Not in my top ten but a place I think fondly of. -
Review from John G.
Hoboken, NJ
1/30/2012
Here are the things that are great time and again:
Ramen (Hot and Cold)
Pork Buns
Shrimp Buns (may be even better than the pork buns)
Beer list included Six Point Bengali Tiger
Important Note:
One thing that is even better than the regular dinner is the fried chicken dinner served at specific hours with reservation in advance (up to a month). They serve two whole fried chickens - one Korean style and one southern style. They are both really good, but the southern style is SPECTACULAR. My girlfriend got me a reservation for 6 for this on my bday and it couldn't have been better. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. -
Review from Michael P.
New York, NY
1/30/2012
ok, so as mentioned it may not be the best rammen in the city, especially for $15, but it's pretty darn good and what I love most is the serving of pork that they put in the soup, they do not hold back. I brought a friend from Australia here and she could not stop talking about the pork buns and how good they were.. i had to take her to momofuku ssam bar before she left so she could have them again!
I love the simplistic japanese wood decor as well as the communal seating. Although you you are seated right next to strangers and sometimes in between them you will soon forget this as there is enough noise to overshadow their conversation. I also love their drink menu, it is very refreshing. -
Review from luke q.
Austin, TX
1/19/2012
Expectations too high i guess. Pork buns delicious and drool-worthy, but that pricey ($16) ramen tasted like pork+pork broth, with a little more pork. One dimensional flavor profile. Should've tried the miso ramen?
Great hosts, service is lean and seats are a little rub-up-on-a-body. -
Review from Saara H.
Updated - 1/12/2012
I have to update my review. I think I first gave Momofuku Noodle Bar 4 stars after one of my first visits when I first moved to New York. Back then, everything about NYC was wonderful - I even thought the sidewalks in Times Square sparkled.
Since then, I've forced myself to become slightly more realistic about this city and my experiences have taught me well. I know nothing more about boys, saving money, hanging out at cool clubs, or PowerPoint, but at least I know ramen. And now i know that Momofuku is mediocre, overpriced ramen. Their signature ramen? Meh. Miso ramen? Meh. Special ramen of the evening? Probably also meh.
The buns are always good, though, and I still love the candied cashews.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/23/2011
Cashews. More than a thousand reviews of Momofuku Noodle Bar later, there isn't much I can add since… Read more »
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Review from Diana X.
Brooklyn, NY
2/6/2012
I love this place. This is where my boyfriend took me for our first date. I will never forget that day. We had such a good time. The food is very yummi, decor is cool. LOVE MOMOFUKU
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Review from Jaclyn A.
Brooklyn, NY
1/27/2012
Seriously? Ramen's either too salty, oily or bland. Did not care for it at all. The pork buns were swimming in oil and had more fat than meat.
The only reason I give it 2 stars is because the staff were pleasant to talk to and the ambience was quite nice-looking.
Definitely not returning even for a free dinner. -
Review from Emmy M.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2012 2 photos
The pork buns are the perfect delivery vehicle for the magical substance that is pork fat. Seriously, one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life. If you set a tub of them in front of me, I'd finish every single one just short of my stomach exploding.
I am only getting into ramen now, so I am by no means a connoisseur... but in my humble opinion, the classic (pork) ramen was absolutely delicious. I think the real standout of the dish is the broth, which is chock full of savory, smoky, meaty flavor. The texture of the noodles was also very pleasing. I slurped up every last bit, and can't wait to return. -
Review from Thomas A.
This place has way too much hype. I mean I am quite shock of how long the wait is at times. My friend and I came here on Thursday night and there was an approximate 15 minute wait. Luckily, since we were only two ppl, we actually got seated a lot quicker.
We shared an order of the pork buns, momofuku ramen, and the ginger scallion noodles.
First the service, the service is pretty quick, and someone refills the water pretty readily.
Second the pork bun...WOW WOW WOW. As my friend claimed "jizzinmypants good", and it was a girl that said that. The pork was so thick (double cut), and so tender and fatty. It was heavenly thick samgyubsal (pork belly). It melted in my mouth...OMG It was heaven. IT was rich, and the crunchiness of the thin sliced cucumbers added a refreshing dimension to the dish. The hoisin sauce was not overbearingly salty/sweet. It had the right amount of flavor to it, and the bun wow what pillowy goodness. To be honest, we wish that we ordered more orders of the pork buns instead of the noodles.
The momofuku ramen...ehhh very underwhelming. The noodles taste like they are fresh which are a good thing, but they tasted undercooked as well. The broth was mild, almost no flavor to it. There was no depth of flavor to it. The only thing close to perfection in this bowl was the perfectly poached egg as well as again the thick pork belly.
The ginger scallion noodles were underwhelming as well. The dish had more flavor than the momofuku ramen, but again the noodles were undercooked. There was very little ginger in the dish too. The only thing that saved this dish were the mushrooms. It tasted like they were pickled or something, because they added a nice bite to flavor profile of the dish.
Overall, my friend and i were not impressed with the food here. Honestly, i would give this place 2 stars on just the noodle dishes alone. However the pork buns really saved the dinner. Come here for the pork buns, but avoid the ramen. It's not worth the price since there are other places that serve better ramen at a cheaper price. -
Review from Gordon C.
Washington, DC
1/9/2012
Going to Momofuku requires some preparation before you actually go eat there. Here's the quick 'n dirty.
Gentlemen:
1) Unwrap a condom.
2) Secure it around your member, possibly using a rubber band a la Butters in South Park. (But if the idea of going to Momofuku doesn't already excite you enough to make a rubber band unnecessary, you need to reconsider your priorities.)
2.1) You should probably bring extra undergarments and pants.
Senoritas:
1) See 2.1 above.
Now go to Momofuku and give your name to the person keeping the waiting list on a FREAKING iPAD. Because that's just how David Chang rolls, homeskillet.
Once you're in, order the pork buns. Break kosher if you have to. Just do it.
Now put that pork bun in your mouth. Feel all the fat instantly melt down your tongue practically as soon as you bite into it. Taste the succulence of those juices mixing into the meat itself, which balances out perfectly with the hoisin sauce and the fluffy bun. Notice the almost complete lack of resistance as you bite into the pork, because that's just how ridiculously tender it is. The perfect bite of the bun - not too hard, not too soft - is the perfect cushion to deliver these precious goods. And the nice surprising crunch of the pickle really made me smile.
So yeah. Get the pork bun. You get two for $10. But it's worth every damn penny. And that warm, sticky feeling in your pants? Aren't you glad you came with precautionary measures? (Get it? CAME with precautionary measures? Hur hur hur I'm 12 years old I know.)
And now you have a tough decision to make. You're at one of the famed Momofuku restaurants. You don't get to come to one of these every day, especially considering the price. Do you try the ramen?
I would. But only once.
It's a good ramen. It really is. I got the Momofuku Ramen, which came with a beautifully poached egg, more of that mmmm roast pork, some seaweed, and some mildly fermented cabbage (a nice touch). The noodles had truly great bite. And the soup was also great - a hint of roast garlic, some sesame seed oil, perhaps?
But was it worth 16 dollars? I argue nay. And that's why I can't truly give this place 5 stars. Perhaps another day, if I return, I'll try another one of the ramens. Or maybe even try the spicy chicken chilled noodle. But I still don't really feel like brushing my teeth tonight for fear of forever losing that pork fat flavor. -
Review from Elizabeth S.
Hermosa Beach, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Haters gonna hate. That's fine, it just leaves more pork buns for the rest of us.
The pork buns are extraordinary! In addition to the buns, we had a bowl of ginger scallion noodles and a bowl of chilled spicy noodles. The ginger scallion noodles are very good. The recipe for David Chang's ginger scallion sauce is widely available, and I'm ready to make the stuff at home. The spicy noodles, on the other hand, were not that good. Look, we don't shy away from spicy food, but when your nose is running running running and the spiciness masks the other flavors in the food, then it starts to be too much. -
Review from Derek W.
Valencia, CA
Please come out to Los Angeles
The order:
The pork/shiitake buns - huge piece of pork inside tiny bun, so good
momofuku ramen - pork belly, pork shoulder, poached egg - I've been to a lot of ramen houses, but i don't know what they do, but the broth is delicious and the noodles are not to thin and not to thick, just the perfect size
miso ramen - smoked chicken, swiss chard, soy egg - I had to order the Momfuku Ramen, but i'm glad we ordered the miso ramen, the smoked chicken, swiss chard with the miso broth makes this bowl one of the best Ramen bowl's i have ever had a liked it over the Momofuku Ramen bowl
From the milk bar - Soft Serve twist, should have just gotten the Pretzel, salted and sweet you can never go wrong with that combination -
Review from Jason W.
New York, NY
1/15/2012
This place is always packed and I don't understand why. Sad to say that I've had better ramen. Came here on a lunch break with couple of coworkers. All of them agreed that the soup was just luke warm. They probably do that so you can eat your noodles quickly and get the BLEEP out in order to seat the waiting customers. And you do, cause your soup is getting colder by the second!
The noodles just made it to cooked. I personally like them medium, but everyone has their own preference. I ordered the spicy chicken ramen. It was flavorful and not spicy. -
Review from Jimmy C.
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
David Chang-Awesomeness-SuperHype-Momomomo-Billionaire Super Chain-Live up to its name? ___________________ Not for me (at least not yet)
First Impressions are everything and I was not impressed. You know, on a first date, you better charm me, or show me some unique or some pizzaz that makes me want to go on a second date, and momo barely made the cut. Better step up your game yo! lol
FOOD:
I just came in on a cold day and went with some Ramen since their name IS NOODLE BAR! I've heard great things about their pork buns, etc etc. other things, but NOODLE BAR entails me to try something with nooldes: ) I had their Momofuku Ramen and it wasn't bad. The best parts were the poached egg, the fatty pork flavor of the soup and the pork belly. However, after you finish all the noodles and after drinking a lot of it, the soup itself is just too salty. You may not notice at first because of the compilation of things or the sheer hunger you have but it is a bit on the salty side. Above average ramen but still no ippudo/totto in my book.
SERVICE:
CONFUSING AS HECK!!! I mean, you have all this room in the front for waiting, why not put a reception podium or something and have someone man/woMAN manning it! right? The fact that (besides the cooks) are all wearing normal street clothes, makes me even MORE confused who is working there. Who to take orders from or just talk to? They need to have a more cohesive clothing pattern whether its colors or a uniform polo or something. When i came in, I don't know where to sit? It was a bit awkward and the hostess was so busy she wasn't there to even greet me! tsk tsk tsk, points off already for a big name like momo. I don't care how rich or awesome you are, if you start forgetting about small things like this, then you need to rethink some of your business mottos and who really is important here...your image/ego? or your CUSTOMERS? lol
ATMOSPHERE:
The wood aesthetic is definitely two thumbs up from me. I love that comforting traditional Japanese vibe wood gives in a simple cleanly executed manner along with a modern twist. I like how they have a group seating area, and bar sitting all the way to the back. The bar seating is VERY comfortable in my opinion. Wide countertop and feet rests and not cramped from left to right. Good job on decor momo!
SUMMERY:
I'd come here just to try some of their staple stuff...but I think their noodles are a bit lacking and needs a step up. I've heard of their fried chicken nights and pork buns and in all honesty, that's probably the only times I may want to come back, or if some friends want to go. The prices are getting a little too steep for the content and quality and becoming way overpriced. Proceed with caution : )Listed in: Ramen Attack!
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Review from Rose N.
I need to stop my incessant need to go to restaurants just because there's 1000+ reviews.
The wait: of course always ridiculous.
The food: pork belly buns- literally melt in your mouth good (bc of the thick slabs of fat) momofuku ramen- nothing stood out about it, it's was... Ok. Kim chi stew- For some reason I was expecting noodles (maybe I should read menus more carefully) it was braised Kim chi and beef w rice cakes and a side of ice. It was good not great and a bit oily.
Bottom line- average experience not worth the wait. So far, the ramens in NYC have not topped Toki Underground in DC with their kim chi hokata. -
Review from Mario M.
Manhattan, NY
1/26/2012
The pork bun is amazing (as many other have said), and the "Momofuku Noodles" are ok. The noodles themselves aren't close to being the best, but the broth they come in is very tasty.
Overall, I recommend Momofuku if you don't mind dropping $16 for noodles. If you'd rather go buy some sparkling wine and some packets of ramen, go for it, but personally I feel it's worth it to come here once in a while. -
Review from kelli p.
New York, NY
1/22/2012
Expect a wait when coming to Momofuku, which I always take into consideration so I'm never too put out by that fact. The only reason I give them four star is because the service is not the most friendly. It's fast with the food, which is great, but the personalities of the staff are on the cold side.
With that being said the food is so freaking good that I don't need to be wooed by the servers. The food at Momofuku deserves five stars alone. I find myself craving the ginger, scallion noodles and the pork buns!! They are both so delicious, but the pork buns themselves are like a slab of pork belly on a delicious fluffy cloud bun. Mmmmm sooo tasty..... -
Review from Kate L.
Philadelphia, PA
1/25/2012 2 photos
Wow, David Chang is the man. Just went to the Noodle Bar for the second time--for the Fried Chicken dinner. Amazing.
I'm not generally a huge fan of fried chicken, so I went into this dinner fairly unenthused. Ordered Pork Buns to start (I couldn't be in the restaurant and not order them. They're incredible, wonderful flavor and texture to the bun, a full slab of pork belly, and light drizzle of hoisin. Yum.
The fried chicken came out in a pretty shameful mound (there were only 4 of us eating, and it was WAY too much food). The pancakes & veggies on the side were good, the ginger scallion sauce wonderful. We ordered a side of kim chi--which went really well with the heavy chicken. The southern style moist, juices ran down your hands as you ate it. The seasoning had flavors that reminded me of Old Bay (and as an Eastern Shore native, I loved it). The Korean style made me a fried chicken believer, good lord. The skin was so crispy, but not at all bready-y.
Finished it off with pretzel ice cream. Like nothing I've ever had. Sweet, salty, light. Just perfect. -
Review from David K.
1/11/2012
I'd give this spot a 3.5! Why? because the duck buns are a 4 star, which I dont think they are the best I've had but pretty damn good.
But the ramen was just odd to me, it was okay. Had this weird smokey taste to it from the pork or something. And the egg was not cooked properly in my opinon... It was too soft and runny and not like cooked perfectly with the gooey yolk inside like most ramen places. Would I ever go back? maybe for the duck buns but for the noodles itself... not really -
Review from Euna K.
Mountain View, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
My friend and I had made plans to try this place out for a while, and we were pretty excited. Unfortunately, most of the food we tried didn't live up to the hype.
Oh, but the pork buns. Those were like...sex-in-your-mouth good. (My apologies to those who find that inappropriate.) But yes. They were that good. The pork was super tender and fatty, and everything else (the cucumber, the hoisin sauce, and the soft bun) definitely complemented that lovely pork very well. My friend and I ate in blissful silence.
On the other hand, the Momofuku ramen and ginger scallion noodles were pretty meh. The ramen did have a perfectly poached egg and some of that lovely fatty pork, but the broth kinda ruined it for me. It just didn't have enough flavor.
And the ginger scallion noodles were pretty bland. The only thing that saved it were the pickled shiitake mushrooms, which were juicy and vinegary and delicious. The cucumber also added some nice crunch. If only those noodles weren't so bland!
Next time, I'm pretty sure we'll just go for the pork buns. That is...unless anyone can recommend something else there that is worth trying? -
Review from Lisa L.
Manhattan, NY
2/3/2012
I honestly don't understand the hype about this place. The pork buns are great, but definitely not worth the price. And the ramen - I'd say it's comparable to what I can cook up on my own. It was just way too salty and oily.. in no place up to par with what I had expected when I read the previous reviews. Only highlight was that I only had to wait less than 5 minutes on a Friday night for two seats at the bar, because apparently three parties before us had left before they were seated.
All in all: a no go. -
Review from Monica J.
12/29/2011
After double and triple checking that my friend didn't mean "13th and 2nd" when he said "10th and 1st", I headed on over. I was positive that he meant the Ssam bar. Little did I realize that Momofuku has about a million locations within a 3 block radius. Well, I had already been to the Ssam bar and am always up to try new things so off I went to 10th and 1st.
We waited for about half an hour at 7pm on a Wednesday night - not bad for a place that was completely packed.
I went for the Momofuku ramen, my friends got the spicy noodle bowl (I forget the actual name) and the ginger scallion bowl.
A few things:
1.I was surprised that there weren't more spicy dishes. I'm not a huge fan of nuts in my dinner foods so I just ended up dousing my bowl in hot sauce. Good thing they have an awesome hot sauce
2. They also don't do well with vegetarian dishes, my veg. friend was quite bored with her bowl
3. The waitress said the spicy noodle bowl was "really spicy"... not so
4. I expect a decent portion of meat in my ramen bowls but sad to say the portion of pork belly was easy to miss, as were the vegetables. I mean, I guess in all fairness it is called the "noodle" bar, but seriously? I guess I will have to make sure I hit all points on my food pyramid elsewhere.
In short, I was not nearly as impressed with this place as I was with the Ssam bar. Don't get me wrong. This place ranks far above many of the establishments in the East Village when it comes to atmosphere, decor and friendliness but the food just doesn't cut it. And I would take flavor over ambience any day.
If you can only go to one of these, go to the Ssam bar and get the pork buns and the duck sandwich. DUCK SANDWICH! Yum! -
Review from Yoshi M.
New York, NY
12/27/2011
UMMMMMM. what r your folks thinking????
This is BY FARRRRRRRRR the worst "NOODLE" place ever in the city (that I have come across at least).
It has NO RIGHT being called RAMEN because that is NOT RAMEN. Just some ramen LIKE dish.
Heard from friends that this was pass-able but had to try to TRY.
First the service was good and very attentive. Filled my water at least 3xs (but warm water no ice... that is the style i guess here) so that was very much appreciated....
The pork buns were actually good, but VERY fatty. I obviously know that it is supposed to to be... but the ratio of fat was like 8:2 HAHA. Rather eat IPPUDO's (my personal favorite).
The noodles on the other hand were out of this WORLD! HAH. In a very BAD way. They were clumpy (like five strands of noodles all smashed in one) and its was very obvious that the noodles were OLD since that is what happens when they pre make the noodles and it just sits there for a long time.... (SEE PHOTO) There was not kick in the soup and no depth whatsoever. Just a very bad bowl of noodles. I think instant ramen tastes better than this. REALLY.
I will never pay an outrageous amount of money for this "bowl of noodles" ever again.
SO OVERRATED. I know its one of those places that you just have to try for yourself.... Go for it.. like I did. but if you think this is a good RAMEN sorry, no offense but you just never had REAL ramen.. i think. because this is the most americanized "noodles" I have ever ate.
Sorry for being so harsh but I was very disappointed!!!! -
Review from Daisy R.
Manhattan, NY
1/12/2012
So I finally went to the super famous, almighty, hot shit Momofuku Noodle Bar.
-We had to wait 45 mins for a table.
-Maître d thought she was above us and one of the things she did was not look at you when speaking to you.
-I got the pork bun thing. BEST PORK ON THE PLANET, and let me tell you, I've eaten lots of it.
-My food arrived first, my date's 10+ mins later.
-We did see the Dog Whisperer as were leaving and some guy from The Wire but all that fuzz to be served food and not even be able to eat hand in hand with my date? Like, isn't that in the basic rules of restaurants?
Tried it, doubt I will do it again. -
Review from Evangeline S.
1/31/2012
We must have been there on a good ramen day, because it was pretty tasty. I am not a ramen purist.
The pork and shrimp buns? A-mazing. You must try them at least once in your life, and you won't regret it when you do. Unless you are veggie, in which case you will be filled with self-loathing even as you relish the delectable symphony of crack sauce and pork fat dripping down your chin.
The atmosphere is loud and jostly, which I don't mind and find fitting for a little noodle place. The service is brusque and infrequently can border on rudeness. I tolerate this for the buns.
My name is Evangeline S. and I am a bunaholic. -
Review from Tiff W.
1/3/2012 1 photo
The key to Momofuku Noodle Bar is getting there at noon...on a weekday. No wait, and we were seated immediately at the bar. It was a cold dreary December day and by 11:30am, Ippudo already had a 45 minute wait. No thanks.
I'm glad we came to Momofuku instead. We each ordered the Momofuku ramen. Delicious smoky broth with tender pork belly, soju-soaked cabbage, seaweed, and other sorts of delicious bits I can't name right now. And on top of it all is a perfectly poached egg.
We also got some roasted rice cakes to share beforehand. Talk about rice/noodle/carb overload. But it was totally worth it. -
Review from Zainah A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2012
This place is the "trying too hard" version of a good noodle bar. If you are looking for authentic tasting food or great food, look elsewhere.
I didn't order the ramen which everyone says is great, but apparently nothing else on the menu is good! The octopus appetizer is straight up bad. It's hard and chewy and doesn't taste fresh. I would definitely pass on that. The shitake buns were fluffy, but definitely nothing to write home about. For the main course I ordered the vegetarian ginger noodles. They were literally swimming in oil. There had to be at least a third of a cup of oil in my plate alone.
Not my favorite and definitely passing on this place next time. -
Review from Maggie R.
New York, NY
1/23/2012
Great food, awesome vibe, pretty expensive prices.
The Food:
- Ordered the Roasted Cauliflower with harissa, walnut, lemon... and it was literally THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD. This Cauliflower knocked my socks off and was unlike anything I have ever had at a restaurant. The Highlights: The harissa kicked the socks off the cauliflower and left me with some awesome sinus drainage. The bottom is coated with a light layer of yogurt that cuts the harissa kick. The cauliflower is roasted to a beautifully crisp charred outside and creamy inside. The walnuts add the perfect crunch and must be doused in crack or something because I just kept wanting more!
- I also got the Spanish Mackerel Tataki - celery root, white miso, chestnut, and my friend got the Momofuku Ramen. Both fantastic, but after my love affair with the Cauliflower nothing else compared. That being said... if you're looking for the classic Momofuku experience, def get the Ramen.
- Also licked up the pumpkin ale/pretzel soft serve for dessert... such an experience.
The Atmosphere: Kick butt vibe. Momofuku noodle bar is the type of place you feel hip and cool just by being in. Everyone crams in around the bar or at small tables, while everyone else is waiting for upwards of an hour just to eat there. Loved it.
The Service: Fast, prompt and they know their stuff. Definitely not laid back and fancy... but in my book this is a huge plus for eating at the Noodle Bar.
The Price: This is the only part that leaves me not wanting to go back every night... I just simply couldn't afford it! While each individual plate isn't too bad (think 10-15), the portions are pretty small. Your best price bet is to go with the MASSIVE bowl of Ramen for around 15 bucks.
Definitely got to eat here is you live in/sare visiting NYC!!
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http://www.maggietalks... -
Review from Jihye K.
Bronx, NY
1/8/2012
Love David Chang's work, admire him as a person, as a chef, as an artist.
Sorry, but I think this place does him an injustice. I'm not so quick to judge a place without giving it a second chance, but the ramen was just that sad. The broth was one-dimensional in taste. The seating is pitiful (small stools all cramped together in a small enough venue as it is...although not a bad looking venue). The oddly long wait (given the quality of this place) really didn't help its cause.
The only reason I give it 3 stars is because I do believe that their pork buns were pretty damn good. It was super tender, flowing with juices, awesome sauce, and plushy bun. It really did melt in my mouth, and I did like it better than Ippudo NY's pork buns. Prices still are expensive though in both places hahaha.
But what's the point of having a place called a noodle bar if you suck at the noodle part of it? It was just sad! Maybe if someone who visits me REALLY wants to try this place, and I eat a second helping (and who knows? maybe my isolated experience was indeed an isolated tragedy) and it changes my review, I'll be sure to rectify this review. -
Review from Nev D.
Madison, WI
1/15/2012
I can't tell you how much I love this place. Every time I go back to NY for a visit, this is usually my first stop out of LaGuardia.
The decor is clean and relatively spacious of its actual size. I prefer sitting at the bar in front as it's less dark. The staff is always good. Maybe not great, but I've never had problems.
The pork buns! I'm sure you've heard the hype, but it's all true. Melt in your mouth, soft, delicious fat.
The noodle bowls are a little expensive, but the portions are huge and I've never walked out of there without a good sized to-go of leftovers. As well, the menu changed frequently enough to keep you interested and it's totally innovative. I'm a big foie gras snob, and I never thought a Japanese noodle bar would impress me it's own version, but it did!
My only qualm is that the house hot-sauce is not hot enough. I end up dousing too much on and sacrificing flavor, so please, Momofuku, make a hotter sauce for us.
