Momofuku Noodle Bar

171 1st Ave., East Village, NY

8.6

map & more

Neighborhood
East Village

Cuisine
Japanese
Pan-Asian
Ramen

Nearby
Webster Hall

212-777-7773

Official Website

By Chris Stang
May 13, 2009

Much has been said, on this site and every other media outlet in New York City, about David Chang and his “Momofuku Empire”. While its true that there is a bit of an Infatuation man crush going on here, I will also be the first to admit that the Momofuku Noodle Bar does not always live up to the hype (how could it?). It can be pricey depending on how you order, and it’s not the easiest place to get a table. There are definitely other celebrated ramen establishments in the neighborhood that serve a cheaper bowl of noodles, but to visit Momofuku Noodle bar in hopes of spending ten bucks on some soup is to miss the point altogether. What makes the place special are all those other things on the menu that keep me coming back for a bar seat at the open kitchen like I’m actually going to learn something (I won’t). Come for the fried chicken special, come because there is pork in damn near everything, come because they have a soft serve machine, and come because they have a solid beer list. Make an evening out of trying new things and you won’t leave disappointed. Steinthal and I may argue over whether Momofuku or Ippudo claim title to the best steamed pork bun in the city, but we both certainly agree that Momofuku Noodle Bar is an indisputable Infatuation favorite.

Food Rundown:

Steamed Pork Buns
In fairness, I will let you read Steinthal’s pork bun review here, since I had my soap box in my Ippudo review.

Roasted Rice Cakes
These are probably not what a picture of a rice cake looks like in your mind. These are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, gnocchi shaped rice cakes coated in a thick roasted onion and ginger scallion sauce. More delicious than that probably sounds.

Shredded Pork Ramen
The shredded pork ramen is a smaller serving than the Momofuku ramen. It’s a good option for smaller appetites or those less adventurous, and is still an excellent bowl of noodles.

Momofuku Ramen
This ramen comes with a combination of shredded pork and pork belly, along with a poached egg and some nori. About as good as it gets.

Fried Chicken with Ginger Scallion Vinaigrette
I would advise that you always pay attention to the specials on your next visit to Momofuku (assuming there are specials that night). This fried chicken was one of those specials last time I was there, and I pray for you that it is present when you next make a trip. It is perfectly crispy, not at all greasy, and served in a bowl with rice and ginger scallion vinaigrette. Oprah needs to hook up some internet coupons for this before I get real angry.