A few weeks ago my husband and I went out to lunch with two of our closest friends, Manda and David. Of course we wanted to go out for a delicious meal, but we also wanted to make sure that we kept it affordable! One of my husband's favorite restaurants in NYC is David Chang's Momofuku Noodle Bar.
Momofuku means " lucky peach" in Japanese, but since this restaurant specializes in ramen noodle soups, it's name was also probably inspired by the inventor of instant noodles, Momofuku Ando, of Nissin Foods, Japan.
Momofuku has become a cult classic on the NYC restaurant scene since it first opened in 2003, and you can expect a line almost any time of day. Our plan for Sunday was to get there right at noon when they opened, and we snagged a table right away! Here's a shot from the restaurant a little later in the day....
Momofuku means " lucky peach" in Japanese, but since this restaurant specializes in ramen noodle soups, it's name was also probably inspired by the inventor of instant noodles, Momofuku Ando, of Nissin Foods, Japan.
Momofuku has become a cult classic on the NYC restaurant scene since it first opened in 2003, and you can expect a line almost any time of day. Our plan for Sunday was to get there right at noon when they opened, and we snagged a table right away! Here's a shot from the restaurant a little later in the day....
Momofuku has a small but delicious menu, with the two most popular items being the Momofuku Ramen, and the Korean Stuffed Pork Buns. New York Magazine described this fusion of Asian and American cuisine as "Japanese ramen by way of a Carolina whole-hog barbecue." And if you have ever tasted this steamy pork soup, I think you would agree with this assessment!
Here are a few highlights from our meal...
Here are a few highlights from our meal...
Momofuku Soju Slushie: Limeade
This is David Chang's spiked version of the classic Seven Eleven slurpy. Yes this slushie cocktail is as good as it looks! In fact it was so good, my lunch date is still talking about it! And of course when something is that delicious you need to try it in another flavor...
This is David Chang's spiked version of the classic Seven Eleven slurpy. Yes this slushie cocktail is as good as it looks! In fact it was so good, my lunch date is still talking about it! And of course when something is that delicious you need to try it in another flavor...
Momofuku Soju Slushie Round 2!
The slushie flavors at Momofuku change occasionally, and word on the street is that sometimes there is a Dark and Stormy slushie on the menu! To read more about the history of the Dark and Stormy, see my post here. I will definitely have to go back soon to see if this spicy cocktail has found it's way back on the Momofuku menu!
They also have a great selection of microbrews...I love a good IPA, and Lagunitas is one of my favorites!
Spicy Rice Cakes
No peanut butter required...I never knew rice cakes could taste so good!
Shiitake Steamed Bun
Even though this noodle bar is known for their pork buns, I love the mushroom version even more...
Ginger Scallion Noodle Soup
My soup, and my favorite thing on the menu!
Momofuku Pork Ramen
The classic...my husband orders this almost every time!
The Momofuku online menu does not include prices, but all of the dishes I have shown here were $16 or less!
And if you are an adventurous eater, another great option is the $25 Prix Fixe Lunch.
In my opinion this is one of the best deals in the city. A gourmet three course lunch for less than $10 a course! The menu changes daily, but here's a sample of what you can expect...
In my opinion this is one of the best deals in the city. A gourmet three course lunch for less than $10 a course! The menu changes daily, but here's a sample of what you can expect...
Image from Serious Eats
We didn't opt for the Prix Fixe option this Sunday, so we ended our meal with some delicious gelato from Venieros...right around the corner! Mmm, just looking at this gelato makes me want to go back for more...
Momofuku Noodle Bar is located at 171 First Avenue between 10th and 11th Street in New York City. The next time you are in the neighborhood you should definitely stop by for a bowl of soup...and a slushie!
And even if you don't live in NYC, you can still enjoy David Chang's delicious soup and other specialties. He now has a cookbook that would make a great gift, and will definitely give you a collection of many new and interesting recipes to try. I bought it for my husband and he loves it!
And even if you don't live in NYC, you can still enjoy David Chang's delicious soup and other specialties. He now has a cookbook that would make a great gift, and will definitely give you a collection of many new and interesting recipes to try. I bought it for my husband and he loves it!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Happy eating and drinking!
Happy eating and drinking!
