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Momofuku Noodle Bar: A Foodie's Frugal Lunch in NYC!

11/12/2010

 
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....
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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...
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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...
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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!
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They also have a great selection of microbrews...I love a good IPA, and Lagunitas is one of my favorites!
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Spicy Rice Cakes
No peanut butter required...I never knew rice cakes could taste so good!
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Shiitake Steamed Bun
Even though this noodle bar is known for their pork buns, I love the mushroom version even more...
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Ginger Scallion Noodle Soup
My soup, and my favorite thing on the menu!
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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...
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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... 
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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!

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Momofuku by David Chang and Peter Meehan, Amazon, $26.40
 
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Happy eating and drinking!
Lou
11/11/2010 11:29:26 pm

Yummy!!! "Japanese ramen by way of a Carolina whole-hog barbecue" is music to my ears. I need to visit NYC ASAP!

Laura
11/12/2010 05:35:11 am

What a great post! I can't wait to try this place. I'm a huge fan of a dark and stormy!

Ali
11/13/2010 12:11:37 am

I have dreams about those pork buns! I'm a huge fan of Momofuko Noodle Bar. The Milk Bar is pretty fabulous, too, for a sweet, but it's hard to pass up Veniero's. In that neighborhood, I also love Chikalicious for cupcakes and icecream.

Jenn @ LL4L link
11/13/2010 02:57:15 am

Yes Laura and Lou you both would LOVE this place! Loucinda now you HAVE to come to NYC!

Ali I love the Milk Bar...we went there last week for dessert after we had dinner at Hecho in Dumbo. Which was also delicious!

hamptontoes link
11/14/2010 01:28:37 am

Okay, you've convinced me that I need to eat at this place soon. This is the second time this week I read about this restaurant on a blog. The ginger noodle soup sounds delish!

Corks + Caftans link
11/18/2010 03:03:39 am

Oh man... thank you so much for posting those amazing photos. I've heard the lore of momo for many years now but had yet to lay eyes on the prize... looks insane!

xo
C

Laura
11/22/2010 06:54:36 am

We took your advice and have no regrets! What a fabulous place. And I can personally attest to the deliciousness of the Yuzo Palmer Slushies!!

Jenn @ LL4L link
11/23/2010 07:53:26 am

So glad you liked it Laura! Mmm, yes the slushies are delicious!


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