First off, let me just say for the record that my all round favorite restaurant in NYC is Momofuku Ssam. It used to be Momofuku Noodle Bar, until Ssam opened up. I have never written about the Momofuku empire, for it has gotten much press (all well deserved), and I did not want to add to all the hype, but the Momofuku empire is amazing!
I decided to finally write about my most recent Momofuku experience (there have been many- all phenomenal) because I think it is about time, and I just downright love them. I think both Momofuku Noodle bar and Ssam are ideal for solo dining, and are definitely two of the best restaurants in NYC to dine alone at. With their long wooden communal bars for dining, they’re just perfect!
I have eaten Momofuku Noodle Bar’s Momofuku Ramen many, many times, and I think it is the best ramen noodle dish in NYC. Ramen noodle restaurants have been popping up all over recently, many in the East village, and some are very good. But I still think Noodle Bar’s is the best, for their tasty and well seasoned broth, ingredients, and great Berkshire pork.
On this most recent visit I noticed the menu had changed a bit. The menu is now written on two chalkboards, the dishes are different, and unfortunately, the prices are higher. I started with two snacks; the Soy Sauce Egg ($2) and the Seven Spiced Potato Chips.
The potato chips were crispy, tasty, well seasoned, and a nice snack. I thought it was a somewhat odd dish to have on the menu, but it was just a snack, and when I look back on it, they were probably some of the best chips I have ever had. They did not blow my mind, but as far as potato chips go, they were pretty darn good!
The Soy Sauce egg did blow my mind! Never did I think a hard boiled egg could blow my mind, but leave it to Mr. David Chang and the chefs at Momofuku , and they did just that. This little egg was phenomenal! Marinated in a red wine vinaigrette, ginger, and soy sauce, and topped with crispy shallots and chives, the dish is the epitome of all the dishes I have had at both Momofuku restaurants. The flavor was amazing and the texture, with the crispiness and softness, was perfect.
For my main dish I got the Ginger Scallion dressed noodles ($11) with seasonal vegetables and Berkshire pork ($3 extra). I really enjoyed this dish, for the amazing flavor and play on texture.
Both Momofuku Noodle Bar and Momofuku Ssam are phenomenal restaurants. If you enjoy food with amazing, unique flavors and a play on texture, you must go. Just be prepared to get your mind blown! And please, buckle-up, it’ll be quite the culinary ride.
Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 1st Ave (bet. 10th and 11th)
New York, NY 10003
www.momofuku.com
Momofuku Ssam Bar
207 2nd Ave (at 13th St.)
New York, NY 10003
www.momofuku.com