Set the scene.
Back in 2004, American restaurateur and writer David Chang likely had no idea how pivotal his first venture, Momofuku Noodle Bar, would become when he opened it on First Avenue in the gritty East Village. After launching two more celebrated spots—Momofuku Ko and Momofuku Ssäm Bar—one of which held two Michelin stars for 15 years, both eventually closed amid shifts in the dining scene. Yet, the scrappy East Village noodle bar remains a New York City staple, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Inside Chang’s original outpost, which helped put ramen at the forefront of American dining, a long wraparound bar frames the open kitchen, offering guests a front-row view of chefs crafting mouthwatering dishes. Behind the counter, a vintage flight board cycles through the highlighted plates of the month; currently, signage honoring the restaurant’s anniversary reads ‘Cheers to 20 Years,’ featuring their signature orange graphic logo lining the top and bottom of the playful trapping.
Switch things up: Start with the drinks.
Before diving into the meal, we eased in with drinks: the funky Orange Field Blend and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, both perfectly complementing the rich flavors to come. For a more traditional pairing, consider the flight of three sakes, highlighting the Akitabare, Kinoene, and Miyoshino varieties. If you’re opting for something alcohol-free, the Yuzu Lemonade and Jasmine Iced Tea are excellent choices, each offering a nod to Asian culinary traditions.
What can we expect from the food?
With a monthly rotating roster of noodles, steamed breads, and daily dishes, Momofuku constantly surprises those who walk through the door with decadent and innovative plates—even for those who would consider this their neighborhood spot. The menu, organized into categories like ‘Hand Rolls,’ ‘Buns,’ ‘Smalls,’ and ‘Noodles,’ is easy to navigate but hard to choose from—everything sounds tempting.
Diving into the culinary experience, our taste buds embarked on an unforgettable journey. We started with the Spicy Scallop handroll, presented in a fun DIY style with nori, warm rice, and cubed scallops dressed in spicy mayo and tempura crunch. Next up was their 20th-anniversary special: the Roasted Rice Cakes, which absolutely blew us away. Inspired by Dok Boki—a Korean invention combining rice cakes with a slightly spicy, sweet bibimbap sauce—these crispy, golden bites may just be the restaurant’s standout dish. (Petition to make it a permanent menu item.)
From the Florentine Cauliflower—seasoned with jalapeño, nestled in a creamy curry, and topped with cotija cheese—to the juicy Pork Belly Bao Buns—wrapped in the fluffiest rolls—and the extra-crisp Smoked Chicken Wings—zested with garlic, garnished with scallions, and served with a Thai chili dipping sauce—every concoction offered a perfectly balanced medley of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors.
We’ll conclude with an obvious: the noodles. (Hello, they don’t call it a noodle bar for nothing.) The ramen arrives in sizeable bowls with a nice assortment of barley noodles. We devoured the Ginger Scallion Noodles with pickled shiitake mushrooms, shaved cucumber, and wakame, then savored the Garlic Chicken Ramen with baby bok choy and a runny poached egg. The meal had to conclude with a sugary treat, of course.
We’ll wrap up with the obvious: the noodles. (It’s called a noodle bar for a reason!) The ramen arrives in generous bowls with a hearty helping of barley noodles. We devoured the Ginger Scallion Noodles, topped with pickled shiitake mushrooms, shaved cucumber, and wakame, before savoring the Garlic Chicken Ramen with baby bok choy and a perfectly runny poached egg. Naturally, the meal had to end on a sweet note.
So, we indulged in the Caramelized White Chocolate Pie, and that graham cracker crust was truly special. If we had more room in our stomachs, we would’ve indulged in the Yuzu Pineapple Soft Serve with a Thai basil whip. (It just sounds divine, doesn’t it?)
Final thoughts?
If you’re looking for a spot that’s casual yet fun, not over-the-top, and serves unbelievably flavor-packed bites, make your next reservation at Momofuku Noodle Bar.
Top Takeaways
Location: East Village, New York City
Address: 171 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
Cuisine: Asian
The vibe: A casual and energetic noodle bar in the heart of New York’s East Village.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: Everything was so delicious, but the Pork Belly Bao Buns stood out the most.
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: We are open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday, serving dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. On Fridays through Sundays, we are open for lunch from 12 to 4 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 11 p.m. We offer reservations and also accept walk-ins.
