#38 Momofuku Noodle Bar
Pork buns $10
Two sweet deconstructed buns, piled with thick, meaty slices of pork. The fatty pieces of perfectly marbled pork belly were so tender they practically melted in your mouth. The doughy buns were glazed with a luxurious hoisin sauce and layered with thin, slightly tart slices of fresh cucumber and then sprinkled with green scallions. I can see why these are a considered a specialty. They’re totally moreish yet surprisingly satisfying.
Momofuku ramen $16
A huge bowl of incredible, flavorful ramen, loaded with noodles, pork, poached egg and scallion. Tender pieces of fatty pork belly and rich, shredded pork shoulder in a salty pork and chicken broth with crunchy cured cabbage and fish cakes (the white slices). Although the noodles are no longer made on site, the dense laces are rather tasty. Garnished with a large sheet of delicate nori, proudly places on the side of the bowl. A significant serving that I can easily imagine gobbling up each night during the winter months.
At the end of our meal, we also tasted the light and sweet burnt honey soft serve and then the sickly sherbert-y strawberry lemon cake truffles. Unfortunately, the desserts aren’t exactly exciting, but that’s not what you came here for, anyway.
With its short and simple menu (updated and printed daily) Momofuku Noodle Bar puts together an impressive array of hearty, satisfying Asian dishes. Chef David Chang, by mixing in locally-sourced ingredients like Benton’s country ham and Teton Waters Ranch beef, presents tasty dishes with seasonal flare. Of course, all of this is accomplished at a really reasonable price. If you can endure the frustratingly long wait, grab a seat and scoff down some succulent noodles or sweet buns. Plus, the minimalist wooden counter is perfect for single diners looking to get some good, cheap grub.
171 First Ave.
212-777-7773
