Iconic East Village spot for elevated Asian comfort food—think must-try pork belly bao & delicious ramen. A reliable classic with a lively vibe.
Will Hartman reviews Momofuku Noodle Bar, an East Village spot that's been a staple for ramen and creative dishes since 2004, highlighting its consistent quality and enduring appeal.
This East Village staple, a fixture since 2004, continues to impress with its modern take on Asian comfort food, particularly its renowned steamed buns and flavorful noodle dishes. While ramen remains a reliable choice with well-executed components, the menu also shines with standouts like the pork belly bao and a standout garlic chicken ramen. The atmosphere is lively yet comfortable, making it a consistently appealing option in a competitive culinary scene.
The restaurant is celebrated for its creative Asian fusion cuisine, with standout items including the iconic pork belly bao and various ramen dishes, such as the garlic chicken ramen. While many dishes receive high praise, the chilled spicy noodles have been noted as a miss by some. The menu also features other notable items like shrimp patty steamed buns and a bone-in five spice pork katsu.
"The pork belly bao is a signature dish and highly recommended. Other standout dishes include the garlic chicken ramen, smoked pork ramen, and the spicy scallop hand roll."
Customers generally have a positive view of the restaurant, appreciating its consistent quality and flavorful dishes like the pork belly bao and ramen, though some note price increases over time.
Important Note
While generally well-regarded, one commenter noted that the restaurant has been referred to as a 'chain' and another suggested it might be skippable.
"Momofuku Noodle Bar is mentioned as one of the restaurants that appear on both OpenTable with a dining credit and the Blackbird app."
Neutral"The commenter empathizes with the pain of losing a favorite spot, comparing the impact of restaurant closures to the pandemic."
Neutral"The commenter found the restaurant to be good but noted it was always quite empty when they dined there."
Neutral"A brief comment expressing devastation over the closure of the restaurant."
Negative"The commenter shared a fond memory of having one of their best first dates at Marafuku Ramen and expressed sadness about its closure."
Positive"The commenter and their husband loved Marafuku Ramen in Oakland and were excited to find the East Village location upon moving to NY. They were planning to revisit soon."
Positive"The commenter initially liked Marafuku Ramen when it opened but felt the quality declined over time."
Negative"The user is devastated by the closure of Marafuku Ramen in the East Village, which was their go-to spot for various occasions."
Neutral"A user suggested Momofuku Noodle Bar as a ramen place that could fit the date night vibe."
Positive"This commenter suggested Momofuku Noodle Bar for a birthday dinner, highlighting its fried chicken dinner as a good option for groups."
Neutral"Momofuku Noodle Bar was mentioned as a potential option for noodles in Midtown. The commenter suggested there might be better noodle places available."
Neutral"This user suggested that Momofuku Noodle Bar is skippable."
Negative"A commenter referred to Momofuku as a 'chain' while asking for recommendations from the list."
Neutral"A user reminisces about Fuku's early days when it was piloted from Momofuku Ko on 11th Street, praising its "insanely good" full thigh chicken."
Positive"The original poster consistently finds Momofuku Ramen Bar to be a good experience but notes the impact of inflation on its pricing."
Neutral"Recommends the shrimp patty steamed buns at Momofuku Noodle Bar."
Positive"Offers large format meals like suckling pig and fried chicken and caviar. The user has dined here before."
Neutral"Mentions Momofuku (Momofuku Noodle Bar) as one of the many ramen places in the area."
Positive
