Udon stop eating this!
The Stir-Fried Udon Noodles (Rs 550) have an interesting backstory. Made in-house, these thick Japanese wheat noodles are cold-rested at 2°C to develop their chewy texture. Chef Rajesh Rawat sends them into a smoking-hot wok with a sauce built around fermented chilli bean paste, light and dark soy, and a mix of vegetables. Jalapeños bring a sharp kick, while King Chilli lends a smoky, fruity depth. The vegetables char lightly; the sauce turns glossy, and the black pepper adds to the aroma.
At Eight, Phoenix Palladium, Lower Parel, and other outlets
Matcha’s ramen adventure
Gaijin’s ramen menu brings the energy of Tokyo’s late-night noodle counters. Among its seven bowls, the Smoked Duck Matcha Yuzu Ramen (Rs 1,750) makes an intriguing case for experimentation. And, at the price, it feels like a premium experience. Duck breast brings richness, pickled grilled cucumbers cut through it, and a matcha-yuzu broth adds earthy and citrus notes. Wasabi foam rounds off the bowl with an aromatic kick.
AT Gaijin, ground floor, Linking Road, opposite Citi Bank, Khar West.
A classic is a classic
Named after the carrying poles that street vendors in China once used, Pork Dan Dan Noodles (Rs 790) combines noodles with a punchy sauce featuring chilli oil, Sichuan peppercorns and minced meat, often balanced with sesame paste and savoury seasonings. The pork version is for those who love fire and flavour.
AT The Dimsum Room, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda.
Curry comfort
Named after a town in Myanmar, Shwe Taung khowsuey (Rs 640) gained wider recognition after its creator presented it at Expo ‘70 in Osaka, Japan. Here, a soupy curry meets pan-fried noodles and mock meat, with reduced coconut milk served on the side. The contrast between the curry’s savouriness, the noodles’ texture and the coconut milk’s richness makes this a bowl to linger over.
AT Burma Burma, Lakeshore Mall, Thane West; and multiple outlets
For K-cravings
Made with sweet potato starch; the translucent Veg Japchae Noodles (Rs 850) have a springy, almost slippery texture that soaks up seasoning. With mushrooms, peppers, greens and fresh vegetables, it packs a hint of sweetness with umami.
AT Mirai, Linking Road, Bandra West.
Crunchy affair
The Soba Sesame Bowl (Rs 590) took a trip to Japan. Buckwheat soba noodles, silken tofu, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots and bell peppers get tossed in an herbed, spicy Asian sauce. Sesame and basil lend fragrance, cherry tomatoes bring a juicy burst, and rice paper delivers crunch.
AT Everhome Cafe, Bandra West.
Become so numb
Order fresh hand-pulled noodles in the Classic Ma La Bang Bang Noodles (Rs 439). They arrive in a hot, tingly Sichuan-style soup with chilli oil, exotic vegetables, bok choy and soy milk. Together, they create a one-two punch of heat and tingling.
at Bang Bang, Siddharth Nagar Road, Goregaon West.
