Momofuku, I Love You

After hearing endless praise about the wonders of Momofuku Noodle Bar, I finally got a chance to experience it myself last week. How could a tiny noodle bar get so much publicity and rave reviews? I wondered to myself. In the days approaching last week’s meal I read a few discerning reviews from naysayers and skeptics but I pay these people no mind. One has to approach Momofuku with an informed and open mind, not expecting fine dining but rather a fun experience and food which will blow your mind. My expectations were happily exceeded.

In terms of atmosphere, Momofuku is a bare-bones noodle bar which consists of two long tables which seat no more than fifteen on either side and are situated in the center of the kitchen. The room is steamy from the fresh noodles and broth being prepared, and the smell of simmering pork entices you to hang out, despite the long wait. Momofuku does not take reservations and on a Wednesday night at 7PM, they were jammed. My friend and I were told we had a half hour wait so we put our name in and gladly went next door to Taralucci e Vino for a warming glass of red wine. When our half hour was up we returned and waited politely as the 2 waiters/hostesses buzzed past us carrying heaping bowls of ramen to anxiously awaiting patrons. Finally it was our turn and we squeezed our way to the end of the long bar and took our stools for dinner.

The menu offers an interesting variety of small dishes such as steamed buns, dumplings, and various roasted vegetables. There are also some seafood dishes like yellow grits and ruby red shrimp (which I had heard great reviews of) as well as roasted razor clams and a lobster roll. However, the ramen is the star here. Momofuku offers many different varieties with assorted types of meat, broth, and noodles.

My friend and I decided to share the hot pork buns to start. These were incredible. Besides the deliciousness of the dish, you also get the added benefit of a plethora of “that’s what she said’s” after you order your hot buns. I had fun with that, clearly
In any case, the pork buns were a wonderfully soft and hearty consistency and they were filled with pork strips that were salty and delicious from the meat with a hint of sweetness imparted by the hoisin sauce. Thin slices of cucumber sat on top of the pork to add a refreshing crunch. To follow, I ordered the pork neck ramen with pork neck meat and thick Shanghai noodles. My friend ordered the traditional ramen with chicken and ramen noodles. Both ramen bowls came with a slow poached egg in the center. The ramen bowls were gigantic and a wonderful treat on a cold week night. I loved the consistency of the thick Shanghai noodles (similar to udon noodles) and the meat and broth were amazingly flavorful. I had never imagined that broth could be so tasty. We washed our ramen down with two Hitachino White ales, recommended by our waiter, which were a perfect complement to the meal. Momofuku absolutely lived up to the hype and I would highly recommend it to anyone. The recently opened Momofuku Saam sister restaurant, will certainly be one of my next stops.

Momofuku: 163 1^st Ave (betw 10^th and 11^th)

Cuisine: Noodle Shop, Japanese, Pan-Asian

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