Having heard so much about David Chang and Momofuku, I would have been crazy to not pay this place a visit at the next opportunity possible when I am in New York. I found myself heading to the Momofuku Noodle Bar on the first night that I arrived.
The place was packed and buzzing with a vibe of diners having a good time. I sat at the bar area and could just about see the kitchen when I peer on my right. After perusing the menu, I mentally chose three things from the menu that I wanted to eat and placed my order.
Steamed buns – Pork $10
First to arrive was the Pork Steamed Buns. Check it out, two thick slices of pork belly nestled between a steamed bun. Here goes…I started eating the first bun. It is so unctuous, I can feel a heart attack coming! The layers of fat in the pork belly are so soft that it practically melts from the heat in your mouth. The sauce gives it a slight sweet and savoury flavour. Having those few slices of cucumber helps to cut through the fatty decadence. My arteries are definitely not thanking me, but my tummy is.
Momofuku Ramen – pork belly, pork shoulder, poached egg $16
My Momofuku ramen arrived after I devoured the first steamed bun. The soup is light and is very tasty. So tasty in fact that even when I was full, I could not stop having more. Everything works and harmonise well together. The scallions added depth and brings a nice clean taste to cut through the rich pork belly and pork shoulder.
The poached egg, I have never had poached eggs this good before. It was another melting sensation; the egg white was quite liquid and barely solid. The closest that I can describe this is sort of like half-boiled eggs only much silkier. Having ramen and 2 steam buns by myself seriously did not leave me with any room left for dessert; hence my third selection went out the window. Actually, I was going to get some dessert from Magnolia Bakery which did not happen either.
I could still taste and feel the richness of my dinner at Momofuku even after an hour later. For the prices, Momofuku Noodle Bar is definitely good value and worth coming for an inexpensive meal.
Momofuku Noodle Bar, 171 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
www.momofuku.com/noodle/default.asp
This is somewhere I need to go if I ever get back to NY. For the time being, I'll have to make do thumbing through his book.
ReplyDeleteMr Noodles - His book is really inspirational too. Have been thumbing and tagging the book too. They sell the book in the restaurant, a signed version for USD40.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd have known, I would have asked you to get me one. Hahahhaha ....
ReplyDeleteMzungu - you mean the steamed buns?? It might not last the journey. But kimchi butter or compost cookie from the milk bar I can bring back for you? :D
ReplyDeleteKay, this looks so good, you seem to have a very good time in the US... I love steamed buns but I have never see 'open' ones, is this traditional or just a variation by momofuku?
ReplyDeleteUte - So far the weather has been holding up so that I can enjoy my time here. These open steamed buns are more reminiscent of Taiwanese cuisine and their 'Gua Bao'. Is actually very nice. I have not found any place in London that makes them.
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