Where to Get the Best Noodles in Austin
Spicy or mild, hot or cold, East Austin has you covered when it comes to a hearty bowl of delicious noodles.
Words by Abby L. Johnson
This selection of mouthwatering Asian noodle dishes has something for everyone. We won’t blame you for slurping!
Xian
The Xian Sushi and Noodle menu features some of the best Dan Dan noodles that East Austin has to offer. Xian, which means fresh in Chinese, is a collaboration between brothers Ting and Ye. Their vision of bringing hand-pulled noodles to their local community was brought to fruition when the two opened Xian. Xian’s take on the well-known Sichuan specialty is served with red chili-oil sauce, beef, baby bok choy, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and bean sprouts.
1801 E 51st St. C370 |13201 Ranch Rd. 620 N U208 |3401 Esperanza Crossing 106
Chop Chop
Chop Chop is reinventing the way Austinites get noodles. Their noodle cups fall somewhere between delicious but sometimes costly take-out and the convenience of the dried soup packages that are easy to reach for but lacking in flavor and nutrition. Their fresh, house-made noodles are delivered frozen, to preserve the flavor. There will be no wondering what’s for lunch or dinner (or breakfast) with their unique subscription service that keeps the freezer stocked throughout the month. The Japan Curry Udon cup is the standout. The thick udon noodles, filling on their own, are served in a hearty curry broth with roasted carrots and mushrooms. This quick and easy dish warms the soul. Austinites can order noodles online here to have them delivered directly to their doorsteps.
Oseyo
Oseyo takes inspiration from recipes passed down through the generations. Serving both traditional and non-traditional Korean-American favorites, this Eastside restaurant serves Jajangmyeon, a Korean-Chinese dish featuring udon noodles sautéed in a roasted black bean sauce with diced pork & seasonal vegetables. They also serve a vegan noodle dish, Japchae, which features sweet potato clear noodles stir-fried with seasonal vegetables in soy, garlic, & sesame oil. Either dish is sure to please!
1628 E Cesar Chavez St.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Ramen Tatsu-Ya is the result of a serendipitous collaboration between chefs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto, who, according to their website, “want to educate people on what ramen truly is. It’s the soul food of Japan.” Mi So Hot and Mi So Not are two favorites on their menu, with both featuring pork bone broth, miso blend, goma pork, ajitama, scallion, napa cabbage, bean sprout, and corn. Mi So Hot is perfect for anyone who likes a little kick, while Mi So Not offers the same flavor palate while toning down the spice.
1600 E 6th St. | 1234 S Lamar Blvd. | 8557 Research Blvd. #126
Pho Please
Pho Please offers an extensive menu of variations on the famous Vietnamese dish of its namesake. This establishment places a special importance on clean eating and working hard to make quality dishes that are flavorful and nutritious. Pho is a traditional soup, usually featuring rice noodles, fresh herbs, and protein. Pho Please’s selection offers options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. There is something to satisfy all noodle lovers at this Eastside gem.
1920 E Riverside Dr., D140
Bento Picnic
Though Bento Picnic may be known for their brightly colored bento boxes, they also offer some delicious noodle bowl options. Order the chilled soba noodles served with shiitake mushrooms, scallion & lotus root. For those who want some protein, add smoked salmon. Or try the inventive Stroganoff Udon, featuring braised beef, Miso butter noodles, Yuzu yogurt sauce, and beet horseradish relish.
2600 E Cesar Chavez St.
Wanderlust
Chef Wendy Wan is a culinary nomad who brings her experience in kitchens across the country to her food truck, Wanderlust, on East Cesar Chavez. Don’t let the size of the establishment fool you—this small trailer is bursting with flavor. Try the Curry Soba noodles, featuring curry, coconut milk, kale, and, of course, hearty soba noodles. Patrons can choose their own protein from the selection of chicken, shrimp, roast pork, or tofu.
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2714 E Cesar Chavez St.
After reading this article, I can hardly wait to try
this dining experience.