NOODLE HOUSE - HOUSE OF FUN
6/5/2008
Upon arriving in Thailand, I can't wait long before seeking out a sidewalk vendor for a first bowl of noodles, swimming in broth and emitting enough steam to rival the humidity of Bangkok. Unfortunately, smog, deafening traffic, and the occasional lapse in sanitation can damper the experience of street hawker fare. Not to mention, boarding a plane every time I'm feeling peckish can get expensive. Fortunately, noodle house situated in the Al Wahda Mall, manages to capture the flavor of Southeast Asia while replacing the less appealing aspects of street food with chic style. Long tables flanked by benches consume most of the noodle house, with a few booths to one side and along counter on the other, providing ample room for large groups or a decent spot for the single diner to saddle up. Armed with pens and an order pad, my dining companions and I sifted through a variety of fried and soup-based noodle dishes, buffered by various sides and appetizers. With a few vegetarian options, and even some simple fried rice that would probably satisfy a junior epicure, the restaurant is a safe choice for a variety of palettes. Drinks, selected from a long list of mocktails and iced tea fusions, were brought quickly by a waitress who remained attentive throughout our meal, patient with our questions about the offerings at hand, and available even as other tables filled up and the restaurant grew busy. After a short wait, I was presented with an inviting bowl of chewy egg noodles, accented with tender slices of duck and a handful of shrimp dumplings. A savory and simple dish, it was one that I'd definitely be tempted to order again. For a bit of heat, I added slices of pickled green chili and a splash of ginger garlic sauce from a collection of condiments on our table. The broth developed a delightful kick as a result, and the fun of being able to customize a meal made a welcome addition to the dining experience. On the side, I enjoyed the zesty Ma Po tofu, which was blended with vegetables in a rich sweet & sour sauce. The silken texture of the tofu was perfectly offset by crisp bamboo shoots, and the mixture could easily be spooned over rice to take the dish from starter to a main. To wash everything down, I sipped on a glass of Berry Invasion, a tangy mix of tea with cranberry and raspberry juice, which proved the perfect refresher. Ideal for hungry shoppers seeking to avoid plastic trays and food court fare, as well as those in search of smart décor and a satisfying bite, the noodle house brings a certain fun to dining not often found at a decent price in the Emirates - have those chopsticks at the ready.
Al Wahda Mall (02 4437391) Sun - Sat 12 noon - 12am; Al major credit cards accepted
Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for meals
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6/5/2008
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6/5/2008
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