noodle love

Udon, pho, soba, ramen...the list goes on and on. I cannot get enough of the warm savory splendor. I enjoy them all. Noodles...Asian noodles in particular. Mmmmmm, I am making myself hungry.

There are hundreds of types of noodles from all over Asia. They are a staple in many cultures and have become just that in my home as well. Made with rice, wheat, tapioca, sweet potato etc., they are used in soup, salad, and stir-fried in a variety of popular dishes. A few of my favorites are lo mein, pho ga, fresh ramen soup, pad thai, and bun heo xao. Over the last few years, I have developed a deep appreciation...a love, some might say, for these tasty delights.

While visiting New York City with my wife three years ago, we ate at the most amazing little noodle shop: Momofuku Noodle Bar, the "freshmen" restaurant of famed Manhattan chef, David Chang. It was everything we had read and dreamt about. The "Momofuku Ramen" was outstanding! Each ingredient (probably twelve in all) dynamically complimented the subtle broth and slow roasted pork shoulder. It is still at the top of our "future travels" list. 

In semi-rural Indiana, if can be rather difficult to locate a quality bowl of noodles. Many of our favorite dishes I have perfected at home, much to my family's delight. But sometimes I just want a bowl of noodles that I didn't slave over. Fort Wayne offers just such a fix. On South Calhoun St. there is a great little hole in the wall, a dive of sorts, that offers amazing noodles for $6/bowl. Saigon Restaurant. The exterior is a little on the scary side, enough so that we passed by it for years before we got up the nerve to venture in. The interior offers no solace from your fear of food poisoning, that is until you eat the noodles. Simple, subtle flavors fill every affordable bowl. I haven't had a bad meal there, nor have I gotten sick.  

So put down your burger, grab a pair of chop sticks, and sample some of Asia's finest cuisine: noodles!