On the side
NOODLE WORKS ★★★
5901 Wyoming NE, 990-0055, noodleworksnm.com
At Noodle Works, there are a handful of traditional Chinese-American dishes, but the hand-pulled noodles are the real attraction.
Proteins such as chicken, pork and beef are served over rice or in bowls of broth with broad, flat Westland noodles or spaghetti-like facet noodles.
Appetizers include a few unusual items, such as cold chili chicken ($7.98) and bean jelly salad ($5.98). The base for the latter is made with mung bean gelatin that’s cooked in blocks and sliced into translucent strips that soak up the soybased sauce. Noodle Works version of orange chicken is made with pieces of chicken breaded and fried and served in a sweet and savory sauce.
It’s a welcome respite from the usual spring rolls and cream cheese wontons.
An order of xiao long bao ($10.98), also known as soup dumplings, gets you eight twisted, pleated pieces served with a cup of vinegary sauce.
The noodle with minced beef dish ($11.98) showcases the preparation of Noodle Works’ namesake product. A
tangle of lo mein noodles about the size of a grapefruit are served with shredded carrots and cucumbers under a spread of well-seasoned, finely minced beef. It’s a good, simple dish elevated by the quality of the springy, chewy noodles.
Dessert consists of a very filling assortment of sweet buns, or bao. An order of milk buns ($5.98) consists of four chewy buns with a custardy, burned orange-colored filling.
The menu has several vegetarian options. Gluten-free diners are, however, out of luck.