Noodles start so simple: just a base dough of flour and water, maybe with egg or rice, buckwheat or bean. But depending on their shape and size, the broth they’re cooked in and the sauce they swim in, noodles can take on just about any texture and flavour, making them one of the most versatile and beloved foods worldwide. Noodles unite us while also conveying regional and cultural differences and histories, and Winnipeg has oodles of excellent options. Thick or thin, soft or firm, we’ve narrowed down the city’s best noodle dishes.
Winnipeg’s Most Notable Noodles
From chow mein to mac ’n’ cheese, Winnipeg chefs showcase the appetizing adaptability of the noodle.
Chicken Pad Thai - Bangkok Thai
Arguably the most famous noodle dish from Thailand, pad thai is a must on any noodle list, and the Chicken Pad Thai from Bangkok Thai delivers well-balanced, authentic flavour and an enticing mix of textures. Rice noodles provide a perfect base for this tangy, slightly sweet dish, brightened subtly with tamarind’s hit of sour. Fresh-roasted peanuts are sprinkled on top, enhancing the umami from the soy sauce with a satisfying nuttiness.
Shoyu Chintan Ramen - Cho Ichi Ramen
Shoyu is one of the most common types of ramen and is defined by its soy sauce broth, which gives the soup its clear-brown colour. Salty undertones are balanced with the sweetness of mirin and sugar, making this broth a much-loved base. At Cho Ichi Ramen, consistent quality is guaranteed with every bowl. Try the Shoyu Chintan Ramen for housemade noodles and rich depth of flavour.
Bang Bang Noodles - Kyu Snack Box
Kyu Bistro is known for its ramen but the Bang Bang Noodles made fresh in-house at Kyu Snack Box are a welcome offering from Chef Calvin Truong. Popular in the Shaanxi Province of China, Bang Bang noodles are named for the sound they make when prepared: that of dough slapping against the table. Flatter and wider than Dan Dan noodles, it’s their texture and shape, along with the simplicity of the other ingredients, that define this dish.
House Special Chow Mein - North Garden
Another all-time favourite stir-fry noodle dish, chow mein is enjoyed worldwide. The House Special Cantonese Chow Mein at North Garden stands out for its bounty of plump seafood, tender meat and robust greens. Crispy pan-fried egg noodles are tossed with premium ingredients and finished with a sweet-salty oyster sauce, soy and chicken broth blend for a luxurious meal.
Pho Bo - Pho Hoang
Pho is Vietnam’s national dish, known for its rich, complex broth and flat rice noodles. The specific regions influencing each bowl can be revealed through the spices that flavour the broth. The star anise in Pho Hoang‘s excellent Pho Bo, for example, is a favoured addition for cooks from Lang Son. Enjoy the authentic Vietnamese restaurant’s spicy, savoury soup that combines rare Manitoba beef with fresh, crispy vegetables.
