Spiral bound

As Americans continue to celebrate National Noodle Month all of March, The Guide lets you in on 10 ways you can ring in the festivities at a neighbourhood that's closet to you

Trying to trace the origins of the noodle is a slippery task. The hotly debated topic is likely to have the Chinese, Germans, Italians and Arabs ready to go to war with their woks and secret spice blends. The discovery though of an ancient pot with 4,000-year-old noodles in the silt of the Yellow River may have tipped the scales in favour of the Chinese. While the debate rages on, the Americans are busy pilling their plates with the noodle, so it's time to get in on the celebration, by getting out your forks and chopsticks and raising your bowl in honour of that classic comfort food: the noodle.

Japanese Roast Lamb Soba
The Japanese Roast Lamb Soba sees the classic pairing of Soba noodles with pot roast lamb. Cherry tomatoes and broccoli add colour to the dish, while dark soy sauce provides the dish with an added kick.
For: Rs 295
At: China Town by Noodle Bar outlets across the city.


Japanese Roast Lamb Soba

Golden noodles
The Crispy Honey Noodles at Martin's are a perfect way to end to a hearty Chinese meal here. Flat noodles are deep-fried, tossed in golden honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds for added crunch. The hot honey-drizzled noodles are perfectly complemented with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For: Rs 100
At: Martin's, shop 1 and 2, Lourdes Heritage Co-op Society Ltd, opposite Orlem Church, Marve Road,
Malad (W).
Call: 28056655


Crispy Honey Noodles. Pic/ Nimesh Dave

Stir-fried surprise
The noodles that go into India Jones' Yaki Soba noodle dish are made from wheat and buckwheat flours. The noodles are stir-fried with strips of cabbage, peppers, spring onions and bean sprouts. Sesame oil and a secret spice blend go into the dish, which also has a variety of sauces, including apple sauce, garlic-butter, soya and a sauce called Bulldog that contribute to its flavour. You can choose from veggies, meat and seafood.
For: Rs 525
At: India Jones, The Trident, Nariman Point.
Call: 66324343


Yaki Soba

Noodle desi-style
The piping-hot Mysore Masala dosas, served with dollops of coconut and garlic chutneys come highly recommended at this tiny dosa stall that opens every evening and is a favourite with shoppers. But if you're craving something spicy and unusual, ask for the Chinese Dosa. Noodles, onions, capsicum and Schezwan sauce replace the more traditional masala filling. Also available with extra cheese.
For: Rs 50
At: Next to Elco Market, opposite Khodal, Bandra (W).


Chinese Dosa next to Elco Market, Bandra. Pics/ Anuja Gupta

Vegetarian Pad Thai with Tofu and groundnut peanuts is a traditional Thai rice-noodle preparation flavoured with tamarind and served with straw mushrooms, broccoli, Pak Choy, shredded Tofu and toasted peanuts.
For: Rs 289, plus taxes
At: The Tasty Tangles, Pinnacle House, Level 1, PD Hinduja Marg, 15th Road, Khar (W).
Call: 67094444u00a0u00a0u00a0

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Vegetarian Pad Thai and Tofu at The Tasty Tangles. Pics/ Rane Ashish

Rice, rice, baby
Kao Soy means cut rice in Thai. Traditionally, the dough for the rice noodles is spread out on a cloth stretched over boiling water. After steaming the large sheet noodle is then rolled and cut with scissors. Thai Khao Soi is a soupy dish with deep-fried crispy egg noodles, pickled cabbage, lime and shallots in a curry-like sauce made using coconut milk. Similar to yellow curry, the dish is garnished with crispy fried noodles, chopped pickled cabbage and red peppers.
At: Lotus Blossom, a Thai catering service that delivers from Colaba to Juhu
Call: 9967624034


Kao Soy at Lotus Blossom

From Vietnam, with love
Mi Quang is a traditional Vietnamese dish served on special occasions. The noodles are typically made from wide rice noodles called l m , with turmeric added for flavour and colour. The noodles can be had with seafood, chicken, pork or egg.
For: Rs 550, plus taxes
At: Sun-n-Sand Hotel, 39, Juhu Beach.
Call: 66938888



Ten-year special
The Special Noodles have been on Ling's menu since the restaurant opened in 1991. You can choose to have your order of special noodles, made even more special with chicken, pork, bamboo shoots, mushrooms and lettuce.
For: Rs 220 for chicken and Rs 250 for pork
At: Ling's Pavilion, 19/21, Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, behind Regal Cinema, Colaba.
Call: 22850023


Chicken Special Noodles. Pic/ Satyajit Desai

Maggi makeover
Maggi noodles are like vada to the city's pao. Every Mumbaikar seeking mealtime comfort in an instant has reached out for a pack. Mocha Mojo puts a spin on the kitchen cabinet staple by bathing it in different sauces and flavours. Your options include Cream Cheese and Garlic, Burmese Yellow Curry, Thai Red Curry, Arrabiata and Smoked BBQ Sauce. Available in veg and non-veg varieties.
For: Rs 125, plus taxes for veg and Rs 140 for non veg
At: Mocha Mojo, Classic Corner Building, next to Holy Family Hospital, Hill Road, Bandra (W).
Call: 26421484 / 26433098


Maggi Noodle Arrabiata

Red, green and bright
Fans of noodle salads need look no further than the Pad Thai Noodle Salad here. Inspired by the Pad Thai noodles, this salad has bold Thai flavours and a variety of textures. It's also low in calories and naturally
gluten-free.
For: Rs 250
At: Saffron House, Plot No 34, Near Akruti Centre Point, Central Road, Andheri (E).
Call: 66880909