When it comes to go-to Chinese noodle spots in Frankfurt, most will immediately think of The Noodlemaker —and for good reason. It’s a popular spot, known for its delicious flavors and authenticity. But a boutique metropolis like Frankfurt, though small in size, certainly offers no shortage of great and flavorful options. So today, we’re taking you to another cozy little noodle haven called Noodles Bar. It might not be on everyone’s radar, but once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever missed it.
With homemade noodles, rich, aromatic broths, and fresh, local ingredients complemented by authentic spices straight from China, if you like authentic Asian noodles, Noodles Bar might just become your new favorite. Let’s dive into some of their best dishes and see why this place deserves a spot on your must-try list.
Restaurant Profile
- Name of the Restaurant: Noodles Bar
- Adress: Fahrgasse 86, 60311 Frankfurt am Main
- Style: Chinese Cuisine – Homemade Noodles, Dim Sum
- Price: around 15 – 25 EUR per Person (incl. Drinks and Tips)
Their menu goes beyond just noodles—they also serve delicious wontons, dim sum and, of course, a selection of cold appetizers and side dishes. In Chinese cuisine, pairing hot noodles with cold appetizers (liángcài, 凉菜) is a beloved tradition, a way of balancing flavors and textures, reflecting the Chinese philosophy of harmonizing yin (cooling) and yang (warming) elements in a meal. Before we delve into the noodles, let’s take a moment to check out some of their outstanding liángcài!
Mouthwatering Chicken, or Kǒushuǐ Jī (口水鸡), true to its name, is an absolute flavor bomb. This iconic Sichuan cold appetizer features a whole tender, poached chicken leg, perfectly chilled and soaked in a ruby-red sauce. Its incredible succulence is the ideal match for the rich, spicy sauce that envelops it.
The sauce itself is a masterwork, combining the numbing kick of Sichuan peppercorns with the fiery warmth of chili oil, enriched with garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of black vinegar. It’s spicy, tangy and savory. Toasted sesame seeds and crushed peanuts add a nutty crunch, while fresh cilantro brightens up each bite. With its irresistible combination of málà (numbing and spicy), xiān (savory and aromatic), and just a touch of sweetness, Kǒushuǐ Jī is the ultimate appetizer to get your taste buds buzzing.
Málà Yāshé (麻辣鸭舌 or Numbing and Spicy Duck Tongue) is cold delicacy perfect for leisurely snacking with friends. This dish features tender, springy duck tongues braised in a fragrant lǔwèi (卤味) broth – a savory blend of soy sauce, vinegar, star anise, rock sugar, and other aromatics. The result is a deep, rich flavor with a balanced umami and tanginess, accented by a warm, licorice-like note from the star anise and a hint of sweetness from the rock sugar.
The numbing Sichuan peppercorns and the fiery chili oil create an addictive taste that’s both spicy and tingly. The duck tongues are chewy yet tender, with little bones in the middle that makes picking off the juicy bits both fun and satisfying. Topped with cilantro and dry chili, and served cold, this dish is refreshingly complex and packed with flavor. While it may be an acquired taste for some, it’s a must-try for those who enjoy unique and bold flavors.
Two summer favorites you’ll find on many tables are Yánshuǐ Máodòu (盐水毛豆), or Salted Edamame, and Suān Là Tǔdòu Sī (酸辣土豆丝), or Sour and Spicy Shredded Potatoes. Both are vegetarian and perfect for those warm, sunny days.
Yánshuǐ Máodòu (盐水毛豆), or Salted Edamame – a simple yet delicious snack that’s easy to love. These young soybeans are boiled in a lightly salted brine, resulting in crisp, refreshing bites. The light salting enhances the natural, nutty flavor of the edamame, making each pod a burst of savory delight.
Suān Là Tǔdòu Sī (酸辣土豆丝), or Sour and Spicy Shredded Potatoes—a cold dish that packs a flavorful punch. Crisp, thinly sliced potatoes are mixed with carrot strips and fresh cilantro, then tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing made with vinegar, chili oil, and a hint of garlic – a tantalizing mix of sour, spicy, and savory that delivers refreshing crunch in every bite.
Now, let’s dive into their noodles. Each one, paired with a unique broth or sauce, delivers a distinct flavor experience. We can’t wait to share our top picks with you!
First up is 四川担担面or Dandan Noodles, a specialty from Zigong in Sichuan, recognized as one of China’s top ten noodle dishes. Named for the traditional way it was sold—carried in shoulder poles (called 担担Dandan in Chinese) by street vendors—this dish has a history dating back to 1841.
The sauce is a bold blend of spicy chili oil, savory ground pork, fragrant Sichuan peppercorns, and garlic, all enhanced by pak choy, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, silky shimeji mushrooms, and tangy Yibin preserved vegetables. The vibrant sauce drapes over the thin, smooth noodles, creating a spicy, savory sensation, with just a hint of tang. Mix the noodles with crisp, aromatic pork and the gently numbing, spicy broth, then take a generous bite—you’ll be treated to an umami-packed mouthful that’s both rich and lingering.
Má là Niúròu Miàn (麻辣牛肉面), or Spicy Numbing Beef Noodles, is a dish that’s bold and bursting with flavor. Served in a rich, spicy broth infused with Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil, it delivers that iconic fiery and slightly numbing málà sensation that’s simply irresistible.
These noodles come topped with tender slices of spicy beef for a deep, savory richness. Fresh pak choi, earthy shimeji mushrooms, and a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro add brightness and a refreshing crunch, while a touch of sesame introduces a subtle nuttiness. The peppery broth and aromatic chili oil, soaking into the noodles, veggies and the tender beef, enhance the umami flavor with every slurp, making this meal exciting and utterly satisfying.
Sichuan Gān Zá Miàn (四川干杂面 or Warmer Nudelsalat) is an intensely flavorful and appetizing dish. The thin, elastic noodles are served dry—without broth—and are generously coated in aromatic chili oil, then topped with minced meat, fresh scallions, crunchy peanuts, sesame seeds, dry chili, and crisp spring sprouts.
The chili oil clings to the noodles, imparting a spicy kick that’s invigorating and addictive. When you stir it all together, each chew is rich, nutty, spicy, and fresh, with the gratifying springiness of the noodles!
The minced meat is a real highlight, packed with incredible flavor from its marinade of chopped scallions, ginger, doubanjiang (fermented bean paste), soy sauce, sweet bean sauce, and pepper. This combination gives the meat a deep, savory umami taste with a hint of sweetness and a subtle spice. When stir-fried, the meat becomes fragrant and caramelized, perfectly complementing the spicy, chili oil-coated noodles.
Fānqié Niúròu Miàn (番茄牛肉面), or Tomato Beef Noodles Soup is a heartwarming dish. It features tender slices of beef slow-cooked in a rich, tangy tomato broth that’s brimming with flavor.
The smooth noodles are bathed in a luscious tomato soup, paired with fresh soybeans, crisp pak choi, nutty shimeji mushrooms, and a sprinkle of green onions and cilantro. Tomatoes’ vibrant sweetness and zesty tang permeates the soup, wonderfully balancing the rich, savory scent of the beef.
Simmered to perfection, the beef slices keep their shape and have a melt-in-your-mouth softness without becoming too mushy. With subtle sweetness and earthy undertones, the beef adds depth and umami without being spicy. Addition of cilantro and scallions, along with the sweet-tart tomatoes, makes the soup all the more fragrant, offering a refreshing and comforting bowl. If you’re craving for a milder dish with natural, delicious flavors, this is a must-try!
These were some of our top picks at Noodles Bar, but we also want to highlight two additional main dishes that add variety to their offerings. While they may not be our most frequent orders, they’re definitely worth trying.
One of them is Dōngyīn Gōng Tāng Miàn (冬阴功汤面), or Tom Yum Noodle Soup, a twist on the classic Thai dish. At Noodles Bar, smooth noodles are paired with fresh soybeans, mildly sweet shimeji mushrooms, succulent shrimp, tender fish tofu, surimi (a savory seafood product made from white fish), shrimp balls and squid balls, giving the dish a deliciously diverse array of seafood tastes. Coriander and bean sprouts lend a crisp freshness to the velvety broth. Unlike the traditional tangy, fiery Tom Yum, the soup at Noodles Bar leans towards a slightly sweet, coconut milk flavor with a mild spice, offering a comforting and umami-rich experience.
Hóngyóu Chāoshǒu (红油抄手), or Wanton with Pork Filling in a Spicy Soup, is a Sichuan classic that’s beloved throughout China. Tender wontons, filled with juicy pork and wrapped in thin, light skins, are topped with fresh, crisp pak choi, sesame seeds, and green onions.
The dish’s signature is its savory broth, seasoned with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar, delivering just the right amount of heat and tang, making it addictive from the very first bite. While traditionally a fiery Sichuan dish, at Noodles Bar, the flavors are slightly toned down, with the deep aroma of the beef broth taking center stage. It’s spicy but balanced, rich but not heavy. This makes it an excellent introductory dish for those new to Sichuan cuisine. Scoop up a wonton along with chili-oil broth, sip it up all together, and the pork’s heartiness and the broth’s depth will spread through your palate, creating a mouthfeel that’s robust and indulgent.
Before we wrap up, we have to recommend 2 homemade drinks at Noodles Bar. Both are crafted to be refreshing, with just the right touch of natural sweetness to keep it decadent yet gentle on the palate.
The Rose Lychee Black Tea has delicate floral notes of rose and the subtle sweetness of lychee, balancing the bold, robust flavor of black tea. It’s a fragrant drink with delightful floral and fruity undertones.
The Peach Oolong Tea is a fusion of smooth, aromatic oolong tea with the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches. The roasted, earthy base of the oolong tea pairs well with the fresh, fruity peach taste, making for a light, crisp, and naturally sweet refreshment.
Noodles Bar may be small, but it’s always buzzing with a steady stream of loyal customers who come for the affordable, mouthwatering noodles and versatile side dishes. They use fresh ingredients, homemade noodles, and slow-simmered broths that are as nutritious as they are flavorful. While the menu may be simple, each dish is a masterclass, rich and authentic, bringing together signature noodle recipes from across various regions. The owner’s warm hospitality and speedy service are also a huge plus. It’s no wonder that Noodles Bar has a devoted following.
