Americans make resolutions. (Borrring!!) But people in Asian countries like China and Japan celebrate the new year by eating hefty plates of long noodles, which promote a longer lifespan.
Slurpy comfort foods like noodles are also good luck too, so maybe they can help you with your resolution. Unless you're trying to eat less carbs of course. In that case, stop reading now because this list will definitely make you hungry!
China Pasta House
Noodles at China Pasta House on South Park Avenue are made from scratch daily.
China Pasta House, a nondescript restaurant next to a liquor store isn’t fancy. But it is good. Noodles are made from scratch daily and topped with all sorts of goodies, depending on what you’re craving. Our choice may well be pork — it’s supposed to represent prosperity.
Dao’s Tai Pan
446 N. Wilmot Road and 4206 N. First Ave.
We are partial to the pho — rice noodle soup — here. The rich broth is loaded with noodles, scallions and basil, and you have a big choice of add-ons, such as steak, tripe or tofu. If you're looking for something a little less common, go for the spicy beef soup Bun Bo Hue pictured above.
Miss Saigon
1072 N. Campbell Ave., 250 S. Craycroft Road and 47 N. Sixth Ave.
Speaking of pho, you can’t beat it at Miss Saigon. The savory broth is loaded with long rice noodles and choices that range from tofu to beef. We indulge even when it isn’t New Year’s Day.
Panda House
The braised rib noodle soup, $10.95, at Panda House has hearty short ribs and homemade noodles in a rich beefy broth.
This brand-new campus restaurant Panda House specializes in Sichuan food, which means spicy chile sauces and lots of fresh herbs. The owners are bringing in a machine to make fresh wheat flour noodles too. So order the Dan Dan noodles pictured up top. And make sure to slap some of that chile sauce on there too!
Yoshimatsu
Yoshimatsu Japanese Eatery’s Kitsune ramen.
Yoshimatsu used to have a sprawling restaurant across the street. This is much smaller. But just as good. The ramen can be made with a chicken, mushroom or vegetarian broth. Whichever you choose for the noodle soup, you’ll find it loaded with lots of other delectables. And remember this: It’s polite to slurp your noodles in Japan. Slurp away — you don’t want to be rude now, do you?
