Legendary Noodle
Legendary Noodle
1074 Denman St
Vancouver, BC
I love noodles in soup. Sure, there is ramen and/or pho in almost every couple of blocks but sometimes I want something different; something like my personal favourite in Metro Vancouver, Lao Shan Dong. But, while at work (West End/Downtown Vancouver), if I am craving non-ramen non-pho noodle, there are few alternatives. What to do? Fortunately, Legendary Noodle (and Hon’s) seems to fill that gap quite fine.
Based on the sign above, the first question would be, for such a small shop, would they have somebody in store to make noodles? The quick answer would be yes. Unfortunately for me, though, where I was seated, I could barely see the kitchen area. How I can vouch for it? Well, I was able to catch a couple of glimpses of somebody stretching the dough…
Decoration is a bit odd but functional. But, again, given the size of the restaurant, I guess they should try to maximize every single square metre.
Chopsticks… Ah, the Chinese preferred weapon of choice to eat noodles. Yes, for a change, those are not disposable. OK, enough dally, let’s go to the food!
I ordered a bowl of noodle with marinated beef (just under $9). For their noodles, I had the option of thin, thick or flat. In my case, I ordered thick.
The beef was a bit sub-par if I compare it to Lao Shan Dong’s, pork in ramen shops or beef slices in pho shops. The vegetables, well, I have mixed feelings. There were some Chinese green leaves (not sure exactly the name of them), green beans (Huh?!) and… Broccoli? Yes, that’s what you see at the top left of the picture above. It was really odd if you ask me.
Now, as for the two key items… My opinion of the noodle is mixed. They were long and, in some sections, irregular. While it was cooked perfectly (still chewy), it did not absorb the flavours of the broth. However, I have the odd feeling this was because I chose the thick option more than anything else. Now, as for the soup itself, I must say I was surprised. It had a clean, light anise-y like taste. In fact, I would say it tastes similar to pho’s broth. And not too salty.
Overall, for an area where ramen reigns supreme, it is quite an interesting change. The noodles in soup could have been better (again, might be due to the type of noodle) but other dishes (all noodle related, including stir-fry) looked interesting. Based on this, I have a reason to come back.
On an odd note, something “interesting” happened after I made my order. There were two other tables who ordered before me; however, my food arrived first. Could it be they expedited my order because I was brandishing my camera and taking pictures of the restaurant (thinking probably I am from the media and, hence, hopes for a “better” review)? Of course, it could be my imagination, as one of the other tables ordered stir-fry dishes (it shouldn’t take that long either) but the other table ordered noodles in soup too. Hmmmmm… Makes me wonder…
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Do people ever ask you why you’re photographing your food?
Hello Pearl,
Not really. Most restaurants don’t care, as long as I don’t take picture of their operations (kitchen, cooks, et al). So far, only one restaurant have not let me take pictures; however, I was told it was because of the decoration (it has some items of “historical” significance). I don’t buy it but… Other than that, so far, there has been one instance where another guest wondered (aloud, I might say) if I am from the media. ^_^;