daily californian logo

BERKELEY'S NEWS • SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

Apply to The Daily Californian by September 8th!

Instant noodle restaurant Noody opens on Sather Lane

article image

SAM REINARD | STAFF

The noodle restaurant Noody has opened on Sather Lane, providing a fresh take on instant noodles.

SUPPORT OUR NONPROFIT NEWSROOM

We're an independent student-run newspaper, and need your support to maintain our coverage.

JULY 17, 2022

A new addition to Southside Berkeley’s Sather Lane, Noody, offers a fresh take on the classic college meal — instant noodles.

Customers can choose from 20 different noodle packets, nine proteins and 11 vegetables as they build their own bowl or select one of several preset menu items. According to Aya Amornpan, the owner of Noody, the 20 noodle options are cycled regularly to incorporate a variety of instant noodles from around the world.

The build-your own-noodles option costs $12 per dish, but the preset options range from $13-14 and include items such as BBQ pork ramen, Buldak spicy and fried chicken instant noodles.

“The idea behind Noody is we want to be the trend to make instant noodles and to make them in a fun way,” Amornpan said. “Like we make carbonara, we make Thai pad see ew, we make masala like an Indian curry. It’s a variety of instant noodles and variety of flavor.”

Several patrons said the options were unique and that they enjoyed the food. Francis Chiang, a UC Berkeley student, said he found the concept interesting because he was not aware of any other instant noodle restaurants in Berkeley.

Amornpan also stressed that her concept included making instant noodles in a healthy fashion, as she noted that instant noodles have a reputation for being unhealthy.

Recent patrons have expressed on online platforms, such as Yelp, that the location is a “cool spot” for gathering with friends. Some highlighted the close distance to campus.

Amornpan said the name of the restaurant came from abbreviating “noodles” to “noods” and is “trendy” for young people.

Many customers were also drawn in by the colorful ambiance, with brightly colored wall paint, a neon sign and a wall installation featuring 16 types of instant noodles from around Asia.

“Displaying these ramens is great because it can catch your eye and it made me feel like there are many options to eat,” said Haeun Lee, a visiting student from South Korea.

Chiang said he felt the restaurant interior was particularly photo-worthy and that the unique decor choices could be oriented towards influencers. Meanwhile, other diners said it reminded them of their childhood.

To promote their introduction to the Southside restaurant pool, Noody is offering free Thai iced tea to customers, according to Chiang.

“I just want to have fun with it,” said Amornpan. “It gives the fun vibe for (students), with a friend, with lunch, with dinner, you know and come and do homework in the restaurant or chat with friends.”

Contact Ratul Mangal at [email protected], and follow him on Twitter at @mangalratul.
LAST UPDATED

JULY 17, 2022


Related Articles

featured article
Bypass several chain boba shops on Telegraph Avenue to find Kuboba Spot, a boba cafe featuring fresh fruit drinks and Filipino-inspired pastries.
Bypass several chain boba shops on Telegraph Avenue to find Kuboba Spot, a boba cafe featuring fresh fruit drinks and Filipino-inspired pastries.
featured article
featured article
UC Berkeley’s Wurster Hall is now temporarily home to restaurateur Charles Phan’s Slanted Door pop-up, featuring cuisine from his award-winning restaurant.
UC Berkeley’s Wurster Hall is now temporarily home to restaurateur Charles Phan’s Slanted Door pop-up, featuring cuisine from his award-winning restaurant.
featured article
featured article
Cafe Etoile takes the place of Cafe Nostos, and the spirit of the former is sustained by its successor thanks to the efforts of Cafe Etoile's owners.
Cafe Etoile takes the place of Cafe Nostos, and the spirit of the former is sustained by its successor thanks to the efforts of Cafe Etoile's owners.
featured article