Photo by Grace Baines
Written by Grace Baines
If you are a fan of Asian dishes, do yourself a favor and get to Flying Monk Noodle Bar on Broughton Street. The restaurant is famous for its noodle and rice dishes that represent many cultures and tastes. With fresh, handmade noodles and a variety of options for everyone from the carnivore to the gluten-free vegetarian, it’s the perfect place for all to grab a tasty bite.
The food is definitely something to write home about. The traditional wonton soup they offer as a starter is great, but the Crispy Egg Rolls are even better. The use of fresh ingredients and exotic spices really comes into play, creating great flavor and texture to enjoy. One of my personal favorites, the chicken and rice dish from Laos, is a great large meal. The dish seems to go on forever and I have yet to finish it all in one serving. But never fear — doggy bags are easily provided for all dishes, even soups. Personal preference will change how you feel about various dishes; I choose to stay away from the ghost or clear noodles because of their texture. But I have friends who absolutely love those dishes and order them every time we go.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is casual yet classy. It’s perfect for a date, but also great for dinner before hitting up the library to study for some killer finals. It’s often crowded due to its popularity, so getting a table without a wait can be a little hit or miss, but the wait staff is prompt and we’ve only had minor issues with them in our experience there. If you are looking for a more toned down and quiet place, this might not be the restaurant for you. It’s not necessarily loud, but there are a lot of people there having a good time; conversations tend to carry or even blend among groups. The pricing is a tad bit expensive, but you can usually make a two meals out of one with the leftovers, so it’s a pretty fair trade.
The restaurant rates a 4.5 out of five on food, service and atmosphere. It’s a really fun place to grab dinner with friends. To check out Flying Monk Noodle Bar, head to 5 W. Broughton St. or go to their website.
