Dining in the Next Normal: Let's Talk Noodles...

Nothing says comfort food better than a bowl of noodles enjoyed at home. During the quarantine, we've seen both traditional as well as innovative expressions of the much loved staple warming both our palate and body in these challenging times. Here's a round up on my latest noodle picks in this new normal...

The new normal continues to change and transform consumer habits with dining at home and the food delivery culture emerging as the defining experience for the food service industry in a challenging year. The lingering uncertainty of the times left us isolated for most of 2020, yet a comforting bowl of noodles conveniently delivered to your doorstep would somehow make it all seem right even for just a moment. Restaurants, hotels and chefs have adapted to the new normal by offering their specialty noodles for pick-up, take-out and delivery. Read on and enjoy a tasty peek at some of the tastiest noodle offerings in the new normal this year...

Traditional Taiwanese favorites are within easy reach with the frozen delicacies from Ya Chou Foods. Packed and sealed frozen, you can enjoy a variety of fresh noodles, dimsum, mantho, betso-betso and even savory Taiwanese sausages for a sumptuous feast at home. Preparing meals with the wide selection of product offerings from Ya Chou Foods is fast and simple. From the freezer, simply open up a bag and straight to the pan or pot with no need to thaw. The Fresh Noodles of Ya Chou Foods are not only tasty, it's easy to cook. Simply follow the instruction on the label and you're on your way to a satisfying meal. Top your soft yet springy Fresh Noodles draped in the special sauce that comes with each pack with the Vegetarian Dumplings (simply steam, boil or pan-fry) by Ya Chou Foods, some spring onions and enjoy. 

You can also customize your bowl of Fresh Noodles by Ya Chou Foods with your favorite toppings, like the crisp and savory Crackling Liempo of Trellis for that crunch and flavorful punch. A dab of chili oil completes the flavors to brighten up any quarantine afternoon. Fresh seafood, blanched vegetables barbecued pork or even breaded chicken cutlets, the Fresh Noodles by Ya Chou Foods is a versatile base for any meal at home.

How about a comforting noodle soup with meatballs? The Frozen Meatballs of Ya Chou Foods is a popular option for hot pot, and works well with the Fresh Noodles as well. Pair it with the Vegetarian Siopao or the Bola-Bola Siopao of Ya Chou Foods for that savory side. 

Convenience, authenticity and value comes with each pack of frozen Taiwanese delicacies from Ya Chou Foods. Do you Ya Chou? It's about time you did. Check out their full product listing on the contact details provided below (for more on Ya Chou Foods, see my posts, Dining in the Next Normal: Rich and Authentic Flavors, Packed Frozen and Straight to the Pan by Ya Chou Foods and Steamed or Fried? Mantho, Betso-Betso, Cheng Pao and More by Ya Chou Foods).

Kopi Tiam by North Park along C. Benitez Street in Quezon City offers a selection of mouthwatering noodles available for delivery, like their specialty Binondo-Style Mami topped with pork, chicken, siomai and egg on soft noodles in a clear and light broth. It's old-school noodles that still satisfies any noodle craving. Delivered in tightly sealed separate containers for the noodles, broth and toppings and still warm, the orders are ready-to-eat. You can also opt to reheat your order for your peace of mind.

The Angsho Beef with Wanton Noodles is a personal pick from Kopi Tiam with the added savory burst of rich flavors from the fork-tender slabs of beef lined with collagen-rich tendon. Paired with the noodles, flavorful broth and wantons, you can enjoy a full range of flavors and textures in just one bowl. 

The global chain Paradise Dynasty recently celebrated its milestone fourth anniversary in the Philippines, establishing it as one of the premier dining destinations for fresh hand-pulled noodles and dumplings. From their specialty Xiao Long Bao to a wide selection of savory dishes, Paradise Dynasty has reopened for dine in with the latest health and safety protocols in place. 

But you can also have your favorite bowl of noodles prepared for pick-up, take-out and delivery for dining at home, like this La Mian with Pork Wanton in Chili Vinaigrette. My go-to noodles at Paradise Dynasty, the La Mian with Pork Wantons in Chili Vinaigrette combines a savory richness with a soothing and lingering heat. The soft yet firm hand-pulled noodles draped in spicy chili vinaigrette delivers a burst of flavors followed by the delicate texture of the soft wantons filled with pork for the perfect finish. 

A lighter yet equally flavorful noodle option at Paradise Dynasty is the La Mian Seafood in Signature Pork Bone Broth. The hand-pulled noodles are topped with the day's freshest catch with vegetables and egg draped in a milky pork bone broth for light yet rich and nuanced notes. The pork bone broth adds a subtle and savory layer to the noodles while the briny sweetness of the fresh seafood and vegetables weaves even more flavorful layers. Pair it with your favorite dim sum for a real meal (for more on Paradise Dynasty, see my earlier post, Dining in the Next Normal: Recalling Days of Noodles and Dumplings at Paradise Dynasty Before the Lockdown).

The new normal forced many restaurants to adapt and innovate with literally out-of-the-box ideas like the now familiar Ramen D-I-Y Kits. Packed, sealed and ready to go, the convenient ramen kits allow you to recreate the experience from your favorite ramen shop in the safety of your own home. Menya Kokoro, Tokyo's Number One Mazesoba, responds to the new normal with their very own D-I-Y Kits for their specialty Tokyo Mazesoba and Black Garlic Ramen.

Each component of the noodle dish is already prepped by Menya Kokoro, all you need to do is re-heat the ingredients at home. Individually packed and sealed, everything you need for that perfect bowl of mazesoba or ramen is contained in the box. Known for their Mazesoba or dry ramen, the thick and chewy soba noodles are slathered with richly seasoned oil for a savory punch. And the flavors are just as intense, maybe even more, as your usual bowl with broth. The D-I-Y Kits allows you to enjoy the Menya Kokoro experience right in your own home.

Each component is individually packed and prepared separately so you can enjoy your bowl of noodles at its flavorful peak. Mazesoba is a unique variation of Japanese style noodles, and on one does it better than Menya Kokoro. It's ramen without the broth, but you won't miss the flavors of a traditional broth with this bowl of mazesoba. The blend of spices and oil combine for intense notes draping each thick buckwheat soba noodle. The minced pork, spices, minced garlic, onion leeks, egg and Kombu vinegar add the finishing touches to your perfect bowl of Tokyo's number one mazesoba by Menya Kokoro.

Menya Kokoro also offers a traditional Black Garlic Ramen with springy noodles, rich black garlic broth, fork-tender pork chasu, bamboo shoots and nori packed separately. Menya Kokoro takes the guesswork out of creating your authentic bowl of ramen at home with simple and easy instruction for heating each ingredient. The fun part is assembling your own bowl with all the heated ingredients for the classic flavors you love, and it's all boxed up just for you (for more on Menya Kokoro, see my post, Dining in the Next Normal: Unboxing Menya Kokoro's New D-I-Y Tokyo Mazesoba and Black Garlic Ramen Kits).

One of world's leading ramen chains responds to changing consumer habits with Ramen to Go by Ramen Nagi. All specialty ramen variants are now available via Ramen to Go, boxed up, chilled and frozen and ready to heat at home including their newest limited edition Chicken Paitan King Ramen. 

The box contains everything you need for two servings of ramen. The easy to follow instructions guide you in the preparation of each ingredient. Specific cooking times are indicated for the noodles so you can have your preferred texture. When all the components are ready, you can begin creating your own bowl. The chicken-based broth has a thinner consistency than their usual tonkotsu broth but the flavors are there lining the palate with a lingering richness. Topped with juicy roasted boneless chicken thighs, the flavors are more delicate yet deep and rounded. The sharp nutty notes of minced garlic completes the flavors for this unique bowl of ramen. You too can be a ramen chef at home. Simply order Ramen Nagi's innovative Ramen to Go (for more on Ramen Nagi, see my post, Dining in the Next Normal: Be A Ramen Chef At Home with the Chicken Paitan King Ramen to Go by Ramen Nagi). 

From one home kitchen to your table, No Name Ramen adds its own inventive take to the D-I-Y Ramen trend. No Name Ramen gives you the flexibility to create your ramen just the way you like it. After all, it's your ramen. And your rules. 

Each component of your ramen is tediously prepped at the home kitchen of No Name Ramen. Options on specific textures of your noodles are detailed in the instructions so you can have it soft or firm. Even the consistency of the broth is based on the amount of water you add, more for a thinner broth and less for a thicker, more indulgent finish. Whichever option you choose, No Name Ramen's components are specifically blended and formulated for whatever you prefer. Your rules, right? A thicker, creamier broth just elevates the already rich tonkotsu broth for a new ramen experience, and No Name Ramen's Shoyu Premium Tonkotsu Ramen is exactly that. Premium. From the noodles, pork chasu, seasoned oil and fresh spring onions to the rich broth, No Name Ramen lets you create shop quality ramen right in your own kitchen. 

If you're craving for a spicier kick with your ramen, No Name Ramen's specialty Tantanmen Premium Tonkotsu Ramen is the perfect option with savory minced pork, fresh bokchoy, sesame seeds and fiery chili oil. The richness of the broth is tempered by the chili oil, while the minced pork packs that savory layer with each sip. The bokchoy brings fresh and clean notes to the weave of flavors, perfectly finished by the sesame seeds. The use of the freshest and finest ingredients masterfully prepped at No Name Ramen's home kitchen brings all the flavors to your bowl, and the added latitude of customizing your broth and noodles adds to the ramen experience (for more on No Name Ramen, see my post, Dining in the Next Normal: Your Ramen. Your Rules. With the Home Ramen Kits by No Name Ramen).

How about noodles with a Korean spin? Chung Choon Yeon Ga, or simply CCYG Quezon City, offers the light and refreshing Ramyun. The leading BBQ chain in Korea, CCYG Quezon City offers both authenticity and value with its unlimited beef, pork and chicken BBQ selection along with specialty dishes like the Ramyun. The soft noodles are topped with fresh spring onions and egg but it's the spicy kimchi that give this bowl of noodles character. And flavor.

The light broth is enhanced by the egg and kicked up by the kimchi with its familiar sharpness, followed by the soft noodles releasing even more flavors. Great on its own, it also works well when paired with CCYG's Samgyup Sets available for pick-up, take-out and delivery (for more on CCYG Quezon City, see my post, Dining in the Next Normal: Enjoy a Sumptuous Korean BBQ Feast at Home Korea's Number One BBQ, Chung Choon Yeon Ga Unlimited Korean BBQ).

The country's leading chefs have also adapted to the new normal by directly addressing changing consumer habits as well as tapping the emerging food delivery culture. Chef Chele Gonzalez of Gallery by Chele responds to the new normal with his innovative AT HOME Spanish Signatures featuring a range of authentic Spanish dishes. From traditional Croquetas to Pulpo a la Gallega "Chele Style" to his specialty Burnt Basque Cheesecake, AT HOME Spanish Signatures brings authenticity to your table masterfully created by Chef Chele Gonzalez. Just like his Clam Fiduea that's perfect for family feasts at home.

Topped with succulent fresh clams, the Clam Fiduea is a uniquely Spanish dish similar to the traditional paella using noodles instead of rice. Fiduea is also simmered in the iconic paellera, a flat round metal pan allowing all the flavors of the various ingredients to be absorbed by the noodles. This results in a burst of rich flavors released with each bite of the noodles. And just like paella, the noodles on the bottom of the paellera are toasted to a light and delicate crispness similar to paella's socarrat. The play on the briny sweetness of the plump clams and the thinly sliced garlic chips complement the richly seasoned flavors of the noodles topped with fresh herbs for another hearty and authentic Spanish dish from Chef Chele Gonzalez.

Chef Chele draws inspiration from the dishes he grew up with back in Spain, recreating each comforting note with AT HOME Spanish Signatures from Gallery by Chele. The dish also travels well making it ideal for pick-up, take-out and delivery, packaged and sealed in a special round carton and wrapped in foil. And this goes for all of the offerings from AT HOME Spanish  Signatures from Gallery by Chele. Authenticity and fresh, real flavors masterfully executed by one of the country's celebrated Spanish chefs delivered to your doorstep.  That's an experience in itself (for more on Gallery by Chele, see my post, Dining in the Next Normal: AT HOME Spanish Signatures Delivered to Your Doorstep from Gallery by Chele).

Comforting home-cooked flavors like BBQ Ribs, Lengua, decadent cakes and a variety of hearty pasta dishes are on the menu at Plana's Pantry, a family food business now with two restaurant locations in Quezon City and Mandaluyong. Have a family-style feast from savory mains to desserts conveniently delivered to your doorstep for a hassle-free home dining experience. At Plana's Pantry, the focus is on simple yet real flavors without being overly complicated or unnecessarily cluttered. And the flavors come through without holding back as you'd expect from any cherished family recipe. 

And it's the Tomato, Shrimp & Basil Pasta by Plana's Pantry  with its fresh and tart notes that add a comforting and nostalgic touch to any family feast. The vibrant flavors of the fresh tomatoes, the clean and briny notes of the succulent shrimps and mildly minty and peppery hints of fresh basil combine for a colorful tapestry of comforting goodness. The freshness of the ingredients with its bold and real flavors brightens up any family table, and perfect for sharing too. Simply call or message Plana's Pantry and experience #DeliciousonDemand with just a few clicks on your mobile device or laptop (for more on Plana's Pantry, see my post, #DeliciousonDemand: Pick-Up or Delivery, Enjoy Hearty Family Feast Meals and Decadent Cakes by Plana's Pantry at Home).

The popular local noodles, pancit, gets an elegant make-over with Nostalgia Lounge & Bar of Joy-Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila's fully loaded Signature Pancit by Executive Chef Edgar Alejandria. Think of it as pure seafood indulgence on noodles. Created for the 11th anniversary of the hotel, the Signature Pancit is a one-of-a-kind creation that simply elevates the much loved local noodle dish.

Imagine your favorite pancit topped with large, fresh and plump prawns, succulent scallops, tender mahi-mahi, premium salmon, squid and a smoky slab of savory barbecued pork and you soon get the picture. It's this bountiful harvest of the day's freshest catch plus barbecued pork that sets it apart from your usual local noodles. And it tastes as good as it looks.

The noodles are draped in that comfortingly familiar and mildly sweet sauce complemented by the combined and intense notes of the fresh seafood and smoky barbecued pork for flavors so decadent you'll never look at pancit the same away again. Who knew the local pancit can be this indulgent? Find out for yourself and order this sumptuous new offering from Nostalgia Lounge & Bar (for more on Nostalgia Lounge & Bar and Nostalgia to Go, see my post, Dining in the Next Normal: The Nostalgia Lounge & Bar Elevates Your Favorite Local Noodles with the Lavish Signature Pancit).

With dining at home as the new normal, you can still experience the vibe and flavors of your favorite restaurant, packed and delivered straight to you. Executive Chef Gerwin Bailon of 22 Prime at Discovery Suites Manila lets you do just that with his specialty dishes including premium steaks available for pick-up, take-out and delivery. Be sure to include his Truffle Macaroni and Cheese to your feast of 22 Prime's lavish menu. The addition of truffles transforms the comforting mac and cheese with its deep nutty and earthy hints that pairs perfectly with their selection of prime steaks and seafood. It's an elevated yet refined version of mac and cheese in the classic style of Executive Chef Gerwin Bailon (for more on 22 Prime at Discovery Suites Manila, see my post, Dining in the Next Normal: Bring Home the 22 Prime Experience from Discovery Suites Manila). 

Ascott Bonifacio Global City shares its lavish family feast for four with Scott's Food Trays made for take-out and delivery (here's an insider tip. You'll also find some of the best Laksa right here at Ascott Bonifacio Global City). Scott's Food Trays include tempting selections from Wings & Things with its crisp and juicy flavored chicken wings paired with tasty sides to Chinese (the Chinese Take-Out Set), Filipino (the Pinoy Boodle) and Italian (the wittingly named Italian Job) food trays are guaranteed to satisfy any craving. The Wings & Things Food Tray Set includes Chipotle Honey, Maple Mustard and Garlic Parmesan Wings along with fries, sour pickles, coleslaw and a creamy Mac and Cheese to complete your home feast.  Slathered in thick, creamy and gooey cheese, you enjoy a cheese-filled burst with each bite. Having some mac and cheese on the side just makes any feast at home so much more complete (for more on Scott's Food Trays by Ascott Bonifacio Global City, see my post, Dining in the Next Normal: A Family Feast for Four with Scott's Food Trays by Ascott Bonifacio Global City).

Chef Mike Santos of Nanka Japanese Steakhouse has more than premium steaks to offer, his pasta dishes are also high on the list. The elegantly plated Garlic Prawn Pasta with al dente noodles draped in a buttery garlic sauce leaves an unctuous richness on the palate followed by the fresh snap and briny sweetness of the large prawns laid on top of the dish...

...while the Japanese-inspired Shiitake Pasta offers fresh and bold notes with its mildly sweet sauce and earthy hints of mushrooms finished by the crisp garlic chips. Both traditional and inventive takes on pasta reflect Chef Mike's culinary style on simple yet real flavors. Now open for dine-in, you can also have their specialty dishes delivered (for more on Nanka Japanese Steakhouse, see my previous posts, Dining in the Next Normal: Chef Mike Santos Unveils His New Burger Creations at Nanka Japanese Steakhouse and Dining in the Next Normal: Even in the New Normal, The Steaks Still Sizzle at Nanka Japanese Steakhouse ).

More noodle variations come your way and you can leave all the cooking for your next family feast at home to Mama V Delicious and their wide array of savory dishes. The Bacon Carbonara is what put Mama V Delicious on everyone's list, voted as one of the top ten winners in the tenth edition of the Ultimate Taste Test. The buttery richness of the cheese sauce is perfectly balanced by the sharp notes of the smoky bacon, and you'll want seconds. Guaranteed. You just can't go wrong with bacon and cheese.

There's a home-cooked vibe with the dishes of Mama V Delicious that's just so appealing. And it fits right in with the home dining experience without the tedious prep and hard work in the kitchen. This culinary style brings familiar flavors to the family table with an inventive yet familiar flair with dishes like their Pinoy Bolognese and its double-dose of savory goodness from ground Angus beef and crispy bacon in a rich tomato and cheese sauce. The protein packed pasta dish is a meal on its own, perfect for quarantine meals at home. 

But I enjoyed their Garlic Sotanghon with soft and chewy glass noodles topped with meaty mushrooms. The tasty duo of garlic and mushrooms combine for nutty and earthy flavors, pairing well with the soft noodles.  It's a light yet satisfying option for family meals at home. Mama V Delicious offers a whole lot more, and you can safely leave all the cooking to Mama V Delicious for a fuss-free home dining experience (for more on Mama V Delicious, see my post, Dining in the Next Normal: This Weekend, Leave All The Cooking to Mama V Delicious...).

The local seafood chain, Dampa Express, weaves their specialty seafood spin to noodles with their Dampancit Overload with fish balls. plump shrimps and fresh mussels for another tasty variation. Known for their fresh seafood and seafood bilaos, you can enjoy the day's freshest catch with your noodles in one impressive dish without busting your wallet. Value and fresh ingredients remain their winning formula for success (for more on Dampa Express, see my previous post, Dining in the Next Normal: Serve Up the Pambansang Seafood for All at Home with the Seafood Bilaos of Dampa Express).

Noodles will always be a comforting option to any home dining experience, and in this new normal, we all need a generous serving for some positive good vibes. And as we continue to adapt and respond to these challenging times, the food service industry also responds with creative innovations and offerings to stay relevant. As the year comes to a close, one can always look forward to a bowl of noodles to brighten one's palate and state of mind with an optimistic hope for the future. I hope you enjoyed this round up of quarantine picks, with more to follow soon... 

For more on Ya Chou Foods, call 362 8223 or DM via their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/yachoufoods/.

Paradise Dynasty is located at the Second Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City or call 682-3333 for inquiries and reservations.

For more information on the new D-I-Y Kits and updates on Menya Kokoro, visit and order via their website at https://www.menyakokoroph.com/.

For more on Ramen Nagi's Chicken Paitan King and Ramen to Go, visit their website at https://ramennagi.com.ph/ and their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/RamenNagiManila/ for orders and inquiries.

For more on No Name Ramen and their Premium Tonkotsu Ramen Home Ramen Kits, check out their IG Feed at @nonameramen or their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Ramen-Restaurant/No-Name-Ramen for inquiries and orders. You can also order via Viber at https://invite.viber.com/

For more on Chung Choon Yeon Ga or simply CCYG, call (02) 7914 09150, 0977 762 6288 or 0949 341 0965 for orders and inquiries. CCYG is located at Il Terrazo Mall, Tomas Morato Avenue, Diliman 1103 Quezon City. You can also visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ccyg.qc and their Instagram Feed at @ccyg_ilterrazo_qc  for more updates.

For more on AT HOME Spanish Signatures from Gallery by Chele, call +639175461673 for orders and inquiries. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/gallerybychele for more updates and website at https://gallerybychele-athome.com/ for menu details.

For more information on Plana's Pantry and delivery options, check out their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/planaspantryqc/.

For more on Nostalgia Lounge & Bar at Joy-Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila, call +63 7719 1160 for orders and inquiries or visit their website at Nostalgia to Go. Be sure to check out Joy-Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila latest offers here at https://www.joynostalgmanila.com/special-offers/.

For more on 22 Prime at Discovery Suites Manila, call 7719 8888 or visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/22Prime/ for more information and updates.

For more on Scott's Food Trays by Ascott Bonifacio Global City, simply send a quick message via Viber/DM at +63905 272 0052 or call 02 886 0998 for inquiries and orders. 

Nanka Japanese Steakhouse is located at 1810 Mother Ignacia Avenue corner Roces Avenue, Quezon City or call 0977 621 8472 and 8921 6772 for orders and inquiries. You can also visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/NankaPH/ for more updates.

Mama V Delicious is located at the Ground Floor, Providence Tower, 2471 Leon Guinto corner Estrada Street, Manila or call (02) 7502 4210 and 0917 811 7580 for orders and inquiries. You can also visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/mamavdelicious/ and their Instagram at @mamavdelicious.ph for more updates. You can also access their website at https://www.mamavdelicious.com/ for orders and additional menu information. 

Dampa Express is now accepting franchise and partnership applications nationwide as well as overseas. For the full menu, reservation, delivery and more information, please call 0917 531 1703 or +632 7944 1036. You can also visit their IG Feed at @dampaexpress.official and FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/dampaexpress/ for more updates.

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