How to Celebrate Noodle Day

Noodle on this: where to slurp up a delicious deal on the official day

Each year, October 6 marks National Noodle Day and a handful of local restaurants know just what to serve for the occasion.

Here are five great spots serving up favourite noodle dishes…

1. Noodlebox, various locations

In recent years, many a popular food cart has parlayed their mobile following into brick-and-mortar success. None more so than Noodlebox. Since the culinary concept launched in Victoria in 2001, it has grown to include a bustling collection of a dozen restaurants, thanks largely to a dedication to both sustainable practices and ethical, local suppliers. Celebrate their success this week with a special $5 spicy peanut box whipped up for National Noodle Day. Regularly priced at $10 and up, the popular combo of noodles, veggies and creamy sauce will be a deal this Friday only.

2. Fat Mao Noodles, 217 East Georgia Street, Vancouver

Chef Angus An gets accolades at each of his popular dining establishments. While Maenam is busy leading the Kitsilano food scene to new heights, Chinatown’s Fat Mao is busy serving up inventive Thai-Chinese dishes in a simple, unpretentious setting. Opt for one of four noodle varieties: Shanghai wide, rice sheet, wonton or vermicelli—plus upsize with an extra helping for just $2.50. After all, it’s a holiday!

3. Sen Pad Thai, 70 – 1666 Johnston Street, Vancouver

Chef An extended his restaurant reach this past May when he launched Sen Pad Thai in the Net Lofts on Granville Island. The food stand showcases the popular stir-fry noodle dish and couples it with any number of interesting additions, from crispy shrimp or Chinese sausage to pork with gai lan. It’s convenient, reasonably priced and a welcome lunchtime respite from the bustling market nearby.

4. Harvest Community Foods, 243 Union Street, Vancouver

The noodle menu at Harvest is not long on choice, but it is certainly packed with flavour. With a heavy slant toward seasonal produce, the udo, rice or ramen selections include both vegetarian options and more carnivore-friendly choices. Sake kazu chicken combined with shitake and watercress highlight one listing while a popular squash and miso ramen broth has others lined up to place their orders.

5. Anh and Chi, 3388 Main Street, Vancouver

Pho Hoang was a staple on mid-Main for decades before it was transformed into the far more modern and trendy Anh and Chi. The Vietnamese eatery kept it all in the family, favouring some classic dishes but folding in new favourites. Try the thick vermicelli noodles of Bun Bo Hue—with beef, ham and pork hock—or opt for the classic Pho Hoang with sliced sirloin and meatballs.