Some of the best noodles I've had! I can see why there's a waitlist. The noodles are delicious, the sauce is the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy. I like the extra crunchy element for added texture. You can taste every single ingredient in the sauce. It was also very easy to make, the instructions were clear and easy to follow. The only cooking needed is boiling the noodles, then you mix all the other ingredients together for the sauce. Definitely worth it to check out! read more

I was shocked to read about the long waitlist years ago and I never bother to put my name on it. Not only I have to wait for years but I also have to cook the noodles myself - thanks but no thanks - especially I spent way too much money on kickstarter for a series of failed projects/scams in the past. But my sister had enough faith in him that she put her name down in the waitlist a couple years ago. A few days before Valentine's day in 2026, my sister got the email asking her to confirm her order quantities and to pick up on Valentine's day. Apparently, my sister completely forgot her order. lol! This guy have more integrity than kickstarter projects and to keep his promise and to fulfill the orders!!! It's my first time having sweet water noodles. I have never visited Cheng Du in China (it's on my bucket list) so I cannot tell how authentic this really is. As a noodle dish, I really love it. I would buy the sauce itself and toss with any other noodles. (Business opportunity there!) The instruction to cook the noodles is super clear and it's a very simple and easy dish to make. If you can boil water in a pot, you can make the noodles based on the instruction with this noodles kit. The rice crispy gave an excellent crunch. (Now I can see why Paik Jong Won added the uncooked instant noodles crumbs from the package to a bowl of instant noodles). The noodles texture is lovely, it has a chewy (or the Taiwanese/Chinese known as "QQ") bite to it. The portion is quite generous too - it's one of those satisfying portions :) I don't think I want to wait for 2 years for this again. But when he opens the store or start selling the sauce, I will be there for sure!! read more

I've never had noodles like this before! They were so good - nutty, garlicky with the perfect amount of crunch from the toppings. The instructions were extremely clear. I would recommend dusting off some of the flour before tossing into the boiling water. The pickup was straightforward- it was easy to find the location. William threw in a snack along with the order which was highly appreciated! :) read more

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I got on the waitlist when I moved to the city 4 years ago, but finally got to try these noodles! Everyone was so nice and friendly when I went for pick up and the instruction were clear. There was a farmers market next door so parking was a little hard. The noodle instructions were easy to follow and the 2 generous portions was accurate. The noodles were fresh and you can tell there's a lot of technique behind it. The sauce was the star for me. It was nutty, spicy, and I enjoyed the crunchy topping. If you can't handle more than a medium spice level I recommend putting in half the chili oil and trying it before adding more. For the price it reminded me of a nice dinner out, but at home if you don't like the noise and crowds. read more

Laowai Noodles - Added an egg and bbq pork - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

The longest waitlist I've ever been on - 2 years! It was all worth it when I picked up my noodle boxes from Millbrae and went home to try the recipe. The card inside has clear instructions so you really can't mess it up as long as you can boil water. The noodles themselves were bouncy with just the right texture. All the toppings were packaged separately and when it all came together it was magic. I love saucy noodles so this was so good. Nutty, umami, roasted and chili oil flavors work perfectly. read more

Laowai Noodles - Noodles after assembly - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

date & time: saturday morning january 17, 2026 location: millbrae pop-up vibe: couples, besties & families in loro piana cardigans, pleated skirts & loewe long handle bags decor: queue for pick-up in wine store service: super nice devour: hand-pulled noodles, dessert cake & chili oil total: $59.68 read more

Laowai Noodles - hand pulled noodles | chili oil - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

I put my name on the Laowai Noodles waitlist two years ago and honestly forgot about it. Then out of nowhere, I got an email saying it was finally my turn to try them. I ordered two Laowai "Sweetwater" Craft Noodle kits that feed four people and also got their Lanzhou chili crisp. They were super accommodating with pickup, which happened at the Vineyard Gate pop-up in Millbrae. The kits come with all the components packaged separately, including specific step-by-step instructions on how to cook everything. The hand-pulled noodles had the perfect chew and the sauce was rich, flavorful, and brought everything together perfectly. The chili sauce added a nice kick without overpowering the dish. I'm really glad I got to try it. The flavors were excellent and the quality is definitely there. That said, the two-year waitlist is a bit much. Great experience, but probably not something I'd wait that long for again. read more

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Very favorite noodles -- we've been ordering since the pandemic and as soon as we get off the list we sign right back up. Perfect kits, clear instructions, and the best way to get super fresh noodles outside a restaurant read more

My favourite noodles in the city! I've only had the pleasure of eating these noodles once, and the waiting list was literally months long, but I'm eagerly waiting and anticipation for the time I'm able to try them again. There are a number of elements, but they all work in harmony, to provide such a unified, cohesive, unique experience. You get a creamy yet spicy yet earthy bowl of noodles unlike anything you get anywhere else. On top of the flavor, there's such a wonderful balance of textures and aromas as you're eating. The noodles are also incredibly unique, making this meal even more special. I can't wait to try these noodles again, hopefully the pop ups start happening again! read more

Laowai Noodles - Noodles - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

The pasta was absolutely delicious! I loved the flavor of the food, and everything tasted fresh and well-prepared. Highly recommended.

If you're looking for a passionate chef who is meticulous about every single detail to create the ultimate noodle dish, Chef Will is your guy. Pro tip: Get on the waitlist early and be responsive! You won't want to miss your chance at trying these delicious noodles. Yes, he was featured in SF Chronicle & SF Eater and this is absolutely worth the hype How it works: Once you clear the waitlist, be thankful (kidding but not kidding), pick up your noodle kit, follow the easy to understand directions to quickly cook up the noodles, and mix all the carefully packed ingredients to create the goodness. It may not look like much, but it's a burst of flavor in every single bite. The chewiness, bounce, and texture of the noodles are amazing and the mixture of ingredients complements everything really well. You can tell Chef Will is someone who cares a lot about the little details and puts care into his work. Quality that you can taste - highly recommended! read more

Laowai Noodles - finished product from a non-chef - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

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I signed up to be on the waitlist for this noodle kit for over 2 years!! Honestly I forgot about it but was pleasantly surprised when I got the email that I was next & could place an order for pick up at a pop up in Millbrae! The noodles come in a whole kit (2 boxes in a kit, 1 box feeds 1 person) & they have a great texture! The provided toppings are very complimentary as well, my favorite was the rice puffs. I also ordered a jar of Will's chili crisp! Will puts a lot of effort into his noodle kits & cooking, & while it's not a "get it right now" type of deal, I would definitely say it's worth it to get on the waitlist & be pleasantly surprised when it's your turn!! read more

Laowai Noodles - Noodle kit cooked at home - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

So good! Worth "the wait"- I forgot about it after a couple of years so it was a very pleasant surprise to get the email. Great texture and delicious savory sauce. I'll be back in queue. read more

Laowai Noodles - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

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Was super excited to finally try these noodles! Pick up instructions were sent via email and were very clear. Needed to have my partner pick up the order (just had to provide my full name), but he said William was super friendly! Cooking instructions were easy to follow. Ingredients were all fresh and aromatic. The noodles themselves were incredibly flavorful-earthy and balanced. The portions were very generous as well. We also ordered the chili crisp oil and love using it to elevate different dishes. 10/10! read more

Laowai Noodles - Sweetwater Noodles, ingredients, and chili crisp - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

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What an honor.. these noodles are some of the best I've ever had. And you can tell that William prepared them with such care. - They come with instructions that are easy to follow and he even threw in a little hokkaido mochi cake for the road! - I ordered two portions with chili oil and it was worth it - Pick up is easy and he seems very sweet too. read more

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After waiting two years each time, I have been grateful to have tried Chef William Do's Laowai noodles. If you are going to wait for something in life, this is definitely worth the wait. Especially after COVID, I have a newfound love for meal kits and Chef Do's Laowai noodles are the perfect dish to make at home. I also have been buying his chilli oil and it one of the best purchases you will ever make. When I went to his last pop up, Chef Do said he will be taking a break. I can't wait to see what he does next! read more

Amazing noodles! Garlicky, creamy, nutty, and spicy. The sauce was delicious. Instructions were easy to follow and the serving size is large. My partner and I were able to split one package (you get 2 packages for $40) for a meal. Considering you have to cook and prepare the noodles, I think the price is a bit steep, but it was definitely worth it. read more

Laowai Noodles - Noodles - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

It's a long wait, but worth every second and every penny spent. These noodles are the best I've ever had. The chili oil is absolute perfection... perfectly sweet, salty, and kicky. The instructions are easy to follow to assemble the dish as Chef Will desired. I got multiple kits for friends, and after we tried it, we immediately put ourselves back on the waitlist. So good! Dreaming of the next time I get my hands on it. Absolutely worth the drive from Sacramento to Daly City to get my noods. read more

[late post November 2024] Absolutely delicious!!!! Easy to follow directions and amazing taste. Pick up was easy and quick. Would definitely experience again (and again and again). read more

Laowai Noodles - Meal kit - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

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Over 1.5 years later: "I'm thrilled to announce you're part of this batch..." Whooo hoooo, I won the lottery! Well, the noodle lottery because I finally got my hands on Chef William Do's Laowai Noodles... Yes, it took over 1.5 years (there's 4,000 people on the waitlist). For his Laowai Noodle Popup, Chef Do (Mister Jiu's, The Progress, and State Bird Provisions) sells Tian Shui Mian (甜水面) noodle kits for two ($37). Tian Shui Mian (甜水面) is a chilled Sichuan noodle dish, and he provides everything you need to make a bowl of bouncy noodles that will hit ALL the flavor notes. How to get it: (1) If you're not on the waitlist, follow him on IG for pop-up announcements. (2) You'll receive an email confirmation with payment and pick-up instructions. Chef Do is super nice and pickup in Daly City (near Westlake) was seamless. I texted him when I was outside and he kindly dropped off my kit in my car. The noodle kit includes fresh, hand-pulled noodles (made from 5 grains), sauces, and instructions. The kit is good in the fridge for 3-4 days, otherwise you can freeze it. I can't cook well but the Tian Shui Mian (甜水面) was easy to put together in about 5 minutes. If you can boil water, you can do this. Tian Shui Mian (甜水面) The chilled noodles were al-dente and bouncy with that quintessential QQ chew. The myriad of sauces hit all the flavor notes: salty, savory, nutty, garlicky, sweet , and spicy. Instead of the usual sesame paste, Chef Do uses a perilla speed paste which is nuttier and adds a unique grassy flavor. The chives and toasted sesame seeds added freshness and bite. I also made a soft boiled egg just cuz a runny yolk is life. SO delicious and that sauce was like crack...I licked the bowl clean. Chef Do also included a Hojicha Black Sesame Alpine Strawberry Nian Gio (Chinese rice cake) as a treat. The nian gio is like a mochi cake and all the flavors worked together...roasty, tart, and slightly sweet. I also purchased a jar of his housemade Lanzhou Chili Crisps ($15) which is very flavorful with a mild numbing heat. Don't worry it's not blow your bunghole spicy. Overall, deliciously satisfying bowl of Tian Shui Mian (甜水面) that even a noob like me can whip up at home. If you can get your hands on a kit, DO IT! read more

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Please have pop ups at Stone Mill Matcha again! I buy these every chance I get. Shared them with family and everyone's mind's were blown. I even tried them hot without cooling them and they were still so delicious. read more

Really good amazing food 100 recommend and you should come visit if in sf or near by you should try thier spaghetti it's really good

They're not just noodles, they're gifts from a god. A noodle god named Will. Jokes aside, Laowai Noodles are delicious. All of the sauces are carefully thought of and the texture of the noodles is out of this world. If you're fortunate enough to order a box, you can really see the passion Will has for his craft. The instructions are very easy to follow and the result is an incredible meal you can have at home. It's so satisfying to pull the noodles up to mix all of the sauces. read more

Laowai Noodles - Laowai's Hojicha collaboration with Stone Mill Matcha. - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

all i can say is i can't wait to get it again. a bit pricey but it's reasonable for the labor of love put into it.

Got on the waitlist in May when the article came out in the SF chronicle and picked up just last weekend in October. We ordered LANZHOU chili crisp jar and two orders of NEIJIANG craft noodles sets. It was worth the wait. Didn't know what to expect. It was fresh and well made noodles. The mixture of the seasoning and chili was perfect. It was creamy which I didn't expect and just enough spice. William was so nice and patient as I figured out when to pick it up. It was definitely a good experience. read more

Laowai Noodles - All mixed up - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

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The noodles were amazing! I have never tasted anything like this. Portion was good, but was surprised that it was an unprepared to go dish. You have to go home and cook the noodles yourself because the dish is made out of a home. Still so delicious and worth going home to make. Very easy to make. Order came with directions and information about the dish. read more

Laowai Noodles - Lanzhou Noodle - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

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Received an email after my long wait. Directions were clear and I was able to add an extra order of noodles in! Noodles were worth the hype and tasted amazing. Directions are clear and easy to follow as well. I have already placed my next order! Chili crisp condiment was perfect as well!! read more

Laowai Noodles - Noodles - Pop-Up Restaurants Near Me

There's something so special about the food that this man makes. A bowl of these noodles is so inspired and comforting that we put ourselves on the waitlist again as we were eating them for the first time. William's experience, passion, and authenticity comes through in each slurp- nothing that I've had has been as good. And while the noodles themselves are a labor of love, handed to you through the window of your car, the ingredients for the recommended sauce is so perfectly portioned and thought through. There's a painstaking amount of delicate detail that he puts into each box, and I'm kicking myself for not ordering more. I can't wait to come back and get more. And as a side note, William also baked a hojicha cake and gave us a slice- it was so moist and delicious without being too sweet. I would honestly come just for that; it's so damn good. read more

I signed up to be able to purchase Chef William's laowai noodles ages ago. The long wait to be called up was so worth it. Before even tasting the noodles, I could tell Chef puts a lot of love into his work. He even sent us home from the noodle pickup with a small cake for the ride. The instructions were simple and easy to follow. The noodles along with the perfectly balanced ingredients were divine. I'm signing up again and will wait however long it takes to get the 2nd call up. read more

What a fantastic surprise on my dog walk this morning!! I saw a line up of cars with someone running bags to them. I asked what they were selling (thinking I could get a jump on holiday treats) and discovered it was a noodle pop up! I asked for their contact info and they instead gave me a bag. I didn't realize how lucky I was until returning home and making it! Absolutely delicious!! The flavors and texture of the noodles were outstanding! I can't wait to follow them to buy some more!! Check them out at @laowainoodles or on insta @wlimdo read more

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Truly an experience to treasure. I've tried Chef William Do's twice now and although it can be a long wait, it's one of the best noodles I've had in my life. The texture of the noodles is perfect and the sauce that he prepares for you is unmatched. Thankful to have been able to try it and definitely will order again. read more

The best noodles I've ever had!!! We were so excited to hear that our turn had come after waiting fifteen months. The noodles and accompaniments were incredible just like everyone had said they would be! Join the list so you can experience such an amazing meal as well! read more

The best noodles I've ever had! Made with a lot of attention and care, I always sign up for the waitlist immediately after I've gotten my order read more

Noodle god among us mere noodle mortals. Opened my horizons and changed my life forever, seriously delicious taste profile.