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    Laowai Noodles

    4.9 (32 reviews)

    Laowai Noodles Photos

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    Noodles after assembly
    Crystal Y.

    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.

    Laowai "Sweetwater" Craft Noodle kits with Lanzhou chili crisp
    Melody L.

    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.

    Noodles
    Ian L.

    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!

    Sweetwater Noodles, ingredients, and chili crisp

    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!

    Noodle kit cooked at home
    Kiana L.

    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!!

    finished product from a non-chef
    Andrew C.

    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!

    Kimmie H.

    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.

    the kit!
    Shay M.

    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.

    Noodles
    Julia S.

    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.

    Meal kit

    [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).

    Cooking instructions
    Cherylynn N.

    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!

    Laowai's Hojicha collaboration with Stone Mill Matcha.
    Darwin N.

    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.

    All mixed up

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    25 days ago

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

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    1 year ago

    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

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    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.

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    3 years ago

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

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    Ask the Community - Laowai Noodles

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    Noodle Station

    Noodle Station

    4.0
    (362 reviews)
    1.9 km
    $$

    I was craving something warm and flavorful, since it's been raining and this little noodle spot…read morereally delivered. They have a menu that goes beyond just your typical noodle soups - items ranging from Malaysian‑style curry laksa, spicy roasted duck ramen, to XO sauce dry noodles! We tried a few things and everything felt fresh and satisfying. The house special curry laksa had a rich, creamy broth with just the right amount of spice, and the duck dishes were especially good with tender meat and savory sauces that clung perfectly to the noodles. The small bites like spring rolls and dumplings were nice starters for our group of 4. The service was friendly and quick, with generous portions - exactly the spot we were looking for! I'll be coming back to try even more off the menu next time.

    I was craving noodles and this spot was nearby…read more I ordered the S1 (Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls) and N4 (Roasted Duck Dried Egg Noodles). The spring rolls were really crispy and the sauce that they use on the side adds a nice sweetness to it. My favorite part of my meal however were the noodles. The noodles were flavorful and the duck was tender. I also loved how generous the portions are and the price is very affordable. If you're into affordability, generous portions, high quality noodles, and great service, I highly recommend checking this spot out. Try it out if you like. :)

    Photos
    Seating area
    Seating area
    11. Spicy Roast Duck Dried Ramen
    11. Spicy Roast Duck Dried Ramen
    8. House Special Curry Laksa Soup

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    8. House Special Curry Laksa Soup
    Spicy House

    Spicy House

    4.4
    (325 reviews)
    1.4 km
    $$

    Spicy House is my go-to spot! I come here so often the servers recognize us and already know what…read morewe're going to order. I LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEE the dry fried chicken and the Szechuan spicy beef. The chicken is crispy, packed with flavor, and super addictive, while the spicy beef is rich, bold, and has that signature numbing kick from the Sichuan peppercorns. I usually also get the honey walnut shrimp when I want something a little sweeter to balance everything out, but if you're trying this place for the first time, you really can't go wrong with the dry fried chicken and Szechuan spicy beef. Just a heads up, it's not just spicy, it's that numbing heat, so definitely get some rice on the side.

    25 of us came here for lunch at 1:15pm on. Thursday. We ordered a variety of foods. beef chow fun,…read morechow mein noodles, their signature dry fried chicken and fish filet spicy soup, eggplant with pork, green onion pancake appetizer, dried fried string beans with beef, sesame chicken and garlic pork chops. The standout was the spicy fish soup. Had some kind of turmeric taste and the red peppers gave it a nice kick. We probably overwhelmed the staff as there was only one waiter and we noticed the room capacity was 49 patrons which we met. Management was kind enough to give us fried mini sesame balls on the house and fortune cookies too. It was a great luncheon had by all.

    Photos
    Interior seating area
    Interior seating area
    12. Eggplant with Tofu Lunch Special
    12. Eggplant with Tofu Lunch Special
    Fried chicken wings

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    Fried chicken wings
    Kajiken

    Kajiken

    4.4
    (1.5k reviews)
    17.8 km
    $$

    Great chewy noodle texture and very flavourful!! Would definitely come again. There was a line but…read moreshort wait for the outdoor seating. Chill ambience, the space between tables was reasonable but you could clearly hear your neighbor's conversations at very loud volume.. we overheard a very spicy and shocking conversation from the table adjacent to us. At first it seemed like a lot of onions and chives but after mixing it was a good ratio of sauce noodles and toppings. Friend ordered the mozzarella cheese add-on topping and it was literally just a little bowl of the shredded mozzarella cheese you can get at the grocery store... so we joked that next time we can just bring our own cheese (BYOC) I ordered the homura aburasoba (spicy minced pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, seaweed, fish powder, chives with ajitama (soft-boiled eggs marinated in soy sauce, ramen egg)). Highly recommend this place to anyone who likes noodles !!

    Located in San Mateo I would rate this place a 3/5…read more Interior design is nice an beautiful. Service was okay most likely due to the large amount of customers coming in and out. A lot of the workers are busy so you have to flag them down and they rarely come check in on you Homura ABURASOBA 7/10 Chicken Marage 7/10 The food here definitely is packed with flavor but the portion sizing is significantly smaller than Elk Grove location. JD Big Back tip: if you get seated near the door you may be interested in bringing a jacket because it does get very windy and cold. Also if you want a spoon you will have to go to the front to request for one.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Oroshi Ponzu Karaage($10)
    Oroshi Ponzu Karaage($10)
    Complimentary Accoutrements ($0) Vinegar, Chili Oil, Dried Garlic, Sesame seeds, & Chili Powder

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    Complimentary Accoutrements ($0) Vinegar, Chili Oil, Dried Garlic, Sesame seeds, & Chili Powder
    Jagalchi

    Jagalchi

    4.5
    (1.9k reviews)
    2.5 km
    $$

    Long overdue. Open spaced with an abundance of selections! Dangerously filled the cart without any…read morereservations. "Assorted Sushi" was the one thing that left a lasting impression. Fairly priced. Perfect amount of rice with excellent texture and seasoning. Skipped the restaurants for the evening and had a feast right at home. Wasn't settling for less either. Don't feel like cooking and dining out sound unappealing? Jagalchi is the answer! With all the new Asian grocery stores popping all over the bay, it's up there on my list. If only we had more locations and that's no joke.

    Went back to the time warp that is Jalgalchi…read more My friend and I spent lots of time at the new beauty collection. The purity rep was super patient - going over the different products with us and even gifting us with a little gift set and out with purchase. Michelle helped us with figuring out concealer color and breaking the tie in lip color. We ended up getting two drawings because of our purchase. On to the rest of the store. We got lunch boxes and they were meh. I like the banchan and the quantity of food, but the protein dishes were lacking in freshness - the eel was better than the kalbi, which was just lackluster at best. Will go for the sushi next time. I did score black rice and toasted black sesame seeds along with rice paper. And the gluten free baked goods of course. Until next time!

    Photos
    The oyster and sushi counter 3/30/25
    The oyster and sushi counter 3/30/25
    Gimbap with bulgogi
    Gimbap with bulgogi
    Tiger Fresh Makgeolli authentic rice wine

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    Tiger Fresh Makgeolli authentic rice wine
    Ox 9 Lanzhou Handpulled Noodles

    Ox 9 Lanzhou Handpulled Noodles

    4.3
    (706 reviews)
    17.7 km
    $$
    Established in 2012
    Family-owned & operated

    Needed a lunch spot that wasn't a three hour wait (lol Whisper) - and this place seemed to call to…read moreus. Upon entering, I noticed that it is a sister restaurant to the Lazhou Noodles but before we could change our minds, the hostess sat us (lol). I went with the main beef noodle soup, and we also tried the dry noodles with spicy beef. I was expecting the food to be very similar to their sister restaurant - BUT the food here was so much better I was SO surprised. The broth tasted better, the noodles were higher quality, and the beef was also much more tender and had less gristle. it made me wonder if it was a fluke or if this location was just that much better as this restaurant was also much more crowded versus the other locations. I can't wait to come back and bring friends, and though San Mateo is parking is not as friendly, the food experience definitely makes up for it!

    I've been to this place before and although it didn't make me a solid fan that I'd want to visit…read moreevery so often it did leave an impression that it's ok for a quick bite. I recently went back since I was in the area. The food is just as I remembered. The sauce is slightly overdone but the noodles are good enough. They did offer slightly more variety than I'd expect from this kind of restaurants. I think it's alright but probably not worth paying for parking in San Mateo for this. What I mean is that if you happen to be in the area then it's fine to dine here but probably not worth coming here just for the restaurants as there are alternatives outside of San Mateo where you don't have pay for parking. However the reason I gave 4 stars is that they give you enough meat on the noodle to make it slightly better deal even though everything in the Bay Area is overpriced. The service is really efficient and friendly enough. The restaurant is small and long) do I wouldn't suggest larger parties.

    Photos
    Features on SF Chronicle- the best bay ever in San Mateo!
    Features on SF Chronicle- the best bay ever in San Mateo!
    Proud to be featured on EATER SF in April 2023, the 25 must try essential restaurants in South Bay!
    Proud to be featured on EATER SF in April 2023, the 25 must try essential restaurants in South Bay!
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    Simmer Huang Miao Grill

    Simmer Huang Miao Grill

    4.1
    (367 reviews)
    2.9 km

    We ordered the beef short rib pot, friend rice, and noodle soup. They all taste very good.read more

    Came here specifically for the Dry Pot, a brothless version of hot pot where everything gets stir…read morefried and simmered together. Noodles, meats, veggies, chiles, aromatics. No water, just pure concentrated flavor. The restaurant gets its name from simmering, one of the essential Chinese cooking techniques, and you can taste that philosophy across the whole menu. The Dry Pot lived up to the hype, but the real surprise was the skewers. Beef, lamb, and chicken, intensely flavorful and rich. I can't stop thinking about them. The potstickers were also way better than expected. Usually a throwaway order at most places, but here they were juicy and packed with flavor. The beef pancakes were fantastic. Golden and crispy on the outside, juicy flavor bomb on thes inside. Both crunchy and a little chewy (in the good way). Came back a few weeks later with friends and ordered the whole grilled fish, which I'd been eyeing since my first visit. It looked magnificent, but it didn't really pop the way the other dishes did. If you love fish it's worth trying, but the dry pot, skewers, beef pancakes, and dumplings are the stars here. We also got a few veggie dishes which were all great accompaniments...but nobody is here for the veggies. A few practical notes. They have a beer tap but it doesn't work, so if you're into beer, they've got a few options by the bottle. Parking is easy since it's in the Serramonte Center, and you can combine it with a trip to Jagalchi, Target, or whatever else you need. Both times I came there was plenty of seating. I'll be back soon, and next time I'm getting the dry pot with their handmade noodles.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Lamb Skewers
    Lamb Skewers
    Sweet and Sour Pork Baby Back Ribs

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    Sweet and Sour Pork Baby Back Ribs

    Laowai Noodles - popuprestaurants - Updated June 2026

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