Restaurant Reviews

Buddha Noodle: Worth the Wait

April 30, 2018

Who doesn’t love ramen? Especially during what feels like the LONGEST WINTER EVER.

For months I’ve been saying I want to check out Buddha Noodle. Months. And every week I thought I’d go, I’d end up making other plans for whatever reason and instead of slurping noodles I was seeing everyone’s pictures of noodles on Instagram.

It made me sad. But I knew it was my fault.

FINALLY, I made plans with friends for dinner, and it was for Buddha Noodle.

YES. YES!!

You see… I have this thing with soup. Ramen, pho, even simple chicken noodle. I will eat it all and I will eat it in what feels like record speed. I LOVE IT. It also doesn’t matter if it’s -20 degrees out or 85 degrees. 

Bring. it. on.

So with all of the hype around Buddha Noodle, we were eager to try a bunch of different things. We kicked things off with some K-Town Chicken Wings, Pork Belly Bao & Spicy Glazed Pork Ribs.

First (and only) fail – I didn’t get any pictures of of our apps. I jumped in before I even thought to take a picture.

The wings were SO GOOD. They were crispy and juicy and salty and just perfect. The pork belly bao was fatty and flavorful and the bao bun itself was warm and chewy and stick to your teeth soft.

Finally, the ribs. Ahhhh the ribs. They were SO close to falling off the bone, but remained in tact until the first bite.  

^^^Highly recommend all of the above.

And then, then there was the ramen. When I used to visit my brother in Astoria, there was this ramen place he took me every single time. That’s where I fell in love with shoyu ramen.

When I saw Shoyu on the menu at Buddha Noodle, my knees got weak. And you better believe I took a picture of this one!

This ramen comes with pork belly, a soft egg (a MUST), shiitakes, bamboo shoots and egg noodles.

I have to tell you guys… this ramen was everything I had hoped for it to be and more. Once the egg yolk seeps in to the broth, there’s a comforting creaminess that takes place. The shiitakes add an additional element of earthiness and meatiness. And of course, the bamboo shoots and fresh green onion sliced on top adds freshness and a pop of crunch.

This was that pick up the bowl and sip every last ounce kind of good.

I’m sorry I waited so long to visit Buddha Noodle. I’m sorry I missed out on this all winter.

But one thing I’m happy about – that we have this option in Saratoga, and I can go get it whenever the mood strikes. 

Learn more about Buddha Noodle here!

You Might Also Like

4 Comments

  • Reply Bob Loblaw May 9, 2018 at 1:31 am

    Shocked that, as the only Saratoga food blogger (that I know of), it took you this long to try this place. You really dropped the ball here. Seems everyone has tried and enjoyed this place over the winter.

    Next you should try this place called Druthers that is all the rage.

    • Reply Ashley Dingeman May 9, 2018 at 7:41 am

      What’s this place Druthers you speak of? I think I’ve heard of it. Do they specialize in wine?

  • Reply Blaire Ronzel June 11, 2018 at 5:32 am

    Ashley…not sure what your point of reference is for ramen, but nobody in real dining meccas would pay 16 dollars for ramen. In Flushing you can get ramen for 9 dollars for a better bowl. Even where I’m from (I live in Saratoga now) in Connnecticut, ramen bowls arent over 10… they must be sweating to pay the rent. I know you are a cheerleader for Saratoga, but some critique would give your site some cred…

    • Reply Ashley Dingeman June 11, 2018 at 8:47 am

      Hey Blaire! Great to hear from you. I have had ramen in multiple spots in NYC (Astoria, Manhattan, Brooklyn) and they’re right around $14-16, so I really don’t see this as overpriced. If I did, I definitely would have voiced my opinion. Also, people love this ramen, and if something is really good, most people are willing to pay the price (as long as it’s not outrageous.) I can tell you from experience, this ramen is worth every penny. I really appreciate your feedback though! Thanks!

    Leave a Reply