Aug 13 2008
Homemade Noodles Make a Difference at Zoba
Spicy Noodles at Zoba
I like noodle bars, and in the Chicago area we have plenty of them. So many, in fact, that competition is fierce, and a bad noodle bar won’t stay open for long.
But for the most part, noodle bars here are fairly generic: Their menus (soups, curries, various noodle and rice dishes) and their prices ($7-$10 per entree depending on one’s choice of meat) are pretty much the same from bar to bar. The emphasis is on quick service and tasty, but usually unremarkable, food.
At first glance Zoba looks like any other noodle joint. The room is bright and airy, with modern/arty furnishings and high ceilings. The menu, too, doesn’t differ much from other neighborhood noodle bars, except for two words:
“Homemade Noodles”
At many noodle bars, the noodles are secondary to what is ladled onto them. Not so at Zoba. While some of their dishes are made with “ordinary” noodles (i.e. pad thai, pad see-eew, udon), most of their dishes are made with freshly made noodles, which are unlike any that I have ever had.
The homemade noodles come in one size and shape (they resemble linguine) and have a marvelous taste and texture that is very different from factory made noodles. After my first meal at Zoba, I actually found myself craving these noodles! They must be tried to be appreciated.
My favorite dish is the spicy noodles with ground chicken: This dish of noodles is topped with shredded carrot, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts in a sweet/spicy sauce. Very clean, very tasty, and this sauce really showcases the quality of the homemade noodles. The panang curry and the rama sauce (a thick peanut sauce) are likewise tasty.
Incidentally, portions here are huge (I usually get 2-3 meals from my leftovers).
Service is quick, friendly, and informative (if you order a spicy dish, you will be warned that they don’t mess around with the heat!). Very good thai iced coffee and tea is available, and the staff is great about offering refills. Delivery and carry-out service is also available.
Zoba Noodle Bar is located at 1565 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL USA
Next time we are in Evanston area, we will certainly visit Zoba. The homemade noodles have to make an incredible difference in the dish… kind of like homemade pasta at home.
Thanks for the tip.
I love noodle bars – I’m jealous I’m not in Chicago to try this!