New restaurant offers fresh take on Oriental cuisine
For adventurous eaters who have already tried Schaumburg’s variety of Korean barbeques, the Noodle Lounge, a new northeast Asian fusion restaurant, offers a delicious alternative.
The location of the restaurant is optimal. It’s on the busy Golf Road, right next to Office Depot. From the outside, it appears small, but its bold sign makes it quite noticeable even from afar. It’s located next to a Korean bakery and grocery store, which is convenient if you really have a desire for that culture’s cuisine. Inside, the decor is modern and classy. The owners have made the most of the small space using ornate decorations including wood paneling, glass pieces, and colorful plants to decorate the counters.
When we asked about the menu, the servers were kind and gave us helpful information. They were able to accommodate dietary needs, such as vegetarianism. The staff’s communication was a bit slow. After we seated ourselves, two servers attempted to take our orders. They were slow to deal with payment once we finished the meal. Also, our check came late because our served thought we had already received it.
Initially, the pricing seemed a little expensive for a high school student’s budget. A meal consisting of one appetizer and two dinner specials costs about $28. However, considering the size of the portions (which could probably feed two or three people, even if you’re pretty hungry) and the fact that you can request takeout boxes, the price becomes reasonable.
The menu is separated into lunch and dinner options, with the dinner menu being slightly more extensive. Some of the stand-out dishes are the Korean Fluffy Egg, an appetizer including several flavorful cooked eggs; KoiGukSu, a rice noodle dish in a large bowl of broth with vegetables, eggs, and beef; and JjoylMyeon, spicy chilled noodles with lettuce, cabbage, and eggs. Surprisingly, the restaurant did not offer desserts.
The waiters brought decent-sized portions, which made up for the twenty minute wait. The food was enjoyable, although the JjoylMyeon should not be eaten by those with a low spice tolerance. Both of the main dishes came with several other complementary side dishes, including delicious spiced potatoes and fish-based broth. The side dishes were refillable, which was a nice bonus.
Overall rating:
4/5 popper bowls
Graphics credit: Eleanor Park
Noodle Lounge is a great new find for those who enjoy the bold, distinct flavors of Korean fare.
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