NoodleCat
West Side Market
2549 Lorain Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
Price: $$
Rating: ***
EDITOR’S NOTE: In recognition of the West Side Market”s 100th Anniversary, the Eye will be reviewing a WSM food stand in each issue this year. Armed with $100 dollars in cash, Tim Domzalski, Eye Food Critic, will be exploring the best the Market has to offer.
I was feeling a bit under the weather so a little soup sounded like it would hit the spot. After much rambling around the West Side Market I found NoodleCat. You will know you hit NoodleCat when a large grinning cat seems to wave at you from a red bowl. All of the fresh ingredients ranging from meats, noodles, and vegetables are on display. Preparation takes place in plain sight. Their mainstay are contemporary Ramen noodles. These are a far cry from the brick packages college students may utilize. Some other dishes include College Ramen ($5), with chicken corn and peas, and Pork Miso Ramen ($7), that includes pork, miso, scallions and greens, as well as others. In addition to various soups NoodleCat also serves steam buns, which are Japanese white bread stuffed like a sandwich. Steam bun options include BBQ Ohio Pork and Smoked Turkey, both at $3.
I decided on the Takahachi Ramen, which is the most expensive item on the menu at the stunning price of eight dollars. This features garlic broth, more garlic, Ohio-farmed pork, dashi, sesame seeds, and scallions. In a few minutes a large and very hot container was nestled in my hands. I opened the top and an intense heat flew up to smother my face. Seeing how I had a few minutes to wait before I could eat it without scalding my mouth, I took it back to Ignatius. The soup’s ingredients were arranged thoughtfully within the container-nori criss-crossed on top, sprinkled with various spices upon the nori. When the appetizing smells hit my nostrils I couldn’t wait any longer. Though my first spoonful was still exceptionally hot, I could taste layers of spices. The dominant flavor of garlic was complemented by the taste of sesame and a hint of dashi, a Japanese seasoning. Unlike many other soups which lack a subsistent amount of meat, I was surprised to find that it had a good amount of pork in it. All the flavors meshed brilliantly, getting a bit of each herb in every bite, with a huge amount of filling Ramen noodles.
Overall I found it very satisfying. The price was a bit high at $8, but it was filling. Not to mention, there were equally large soups at $5, so it is pretty affordable. With a great mix of herbs, meat, and noodles, this earthy meal provides warmth and flavor to a cold, bland, autumn day. NoodleCat is open Mon. and Wed. until four, and on Fri. to six. “
