The Arch Noodle House — Restaurant in Hamilton

We opted for the Szechuan base with ramen noodles and chicken cutlets, and I was particularly impressed with the balance of spicy flavors. The heat was just right—enough to give a kick but not so overwhelming that it left me uncomfortable. The spice brought out the flavors rather than masking them, which can be a challenge with such dishes. The chicken cutlets were deliciously crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside, creating a satisfying contrast in texture.

Additionally, we tried the satay-flavored broth with udon noodles and chicken cutlets. The satay was rich and creamy, with the subtle softness of the peanut butter base offering a comforting warmth. The creaminess worked perfectly with the thick udon noodles, creating a dish that would be an ideal comfort food, especially if you’re feeling under the weather. It had that soothing quality that can lift your spirits on a tough day.

The restaurant is conveniently located on Hamilton’s main street, just a short distance from McMaster University, making it an ideal spot for students or those in the area. The ambiance inside is warm and inviting, offering a cozy atmosphere that complements the hearty, comforting dishes on the menu. It’s definitely a spot I’d return to, especially on days when I’m craving something both flavorful...

NO MEAT OR VEG. Disappointing noodle dishes. However...Appetizers were excellent. Especially the dumplings.

The noodle dishes were...well... noodle-filled. The sauce was good in both dishes. Unfortunately there was almost ZERO chicken or veg in either of them. Maybe just a one-off bad preparation, but we ordered the Kung Pow Fried and Chicken Udon and both dishes had a COMBINED 6 tiny pieces of rubbery chicken (one of which was mostly cartilage and inedible). There were minimal vegetables as well.. Very disappointed in the lack of meat and veg. Essentially it was just sauce and noodles for $12+ a dish. The online pics show lovely noodle dishes with tons of ingredients. NOT THE CASE WITH OURS. Almost bare.

I hope this was just a mistake by the restaurant otherwise they will be out of business. We literally had to order from another place to get some meat. Won't be ordering from here again. Only reason I gave 1 stars instead of 0 is because the apps were great and the containers kept the meatless noodles warm.

Unless you're only looking for...

Good portion sizes and variety, but their fried noodles are very greasy and most dishes are somewhat bland. I didn't mind the Kung Pao Chicken, which at least had a bit of spice, but not a lot. The Scallions Noodles are decent and you get lots for the smaller price however - they can make a good (if a bit plain) side dish. I have heard that their broths/soups are a bit more flavourful but haven't tried them myself. Not sure if I would be eager to come back, but I will remember it as a quick option for when I'm not picky.

TLDR: I would say this is a decent spot for an easy noodle dish if you don't mind the dishes being a little on the mild/simple side. But if you want stuff to have more kick and flavour, or authenticity, this probably...