Oodles 老白家兰州牛肉面(CBD) — Restaurant in Waitematā

Taste & Texture

Noodles: Big portion, chewy and filling, but too dominant in the bowl compared to everything else.

Beef: A bit sparse, which threw off the balance. When it’s called beef noodle soup, you expect a stronger beef presence.

Broth: Drinkable but missing depth, it didn’t have that punch of spice, herbs, or richness that makes a noodle soup memorable. Felt more “average” than standout.

Portion & Value At $17.8, the portion size is generous in terms of noodles, but the light beef portion and average taste make the value feel weaker. You get full, but not fully satisfied.

Service & Atmosphere Staff were friendly and handled the crowd well. The space was lively and clearly popular, but it’s one of those places where the buzz might be more about reputation or habit than the food standing out. An okay bowl of noodles, filling but unbalanced, with too many noodles, too little beef, and broth that lacks depth. The wait and the crowd suggest it’s a go-to spot for many, but for you, it didn’t live up to the hype. Probably worth trying a couple of their other dishes to see if something else carries the...

Beef noodle soup that did not have anything special, quite salty in flavour. However it did have very quick service and large portions.

The beef noodle soup seemed like the signature dish here so I went for it. The noodles did seem hand pulled given some inconsistencies in width. The noodles itself was the highlight in the dish. The soup base was a let down, as it was very salty for my personal taste. Leaving a slight numb feeling on my tongue afterwards. The beef slices were hard to bite off as the meat was cut horizontally and the meat was really long. So I opted to have the meat in one bite.

It wasn't clear when i entered as to how to order. Watching other patreons you had to walk up to order, but this wasn't stated anywhere.

The atmosphere was clean and a very large area inside. Despite the busy time, it didn't feel crowded which was a positive.

Personally not a noodle soup...

I had an amazing experience at this noodle house! Their Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles are the real deal — rich, flavorful broth with just the right balance of spices, melt-in-your-mouth beef slices, and perfectly chewy noodles that you can tell are freshly made. The freshness and authenticity really stand out.

Their grilled skewers are also a must-try. I especially loved the lamb skewers — tender, juicy, and seasoned with that classic cumin-chili blend that hits all the right notes. Everything was served hot and fast, and the portions are generous for the price.

The vibe is casual but clean, and the staff are friendly and attentive. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of noodles or want to snack on some savory skewers, this spot delivers....