Sen Noods — Restaurant in London

There’s something magical about low-expectation setups that go way harder than they have any right to. Sen Noods, a shack squished into the hustle and bustle of Netil Market, did exactly that. I wandered in on a casual mission for noodles and left contemplating how many bowls are too many in one sitting.

First impressions? Proper noodle stall vibes. Tarp-covered, makeshift benches, and a soundtrack courtesy of Netil Radio drifting across the market. It’s lo-fi, but it works. The whole setup is part chaos, part charm, and somehow it feels just right balancing a steaming bowl on a table that’s doing its best impression of a seesaw.

Netil Market brings its own flavour too. Peak Hackney energy: creative types in cool coats, pups in puffers, and the kind of indie buzz that’s scrappy in the best way.

I kicked things off with the Dan Dan noodles and wow. Thick, nutty, tongue-tingling magic. Silky sesame richness, spicy heat that builds without bullying, and proper textures from the pork mince, crunchy pak choi and a smattering of spring onion. Honestly, I’m now deep in my Dan Dan era and Sen Noods is entirely to blame.

Next came pork dumplings. A server pick when I couldn’t decide what to order next. Drenched in chilli oil, topped with spring onions, and so juicy they demanded slurping etiquette. Messy, yes. But also deeply satisfying. A proper hands-on, face-in-bowl kind of meal. No regrets, aside from sacrificing my fave Carhartt tee.

What makes it more than just another good food stall? The story. Founded by schoolmates Godfrey and Johnny, Sen Noods has kept it simple: banging broths, fresh noodles, no ego. The branding is quiet but confident. You get the sense they’re in it for the craft, not the clout.

Service is breezy but warm. You won’t get silver platters or scripted lines, but you will get good food, quick smiles, and a cheeky nod if you ask for extra heat.

Sen Noods is the kind of find that makes you text three mates before you’ve even finished your first bowl. It delivers flavour, vibe, and a tiny bit of Hackney chaos. All wrapped in a paper bowl and a plume of steam. If they expand (and they probably will), I just hope they keep that chilli-oil-soaked...

I have wanted to visit this food market near Broadway Market for a while, but I never found the time to, and I was craving something after not feeling so well from a pounding headache this afternoon. It had been a while since I had noodles and dumplings, so I opted to give SEN NOODS a try. I went for the Cha Shu Tonkotsu Ramen with pork dumplings. The dumplings were flavourful and juicy. I am not really a fan of milk flavoured noodles, but I think I would try these noodles again, but I intend to visit this food van again and try other options.

The person serving me was friendly and welcoming and I mentioned that I was really hungry after I had finished my meal. As he had asked me had I found everything okay. I did not expect him to offer or even give me extra noodles on the house, but he was such a gem for that. If the customer service is to my satisfaction I will give a higher rating and that is why I have given it a 5.

I do not know the name of the person who served me, but he was a young/adult looking Asian male. So for him I want to thank him for his great customer service and that I will find time to try other options again. The price range was alright not too expensive, or too cheap as most places charge expensive for noodle broth...

Ate from the van near Canning Town on 31st August. Worst service I have ever experienced!

One of the servers was clearly new and the other guy (blonde long hair) was SO rude to him, kept shouting and swearing. When we walked up to the van he didn’t acknowledge us (had airpods in, sunglasses on). We waited 45 minutes for the food as they were still setting up (at 1pm on a saturday?).

The blonde guy kept shouting loudly at the other staff member, telling him he was doing everything wrong, that he was lazy and useless. He even told him to apologise with every order and say ‘I’m sorry I’m so lazy’. The atmosphere was horrid - everyone could hear what was going on, I almost just left without the food. Vile behaviour! Be nicer to your employees! If you spoke like that to colleagues where I work, you would be fired! Food was really tasty but honestly...