My partner and I were on a short vacation in the Cary / Raleigh area recently and were excited to try out Q Noodles after seeing it all over Instagram. Unfortunately it did not live up to the hype it seems to have achieved online. I am not one to write negative reviews but this place was truly disappointing. We ordered a few items: chicken soup dumplings, the potato tower with cheese, a pork katsu type of noodle bowl and a vegetable noodle bowl.
The soup dumplings were the best item that we had - they were steamed well and tasted good. Then came the potato tower, which is where things began to go south. The potatoes were cold, greasy, and covered in what looked and tasted exactly like the packets you get with a box of kraft mac and cheese. It was just straight up unpleasant and messy to eat.
Regardless I was excited to try the noodles when they came. This was the most disappointing for me, considering the place has noodles in the name you would think they would be very good. My vegetable noodles were extremely bland. The broth (if i could even call it that) tasted like water with a hint of vegetables. It was very thin and almost transparent. The vegetables in the soup were still hard, like they hadn't soaked in the broth at all. The one positive I will say is that there were a nice variety of different vegetables in there, including multiple types of mushroom and some tofu. But sadly there wasn't anything positive to say about the actual taste of it. I ended up dumping quite a bit of chili oil and soy sauce in just to get some flavor. The noodles themselves, like another commenter said, were basically spaghetti noodles and were themselves very bland. I didn't try my partners pork katsu type of noodles but they commented that it was rather bland also.
Another unfortunate negative was the service we received. Our main waitress was kind and got our food out quickly. I don't have much to say about her. Another waitress who helped us, however, was apparently very rude to my partner when I went to the bathroom and they asked for a smoothie to go. She was very short and demanding with them, and it left a bad impression.
All of this to say, don't be so quick to believe the hype. We both went in excited to try this place after seeing so many positive reviews and left thoroughly disappointed. I very much wanted to like it, but it just was not good, plain and simple. For the amount we paid, you could find much better food at more affordable or equal prices in the exact same area. Cary has plenty of wonderful restaurants. For us, this is not...
   Read moreQ Noodles in Cary is a breath of fresh air for anyone seeking delicious and adventurous Chinese cuisine.
Stepping inside, you immediately realize this isn't your typical Americanized Chinese restaurant. Forget the ubiquitous Chow Mein and cloying Orange Chicken; Q Noodles offers a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds with genuine flavors and unique dishes.
The highlight, as many will attest, is their exceptional soup dumplings. Each delicate parcel bursts with flavorful broth and savory fillings. My recent lunch experience began with the Peppercorn Spicy Soup Dumplings, a delightful explosion of heat and umami that left me craving more. The subtle numbing sensation from the peppercorns was a perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory broth.
Moving on to the main course, the Chongqing Noodles were a revelation. The craft noodles, with their perfect chewiness, provided a satisfying base for the complex flavors of the dish. The combination of peanuts, bok choy, egg, and cilantro created a symphony of textures and tastes, all harmoniously balanced by the subtle spice.
Adding a grilled chicken leg to the bowl elevated it to a truly satisfying and hearty meal. The chicken was tender and flavorful, complementing the noodles perfectly.
The inclusion of photos on the menu is a thoughtful touch, especially for those unfamiliar with the dishes. It helps demystify the menu and allows diners to make informed choices.
The bright and clean interior creates a welcoming atmosphere, and the friendly service adds to the overall positive experience.
Q Noodles excels in offering a diverse selection of dim sum and, importantly, a range of noodle dishes that deviate from the ordinary. These are the dishes that pique my curiosity and promise to make future visits even more exciting.
The dedication to authentic flavors and the willingness to introduce diners to lesser-known regional specialties sets Q Noodles apart.
If you're looking for a genuine and memorable Asian dining experience, and are open to stepping outside your culinary comfort zone, Q Noodles in Cary is a must-try. You won't be...
   Read moreHey everyone! Just wanted to drop a quick review about this place I tried recently - Q Noodles over on Ryan Rd in Cary. Let me tell you, this place is a hidden gem!
So, I went in not really knowing what to expect, but I was super impressed. First off, their soup dumplings are something else. They're handmade every day, and it totally shows. The dumplings were so flavorful, with the broth and filling perfectly balanced. And their noodles? Absolutely delicious. I had the flounder noodle soup, and it was the perfect mix of fresh ingredients and a tasty broth. My friend got the hot and sour noodle soup, and she couldn't stop raving about it either.
But it wasn't just the food that made my experience awesome. The whole vibe of the place is really cozy and inviting. They've got these adorable decorations and the cutest sauce containers I've ever seen. It's clear that they pay a lot of attention to every little detail, which I really appreciate. The service was top-notch too. The staff were so friendly and made sure we had everything we needed.
For dessert, I tried the mango mochi ice cream. Guys, it was so good â like the perfect blend of sweet and creamy. And to wash it all down, I had this non-alcoholic passion fruit mojito. It was refreshing and not too sweet, just how I like it.
I gotta say, Q Noodles is definitely worth a visit. Even if you don't live nearby, it's worth the drive. The prices are pretty reasonable too, especially considering the quality of the food. Fresh, authentic, and served up in a great atmosphere â what more could you ask for?
So, if you're ever in Cary or just passing through, drop by Q Noodles. It's a great spot for a tasty meal, and I'm already planning...
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