Ec1 Noodle Express

Not the cheapest place, but for the portions you get it is one of the best value Asian noodle and rice shops I have been to!

I tried the EC1 special ho fun (stir fried rice noodles), and it was pretty delicious and tasty, although it was a bit too sticky. The portion was so big that on a normal day, it would have been enough to feed two of me. On that day, however, I was super hungry from having skipped breakfast.

Service is very fast, you sit in long tables Wagamamas style, and the toilets are pretty clean. What more could you ask for?

Greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeasy … and pretty yummy too. But I don’t think my tum-tum’s up to eating here all that often. Maybe it was just the dish, Singapore Noodles, that I ordered but it just didn’t sit well. Anyway with that caveat, I suppose it’s worth keeping in mind when you want a somewhat quick plate of fried rice or noodles. The olden couple that work there and always seem to be there are very friendly and prompt with their service. At some point, it’s possible that I’ll drop back by this eatery on super secret cabbie passage, Albemarle Way. Until then I’ll stick with few other nearby Asian eateries and many quick lunch spots round the St John St area.

Noodle Express is a very nice place to go for lunch (it gets very busy after 1pm though) or for an after work meal (when it is much quieter).

This is far from a classy Chinese restaurant - it does exactly what is says on the tin. The staff are fairly friendly and are very attentive. After you have ordered your food will generally arrive within 10 minutes. This usually sets the 'microwave’ alarm bells ringing with me but the food is actually very good - much better than a lot of expensive Chinese restaurants that I’ve been to. I usually have the beef or chicken in black bean sauce with egg fried rice - you can expect to pay between £5-6 for a main such as this, and for the price the portion sizes are very generous.

There’s a nice atmosphere here and it’s a lovely place to go for a quick, cheap and tasty meal.

I don’t think I’ve ever visited an establishment more aptly named. You can indeed get noodles in an express fashion. Having said that, they also have rice dishes, soups, and typical Chinese noodle place type starters (Salt and pepper prawn being a personal favourite).

Service is very quick (hence the express) - today, I had the EC1 Noodle Express Vermicelli and a cup of green tea - I was in and out in around half an hour (I eat fast).

Main course range from £4.95 - £6.95, and green tea is a pound. Starter hover around the £3 - £5 mark, except crispy duck, which is £8.50 for a quarter of a duck.

The noodles are good - not excellent though - the noodles I had were billed as 'spicy hot’ but very much weren’t. Next time, I shall request extra chilli.

Service is quick (again, that’s the express bit) and friendly (though not overly so - efficient - they notice you very quickly) and they seem to have plenty of staff.

All in all, a good, inexpensive place for a quick weekday lunch - I’d certainly go back.

The unassuming name and exterior of this restaurant belies the quality and value of the food inside.

The service is fast but would probably be best described as efficient rather than friendly, although I have never felt as if anyone was being rude or unhelpful.

The food is not just limited to noodles of almost every kind, there is also a good range of rice dishes and side dishes. All of the choices are reasonably authentic, but you will have to specify that you would like them hotter than normal if you want it anything like as fiery as you might expect. The prices for a main are from £6 to £8 and a green tea will set you back another £1.

A note of caution though, take cash as they do not accept cards.