For weeks, I’d had a hankering for some authentic Sichuan-style clay pot noodles, you know, ones that come sizzling onto your table, still steaming from the numbing peppercorns and chilli oil. While there are no shortage of Asian restaurants in Auckland, getting that right combination of flavour and heat are a bit of a lottery. Apparently Eden Noodles on Ponsonby Road served up a decent rendition, so I decided to check them out one evening.
It didn’t disappoint. In fact, it was just what I wanted. The restaurant itself was a pleasant surprise and the food come through unpretentiously.
My Review of Eden Noodles
Eden Noodles & Bar Ponsonby
On a quiet week night I had wandered up to the restaurant and was instantly impressed by its appearance. On the corner of Ponsonby Road, Eden Noodles is the type of restaurant you notice but not one that shouts at you. It’s got that clean, moddern shop front which isn’t cold or uninviting at all.
I walked into a cosy and inviting dining area. The tables is well spaced, so there was no feeling of being in anyone else’s lap whilst eating. Alongside one wall is the bar which has a good variety of bottles behind, although truth be told I wasn’t getting my hopes up about what would be served at the bar.
That said, it appeared as though they had given some consideration to it. There was a pleasant level of lighting without being overbearing, and overall it felt like an establishment where you could relax and enjoy a full meal, instead of grabbing a snack.
I came here for the Sichuan clay pot noodles. It arrived, steaming in its clay pot, the top covered in chilli oil. Before I’d even taken a mouthful, the familiar smell of Sichuan peppercorns and dried chillies smack me in the face.
And then I did take a mouthful. Stirring it all up, I attacked it. The noodles was good and chewy, the broth was nicely spicy (not one-note), and there was a slow build-up of numbness from the peppercorns (just how it should be).
There was plenty of oil too, which I like. It was a generous portion and I walked out content but not overstuffed.
While waiting for my food, I flicked through the menu. They also has a pretty wide selection of things other than noodles. If you’re eating with non-Sichuan-heat-loving diner, the menu can be easily navigated; it covers most bases.
There’s also their cocktail menu, which has some interesting-sounding signature drinks on there. I was drinking tea that evening but would be interested in trying one of their cocktails next time, particularly if I were having to contend with the chilli heat. So Eden Noodles is a safe bet if you’re after some uncomplicated Sichuan flavours with no frills.
The service is efficient but not hovering, the room is pleasant enough to hang out in, and the clay pot noodles lives up to expectations. It is definitely on my return list, and soon rather than later. Do you have a favourite place for good Sichuan-style clay pot noodles in Auckland or have you been to Eden Noodles in Ponsonby yet?
Let me know in the comments.
