Must-Try Spots For Noodle Lovers

Humans have been slurping and savoring noodles for centuries, with the first recorded noodle dish recorded during China’s Eastern Han period (25–220 CE). In fact, noodles would go on to become inextricable from ancient Chinese culture, with a wheat-based version emerging as a staple of the Han dynasty. Centuries later, noodle-making would hit Europe, transforming the cuisines of Italy during the Middle Ages and Germany in the early 18th century.

The English word “noodle” itself goes back to the 18th century, borrowed by the English from the German “_nudel._” Whatever you call them, one thing remains certain: Love of noodles transcends culture and country. Jacques Cousteau once said that the sea was “the great unifier … man’s only hope,” but did he ever consider the power of a steaming bowl of ramen? For this delicious guide, we’ve noodled on the best of the best around the world—places where mind-bending broths and eccentric histories collide to create unforgettable dining experiences.

Shoyu paitan soup with koji confit chicken, black garlic fat, pickled daikon, chasu egg, and spring onion. Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User This Oslo eatery puts a uniquely Norwegian spin on traditional Japanese ramen, using seasonal local ingredients found from the fjords to the mountains. Opened by Norwegian-American microbiologist David Quist in 2019, Hrimnir places a special focus on fermented ingredients, with jars of preserved lemons, pickled plums, and pear vinegar lining the walls.

The noodles are handmade in house with emmer wheat or _tokornkveite,_ a heritage grain that gives them a uniquely nutty flavor. The broth of northern-style phở is made by simmering beef bones for many hours. Khanh Jeremiah for Gastro Obscura Hanoi is considered the birthplace of Vietnam’s staple noodle soup, phở, and in the living room of home chef Ms.

Minh, you’ll find some of the very best in the country. She’s been selling phở in Hanoi for decades but was forced to take her business inside in 2017, when the city started cracking down on street vendors. An Explorer's Guide to the Hidden Wonders of the United States Introducing Our Newest Book: _America Obscura_.

Available Nov 10, 2026 At plastic tables, visitors to Ms. Minh’s home can enjoy traditional, northern-style phở (which has lighter, clearer broth than that in the south). She serves her noodles with jars of homemade chili sauce and pickled garlic, plus the option of dipping Chinese _youtiao_ doughnuts in the hot broth.