"London is like a spoiled only child when it comes to handmade noodle shops and in Kung Fu Mama, it has somewhere hyper-functional for those in need of a swift bowl that’s more satisfying than any meal deal. A fast-casual spot in the middle of Covent Garden, this place is more noodle production line than restaurant, and is primed for a hangry crowd with its touch-screen ordering and high counters for shovelling. You can choose from a few noodle varieties: ‘wavy’ wheat, biang-biang, or rice noodles. There’s also a sloppy (not entirely wrong, but also not quite right) soft shell cab bao, among other things. Stick to the noodles and be safe in the knowledge you’ll be in and out within half an hour, and will have barely broken a tenner. Food Rundown Chicken Thigh Noodles With Ginger & Sesame These dry handmade wheat noodles are available to buy by the pack, but they also come with sliced chicken thigh, cucumber, coriander, spring onion, slivers of ginger, and a glug of chilli oil in a bowl. The noodles have a good bounce and serious chew to them, although the whole thing is sorely lacking in more sauce and flavour. photo credit: Jake Missing Soft Shell Crab Bao This bao looks impressive but it could do with a bit more finesse. The crab is a little squelchy on bite and there’s too much of the cured egg yolk sauce. On another day, it could be great. photo credit: Jake Missing" - Jake Missing