Arshad H.
Yelp
Tucked away on the ground floor of Bloomingdales at South Coast Plaza, Le Shrimp Noodle Bar evokes the vibrant charm of a Singaporean hawker center. This cozy spot presents a unique concept: prawn broth ramen, a meticulously crafted melody in two movements. Plump prawns are first kissed by the oven's warmth, acquiring a hint of smokiness and a blushing sweetness. Then, in a slow, eight-hour simmer, they surrender their essence to a fragrant broth, where they intertwine with chicken and a touch of enigmatic spices.
The crown jewel is the Signature Trio Shrimp Noodle ($19). This dish presents a harmonious trio of textures: the yielding embrace of handmade ebiko prawn paste, the delicate juiciness of succulent prawn and chicken wontons, all waltzing in a bowl of the aforementioned prawn broth. Diners can choose springy egg noodles, voluptuous rice noodles, or slender vermicelli to complete the composition. While the egg rolls ($5 for 3) - three golden, crisp shells filled with whispers of vegetables and accompanied by a playful sweet and sour sauce - offer a pleasant diversion, they lack a touch of inspiration.
Service, unfortunately, fell short during my group's visit. Inattentiveness led to forgotten orders, requiring a gentle reminder. While Le Shrimp Noodle Bar may not achieve Michelin-starred heights, it offers a comforting, albeit somewhat pricey, escape for those seeking a taste of Singaporean-inspired prawn ramen with a touch of hawker-center spirit.