Papa Noodle

"Papa Noodle keeps it simple with just four things on the menu, and that’s exactly why we love it. This casual SoMa spot serves noodle bowls with pork or tofu, plus fried chicken wings and crispy tofu on the side. Prioritize the vegan Loma Noodle, packed with ginger, garlic, and caramelized onions, and throw in an order of the Win-Win Wings. Your order is usually ready in under 10 minutes, and there’s a free Pac-Man machine with a high score to beat while you wait. While Papa Noodle is well situated for a grab-and-go weekday lunch, we’d be happy to make the trip here for a bowl of handmade noodles even if it wasn’t a Wednesday afternoon between meetings." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"Papa Noodle is a casual spot for Chinese noodles in SoMa. The menu is simple—there are two bowls of housemade noodles (a pork version and a vegan one) and two sides (wings or tofu tots). We checked out Papa Noodle and added it to the Hit List." - julia chen 1

"Papa Noodle only has four menu items, but that’s all it needs. The Chinese spot in SoMa has two main dishes—bowls of handmade noodles with either pork or tofu. Fried chicken wings and crispy tofu round out the sides. The vegan Loma Noodle that feeds your nostrils with ginger, garlic, and caramelized onions should have a permanent spot on any order. And while it’d be tempting to get the whole menu in one go, prioritize the Win-win Wings over the slightly soggy Tofu Tots. video credit: Patrick Wong Alongside a short menu is an operation optimized for efficiency. Ordering happens at a couple of kiosks right by the door, drinks are self-serve from a big fridge (get the hard-to-find Walovi canned tea drink), and food is ready in under 10 minutes, even when the place is full. If you do have a few extra minutes, there's a free-to-play Pac-Man machine, plus a constant rotation of open seats thanks to the neighborhood’s office workers stopping in for a quick lunch. Whether you’re scarfing down noodles between meetings or lingering by the window to people-watch, Papa Noodle is an easy place to keep in rotation. Food Rundown video credit: Patrick Wong Papa Noodle We like both noodle options at Papa Noodle, but the namesake is our second choice because it’s a little greasy. photo credit: Patrick Wong Loma Noodle Our favorite thing on the menu. It’s just as rich and flavorful as the Papa Noodle, but more balanced thanks to the fried cubes of tofu and pickled veggies. photo credit: Patrick Wong Win-Win Wings Crispy, juicy, and just the right amount of spice. Each order comes with six wings. photo credit: Patrick Wong Super Tofu Tots They just work better with the Loma Noodle. On their own, they coating is a bit soggy and the spicy mayo sauce weighs them down. If you need another vegan option, they’ll get the job done, but the wings should take precedent otherwise." - Patrick Wong

"Offers two styles of noodle bowls and sides, focusing on perfected noodle recipes." - Dianne de Guzman