Jea Kim
Google
A quick noodle fix with a fusion twist.
As a casual noodle bar chain, Soup Shack offers a variety of Asian noodles and light Japanese bites. While the Porter Square area is full of excellent Japanese fast food options, Soup Shack stands out for its eclectic mix of Asian noodle dishes, ranging from Thai noodles and Pho to Ramen, all served with impressive speed – usually within five minutes.
The appetizers I tried were solid. The Agedashi Tofu and Chicken Karaage were both executed well. However, the entrées were either hit or miss. Sautéed in spicy garlic sauce, the Spicy Cha She was an enjoyable dish. The dirty ramen and tonkatsu ramen, on the other hand, had a peculiar sweet aftertaste that made it feel like an unexpected Thai-Japanese fusion. This somewhat overshadowed the savoriness of the broth, so it was slightly off-putting for me.
Soup Shack is still an ideal spot if you’re looking for a quick, no-frills meal. Not sure if I would try their noodles again, but I might drop by for their other entrées.