A new build-your-own Hong Kong cart noodle stall just quietly opened inside one of Richmond’s hidden food courts.
Well, hidden from non-locals anyway.
On a Monday afternoon, we discovered that the big wooden boards next to the cake stall had been taken down to reveal a new compact stall.
Chow Noodles (周記滷水車仔麵) is a new Hong Kong-style cart noodle stall that features soy-braised broth and meats.
The staff shared with us that Sunday was actually their first day.
Based on our detective work, Chow Noodles may have a connection to the previous The Remix Restaurant.
Yes, the flashy Chinese fusion restaurant that got replaced by Pho 37 at Diabete’s Plaza.
Anyway – like most cart noodle concepts, you grab the order sheet, pick a broth first, then a noodle base, then your toppings.
You can keep it simple with two toppings for $12.99 or load it up for extra cost with beef, pork, seafood, eggs, vegetables, and tofu items in one bowl.
You’ll see that, unlike other cart noodle shops in Richmond, their broth options are more limited, but also a bit more specialized.
No basic herbal chicken broth here!
The owner is helpful too, pointing out the house signature chili soy broth and adjusting the spice by putting the chili on the side.
Instead of forcing you into the spicy version, they give you control over the heat.
The broth has that darker soy-braised colour with a glossy layer on top, closer to a richer braising liquid than a light noodle soup.
The flat rice noodles soak up the savoury base, which works well with that style of broth.
The beef brisket lands on the heavier comfort-food side, with small chunks of braised beef with a bit of fatty edge clinging to the sauce.
The fish balls bring the opposite texture, bouncy and golden the way Hong Kong noodle soups usually deliver them.
There are also greens, cilantro, green onion, and a big piece of daikon to break up the richness.
The chili sauce on the side is a smart touch, letting you taste the broth first before committing to a fully spicy bowl.
We did add it near the end of our meal and it definitely adds a big kick!
When we went, drinks (non-pop) were unavailable.
So you’ll have to grab an ice lemon tea from another stall.
But Chow Noodles is another decent, affordable lunch addition to the food court.
Nowadays, any new spot offering food for below $14 is a welcome addition in our books.
Ivy’s plan: hit it on a weekday lunch when the food court is full of mall workers and the noodle slip system can keep up with the line.
Chow Noodles joins a wave of recent Richmond openings, including Cafe Gloucester, Mui Hung Kee, and Korean Hot Chicken.
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Address: Pacific Plaza Food Court, Richmond, BC