As someone of Chinese descent, I’m usually always looking for good Asian eats in the area! And so I was a bit curious when I saw Q Noodles pop onto my social media feed. A quick look at the online menu (they don’t have a full website), and I see a variety of interesting menu items, but I’m not sure if they are covering a regional type menu. Well, the only way to find out is to go check them out personally! And after three visits, I can say they are doing a lot of things right, but yes, I still have some questions! Read on to find out why…
Q Noodles, Cary – Location, Interior
If you’re looking for Q Noodles, it’s a bit tricky to find! Located in the old Banana Leaf space, Q Noodles sits on the side of the main plaza. It’s a busy area with Komana Brewing, Andias Ice Cream, and much more. Inside Q Noodles, the space hasn’t changed much and is somewhat bare-bones. But not a bad thing in my book when it comes to Chinese food! Oftentimes, simpler is better, especially if you’re looking for more authentic Chinese eats. The dining room is primarily 4-tops, and the room to the side is often used for larger parties. A counter in the back fronts the kitchen, and there’s a specials whiteboard menu on the wall; don’t miss out!
Q Noodles, Cary – Menu, Food
Now the main reason why I like Q Noodles so much is that they serve up a wide variety of interesting dishes spanning typical menus. Start off with the popular spicy potato tower! It reminds me a bit of those fried potato chips you get at the state fair; imagine a spiral of thin-cut potato that has been fried and dusted with some spiciness, fun and tasty! Classic spicy Chinese cucumber features smashed cucumber pieces bathed in a chili-garlic sauce, a refreshing start to your meal. And the spicy wontons are room temperature, cooked wontons also in a spicy oil and a bit of peanut butter, a classic dish. Checking out the Q Noodles menu, there’s plenty to choose from! It feels like a “greatest hits: menu of Chinese favorites spanning multiple regions, but I was told the family originates from the Chongqing area in central China.
Moving on to the mains and/or larger dishes on the Q Noodle menus, you’ll find the favorite soup dumplings, otherwise known as xiao long bao (XLB). These are delicate and tender dumplings that are steamed with a bit of gelatin broth inside and a meat (protein). As they get steamed, broth is created inside the dumpling. You usually eat them on a spoon, take a bite to release the heat/broth and eat it as it cools down. Q Noodle offers XLM with pork, crab, and more, dee-licious!
And of course you’d have to try out their namesake dishes around noodles! Sichuan beef noodle soup is a steaming hot ceramic bowl of beef slices and fragrant beef broth, excellent. And the scallion noodles with chicken feature thin noodles with slices of roasted, marinated chicken on top, corn and lima beans to the side. And don’t miss the classic pork chop and rice, a sliced fried pork filet served up with meat sauce, soy egg, and veggies. A satisfying and filling bowl. There is a ton of variety on the menu here, and if you’re willing to explore, I’m pretty sure you’ll quickly find some Chinese favorites.
Q Noodles, Cary – Service, Conclusion
Service at Q Noodles is pretty durn good. They get your order quickly, food is cooked to order but usually is served up quickly, and the bill comes quickly when requested. The restaurant gets busy, but the staff is experienced and can handle the rush. Q Noodles feels like a family-run restaurant, and from what I understand, they have a second location in Charlottesville, VA, along with a newer concept in S. Durham called U Noodles (teriyaki).
And while I know the food at Q Noodles may not be primarily a specific type of regional Chinese eats, I do know that it is delicious! As a food blogger, I’m usually chasing down the newest, bestest spot around, but often enough or not, I quietly return to some of my favorites. And Q Noodles has become one of them. A place that serves up consistent deliciousness at a great price. Unpretentious, simple, and always a great meal. And I think Q Noodles is just that. I don’t think that I’m the only one who feels that way because usually their dining room is pretty busy with local Caryites.
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