What do you get if you pair up the co-founder of Ottolenghi with the founder of a noodle empire? It turns out that a Taiwanese noodle bar in Covent Garden is the answer. The business duo in question are Noam Bar-Chang (Ottolenghi's right-hand man) and Chris Hsu the man behind the best-selling Taiwanese noodles brand in the UK, Kung Fu Mama. They've gone into business to open a noodle bar on Long Acre that'll focus on the company's sun-dried noodles.
Although mostly a grab-and-go spot there will be nine seats inside and a few more outdoors. On the launch menu dishes will include:
- Chicken thighs in ginger and sesame sauce
- Beef in a lightly spiced Sichuan pepper sauce
- Mapo tofu with spicy minced pork
- Portobello mushrooms in an umami-rich three-cup sauce.
It's not all about the noodles though, with bao sandwiches, dressed veggies and shaved ice on offer too. They're also at pains to stress that the menu is going to be super healthy, with the kitchen oven baking rather than frying, swapping seed oil for olive oil and keeping salt, sugar and fat levels to a minimum.
"I am incredibly proud of the work we have done with Ottolenghi in revolutionising the global perception of Middle Eastern food," says Noam, "and Chris and I can’t wait to do the same with Taiwanese food."
More about Kung Fu Mama
Where is it? 80 Long Acre, London WC2E 9NG
When does it open? 8 April 2025. 50% off all food during soft launch week 8th – 11th April (11am – 3pm): 50% off all food 8-11 April (11am – 3pm)
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @kungfumama_uk
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