Lucky old Dalston residents will soon be getting a new Vietnamese noodle joint in the form of Salvation in Noodles or SIN for short ("We're going to SIN tonight...you?") It's the brainchild of Colin Tu, whose work in foodie circles you might know as he's also one half of the burger duo Big Dirty Burger. Colin's lived round these here parts for over 30 years but is of Vietnamese origin.
Salvation will be a Vietnamese noodle restaurant offering regional noodle dishes from across Vietnam. The menu will be split evenly between noodle soup dishes and vermicelli noodle salads. There will also be a social option to the menu to encourage sharing which will be their take on Vietnamese street food favourites.
"The food can only be described as home-style cooking," Colin told Hot Dinners. "It will definitely be stronger in taste compared to what's available out there right now and will not be shy from sticking to original ingredients how you will find them served in Vietnam. I am hoping to introduce weekly specials once we are opened fully and want to introduce dishes that are not yet available on the market such as Mi Quang and Bun Oc amongst others.
A sample menu might include Phu Quoc Wings (crispy chicken wings tossed in fish sauce and crispy garlic) or Goi Ga Xe Phay (shredded chicken, Vietnamese herbs with black sesame crackers) and Goi Du Du (crunchy papaya, crispy anchovies with lotus root chips). Hot and cold noodle dishes range from Bun Rieu (crab noodle soup garnished with prawns and pork belly) and Bun Nem Nuong (grilled pork patties) or Bun Bo La Lot (beef in betel leaf).
The wine list has been worked up with Louisa Makwart from Borough Wines and it ought to be good as Louisa's Dad has been living in Vietnam for the past 10 years so she knows what goes with Vietnamese dishes. There'll also be beer from Crate brewery and soft drinks from Dalston Cola.
Salvation in Noodles soft opens with a reduced menu from February 28 to 13 March 2014 at 122 Balls Pond Road N1 4AE. On their first night they'll be offering 25% off the food bill. Follow them @SINDALSTON
