DINE
hef Mike Nguyen started his culinary career at one of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants and worked in kitchens throughout the country before landing in San Antonio. After years of dreaming about a place of his own, he began hosting ramen popups and launched a food truck in 2018, before opening his first restaurant in January. From the outside, Noodle Tree looks like an everyday restaurant, but it’s quickly become one of the best places for ramen in San Antonio. No, this eatery doesn’t have frills, but it doesn’t need them to sell food this good. The house Hakata ramen, made with scallions, burnt garlic oil, pickled shitake mushrooms, chashu pork and a six-minute egg, adapts to the seasons – offering a lighter taste and broth during the summer months and a heartier bowl when it's cold out. The kimchi ramen offers a fresh taste with bite and pairs well alongside straightforward menu sides like chicken karage, edamame or pulled-pork bao buns, which tend to go fast. Whatever you do, ask for the house-made hot sauce, Liquid Rage, and wash it all down with some refreshing Calpico Soda.
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7114 UTSA Blvd, Unit 101, San Antonio, 78249 (210) 233-6371 facebook.com/noodletreetx
LEA THOMPSON
COURTESY OF NOODLE TREE
LEA THOMPSON
Noodle Tree
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