The best noodles in Melbourne

Melbourne’s noodle scene is as diverse as it is delicious. It offers everything from silky hand-pulled Lanzhou noodles to fiery Thai boat noodles. Whether after a quick bite or a comforting bowl of broth, these are the best spots to slurp.

Dao Noodle

Come for the noodles, stay for the show. The chefs at Dao use a special knife technique to shave up to 200 strands of noodles a minute. Steamed to lightly chewy perfection, you can order delicious bowls topped with fried pork, rich tomato and braised beef. The fried dumplings, endless pickled sides and Chinese 'burgers' are the perfect sides for a taste of authentic Shanxi cuisine.

Udon Yasan

For a fast, budget-friendly meal, Udon Yasan is the place to be. This no-fuss Japanese eatery serves fresh, handmade udon with a variety of toppings. You'll find classic tempura and hearty beef bowls. It’s a self-serve setup, so grab a tray, pick your noodles, and enjoy a steaming bowl of slurp-worthy goodness.

Soi 38

Once a hidden gem in a CBD car park, Soi 38 has relocated to Bourke Street, bringing its legendary Thai boat noodles with it. The expanded space means a bigger menu, and more seats. The menu features many snacks, but the boat noodles shine. The new bar serves Thai-inspired cocktails, making it an even better spot for a late-night noodle fix.

Lanzhou Beef Noodle

Serving up some of Melbourne’s best hand-pulled noodles, Lanzhou Beef Noodle specialises in fragrant, spice-laden beef noodle soup. The rich broth, simmered for hours with 18 different spices, is paired with springy noodles and tender beef shin. For spice lovers, the chilli-infused broth is a must—guaranteed to bring the heat.

Lulu’s CKT

For authentic Penang-style char koay teow, Lulu’s CKT delivers. It's noodles are smoky, wok-fried perfection. Owner Chee Wong serves up seven versions of this Malaysian street food staple, with options like jumbo prawns, blood cockles, or duck egg. Other must-tries include the Hokkien mee and loh mee soup noodles. Pair your bowl with a strong teh tarik and soak up the nostalgic, hawker-style vibe.

Biang Biang Noodles

At Biang Biang Noodles, thick, belt-like noodles from China’s Shaanxi province are served in rich, spicy sauces. Tossed in secret chilli oil, these hand-pulled noodles have a signature chew that makes them incredibly satisfying. The flaky Chinese rougamo burgers are another must-try.

Paik’s Noodle

This Korean chain is all about comforting noodle dishes with bold flavours. The standout is jjamppong—a fiery, seafood-laden noodle soup—but you’ll also find rich black bean jajangmyeon and crispy deep-fried pork with tangy sweet-and-sour sauce. Perfect for warming up on a cold Melbourne day.

Pinto Thai

Bringing the flavours of Bangkok to Melbourne, Pinto Thai specializes in boat noodles, packed with fragrant spices and rich, umami broth. Choose your noodle type, protein, and spice level for a customisable, ultra-flavourful experience that’s just as good as what you’d find on the streets of Thailand.

Yamamoto Udon

For fresh, handmade udon, Yamamoto Udon is a must-visit. The restaurant's noodle machine from Japan produces two varieties—thick, square Sanuki udon and ultra-wide, silky Himokawa udon. Whether you go for a light dipping broth, a classic beef udon, or a creamy salmon and mushroom variation, the texture is always spot-on.

Dolan Uyghur Cuisine

Bringing the flavours of the Silk Road to Melbourne, Dolan Uyghur Cuisine is best known for its dry stir-fried hand-pulled noodles. Tossed with tender lamb and crisp vegetables, this dish is a perfect balance of spice, chewiness, and wok-fired smokiness.

Maylasian Laksa House

A favourite for Malaysian comfort food, Malaysian Laksa House serves up one of the city’s best laksa bowls. The rich, coconut-based broth is packed with silky rice noodles, and your choice of toppings like chicken, beef, or tofu. It’s creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying.

Hakata Gensuke

A go-to for rich, creamy tonkotsu ramen, Hakata Gensuke is Melbourne’s gold standard for Hakata-style pork-bone broth. The Carlton location is the only spot in the city serving traditional Hakata-style pork belly, making it a must-visit for ramen lovers. Expect homemade noodles, and deeply flavoured broth that warms you to the core.

Colourful Yunnan

For a taste of one of China’s most famous noodle dishes, Colourful Yunnan serves Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles, a specialty from Kunming. This dish arrives with a boiling broth and separate ingredients—thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, and silky rice noodles—designed to be added to the bowl and cooked tableside.