Lower Nob Hill's Mensho Tokyo, the brand's only location outside of Tokyo, serves decadent and creative ramens like spicy lamb ramen. Photo courtesy of the SF Chronicle.

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There’s a world of noodle-eating etiquette in parts of Asia that we in the Bay Area don’t really practice, yet might be familiar with. For instance, the tradition of slurping one’s noodles is expected in China and Japan and is done as a way to cool them and awaken the olfactory system, which enhances their taste. If so inclined, and in the company of other slurpers, go ahead and slurp your soba, udon and vermicelli at any of the BARTable restaurants listed below.

San Francisco

Spicy pork ramen is a favorite at Chubby Noodle. Photo courtesy of Chubby Noodle.

Chubby Noodle | Montgomery St

A variety of noodles can be found on Chubby Noodle’s menu. Some end up in Asian soups while others end up mixed with Thai, Chinese and Mexican flavors and accompaniments. This stylish and lively spot in North Beach also has a full bar offering lots of creative cocktails. Tuesdays are dedicated to wide noodles, aka Fat Noodle Tuesdays. Chubby Noodle is at 570 Green St and is 0.9 miles from Montgomery St.

Explore dunking your noodles in broth at the Mission's Taishoken. Photo courtesy of Taishoken.

Taishoken | 16th St Mission

More and more ramen haunts offer tsukemen, the practice of dipping noodles in the broth. Besides this special dish, Taishoken also offers ramen and broth together. Options include pork or chicken broth and soba or udon noodles. This is the second US location, the first popped up in San Mateo in 2019. This Mission District location is very popular, so consider making a reservation. Travel 0.3 miles from 16th St Mission to Taishoken at 665 Valencia St.

Creative udon soups and other Japanese dishes at Mid-Market's Kagawa-Ya Udon. Photo courtesy of Kagawa-Ya Udon.

Kagawa-Ya Udon | Civic Center/UN Plaza

All hail the Sanuki-style udon. The couple that runs Kagawa-Ya Udon serves their house-made square-shaped noodles cold and hot and ages them for two days before adding them to various broths. Housed in the Weebly building on Van Ness Ave, this fast-casual restaurant is super convenient for the mid-market crowd. From Civic Center/UN Plaza, it’s a quick 0.1-mile trip to 1455 Market St.

Volcano Noodles from Farmhouse Kitchen not only make a statement, but they also taste amazing. Photo courtesy of Farmhouse Kitchen.

Farmhouse Kitchen | 16th St Mission

Farmhouse Kitchen’s Volcano Noodles don’t just look good, they actually taste amazing. Thanks to copious amounts of peppercorns and krachai, a Thai favorite Rhizome, the noodles are pretty spicy. Accompany your order of noodles with a signature cocktail like the Permanent Vacation. From 16th St Mission, travel 0.8 miles to Farmhouse Kitchen at 710 Florida St.

East Bay

Yummy dry and brothy noodles from Oakland's Huangcheng Noodle House. Photo courtesy of EaterSF.

Huangcheng Noodle House | 12th St Oakland/City Center

This family-run Chinese restaurant serves various noodle types in and out of the broth. They specialize in Sichuan Chongqing noodle soup and Shanxi-style knife-cut noodles. It’s no wonder there are so many noodle options! Located inside Oakland’s historic Swan’s Market, this bustling lunch and dinner spot serves large portions with various heat levels. Ask your server for spice levels depending on your tolerance. From 12th St Oakland/City Center, Huangcheng Noodle House at 911 Washington St is only 0.2 miles.

Enjoy "noodling" your way around at El Cerrito's Noodle Fresh. Photo courtesy of Noodles Fresh.

Noodles Fresh | El Cerrito

This unassuming, yet bustling restaurant is known for its Jiangxi stir-fried noodles, Dan Dan Sichuan noodles and spicy lamb soup from Northern China, among other regional Chinese noodle dishes. This location opened in 2015 and continues to be a beacon for noodle fans in the area. The menu is like a crash course in Chinese food history. Travel 0.3 miles from El Cerrito to Noodles Fresh at 10042 San Pablo Ave.

Oakland's Itani Ramen puts a modern twist on classic ramen broths and noodles. Photo courtesy of Itani Ramen.

Itani Ramen | 19th St Oakland

Itani Ramen is the second of three Oakland restaurants owned by chef Kyle Itani. His first, Hopscotch, was an instant hit. In 2016, Itani opened this ramen and izakaya spot where diners can enjoy modern interpretations of ramen like oxtail with sweet potatoes and garlic chives. He recently parlayed his knack for creating successful businesses into a new hand roll dining establishment, Yonsei Handrolls. From 19th St Oakland, travel 0.1 miles to Itani Ramen at 1736 Telegraph Ave.

Fresh basil, sprouts and chiles enhance the noodle soups at Pho Benny. Photo courtesy of Pho Benny.

Pho Benny | Lafayette

Phở, like ramen, has become a classic comfort-food dish for countless Bay Area residents. Silky vermicelli noodles and unctuous bone broth provide the base for endless protein and vegetable additions. Consider meatballs in your soup! There are lots of other Vietnamese favorites like clay pot rice and banh mi sandwiches on the menu. Pho Benny is 0.3 miles from Lafayette at 965 Mountain View Dr.

Where do you go to slurp your noodles?

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