For carb lovers, noodles are the ultimate go-to—quick, comforting, and satisfying. Global Observer explored some of Boston’s best international noodle spots worth trying, from Vietnamese pho to Japanese ramen and udon.
Yume Ga Arukara
$$ / Japanese, Udon / 70 Pier 4 Blvd. #260, Boston, MA 02210
- Taste & Quality: 4.5/5
- Ambience: 3.5/5
- Value for Money: 3.5/5
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Service: 4/5
Located in Boston’s Seaport and Cambridge’s Porter Square, Yume Ga Arukara almost always has a long line outside. Known for its freshly hand-pulled udon noodles and rich, distinctive broth, the restaurant went viral on social media. The menu is simple, just udon and a few drinks.
I’ve been there more than five times since I discovered it. Even though there‘s usually a line, the wait never exceeds 20 minutes.
Their Spicy Cold Niku Udon($17) is an absolute must-try. The layers of flavor are impressive—the homemade chili paste has an aromatic, subtly nutty fragrance. At the same time, the crispy tempura batter stays surprisingly crunchy, offering a delightful contrast to the fresh, chewy noodles. The slightly salty sauce perfectly coats each strand, and the dried shrimp adds a subtle touch of seaside umami.
The beef is optional for me, but the soft-boiled egg is essential. It brings a creamy, silky richness that beautifully ties the whole dish together.
Personally, I find the hot udon less exciting. The crispy tempura batter tends to lose its crunch in the hot broth, taking away what I consider the soul of the dish.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
$$ / Japanese, Ramen / 66 Hereford St, Boston, MA 02115
- Taste & Quality: 4/5
- Ambience: 3/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Service: 4/5
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is an authentic ramen shop located in Back Bay, Harvard Square, and Allston. If you’re a carb lover, their ramen combo (regular size: $21.25) is the perfect choice. Dipping the rice into their rich, silky soup is pure comfort. Their signature Shio Ramen(regular size: $16.25) features a silky tonkotsu broth seasoned simply with salt, topped with kikurage mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and pork slices.
Because of its popularity, you might end up sharing tables with strangers, which could spark interesting conversations. It’s an ideal spot for a quick, comforting meal and perhaps making some new friends along the way.
Saigon Fusion
$$$ / Vietnamese, Pho / 201 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115
- Taste & Quality: 5/5
- Ambience: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 3.5/5
- Uniqueness: 5/5
- Service: 3.5/5
Personally, I think Saigon Fusion, located in Back Bay, is Boston’s best Pho spot—but be prepared for at least a 40-minute wait. It seems like the owner opens the doors whenever they feel like it, so double-check before heading over!
The atmosphere is dimly lit with soothing music, making it ideal for dates or group gatherings. The lengthy wait actually gives you plenty of time to catch up or enjoy some casual conversation.
Their signature Pho with Ribs (regular size:$24.50) is absolutely worth the wait. The clear, aromatic broth is uniquely refreshing, and the slow-cooked ribs are so tender they fall right off the bone. A generous serving of bean sprouts and basil adds a unique fragrance. If you’ve got the time, try this hidden gem!
Pho Basil
$$ / Vietnamese, Pho / 177 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115
- Taste & Quality: 4/5
- Ambience: 4.5/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
- Uniqueness: 3.5/5
- Service: 4.5/5
If you‘re looking for good Vietnamese pho with quick service, Pho Basil is an excellent choice for a fast lunch or dinner. They offer both spicy and non-spicy options. Their Dac Biet($15.95), served in a clear, flavorful broth, is definitely worth trying. It comes with thin, tender slices of beef, beef tripe, and meatballs, topped with cilantro and onions. It’s a healthy and comforting bowl of noodle soup.
If you love spicy food, don’t hesitate to ask for their chili pastes. One is nutty and oily, perfect for adding depth to the broth; the other is sour and spicy, ideal for dipping the meat. Together, they take the pho to another level of flavor and fun.
Symphony Sushi
$$ / Japanese, Ramen / 45 Gainsborough St, Boston, MA 02115
- Taste & Quality: 3.5/5
- Ambience: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
- Uniqueness: 4/5
- Service: 4.5/5
Symphony Sushi is always my go-to restaurant near campus. And its spicy kimchi seafood ramen($18) with creamy soup base is definitely satisfying for colder weather or rainy days. It comes with assorted seafood, veggies, and eggy ramen.
Besides the ramen, I recommend trying their coconut matcha. It is a surprising mix of the coconut water’s sweetness and the matcha’s bitterness. It was so refreshing, but also provided a good amount of caffeine to start the day.
