Noodling Around Town

by Matt Dye

One of the often underrated staples to a number of quality meals is the noodle. Available in many different forms, noodles are a versatile tool used to bring entire dishes together, yet they’re often forgotten in lieu of proteins and sauces. But this month, we’re putting the spotlight on the versatility of pasta.

Pho World, located at 4415 Nelson Road in the Country Club Plaza, is a staple in Lake Charles, offering a variety of Vietnamese dishes, but none more tasty than their Pad Fried Pho, made with rice noodles. Rice noodles tend to be on the slender side, made with rice flour. Pho World offers different options, but the clear winner is their House Special, with pan fried rice noodles sautéed in a broth, then cooked with beef, chicken, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts, onions, and green onions. That’s a meal worth coming back for.

Also in the Country Club Plaza, China One offers some of the best Chinese food, and you can watch them make it. With noodles in mind, this is the place to go for Chicken Lo Mein. Lo mein noodles are thick, sturdy egg noodles usually in the shape of a ribbon. Chicken Lo Mein consists of chicken, a variety of vegetables including carrots, onions, and bell pepper, sautéed in a lo mein sauce—a dish sure to fill you up without any issue.

Thai Lake Charles is a newer addition to the SWLA culinary scene, but it’s a must try at 809 E. Prien Lake. One of the star items on their menu is the Pad Mai Thai, featuring clear glass noodles. Glass noodles are usually made from a starch such as a bean starch and are as clear as their name implies. Stir fried with egg, onions, carrots, celery, and bell pepper, this is a great dish for a quick meal that won’t weigh you down the rest of the day.

If you’re craving some ramen, Koko Ramen at 1748 W. Prien Lake has you covered. With more than 10 different offerings, the hardest part is settling on which one to try first. Something as simple as the Wonton Ramen is served with ramen noodles, chicken broth, spinach seasoned egg, green onion, and a chicken wonton. But you could also up the ante and go for the Super Yummy Ramen, which has an abundance of ingredients.

Finally, there’s the Italians. They’ve gone all in on the noodle with not just spaghetti, but lasagna, fettuccine, ravioli, and the list goes on. A good place to try a few of these pastas is at Joe’s Pizza and Pasta at 1601 Ruth St. in Sulphur, where the best two items on the menu might be the Baked Ziti or the Lobster Ravioli, according to personal preference.