Nestled near the front of World Showcase between Mexico and the Brew Wing Lab, sits The Noodle Exchange. With a menu full of comforting ramen soup, it’s bound to leave you wondering – who is ordering hot soup in the 100 degree Florida weather??
It’s us, the answer is us. As self proclaimed
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The good news is, there are plenty of tables in the area of The Noodle Exchange, and it’s just a short walk to Brew Wing Lab at the Odyssey if you prefer to eat indoors. The bad news is, there’s not much to write home about on this menu.
2024 Noodle Exchange Menu
We recently shared the full menu and booth list’s where we learnt there are no new additions in 2024. Sure, you could say there’s no reason to change a good thing. But even if that’s true it might be time for a change.
Ramen with Shaved Beef
Described as a savory bowl of ramen featuring tender shaved beef, shiitake mushrooms, pickled carrots, and daikon radish, with a kick from shaved spicy peppers, topped with a soy egg and served in a citrus-sesame broth, this dish should bring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
But our experience left a lot to be desired. The broth was overly salty but otherwise bland. The beef is well cooked and tender, but lacks any depth of flavor. Similarly the pickled vegetables added a much needed crunch, but the flavors failed to stand out or add any noticeable contribution.
We scored this dish 3 out 5, as it was so close but missed the mark.
Thai Shrimp with Rice Noodles
We’ve not yet gotten to try the Thai Shrimp with Rice Noodles Shiitake Mushrooms and Basil in Coconut-Curry Broth.
It looks promising and the variation of noodle texture should be a big complement to the dish.
Ramen with Tofu
This dish contains Shiitake Mushrooms, Pickled Carrots and Daikon Radish, Shaved Spicy Peppers and Baby Bok Choy in Citrus-Sesame Broth.
The way this dish is described – with such a wide variety of ingredients and tastes sets a pretty high expectation. Maybe it’s my own fault for going in with any expectations, but once again it fell flat.
I eat a lot of plant-based dishes, and they tend to be more flavor pact than menu items that rely on meat to fill that need. And it’s beyond me how any bowl of soup with jalapenos and onions could possibly be bland. But here we are, bland and salty. Again. 2 out of 5 stars, because I actually hate the texture of this tofu.
Parish Brewing Co. Strawberry Mochi, Broussard, LA
It’s not all bland at The Noodle Exchange though! We also tried the Strawberry Mochi beer and it. is. to. die. for.
This crisp, refreshing, brew has a bright and warm palette. I’d group with ciders and sours, but has a stronger vanilla undertone that rounds the whole thing out.
I’m giving this 5 out of 5 stars and I’d like to know where I can purchase some to take home.
Pacific Rim Solstice Vineyard Old Vine Riesling, Yakima Valley, WA
This Washington State Riesling is on our try list this year! Given the strong salty flavors from pretty much every dish on this menu, a dry wine like this should pair well and help cut through.
