A new kind of library on Union Street
When Aberdeen welcomed a new library earlier this year, locals might have expected books. Instead, they found shelves stocked with noodles. The Noodle Library, at 164 Union Street in the city centre, is being described as the first of its kind in Aberdeen, even though the concept is already popular across Asia, as many social media videos show.
The self-service eatery says it is where "dining meets convenience". Instead of a set menu, customers shop for their ingredients and assemble their own ramen bowl. The Daily Record's Fashion & Beauty Writer Rachel Williams, who calls herself a foodie, stumbled across the place and was immediately intrigued. It had clearly become popular with locals, because her first attempt to get a seat was unsuccessful - the restaurant was so busy she had to rearrange and come back another day.
Twenty-five noodle varieties and a mini mart
When Williams returned on a quieter weekday with a friend, she finally found a table. The cosy, intimate setting meant she could enjoy her meal without feeling overwhelmed by other diners. The wall shelves were filled with 25 different noodle packets, ranging from the iconic Korean Buldak to the UK's favourite Super Noodles. With many spice levels and flavours to choose from, she took a while to decide, but eventually opted for a simple bowl of Korean chicken flavoured noodles - although she admitted she was seriously tempted to go wild and try something really spicy.
After picking up the noodles, she headed to the "mini mart" section at the back of the shop to choose toppings, drinks and snacks. It felt, she said, like visiting a supermarket while out for dinner. Among the toppings on offer, she chose the classic veggie gyoza, crispy onions, sesame seeds and green Bok Choy for crunch. She also grabbed cheese slices to mix through the hot noodles - something she encourages everyone to try before judging.
Side dishes, treats and a pricey total
The fridges hold side dishes such as onigiri, the seaweed-wrapped rice cakes, which Williams thought a great idea for anyone wanting to expand their palate beyond noodles. To complete the experience, she added some treats for dessert: shelves of Asian branded chocolate biscuits and Lay's Crisps were available, and a box of caramel flavoured Hello Panda biscuits landed on her tray. She noted that this is probably a way to make customers spend more money.
Once she had paid, the total - including an iced lemonade - came to over £15. While she knew it would not be as cheap as eating at home, the price still came as a surprise, especially since ramen is a dish she often makes herself. The staff, she said, were super helpful in showing her how to operate the futuristic hot water machines with their many buttons and functions.
Freshly prepared and satisfying, but at a cost
Her bowl was prepared right after she served herself, so it was freshly made and hot - not reheated under a heat lamp like at some other eateries. The portion size was significant, and the toppings added extra crunch and flavour. By the end of the meal, she felt thoroughly satisfied with a full belly.
In terms of quality, Williams had no complaints. But she did question whether paying over £15 for something she can essentially make at home was a little steep. Still, she said The Noodle Library offers something fun and exciting that Aberdeen has never seen before, and as an independent store it stands out. Having loved the ramen and the shelves of noodles, she felt "like a kid in a candy store" and did not regret her visit one bit.
That said, the not-so-cheap price tag means she may have to limit her visits, depending on her willpower.
