Beat the summer heat with a bowl of cold noodles in London. It's the perfect choice for a light, refreshing meal with rising temperatures in the city.
If you think cold noodles sound weird, prepare to have your mind blown when you try out these slurp-worthy savoury goodness.
Discover some of London's best cold noodle spots, from Korean cold noodles (Naengmyeon) and Japanese Zaru soba and Hiyashi udon to Chinese Liang Pi and Liang Mian.
Skip to the end for a quick roundup of the best chilled bowls in the city.
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Hozi (Best Korean Cold Noodles in London)
Tucked away in Holborn is Hozi, a small Korean eatery. They're a solid favourite among overseas students for the affordable prices and authentic flavours. For many Londoners craving Korean cold noodles, this is the go-to spot.
You must order their Mul Naengmyun, Korean buckwheat noodles in a clear beef-based broth with ice. They also serve this chilled dish with beef strips, pear, and a boiled egg on top.
We've tried several spots searching for the best Korean cold noodles in London, and nowhere has come close to this flavourful icy broth.
Hozi
25 - 27 Theobalds Rd, London WC1X 8SP
Noodle and Beer
For spice lovers, make your way to Noodle and Beer and try their Liang Pi, a Xi'an speciality. Liang pi, or cold skin noodles, is a popular street food in China during the summer.
Famous for their dedication to spicy Sichuan dishes, there's no surprise that Noodle and Beer does this cooled dish justice with the right amount of kick.
The bouncy cold skin noodles are served with puff dried tofu, cucumber seaweed and spring onion. Mix it up with their homemade chilli sauce, and you have a deliciously refreshing spicy mess.
Read our interview with Founder Xiao Xiao Wang.
Noodle and Beer
31 Bell Ln, London E1 7LA
Koya
Koya has long been serving Londoners their speciality, udon. Your visit on a hot summer day is incomplete without grabbing a bowl of their Hiyashi udon.
Their changing menu of chilled udon has us returning every year without fail. The simplicity of their udon dish allows you to taste the mild flavours of udon and enjoy the springy, doughy texture which Koya is known for.
Try their Hiyashi udon with a range of sauces and toppings, from sweet tofu, spring onion, smoked mackerel, and lamb mince.
Koya
Various locations across London
Murger Han
Known for its hand-pulled noodles, Murger Han is one of our favourites to go for a bowl of dry, spicy goodness. However, their cold sesame noodles are perfect in the city's hot summer.
Their homemade silky smooth wheat noodles are cooked and cooled. They are then mixed with thinly sliced cucumber and beansprouts to contrast with the rich, creamy sesame sauce.
Equally moreish and satisfying as their spicy hot dishes but without the heat. Indeed, it is our favourite spot for cold sesame noodles in London.
Murger Han
Various locations across London
Eat Tokyo
While many people queue up for Eat Tokyo's affordable sushi, we want to introduce you to their green tea zaru soba.
Cold soba noodles are traditionally served on a bamboo sieve (zaru) once they are boiled and chilled. Then, you dip them into a thin cooled soy sauce broth. You can change and enhance the flavour by adding toppings like spring onion, white sesame, and wasabi to the broth.
At Eat Tokyo, the chefs add a twist by infusing matcha with the zaru soba. This gives it a fun green colour with a subtle earthy flavour.
So, if you've never tried Zaru soba, have fun slurping away with this simple dish. It is hands down one of the best cold noodles in London.
Eat Tokyo
Various locations across London
Liu Xiao Mian
Located in the Jackalope pub at Marylebone, this small spicy noodle bar has a loyal fan base for its authentic Chongqing offering.
Try their new Chongqing Liang Mian, cold wheat noodles topped with beansprouts and cucumber. It's also a vegan-friendly option that's light yet flavourful.
Liu Xiao Mian
The Jackalope, 43 Weymouth Mews, London W1G 7EQ
Jin Go Gae
Jin Go Gae is one of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in London. They are located in New Malden, Korea town, and their bibim naengmyeon is a must-try.
Bibim naengmyeon, spicy Korean cold noodles, come with a slightly spicy dressing made from a mix of red chilli paste, vinegar, and sugar. Finally, their spicy cold buckwheat noodles are topped with sliced beef, egg, pear and sweet radish.
Jin Go Gae
272 Burlington Rd, New Malden KT3 4NL
Best Korean Cold Noodles in London
Best Japanese Cold Noodles in London
Best Chinese Liang Mian in London
Think there's a place to contest the best naengmyeon or cold noodles in London? Help us expand our list by letting us know at contact@honestfoodtalks.com.
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