Zanyu Asian Noodles

Zanyu Asian Noodles Review

Zanyu Asian Noodles is a fast-casual restaurant offering authentic Asian noodles with influences from Thailand, Malaysia, and other Asian cuisines.  The restaurant, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, is located in Raleigh’s Lafayette Village on 8450 Honeycutt Rd.

Chef Michael Bongiorno

Career Chef and Zanyu owner, Michael Bongiorno, has played an integral role in opening several new restaurants with Hyatt International.  In addition to his corporate experience, he has opened two of his own restaurants in Thailand.  Chef Bongiorno and his charming wife, Cresen Bongiorno, hosted a couple of food bloggers and me during their soft opening in 2018 and once again in 2019, in celebration of the Lunar New Year and Zanyu’s one year anniversary.

Khao Soi Noodle

One of my menu favorites, the Khao Soi Noodle, is representative of Zanyu’s exquisite presentation and flavors.  Spicy egg noodles swim in a Northern Thai chicken curry soup and are topped with tangled crispy noodles, cilantro, fried shallots, and pickled mustard greens.  Lime and roasted chili sauce are served on the side.  I love the different textures in this soup, but I am especially in awe of the spicy curried broth.

Wanton Noodle

Exhausted of North Carolina’s cold and rainy weather?  Zanyu’s Wanton Noodle may be the cure for this wretched winter.  Prior to my experience at Zanyu Asian Noodles, I never cared for wanton soup.  I find that dumplings often have a gummy texture, because they have been overcooked.  Zanyu’s wantons are fresh and are made in house daily.  After eating a bowl of Zanyu’s Wanton Noodle, you will immediately notice the delicate freshness of the hand-made dumplings.  The wantons in this dish are accompanied by thin egg noodles in a chicken broth.  All three items are topped with Charsui BBQ pork, bok choi, fried shallots, and pickled green chili.

In the event you do not fancy a soup, this dish also comes in a dry version called the Wanton Noodle Dry.  Thin egg noodles are tossed in a caramelized dark soy sauce and crispy dumplings.  Charsui BBQ pork, bok choi, fried shallots, and pickled green chili accompany the noodles and crispy dumplings.

Tuna with Soba

Not in the mood for pork or chicken?  No problem.  Consider the Tuna with Soba.  Black and white sesame seed encrusted ahi tuna sits on top of chilled buckwheat noodles.  The chilled soup is topped with ponzu dashi, edamame, shiso leaf, and micro greens. I can eat hot soup during both warm and cool temperatures.  Be that as it may, this dish is perfect for guests that are craving a chilled dish, especially as warmer temperatures approach.

Pork Belly Confit Miso Ramen

Zanyu Asian Noodles would not be a noodle spot unless Ramen was on the menu.  Lean caramelized pork belly, miso dashi, ajitsuke egg, scallions, inari tofu, and nori come together in the Pork Belly Confit Miso.  If you prefer your pork belly a little on the fattier side, like I do, you may want to ask if they can accommodate your order.

Zanyu Asian Noodles Beverages

Zanyu’s selection of beverages include water, teas, beer, soft drinks, and wine by the glass.  I have sampled the Golden Oolong Tea, Jasmine Green Tea and an unsweetened Bold Green Tea.  Although all teas are delicious, my favorite is the Golden Oolong Tea.  It is mild in flavor and is naturally sweet.

Dining at Zanyu Asian Noodles

Guests that visit the cozy fast-casual restaurant will find that the menu is small but has a variety of noodles and soups to accommodate all tastes.  Not to be overlooked are the fantastic appetizers, like the Pork Belly Bun, Sriracha Mayo Shrimp Bun, and the Green Beans with wasabi yuzu dressing.  Guests that experience Zanyu will also find that there is nothing fast-casual about the menu items flavors or exquisite presentation.  If you are a first time diner and are uncertain what to order, I highly recommend you start with my favorite, the Khao Soi Noodle.

PS: Loving this review of Zanyu Asian Noodles? Click here now for my review on Simply Crepes, another Raleigh favorite!