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| - Noodlecat has the unfortunate advantage of being one of the sole ramen experiences in Cleveland. The joint looks like a winner, seems to have all the ingredients that would lead to success - the logo is adorable, service is not bad, and the menu items read appetizing and creative. But the nasty consequence of having no competition is just that - Noodlecat does not have to try. Marketing "Asian fusion" while serving instant noodles in bland, flavorless broth makes me question whether the chef understands what Asian fusion is - or if he has ever had real, authentic ramen to begin with.
You can't create a fusion restaurant without first understanding the authentic roots of the cuisine you serve. And Noodlecat is nowhere near where they need to be. I ordered the Crispy Short Rib Ramen. New experience: I didn't think it was possible to wash out the flavor of kimchi before trying this dish.
Ramen isn't about noodles so much as it is about broth, and this dark broth tasted like hot water - I had to ask the waitress for salt. Noodles were crimped and flavorless like instant noodles. The short ribs were tough, bland, and doused in a greasy sauce.
We also ordered pork steam buns - bun was wet and greasy, messy to eat. They spritzed our edamame with lemon and something else; a bold move, but it didn't do much for my palate.
Why is Noodlecat still around despite less than stellar food? Probably because they offer a cheap "almost ramen" to clientele that do not know better. I guarantee this place would not survive in a bigger city, where it would have to answer to competition, or at the very least, a more diverse population that won't stand for bland broth.
I really wanted to like Noodlecat as a native Clevelander, but until their chef gets it together, they are a no-go for me. It is unfair not to make an effort just because you can. I hope in the future they'll do Cleveland justice and step it up.
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