Casual
24 March 2025
Best noodles in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Top spots for the best noodles in town.
Top noodle spots in the city
There is something seriously comforting about a bowl of noodles. Thick, thin, spicy, fried, soup or dry, noodles always hit the spot. Here are our picks of the best noodles in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Miss Peppercorn
Establishing itself as a true Sumner destination, Miss Peppercorn doesn’t disappoint with a menu based around Sichuan peppercorns. Owner and operator Nicole Zou hails from the Chinese province of Sichuan, so prepare for a peppercorn kick. Star of the show? The biang biang noodles, named after the slapping sound the thick hand-pulled noodles make. Drizzled in a distinctive spicy sauce with vegetables, biang biang comes with beef, pork, chicken or vegetables.
Good for:
- Authentic Chinese
- Vegan / vegetarian friendly
- Gluten free friendly
- Seaside village vibes
Midnight Shanghai
Part of the same family as Eightgrains, Sushi Soldier, Ramen Ria, and more, Midnight Shanghai offers a sophisticated dining experience with spunk. Modern Chinese fare is their forte, with a menu designed for sharing. Coupled with cocktails and late-night karaoke, you’re in for a great night. Grab the Shanghai fried noodles with kong pao chicken or sticky pork ribs, and you’ll be transported to downtown Shanghai.
Good for:
- Modern Chinese
- Vegan / vegetarian friendly
- Gluten free friendly
- Central city dining
Ramen Ria
Ramen Ria has all the flavour and fun of Tokyo’s famous ramen joints. The menu boasts plenty of options but the most popular is the pork trio: a tonkotsu ramen with crispy pork belly, streaky maple bacon, and a soft-boiled soy egg. Whether you’re after a takeaway lunch, dinner with friends, or a persistent late-night craving, Ramen Ria’s neon signs will be a welcome sight.
Good for:
- Japanese ramen
- Vegan / vegetarian friendly
- Gluten free friendly
- Central city dining
Noodle Monk
Little High is your spot for sophisticated food court vibes. With eight local and family-run businesses, there’s plenty to choose from. Noodle Monk is the expert at fast, tasty, and soulful Thai street food. Unsurprisingly, their pad thai is a sure winner and guaranteed to satisfy. From humble food cart beginnings in 2015 , Noodle Monk has earned loyal fans and spots in Little High and Riverside.
Good for:
- Thai street food
- Vegan / vegetarian friendly
- Gluten free friendly
- Courtyard dining
Riccarton Noodle House
Riccarton Noodle House has been a local favourite for two decades. It’s a lively hub for Christchurch’s Cambodian community and anyone who appreciates great food. Plenty of their regulars grew up dining there and now bring their own bubs along for guaranteed satisfaction. Their must-order item is the chicken noodle soup — hot, brothy, noodle-laden, and full of tender chicken. Its nourishing flavours are the result of a homemade, low and slow broth-making process.
Good for:
- Cambodian
- Vegan / vegetarian friendly
- Gluten free friendly
- Casual dining
Thai Container
Thai Container has become a local legend since opening its converted shipping container doors. Many have stumbled across this unassuming gem and never turned back. Delivering tasty and cheap eats, their Pad Thai is one of the best in the city. Pro tip — head to their restaurant, Thai Box on St Asaph Street if you want to sit indoors.
Good for:
- Fast takeaway
- Vegan / vegetarian friendly
- Gluten free friendly
- Courtyard vibes
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