7 of the best noodles in Ōtautahi Christchurch

32 Nayland Street, Sumner

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

101/96 Oxford Terrace, Riverside Market

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

3/112 Oxford Terrace, Riverside Market

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

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 are experts 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 have earned loyal fans and spots in Little High and Riverside.

Good for:        

• Thai street food
• Vegan / vegetarian friendly
• Gluten free friendly
• Courtyard dining

107 Riccarton Road, Riccarton

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 a 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

151 Bealey Avenue, Edgeware

The 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 - order ahead of time. Weekends will find them busy pumping out delicious takeaways to feed the hoards.

Good for:

• Fast takeaway
• Vegan / vegetarian friendly
• Gluten free friendly
• Courtyard vibes