NOODLES & DUMPLINGS

“One gives birth to two. Two give birth to the third. Three gives birth to the multitude.” These lines from the Tao To Ching perfectly capture the essence of NoDu. A single ingredient (exquisite flour) gives birth to two foods (noodles and dumplings) which are transformed by “three” (our expert chefs) into endless variations of delight, using authentic spices, herbs, proteins and closely-guarded ingredients. The commitment to truly mastering a simple foundation—flour and water—is the base that has been fulfilling hungry appetites for centuries. The creativity in varying their preparation is what intrigues and thrills today’s modern pallets.

A dumpling takes shape in mere seconds, but the skill and technique of its creation spans millennia. As you watch the hypnotic rhythm of the old woman’s hands repeating the motions engrained in her muscles, you are witnessing pure alchemy.

Like diners on the streets of any Chinese city, you’ll be drawn into the spectacle of preparation. Guests from Asia will instantly feel at home, while Western diners will be intrigued by the eye-catching and emblematic performance.

These transformations are guided by expert hands that encompass the feminine and masculine energies of Nodu—the delicate wrapping of the dumplings and the strength of pulling tenacious dough into long distinctive shapes. Thus, the “characters” that create our cuisine—unique to each location—become a critical part of the Nodu experience.

Although representative and fictionalized, there are “Yangs” and “Mrs. Li’s” to be found across China—and beyond. These personas that provide Nodu’s inspiration can help our guests truly appreciate the centuries-long traditions that go into to producing delicious and innovative results—millions of times per day—all across Asia.

MRS. LI, THE DUMPLING LADY

Wrapping, squeezing and pinching an endless line of dumplings with astounding accuracy and speed, Mrs. Li has dedicated her life to crafting these emblems of her local culture. She has come to love what she does after so many decades of practice and refinement, as her elderly fingers echo something like the motions of reverence at prayer or meditation. Her modest dumpling stall is the perfect reflection of her art: humble, functional, and beloved by her community. She has poured heart and soul into this traditional culinary art and her passion and commitment is evident in every single dumpling she produces.

YANG, THE NOODLE PULLER

Young, energetic and eager to please, Yang reports to his noodle station full of optimism for the day ahead. He is determined to distinguish himself in this ancient art that almost predates history. The act of pulling noodles requires strength and poise–skills he displays in abundance as he perfects his trade each day. Yang believes endurance is the key to success and knows it will take years of committed service to achieve the status he desires. Each day, he works toward his future as a master, knowing that work isn’t a means to an end—but rather an end in itself. This is effort becoming art.

NoDu is the combination of the first two letters of Noodles and Dumpling, inspired by the art forms of noodle and dumpling making. When making noodles, dough is shaped by kneading, pulling and rolling it to make noodle strands. The finished product is reminiscent of the single snaking line that creates the letter “N.” Alternatively, dumplings are molded, folded and closed into a rounder shape. The completeness of this closed shape is similar to the shape of the letter “D.” Hence, the logo was created from a combination of the noodle strand and the closed form of the dumpling.

Chinese name 面聚轩

面 means noodle, face.

聚 means get together, assemble.

轩 means house with windows, also means elegant.

MEANING

People, get-together, pavilion, but also has a meaning of all types of noodle and dimsum together.

Fun, fresh and lively, NoDu serves affordable local specialties in a 5-star environment. Savor a variety of tasty Asian noodles dishes from Guangdong to Tokyo to Singapore and a variety of delicious steamed and pan fried dumplings. Ideal for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, NoDu offers great value for the money with tempting “one-bowl options”. Dine at your own personal table or share a space and interact with friends, old and new, or choose to eat on-the-go at the informal bar seat area.