I'm trying this place for lunch for the first time. I was surprised to see only one noodle dish offered. You would think they would have more options with a place called "Mu Do Noodles." Still, the grilled pork loin vermicelli salad was outstanding. A mouthful of fresh, explosive favors. Excellent!
(5)
Sherry C.
The noodles are wonderful. Spicy is quite authentic. Love the environment and services. Seafood is fresh. And generally speaking portions are small, pretty costy Though on yelp is 2 dollars, but noodles are around 20-25, and dessert and appetizer are around 8-10.
(4)
Trent N.
As a huge lover of Asian cuisine, I have to say that this was hands down one of the best experiences I've had in recent years. The daikon noodle appetizer was carefully made and very savory, the jade brown rice dish had fantastic texture, and the Malaysian curry noodles were rich in spice and flavor. Couldn't be happier to start my Santa Fe trip here--would wholeheartedly recommend this charming place for fantastic service and food that balances authentic asian dishes with innovative interpretations.
(5)
Robert G.
Prior reviewers on the money. Malasian Laksa superb, and the brown rice with chicken and shrimp and cilantro a great second. About $18 per plate, but we took enough back to the RV for a second meal. We recommend it for something different, in the City Different.
(4)
Robert W.
We have been coming to Mu Du Noodle since it first opened. We plan our trips from California so that we can have a meal here. The food is always world class. Fresh and unique. Mu the owner is a sweet and warm host.
(5)
Amanda R.
Finally, some really good non-New Mexican cuisine in Santa Fe!!! MuDu is admittedly a bit pricey for noodles (~$20 per entree), BUT the ingredients are local, organic, natural, etc. My yuppie self is usually willing to pay a bit more for that kind of quality. Plus everything was delicious! My Malaysian laksa was creamy, complex, and generously portioned, and my stolen bites of my hubby's Singapore noodles were tasty too (mmmm bbq pork). We also enjoyed a deliciously salty/spicy green bean appetizer compliments of our waiter, who could maybe tell that we were newbies and wanted to win us over. (It worked.) I'll certainly go back, and in the meantime, I'm happy to spread the good word!
(4)
Angela L.
Over-priced! I am Malaysian and the laksa is nothing close to the true Laksa. The daikon appetizer were over-fried... Would not recommend anybody.
(1)
J D.
This place has quite possibly the most complex hours I've ever experienced in a bidness. After multiple visits, observation, statistical analysis and research, I've determined the hours to be the following: [NOTE: whatever hours you're reading online or even at the entrance ... not accurate] CLOSED - Sun/Mon every 4th Thursday on every 3rd Leap year and alternating Tuesdays depending on the climate OPEN - 1am - 3am every Friday the 12th, 5-9 on select weekdays (there's an apparent lottery to see which - M-F - wins) No matter, I'm there for food, not temporal consistency ... and it is flawless. The service is fantastic, the food is fresh, the owner is also fresh and cool, often mingling with the customers; it's small enough the waitresses aren't overwhelmed and having to traverse miles for a napkin. Every person (or family member) I've referred here have come (in many cases multiple times) and were more than satisfied. I think that entitles me to some stock options or something. At least a complimentary spring roll and 1/4 shot of hot sake. P.S. (like dessert in writing) their vegan chocolate brownie, all their desserts, are awesome enough I suspect they are main courses for many
(5)
D P.
Tasty food, but very expensive for what it is. We loved our fried kimchi pancakes. The curry was nice and the beef jantaboon was very good. Only drawback is that our waiter was really scattered and seemed slammed - not sure if he forgot to fire our entrees but we were waiting a while in between. However he did make up for it by offering us a complimentary glass of sake. Overall I have been here many times and it is a nice option for upscale asian fusion food.
(4)
carol B.
The patio dining was lovely. The food was very good. The service was lackluster, even though the owner was sitting right next to us! The waitress took our order. The food came quickly but each order was placed before the wrong person without care. One person asked for chicken and was brought tofu. Then the corrected order took quite a while to be delivered. Great care was given to bring us water... If the restaurant had been packed with people I would have understood the mixup, but not on a sleepy Memorial Day weekend... One of our favorite restaurants...but they need to pay attention to the little things. Just my opinion....
(3)
Kim K.
Outstanding food and service! We didn't have a reservation and were told that it take 45 minutes to get us seated. Reluctantly we agreed but to my surprise, the staff brought us drinks and a sample of their green beens (which are amazing!) while we waited and didn't charge us for it. Who does that as just a simple jester of saying thanks for waiting to eat at our establishment?
(5)
Marc H.
Amazing. Probably the best meal I had in Santa Fe. I had the Malaysian Laska with tofu and my wife had the pesto noodles. Both were fantastic. One note is that the prices were a bit higher than I expected. $14 for entrees with tofu, $20 or so for meat options.
(5)
T P.
Big ol' thumbs up and high five to Mu Du. Friendly and inviting service + delicious and hot food = happy me. If you're visiting and have had just a little too much Green and Red chile... this place seriously hits the spot.
(5)
Rachel S.
The food was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. I had the Jade brown rice bowl and it was lacking flavor. He had a "spicy" dish - it had good flavor but not spicy at all. Skip their dessert. Atmosphere is less than desirable for the prices.
(3)
V E.
For me, this restaurant is for the quarterly/ yearly visit. Their selection is concise and to the point. The service is tip top. The prices are expected, just as a high end -class restaurant / dining.
(4)
Jennifer J.
As I write this I'm eating the Malaysian Laksa for the second time this week. I live in Albuquerque but the asian food is seriously lacking there, so while visiting Santa Fe for work this week I tried this place out. It doesnt have the ambiance of an overly priced asian restaurant (yes, sorry, from the land of China Towns here and it IS over priced- someone else mentioned the meat is sustainable but is my tofu? $16 plus tip for a tofu noodle soup is kinda out there... but here I am, second time around in a week so....) but it's acceptable, nonetheless. The portions are huge, I might add. So... after I wrote this I found a HUGE earwig in my much anticipated soup! They refunded me and said that they can be in the bok choy. no bueno. Really, all you gotta do is soak that shit in salt water for a minute and the bugs float to the top. Still good food, but they should wash their veggies properly.
(2)
R R.
I would give this restaurant five stars for the food. The noodles are good, portions large, authentic ingredients. I really do love the food. But as a Bay Area transplant, the price astonishes me every time. In California my boyfriend and I ate this kind of food several times a week...because we could afford it. We never paid more than $25 for noodles, dumplings, beer for two. Try that at Mudu and you're looking at a $60 tab. And that's on the conservative side. An adorable place, but man...$21 for a bowl of noodles? That reminds me of my $6 Whole Foods cabbage.
(4)
Kristina K.
We had dinner at Mu Du last week, we all loved the food. Big portions but a little bit pricey. Service was ok, for some reason they didn't bring the appetizers all together but one first and after 10 minutes 2 more, after more 5, the last one!
(4)
claire g.
Greasy, expensive, friendly service.
(1)
Megan T.
Meh. I mean you don't have a ton of options here in NM for Asian but that doesn't mean they should bend you over for a bowl of noodles, chives, and vegetables. $20 to $25 for this?! If it were ten bucks less I'd be ok with it. The food isn't bad except for the daikon cake app. Wow. Pass on that. The intimate setting full of shnar shnar Santa Feans is pleasant but for my money I will be heading down the street to that Thai Vegan place.
(2)
Esteban R.
Okay, perhaps this place deserves 3 stars but I am giving them 2 stars anyway. Why? Well, let me get to why they deserve 3 stars. The service was great and when my wife and I walked in we were immediately greeted with smiles and hellos by not only the waitstaff but also management/ownership. It was warm, clean, cozy and it smelled amazing! Everyone there was lost in food and conversation- some of that banter surely fueled by wine/sake or beer. Kudos to Mudu for creating a great environment in which to eat. On to why they deserve 2 stars... Whether you live in Santa Fe, as my wife and I do, or you are just visiting you will notice a lack of authentic Asian food. We recently moved back to Santa Fe from Portland and we (especially me) have been craving Japanese or Chinese noodles. And when I say noodles I mean the real stuff and not Panda Express or some American take on Asian cuisine. This is where Mudu disappoints. We started with the daikon "cakes". Hmmm... How to describe, they tasted like deep fried bread strips (think hush puppies) with some spices and splattered -although artistically- with run of the mill, over-the-counter Oyster Sauce. For $8 I was expecting more than something I could order at a neon hued food truck at a State Fair. As far as our main dishes, um, well, I ordered the Yaki Noodles and my wife the Singapore Noodles. Both items were nice. That's it, nice. Nice would be okay if we were paying Panda Express or generic American-Asian (not Amerasian) prices. But for $20 and $25 per plate we should have received out-of-this-world, mind blowing, orgasmic amazingness. Not nice. The portions were smaller and there was nothing truly exotic or authentic about these dishes. They relied heavily on chives (lots) to imbue the dishes with flavor. The Singapore was certainly more flavorful than the Yuki Udon but that's like saying that a Big Mac is more flavorful than a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. One just has a few more ingredients than the other but they are both pretty boring fillers. I really want to like this place. My wife really wants to like this place. $20-$25 for dull and somewhat below average dishes. As I stated, these dishes were nice. I am sure you have dated a nice and boring person, desiring more from them after investing so much thought and expectation especially after they promised so much. But we all know that nothing changes boring except seeking out the real deal and not settling. I certainly won't settle for Mudu, sadly it seems like so many Santa Feans already have. (For good pho head to Pho Kim, for good Chinese food at Chinese food prices head to Chows Chinese Bistro)
(2)
Phil T.
Had dinner there a few nights ago.... Wow... It was stunning. Vegans and veg heads need not worry. Very wonderful Mu, thank you!
(5)
M S.
Ridiculous description of their food. And I quote enough noodles for 2 to 4 people hefty serving of noodles. I thought there better be for $25. Alas it should be a crime the boxes were not even full and the quality of food was terrible! Do not order from these folks you will be sorry!
(1)
David S.
Excellent noodle bowls, charming staff including the wonderful owner, who accommodated our request to sit in the side room even after she was going to close it up.
Mu Du Noodles, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This is one of the best non-New Mexican places in town. Mu goes to the green market to grab fresh ingredients and concocts amazing and innovative dishes with them. The emerald sautee is my favorite, try it!
(5)
George R.
Both of our dishes here were great. These are the best noodles I've had in the US in a long time. The prices seem way to high, but definitely worth going at least once. I'll probably be back in spite of the prices.
(5)
Alex W.
I hear Mu Du is Tom Ford's favourite restaurant in Santa Fe. I don't think it's my absolute favourite, but it is a great place to eat. Last time I was there was for a birthday party. Their Sake Mojito is a great aperitif to kick things off with. I tried a few of their starters, the lamb dumplings were especially tasty but the chicken potstickers were also really nice. Last time I was there I tried the Beef Jantaboon, which comes with a 'spicy' warning. It wasn't very spicy but it was absolutely delicious. The beef is cooked in a slightly sweet sauce that resembles something you might get with pork belly. I also tried my girlfriend's Laksa. In my opinion this could have been better, there wasn't so much a soup as a thick sauce. A bit of coconut milk and some water could easily rectify this so. All round they do great food in a nice, casual setting. Try and get a table in the garden if the weather is nice. Highly recommended.
(4)
Karen P.
Complex and subtle cooking from a really special place. The decor and setting is basic but this kind of approach to food is hard to find and takes a sophisticated palate to fully appreciate--if the great chef Jean Georges ever comes to Santa Fe he will love this place. Addition 8/14: Chef Joel Coleman has now left MuDu. I will have to go back and see what it is currently like without him.
(4)
Corey J.
(this review also appears in an edited form in Santa Fe Reporter's 2012-2013 Restaurant Guide) Mu Du Noodles is "treat yourself" food. It may land on the pricey side (appetizer, main course and desert set me back 48 dollars), but with its local ingredients and simple preparation, Mu Du presents itself as one of the best destinations in town for Asian fusion cuisine. The menu is laudably small (9 main dishes, with a small array of shifting specials that mirror what's currently fresh at the Farmer's Market), and this sort of commitment is rewarding to the customer. Each of the main dishes are prepared with care, and it shows in the flavor. The Beef Jantaboon was particularly fantastic--the spicy Angus beef was both perfectly marinated and prepared, the vegetables were fresh and light, and the broth with fresh noodles was remarkably complex and satiating. There's a--forgive the apparent contradiction--simplicity in Chef Mu Jing Lau's food. The flavors are bold, front-forward and rich, but there is almost always a pleasant aftertaste, or some other accompanying sensation--a sweetness that builds beautifully to spiciness or a tenderness that gives way to rich umami. Even the less Asian-inspired dishes (mostly the deserts) have that same balance. And on the subject of desert, do try the lemon panna cotta. It may seem counter-intuitive after a meal of such bold flavors, but there's a delectable subtlety to it--a certain incomprehensible loveliness that leaves one floating out the door rather than walking.
(5)
Kristopher And Jessica K.
OVERPRICED! Heed the advice of the few Asian reviewers. We ordered 1) Yaki Udon - Decent, but definitely not worth $25. 2) Lamb Martabak - We felt the price for this was fairly reasonable. Sauce was good, but there was barely any meat in the dumplings. We pretended we weren't sharing to escape the $2 sharing charge (insanity!). Total including tip was $35 (wow!). In my opinion, I would've paid $20 max for that meal. Go here in desperation to separate yourself from your money and for something different. We normally can get away with sharing an entree and a side, but we left Mu Du feeling cheated and hungry.
(2)
Annie S.
I really don't know the big deal about Mu Du. We finally went here for dinner on a Friday night and it was really packed. The space is surprisingly large and we were seated at the back of the restaurant. I was so shocked at the prices. Green curry with chicken was $18 and a Chinese beef noodle soup was $22! Ridiculous. The curry lacked flavor and I've never see thai curry prepared that way (and I've been to Thailand twice). We also ordered the daikon pancakes and they were good but nothing great. I would say this is a generic Asian restaurant with thai, chinese, korean, etc options. The servers are friendly and it looks like there is a slew of regulars but I would not recommend this place.
(2)
Tamaki I.
Everything that I've tried at Mu Du is awesome. Not your traditional Asian noodle place, but they rock their own vibe and it works out great! They are a little pricey... I think they can get away with it because they're one of a kind. Did I mention their staff is incredibly friendly?! Not like "the customer is always right" friendly, but genuinely caring. Not many parking spots in front of the restaurant, but don't run away because of that! Street parking is available!
(4)
Ryno C.
Finally ate here after hearing all the hype and was sorely disappointed. First, when we arrived at the restaurant, the place was empty. The hostess sat us at a small table against the wall. Then, another couple came in and, in a small dining room full of empty tables, the hostess sat the couple down right next to us. We were honestly only a foot away from them and in the empty restaurant we could hear every word of each other's conversations. It was incredibly uncomfortable. The place eventually filled up, but with a lot of people who were apparently regular patrons and acted like they owned the place. The atmosphere was just plain horrible. On top of that, the food was flavorless. We ordered a spring roll appetizer, which was fresh and delicious, but spring rolls are impossible to mess up. My date ordered a pad Thai which was drenched in a flavor-killing lime juice -- really? I ordered the Shanghai-something-or-other which was supposed to be spicy, according to the menu, but turned out to be just plan bland. None of the usual noddle plate dressings and spices and nuts melded together. The ingredients are fresh, which was the only plus. But in no way does that justify the outrageous price tag. Overall, not at all worth it. Save your money and go to Dara Thai or heck, Panda Express.
(2)
Shane B.
Warm and friendly, attentive service by seemingly genuine individual. The food is outstanding. Christy ordered emerald sautee with tofu. Deliciously spiced, rich flavors. I ordered one of the night's specials, squash potstickers. I can't adequately describe how utterly delicious and satisfying this meal was. The potstickers were perfectly fried and piled on top of a mound of grilled cauliflower, mushroom and zucchini, mixed with bits of kale and doused with a light squash bisque or creamy broth that was spicy to exactly the right heat. I would drink this liquid gold 3 times daily if given the chance. Many vegetarian and vegan options up and down the menu and a respectable beer and wine list as well as other specialty drinks include the citrus-ade Christy ordered: a concoction of lemon, lime, ginger, fresh mint and strawberry that was out of sight. Dessert: we split a small dish called poset that was essentially a flan with strawberries and pomegranate and strawberry reduction. It was just the right amount of awesome. Super highly recommended. Seek it out !
(5)
David T.
Thought for sure I'd reviewed this place because it is one of my favorite escapes when the New Mexican food starts talking back to me. The stars off are simply because the place is very ordinary looking, especially the exterior and for what it is, it is very pricey. It's a little nicer inside but still pretty plain. You know you're going to be in for hefty bill when they don't post their prices on their website. What it lacks in atmosphere is easily outweighed by some very tasty Asian fare. One word of caution they are in no way afraid to turn up the heat - so, ask your server about heat levels or be prepared to sweat. Favorites include the Vietnamese Spring Rolls (the uncooked kind) or the Lamb Martabak (Indonesian crispy dumplings) for starters. Love all the noodle dishes but standouts include Yaki Udon and their very good Pad Thai. They also offer a number of homemade desserts but I'm usually too full. A final note is that they source local and organic - recycle and compost . Thanks for respecting your customers and the planet.
(3)
Franny P.
It's a matter of knowing what to order. A friend and I dined at Mu Du Noodles and this is what we had. We started with the Kimchi Pancakes. Every bite was a giddy reminder of what you hope for when you dine out. The sourness of kimchi combined with a crunchy - latke like- pancake is simply delicious. The dipping sauce adds a welcome and bright element that does not over power - as dipping sauces are wanton to do. We also ordered a starter salad that was deceptively sparse but delivered flavor in spades. I remember sitting there looking at this plate of lettuce thinking, "where is this amazing flavor coming from?" This is Mu Du's super power - a delightful and complex fireworks display of flavor concocted for your rooftop pleasure. My girlfriend ordered the Malaysian Laksa. This entree is to die for, and is obviously their signature dish. My eyes rolled back in my head and a warm and pleasant feeling enveloped my elbows. Gorgeous shrimp and firm pillowy scallops atop a bowl of wide noodles only hint at the perfection of flavors in the seafood version of this dish. A sauce so deftly handled that it catapults this gastronomical offering to the top of "must try." I always order Pad Thai where it is served. I have been eating Pad Thai for 21 years. I don't know much about a lot of things, but I know this dish. Here in lies my quizatorial disappointment with Mu Du's version of what should be an exquisitely simple noodle dish. Possibly in an attempt to make it healthy, they add broccoli and a slew of other vegetables. Blasphemy and Sacrilege! Though the flavor was good (because that's what Mu Du does best), the texture and appearance was... unfortunate. The broccoli looked like it had been ridden hard and dragged across the border. Also, what's with Shitake mushrooms in a Thai dish? So, pass on the Pad Thai. When in doubt, Pad Thai should be left to food trucks and holes in the wall. Ambitious chefs just can't help themselves. We ordered a few mixology type beverages that weren't going down swiftly. They could be described as... medicinal. Dessert redeemed the few minor upsets that weren't even really threatening this already culinary WIN. I was back to moaning all over again. If your not okay with dropping $40 - $60 for dinner (per person) for a full-on sit down meal. Then place a pick-up order for one appetizer and one entree for you and someone special. It's plenty of food for two. Oh, stop groaning about being really hungry. You'll get amazing new taste sensations for a fraction of the price. Plus you can watch Tampopo ( a Japanese Spaghetti Western) while noshing on your noodles.
(4)
VK D.
I have eaten here several times & never disappointed with Mu's creative culinary excellence. Sometimes I just eat a few different appetizers so to try as many flavors as possible. Authentic Asian style cooking from the heart. Don't be afraid to try her specials, they are usually wonderful. Parking can be tough but worth the effort.
(5)
India C.
Wonderful. The atmosphere was really lovely, the staff was delightful, and the food was sooo good. We started with the Vietnamese spring rolls, I've never had them before so I was surprised that they were raw, they were amazing and so refreshing. After a long and hard deciding process I chose the Beef Jantaboon for my entree which was unbelievable. My boyfriend had a the lamb curry from the specials list which was also yummy. I can't wait to go back and try everything else on the menu!
(5)
Yasmin S.
3.5 stars, really... but having to choose between 3 and 4 i felt really torn... but i just couldn't do the 4. I think the prices are crazy for what you get, but the food is quite good. It's worth it tho if you can sit on the patio... it is lovely. The YAKI UDON and MALAYSIAN LAKSA and BEEF JANTABOON are delicious. Skip the Pad Thai. The service could go either way. All this being said, I recommend.
(3)
Denise N.
Noodles just didn't WOW me ;( The waitstaff were friendly enough, and the Japanese beer they recommended was really good, but for the price tag, the noodle bowl just didn't grab me. Too bad...
(3)
Kimmy V.
The first time we tried Mu Du noodles I had given the restaurant a 4 star, but after coming back it this restaurant again, this restaurant, the food, and staff is well deserved a 5 star. Upon arriving the restaurant, our server remembered us and the Manager that we met before greeted us and remembered us from our previous visit. The service was impeccable, attentive, witty, and personable. Mu Du I would have to say has mastered at bringing food harmony, by bringing the perfect balance of taste and texture. We ordered the following on a Friday night: -Persimmon Salad -Chinese Green Beans -Chicken and Crab dumplings -Emerald Sate Noodles -Daikon Flatcake (on the house) The persimmon salad must have been a season item, as it was new on the menu. How Mu Du served their persimmon salad was a great way to premier this cinamony (if that's a word) fruit. It was served with pomegranate seeds, a light vinaigrette with chopped basil. The flavor profile in this salad would say... FRESH and Adventurous. In my previous review I already wrote about the Chinese Green Beans and the Emerald Sate Noodles. They were better this time, I paid special attention that the Emerald Noodles were not as oil as they were the first time. I can't vouch for what the Chicken and Crab dumplings taste like as I am allergic to Crab; however, my boyfriend can vouch that they are using REAL crab and not imitation crab with a K! -- The manager made a point to come and say they don't serve Crab with a K there! LOL. Mu Du...thank you for such great food and wonderful service...and thank you letting me leave with a satisified stomach and in a joyful mood.
(5)
Madison C.
Read Mu Du Noodles on Yelp and decided to try it because it received such high rating. Visually, the food looked great. Taste wise, it was disappointing. Entree: Lemongrass soup and Green Thai Curry with tofu instead of chicken. - Lemongrass soup was bland. Did not taste the lemongrass at all. -Green Thai Curry was okay. There was a kick from the green curry. Dessert: Coconut sorbet. The only thing I enjoyed. Cheers to the friendly service and overpriced mediocre food!
(2)
Leahi M.
I finally got to try this place out...and I was very happy! There was a bit of a wait for food, but that's to be expected during a Friday evening with a full house...and I could've used more spice, especially when the menu warns that the item may be spicy...however, overall the experience was lovely.
(5)
Mike E.
My wife and I ate at Mu Du for the first time and it most certainly will not be the last. In my opinion, it was fantastic. I had the Singapore and it was beautiful. Just the right amount of spiciness. My wife had the Beef Jantaboon which she loved too. Lucky for me she didn't eat all of hers and I got leftovers the next day! Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Jo-Lynne W.
This is a great restaurant in Santa Fe. We've been there many times and it's always been spot on.
(5)
Tim W.
Nice service, tasty food, very interesting specials.
(4)
Corinne M.
Yum! My boyfriend and I were in Santa Fe for a baby shower. Our coworker knows the owner and recommended this restaurant for dinner. It was wonderful. The dinning room was warm (to be expected in June in Santa Fe). We ordered the daikon cakes as suggested by our awesome waiter. They were super tasty. Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside with a great sauce and a great flavor. I had the pad Thai chicken and my boyfriend had another noodle dish that was spicy. Everything was wonderful. So tasty. Lots of meat. Lots of vegetables. I am pregnant, so I had a ginger mint lemonade. Super tasty. My boyfriend is not pregnant so he had a Japanese beer, which was very good. For dessert we had a Lemon meringue amazingness with whipped cream and strawberries and almond cookies. So fresh and so light. It was the best thing every. The owner, Mu, came out and talked to us. The whole staff was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. The next time I go back to Santa Fe, I will definitely go back.
(5)
Jon L.
I'll be concise: Food was good, but not great. Service was good, but not great. Everything was overpriced (each entree should have been reduced by $5). Won't be back.
(2)
Kb W.
My family of four ate here and had a lovely dinner, both the food and interaction with the owner. We were visiting Santa Fe and, as vegetarians, had heard a lot about Mu Du, so we went. All our dishes were delicious but what will always be our take away from our dinner here was how kind the owner was to us, esp our disabled infant and toddler. Our infant was stressed because of ??? (probably tired and Sensory overload) and Mu, the owner, just picked him up and gave him the best cuddle, walking him around so we could eat (we're ordinarily of the divide-and-conquer school). He was in heaven to be snuggled and get to see different sights. My husband is Japanese and pretty picky about noodles and he liked his meal as did our toddler and I. We'd definitely eat here again when in Santa Fe.
(5)
Jabba T.
Another great meal at MuDu. I'll save the flowery compliments as I have reviewed this restaurant previously. Tonight they were packed which is nice to see on a Thursday. Food was awesome- Panang Shrimp with fresh noodles, Lamb Martabok, Miso Romaine salad. Yum! Recommended...again!
(5)
Sally P.
My husband and I are strict vegans. Being from NYC where the options are limitless, we were hoping to find restaurants in Santa Fe that can cater to us. All we have to say is OH MY GOD! Our waiter Jay (who was so friendly and helpful) recommended every meal we had from start to finish! Everything was made vegan and everything was mind blowing. From the green beans down to the coconut sorbet! WOW! We love to dine well when we travel, and this place is definitely a place worth coming back to. A memorable experience and an impressive meal!! P.s the owner and Chef was sooo nice and welcoming! Thank you all for such a great time and a wonderful exceptional meal while on our stop in santa fe!! We will for sure be back again!!
Great Place to Eat.....The first time I have ever had food with such flavor. The specials were great. First, Mu brought us string beans, cabbage salad, and chips with a curry hummus. All were amazing. Then I had the Fish and shrimp dumplings for an appetizer which was great. All of our meals were great. I had the Emerald Saute with shrimp, scallops green tea noodles and mushrooms. When I come back to Sante Fe this will be one place I will come back to.
(5)
Emily H.
We like to visit Mu Du Noodles on our date nights. You can usually count on Mu Du Noodles for consistently good food, nice variety, and a good selection of food options for the varied diets we keep. This weekend I think i counted 5 items on the entree menu that were easily made vegan, for example. The service is quick and attentive- they seem to have a communal service style such that whatever staff person brings or clears plates, although we did have a primary waiter who kept track of our food. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Some reviews have complained that the food is too expensive, but I would counter that quality meat and seafood that is grown in a sustainable way should cost a lot. And I easily had two meals in my one bowl of noodles (Pesto Udon Noodle- excellent!). We've also enjoyed the dumplings, the spring rolls are fresh and tasty, and the teas and cold beverages are wonderful. Kids: In the summer MuDu has an outdoor seating area that is a great place to bring the kids. In the winter, the restaurant can get a little cramped, so it's maybe better to take the kids elsewhere. The food can be made kid friendly- my kids love the dumplings and the noodles.
(5)
Chris P.
Loved the dinner here. We were looking for something a little different from the New Mexican food we love so much. This was perfect. Asian food, vegetarian and vegan friendly, good wait staff and decent prices. Rivals many Asian restaurants in San Francisco. I am going to enjoy going back to try other dishes.
(4)
Matt A.
Even with reservations, the restaurant was packed, but the staff was very warm and welcoming. We ordered an appetizer of Lamb Martabak and it was a cross of ground lamb with spices wrapped and deep fried in wonton wrap, rectangular shaped. Additionally, we ordered the Chinese Green Beans tapas. Its made much like any other Chinese restaurant for Chinese green beans, but a tad heavier on the soy sauce. For dinner we shared the Emerald Sauteed noodles. Green Sugar Snap peas, the earthiness of the shitake mushrooms, and nice caramel and crispy searness of the the sea scallops (2 pieces) served with green tea noodles and the crispiness of fried shallots topping. Mu Du definitely knows how to make simple foods taste delicious and they are masters of balance and textures in their dish. Very good, we would come here again when we visit Santa Fe again. ..... We have been back, and they remembered us. They are awesome.
(5)
Jessica M.
Wish I could afford MuDus! This is my pick when I'm being treated by my Dad:) It's absolutely amazing! Sooo yummy, everything. Very friendly service. The chef comes out and greets her regulars and is very charming and sweet. Pricey stuff but pretty worth it. Best dish in Santa Fe if ya ask me!
(5)
Patrick K.
Mu Du noodles offers excellent Asian fusion in Santa Fe. I have been here many times and have never been disappointed. The food is always excellent, and the staff is great. The prices are not cheap, but the ingredients and food are top quality.
(4)
Jill C.
After reading all of the recommendations, I was not expecting a $50 take-out bill for a bland meal. We ordered the green curry with tofu, spring rolls, and beef janataboon. While my partner thought the $24 beef jantaboon was tasty, it certainly did not merit the price. The green curry and spring rolls were horrifying. Half of the curry box was taken up by long stalks of cilantro. The curry had little flavor other than watered down coconut milk with a kick of heat. The vegan spring rolls were a complete waste of $7. Unfortunately because the online menu does not provide prices, we did not know our meal would be so costly; this is street food (well, subpar street food). I also thought it was ridiculous that we were only given one tiny box of rice to share (the rice was actually the best part of the curry.)
(2)
Jason F.
Over priced and over rated. PITA parking. Waitress talking with drunken friends at table next to ours as well as it being generally loud. And my lemon grass soup didn't taste at all like lemon grass.
(3)
Jenn E.
This place is ridiculous!! I don't understand how they can charge $22 for a bowl of noodles that is so average tasting. Sure, I know the meat is organic, sustainable but that doesn't give them the right to blatantly rip people off. The portion of noodles I got was definitely on the small side. I normally never finish my entrees but I finished this one because it was so small! I ordered the special kabocha soup which I was looking forward to because I love kabocha but it was so bland! It was like they put some kabocha in a blender and served it in a bowl. No taste what so ever. I also orderd the emerald saute and like I said, it was decent tasting but it was slightly over-salted and it only had 2 scallops and 2 shrimp plus a small amount of noodles and veggies, all for the price of $22. My fiance ordered the Beef Jantaboon and he also said it was very bland with mostly vegetables, hardly any meat or noodles. They are smart not to put their prices on their menu online otherwise I would never have gone there. We live in CA and the only reason I chose this place was because I saw in a magazine that it had won restaurant of the year. That is very sad that Santa Feans think they are getting great Asian food at this restaurant. Great Asian food can be dirt cheap or it can be pricey. In Napa, we have one of the best Asian chefs in the world, Morimoto's restaurant and he only charges $14 for a bowl of noodles. The only reason I didn't give it one star is because our service was decent and I appreciated that. Sorry but I would definitely suggest you to spend your hard earned money elsewhere.
(2)
Iris B.
this is one of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of eating at. the food was fresh, zesty, tasty, and light. the woman who owns it knows her stuff... and the outside seating area is very quaint and relaxing. i ordered a noodle dish with lime, pesto & tofu along with some melon and yogurt flavored cold saki and the salty caramel ice cream dessert. highly highly recommended.
(5)
Steve E.
A bit overrated. The food was good but prices are off the chart for what you get. Service is a bit slow.
(3)
Al H.
Went for the dim sum style brunch on Sunday. The restaurant was relatively busy. The service was very slow, evidently the kitchen doesn't have the output needed to serve dim sum to a larger crowd. The quality of the food was outstanding. The pork taco, eggplant shrimp, the port stew soup, and by and large everything we had was very tasty and well prepared. The portions though are ridiculously small, even by dim sum standards. Also, the prices are outrageously high, as the bite-size servings cost $4, or $6 or $8...a lunch for 2 consisting of (almost literally) just a few bites cost us $65 (including the tip and a $4 green tea)!!!!
(3)
Tiffany S.
Mu Du Noodles is depressing. It depressed me before I knew what noodles were. Before I knew that good noodles should cost, at most, five dollars for a steaming bowl larger than your wildest dreams. Mu Du Noodles seems to believe that A) a bowl of noodles should be shared ( I am not joking) and B) that it should cost upward of ten dollars, and thats if you stay on the vegie side and don't go crazy and order meat. I knew better than to eat here, even before I had any idea that Ramen Noodles didn't have to come from a plastic package... I recommend you save time, money and sanity and try Dara Thai down the street instead. Or, for actual (as close as you can get in Santa Fe) noodles, head down Cerrillos and go to Jinja instead.
(2)
Kai C.
So, this place looks like a hole in the wall. But then you go inside and it's decent looking. Kinda dressier attire than you'd imagine. Sit down and watch out - over $20 for one bowl of noodles. We ordered the tofu noodles instead, which were only $15. Definitely great noodles and the summer spring rolls were insane, eggplant to die for - but seriously, too expensive for noodles.
(3)
Leigh S.
I have to drive from Denver for my Mu Du cravings.
(5)
Sam P.
We were disappointed. Everybody raved about this place, but we found it wanting. She gets the three stars for the creative aspect of the food. Service was good. But the prices we thought were unreasonable. I mean, $20 for a bowl of noodles??? Would go back b/c of the positive reports from locals.
(3)
Jason J.
The new age-y vibe kind of bugs, but you have to get used to that sort of thing in Santa Fe. It's a quaint spot, right off Cerrillos Road. If you're not alert you'll drive right by it. Thai meets Vietnamese, with a pan Asian twist. The noodles are delish but hard on the wallet. I like the chicken yaki udon bowl or the Malaysian laksa with tofu. The Vietnamese spring rolls are tasty and the ginger mint-y drink is refreshing. If you're gonna eat off the plaza, which you should, then this is a must visit.
(4)
Jillian E.
A restaurant seemingly way off the beaten path - far removed from the charm of downtown Santa Fe, but totally worth it. I don't think I've ever had a better noodle dish. The spring rolls were fabulous, and the service was great. It was a great way to finish my New Mexican adventure.
(5)
Tom M.
The other day, my wife says to me, "Hey husband, let's get us some noodles at an altitude that exceeds 7000 ft above sea level." My wife, it must be said, is a food-altitude aficionado, and has always balanced her passion for good food within a framework of proper atmospheric conditions. This conversation led us to Mu Du, a noodle house in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After a three day drive, we were definitely in the mood for a good bowl of noodles, and Mu Du, at approximately 7042.5 ft above sea level (with the height of the chair factored in), did not disappoint. We started with two appetizers: a strangely matched but delicious plate of fried pumpkin flowers stuffed with curried squash, and a poke that was ringed with jellied ginger cubes. The bowl of noodles was also wonderful - it had beef and cilantro in it and had flat noodles, but we were so light headed in the higher elevation that we forgot what it was called. I do remember that it wasn't only the location that was at high altitude -- the noodle bowl cost $22 bucks. One dish to avoid is the deep fried pot stickers with a filling of minced chicken and bacon that was accurately described by our waitress as "a club sandwich". I'm all for unique mash-ups of different foods and cuisines, but this combo was immoral -- the equivalent of a hamburger filled with stinky tofu. Our waitress did a fabulous job at the start of the meal, but faded near the end. Along with several other tables, we were forced to flag down the host and have him help us finalize the bill for our meals. A few bumps in the road, but that is to be expected from a meal that took almost 2000 miles to eat.
(3)
Kori S.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe, hands down. We started with the daikon cakes, crispy on the outside and covered with a delicious sauce and the yummy vegetarian spring rolls. I had to restrain myself from ordering more of the daikon cakes, they were that good. I will forever dream of them and actually fantasized about selling the business and transplanting myself to New Mexico. It would be worth it to be within driving distance of those cakes. For an entree I ordered the Yaki Udon it was chockful of veggies and two types of tofu with a slow burn of heat. I added some sambal with black beans and I wanted to stay there forever. We chased are meal with the coconut ginger sorbet and lychee black tea. Mu Du Noodles believes in using local and organic meats and produce and it is reflected in their prices and the fine food you are putting in your mouth.
(5)
Robyn E.
Super yummy vegetarian/vegan noodle restaurant that serves Thai/Vietnamese style food. The portions are a fair size--and the noodles come in large bowls that will serve two people well enough if you also get an appetizer. The food was very tasty, fresh, and evenly flavored. Atmosphere was comfortably swanky and service was attentive and polite. Restaurant is small, but nicely decorated so that it feels cozy, not cramped. I had a Mojito--which was superbly made, the Vietnamese Spring Rolls ($5.50), and the Malaysian Laksa with organic tofu ($12).
(5)
Bob W.
This might be the most overrated restaurant in town. We had read a great review and went in with great expectations but were very disappointed. I can't remember what the meal was that I had, but all I tasted was lime. I like lime, but I don't want my main course to just be a taste of lime.
(1)
Sam S.
I'd never had Chinese food that tasted so fresh, that wasn't loaded with sauce and grease--this place is a step above everything I've ever had, and I live in Chicago! The place is pricey and they're only open for dinner, but I believe that allows the staff to buy the best ingredients, take their time in food preparation and give the customer the best experience possible. It gets busy, but they have a beautiful patio in the back and since it's off the beaten path (though not far), it's a great destination on a weekend night--a departure from the long waits that comprise the high season in Santa Fe.
(5)
Andrew B.
A must eat place in Santa Fe. Everytime I am in town I eat here. If they have Edamame it is great. Leftovers always good for the next day. Most kind owner. Call for reservations. A bit pricey but it is Santa Fe.
(5)
Steve E.
A bit overrated. The food was good but prices are off the chart for what you get. Service is a bit slow.
(3)
Tiffany S.
Mu Du Noodles is depressing. It depressed me before I knew what noodles were. Before I knew that good noodles should cost, at most, five dollars for a steaming bowl larger than your wildest dreams. Mu Du Noodles seems to believe that A) a bowl of noodles should be shared ( I am not joking) and B) that it should cost upward of ten dollars, and thats if you stay on the vegie side and don't go crazy and order meat. I knew better than to eat here, even before I had any idea that Ramen Noodles didn't have to come from a plastic package... I recommend you save time, money and sanity and try Dara Thai down the street instead. Or, for actual (as close as you can get in Santa Fe) noodles, head down Cerrillos and go to Jinja instead.
(2)
Kai C.
So, this place looks like a hole in the wall. But then you go inside and it's decent looking. Kinda dressier attire than you'd imagine. Sit down and watch out - over $20 for one bowl of noodles. We ordered the tofu noodles instead, which were only $15. Definitely great noodles and the summer spring rolls were insane, eggplant to die for - but seriously, too expensive for noodles.
(3)
Leigh S.
I have to drive from Denver for my Mu Du cravings.
(5)
Franny P.
It's a matter of knowing what to order. A friend and I dined at Mu Du Noodles and this is what we had. We started with the Kimchi Pancakes. Every bite was a giddy reminder of what you hope for when you dine out. The sourness of kimchi combined with a crunchy - latke like- pancake is simply delicious. The dipping sauce adds a welcome and bright element that does not over power - as dipping sauces are wanton to do. We also ordered a starter salad that was deceptively sparse but delivered flavor in spades. I remember sitting there looking at this plate of lettuce thinking, "where is this amazing flavor coming from?" This is Mu Du's super power - a delightful and complex fireworks display of flavor concocted for your rooftop pleasure. My girlfriend ordered the Malaysian Laksa. This entree is to die for, and is obviously their signature dish. My eyes rolled back in my head and a warm and pleasant feeling enveloped my elbows. Gorgeous shrimp and firm pillowy scallops atop a bowl of wide noodles only hint at the perfection of flavors in the seafood version of this dish. A sauce so deftly handled that it catapults this gastronomical offering to the top of "must try." I always order Pad Thai where it is served. I have been eating Pad Thai for 21 years. I don't know much about a lot of things, but I know this dish. Here in lies my quizatorial disappointment with Mu Du's version of what should be an exquisitely simple noodle dish. Possibly in an attempt to make it healthy, they add broccoli and a slew of other vegetables. Blasphemy and Sacrilege! Though the flavor was good (because that's what Mu Du does best), the texture and appearance was... unfortunate. The broccoli looked like it had been ridden hard and dragged across the border. Also, what's with Shitake mushrooms in a Thai dish? So, pass on the Pad Thai. When in doubt, Pad Thai should be left to food trucks and holes in the wall. Ambitious chefs just can't help themselves. We ordered a few mixology type beverages that weren't going down swiftly. They could be described as... medicinal. Dessert redeemed the few minor upsets that weren't even really threatening this already culinary WIN. I was back to moaning all over again. If your not okay with dropping $40 - $60 for dinner (per person) for a full-on sit down meal. Then place a pick-up order for one appetizer and one entree for you and someone special. It's plenty of food for two. Oh, stop groaning about being really hungry. You'll get amazing new taste sensations for a fraction of the price. Plus you can watch Tampopo ( a Japanese Spaghetti Western) while noshing on your noodles.
(4)
VK D.
I have eaten here several times & never disappointed with Mu's creative culinary excellence. Sometimes I just eat a few different appetizers so to try as many flavors as possible. Authentic Asian style cooking from the heart. Don't be afraid to try her specials, they are usually wonderful. Parking can be tough but worth the effort.
(5)
Ben G.
I'm trying this place for lunch for the first time. I was surprised to see only one noodle dish offered. You would think they would have more options with a place called "Mu Do Noodles." Still, the grilled pork loin vermicelli salad was outstanding. A mouthful of fresh, explosive favors. Excellent!
(5)
Sherry C.
The noodles are wonderful. Spicy is quite authentic. Love the environment and services. Seafood is fresh. And generally speaking portions are small, pretty costy Though on yelp is 2 dollars, but noodles are around 20-25, and dessert and appetizer are around 8-10.
(4)
Trent N.
As a huge lover of Asian cuisine, I have to say that this was hands down one of the best experiences I've had in recent years. The daikon noodle appetizer was carefully made and very savory, the jade brown rice dish had fantastic texture, and the Malaysian curry noodles were rich in spice and flavor. Couldn't be happier to start my Santa Fe trip here--would wholeheartedly recommend this charming place for fantastic service and food that balances authentic asian dishes with innovative interpretations.
(5)
Robert G.
Prior reviewers on the money. Malasian Laksa superb, and the brown rice with chicken and shrimp and cilantro a great second. About $18 per plate, but we took enough back to the RV for a second meal. We recommend it for something different, in the City Different.
(4)
Kristina K.
We had dinner at Mu Du last week, we all loved the food. Big portions but a little bit pricey. Service was ok, for some reason they didn't bring the appetizers all together but one first and after 10 minutes 2 more, after more 5, the last one!
(4)
Robert W.
We have been coming to Mu Du Noodle since it first opened. We plan our trips from California so that we can have a meal here. The food is always world class. Fresh and unique. Mu the owner is a sweet and warm host.
(5)
Amanda R.
Finally, some really good non-New Mexican cuisine in Santa Fe!!! MuDu is admittedly a bit pricey for noodles (~$20 per entree), BUT the ingredients are local, organic, natural, etc. My yuppie self is usually willing to pay a bit more for that kind of quality. Plus everything was delicious! My Malaysian laksa was creamy, complex, and generously portioned, and my stolen bites of my hubby's Singapore noodles were tasty too (mmmm bbq pork). We also enjoyed a deliciously salty/spicy green bean appetizer compliments of our waiter, who could maybe tell that we were newbies and wanted to win us over. (It worked.) I'll certainly go back, and in the meantime, I'm happy to spread the good word!
(4)
Angela L.
Over-priced! I am Malaysian and the laksa is nothing close to the true Laksa. The daikon appetizer were over-fried... Would not recommend anybody.
(1)
J D.
This place has quite possibly the most complex hours I've ever experienced in a bidness. After multiple visits, observation, statistical analysis and research, I've determined the hours to be the following: [NOTE: whatever hours you're reading online or even at the entrance ... not accurate] CLOSED - Sun/Mon every 4th Thursday on every 3rd Leap year and alternating Tuesdays depending on the climate OPEN - 1am - 3am every Friday the 12th, 5-9 on select weekdays (there's an apparent lottery to see which - M-F - wins) No matter, I'm there for food, not temporal consistency ... and it is flawless. The service is fantastic, the food is fresh, the owner is also fresh and cool, often mingling with the customers; it's small enough the waitresses aren't overwhelmed and having to traverse miles for a napkin. Every person (or family member) I've referred here have come (in many cases multiple times) and were more than satisfied. I think that entitles me to some stock options or something. At least a complimentary spring roll and 1/4 shot of hot sake. P.S. (like dessert in writing) their vegan chocolate brownie, all their desserts, are awesome enough I suspect they are main courses for many
(5)
D P.
Tasty food, but very expensive for what it is. We loved our fried kimchi pancakes. The curry was nice and the beef jantaboon was very good. Only drawback is that our waiter was really scattered and seemed slammed - not sure if he forgot to fire our entrees but we were waiting a while in between. However he did make up for it by offering us a complimentary glass of sake. Overall I have been here many times and it is a nice option for upscale asian fusion food.
(4)
Megan T.
Meh. I mean you don't have a ton of options here in NM for Asian but that doesn't mean they should bend you over for a bowl of noodles, chives, and vegetables. $20 to $25 for this?! If it were ten bucks less I'd be ok with it. The food isn't bad except for the daikon cake app. Wow. Pass on that. The intimate setting full of shnar shnar Santa Feans is pleasant but for my money I will be heading down the street to that Thai Vegan place.
(2)
Esteban R.
Okay, perhaps this place deserves 3 stars but I am giving them 2 stars anyway. Why? Well, let me get to why they deserve 3 stars. The service was great and when my wife and I walked in we were immediately greeted with smiles and hellos by not only the waitstaff but also management/ownership. It was warm, clean, cozy and it smelled amazing! Everyone there was lost in food and conversation- some of that banter surely fueled by wine/sake or beer. Kudos to Mudu for creating a great environment in which to eat. On to why they deserve 2 stars... Whether you live in Santa Fe, as my wife and I do, or you are just visiting you will notice a lack of authentic Asian food. We recently moved back to Santa Fe from Portland and we (especially me) have been craving Japanese or Chinese noodles. And when I say noodles I mean the real stuff and not Panda Express or some American take on Asian cuisine. This is where Mudu disappoints. We started with the daikon "cakes". Hmmm... How to describe, they tasted like deep fried bread strips (think hush puppies) with some spices and splattered -although artistically- with run of the mill, over-the-counter Oyster Sauce. For $8 I was expecting more than something I could order at a neon hued food truck at a State Fair. As far as our main dishes, um, well, I ordered the Yaki Noodles and my wife the Singapore Noodles. Both items were nice. That's it, nice. Nice would be okay if we were paying Panda Express or generic American-Asian (not Amerasian) prices. But for $20 and $25 per plate we should have received out-of-this-world, mind blowing, orgasmic amazingness. Not nice. The portions were smaller and there was nothing truly exotic or authentic about these dishes. They relied heavily on chives (lots) to imbue the dishes with flavor. The Singapore was certainly more flavorful than the Yuki Udon but that's like saying that a Big Mac is more flavorful than a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. One just has a few more ingredients than the other but they are both pretty boring fillers. I really want to like this place. My wife really wants to like this place. $20-$25 for dull and somewhat below average dishes. As I stated, these dishes were nice. I am sure you have dated a nice and boring person, desiring more from them after investing so much thought and expectation especially after they promised so much. But we all know that nothing changes boring except seeking out the real deal and not settling. I certainly won't settle for Mudu, sadly it seems like so many Santa Feans already have. (For good pho head to Pho Kim, for good Chinese food at Chinese food prices head to Chows Chinese Bistro)
(2)
Phil T.
Had dinner there a few nights ago.... Wow... It was stunning. Vegans and veg heads need not worry. Very wonderful Mu, thank you!
(5)
M S.
Ridiculous description of their food. And I quote enough noodles for 2 to 4 people hefty serving of noodles. I thought there better be for $25. Alas it should be a crime the boxes were not even full and the quality of food was terrible! Do not order from these folks you will be sorry!
(1)
David S.
Excellent noodle bowls, charming staff including the wonderful owner, who accommodated our request to sit in the side room even after she was going to close it up.
Mu Du Noodles, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This is one of the best non-New Mexican places in town. Mu goes to the green market to grab fresh ingredients and concocts amazing and innovative dishes with them. The emerald sautee is my favorite, try it!
(5)
George R.
Both of our dishes here were great. These are the best noodles I've had in the US in a long time. The prices seem way to high, but definitely worth going at least once. I'll probably be back in spite of the prices.
(5)
Alex W.
I hear Mu Du is Tom Ford's favourite restaurant in Santa Fe. I don't think it's my absolute favourite, but it is a great place to eat. Last time I was there was for a birthday party. Their Sake Mojito is a great aperitif to kick things off with. I tried a few of their starters, the lamb dumplings were especially tasty but the chicken potstickers were also really nice. Last time I was there I tried the Beef Jantaboon, which comes with a 'spicy' warning. It wasn't very spicy but it was absolutely delicious. The beef is cooked in a slightly sweet sauce that resembles something you might get with pork belly. I also tried my girlfriend's Laksa. In my opinion this could have been better, there wasn't so much a soup as a thick sauce. A bit of coconut milk and some water could easily rectify this so. All round they do great food in a nice, casual setting. Try and get a table in the garden if the weather is nice. Highly recommended.
(4)
Karen P.
Complex and subtle cooking from a really special place. The decor and setting is basic but this kind of approach to food is hard to find and takes a sophisticated palate to fully appreciate--if the great chef Jean Georges ever comes to Santa Fe he will love this place. Addition 8/14: Chef Joel Coleman has now left MuDu. I will have to go back and see what it is currently like without him.
(4)
claire g.
Greasy, expensive, friendly service.
(1)
Corey J.
(this review also appears in an edited form in Santa Fe Reporter's 2012-2013 Restaurant Guide) Mu Du Noodles is "treat yourself" food. It may land on the pricey side (appetizer, main course and desert set me back 48 dollars), but with its local ingredients and simple preparation, Mu Du presents itself as one of the best destinations in town for Asian fusion cuisine. The menu is laudably small (9 main dishes, with a small array of shifting specials that mirror what's currently fresh at the Farmer's Market), and this sort of commitment is rewarding to the customer. Each of the main dishes are prepared with care, and it shows in the flavor. The Beef Jantaboon was particularly fantastic--the spicy Angus beef was both perfectly marinated and prepared, the vegetables were fresh and light, and the broth with fresh noodles was remarkably complex and satiating. There's a--forgive the apparent contradiction--simplicity in Chef Mu Jing Lau's food. The flavors are bold, front-forward and rich, but there is almost always a pleasant aftertaste, or some other accompanying sensation--a sweetness that builds beautifully to spiciness or a tenderness that gives way to rich umami. Even the less Asian-inspired dishes (mostly the deserts) have that same balance. And on the subject of desert, do try the lemon panna cotta. It may seem counter-intuitive after a meal of such bold flavors, but there's a delectable subtlety to it--a certain incomprehensible loveliness that leaves one floating out the door rather than walking.
(5)
Kristopher And Jessica K.
OVERPRICED! Heed the advice of the few Asian reviewers. We ordered 1) Yaki Udon - Decent, but definitely not worth $25. 2) Lamb Martabak - We felt the price for this was fairly reasonable. Sauce was good, but there was barely any meat in the dumplings. We pretended we weren't sharing to escape the $2 sharing charge (insanity!). Total including tip was $35 (wow!). In my opinion, I would've paid $20 max for that meal. Go here in desperation to separate yourself from your money and for something different. We normally can get away with sharing an entree and a side, but we left Mu Du feeling cheated and hungry.
(2)
Annie S.
I really don't know the big deal about Mu Du. We finally went here for dinner on a Friday night and it was really packed. The space is surprisingly large and we were seated at the back of the restaurant. I was so shocked at the prices. Green curry with chicken was $18 and a Chinese beef noodle soup was $22! Ridiculous. The curry lacked flavor and I've never see thai curry prepared that way (and I've been to Thailand twice). We also ordered the daikon pancakes and they were good but nothing great. I would say this is a generic Asian restaurant with thai, chinese, korean, etc options. The servers are friendly and it looks like there is a slew of regulars but I would not recommend this place.
(2)
Tamaki I.
Everything that I've tried at Mu Du is awesome. Not your traditional Asian noodle place, but they rock their own vibe and it works out great! They are a little pricey... I think they can get away with it because they're one of a kind. Did I mention their staff is incredibly friendly?! Not like "the customer is always right" friendly, but genuinely caring. Not many parking spots in front of the restaurant, but don't run away because of that! Street parking is available!
(4)
Ryno C.
Finally ate here after hearing all the hype and was sorely disappointed. First, when we arrived at the restaurant, the place was empty. The hostess sat us at a small table against the wall. Then, another couple came in and, in a small dining room full of empty tables, the hostess sat the couple down right next to us. We were honestly only a foot away from them and in the empty restaurant we could hear every word of each other's conversations. It was incredibly uncomfortable. The place eventually filled up, but with a lot of people who were apparently regular patrons and acted like they owned the place. The atmosphere was just plain horrible. On top of that, the food was flavorless. We ordered a spring roll appetizer, which was fresh and delicious, but spring rolls are impossible to mess up. My date ordered a pad Thai which was drenched in a flavor-killing lime juice -- really? I ordered the Shanghai-something-or-other which was supposed to be spicy, according to the menu, but turned out to be just plan bland. None of the usual noddle plate dressings and spices and nuts melded together. The ingredients are fresh, which was the only plus. But in no way does that justify the outrageous price tag. Overall, not at all worth it. Save your money and go to Dara Thai or heck, Panda Express.
(2)
Shane B.
Warm and friendly, attentive service by seemingly genuine individual. The food is outstanding. Christy ordered emerald sautee with tofu. Deliciously spiced, rich flavors. I ordered one of the night's specials, squash potstickers. I can't adequately describe how utterly delicious and satisfying this meal was. The potstickers were perfectly fried and piled on top of a mound of grilled cauliflower, mushroom and zucchini, mixed with bits of kale and doused with a light squash bisque or creamy broth that was spicy to exactly the right heat. I would drink this liquid gold 3 times daily if given the chance. Many vegetarian and vegan options up and down the menu and a respectable beer and wine list as well as other specialty drinks include the citrus-ade Christy ordered: a concoction of lemon, lime, ginger, fresh mint and strawberry that was out of sight. Dessert: we split a small dish called poset that was essentially a flan with strawberries and pomegranate and strawberry reduction. It was just the right amount of awesome. Super highly recommended. Seek it out !
(5)
David T.
Thought for sure I'd reviewed this place because it is one of my favorite escapes when the New Mexican food starts talking back to me. The stars off are simply because the place is very ordinary looking, especially the exterior and for what it is, it is very pricey. It's a little nicer inside but still pretty plain. You know you're going to be in for hefty bill when they don't post their prices on their website. What it lacks in atmosphere is easily outweighed by some very tasty Asian fare. One word of caution they are in no way afraid to turn up the heat - so, ask your server about heat levels or be prepared to sweat. Favorites include the Vietnamese Spring Rolls (the uncooked kind) or the Lamb Martabak (Indonesian crispy dumplings) for starters. Love all the noodle dishes but standouts include Yaki Udon and their very good Pad Thai. They also offer a number of homemade desserts but I'm usually too full. A final note is that they source local and organic - recycle and compost . Thanks for respecting your customers and the planet.
(3)
India C.
Wonderful. The atmosphere was really lovely, the staff was delightful, and the food was sooo good. We started with the Vietnamese spring rolls, I've never had them before so I was surprised that they were raw, they were amazing and so refreshing. After a long and hard deciding process I chose the Beef Jantaboon for my entree which was unbelievable. My boyfriend had a the lamb curry from the specials list which was also yummy. I can't wait to go back and try everything else on the menu!
(5)
Yasmin S.
3.5 stars, really... but having to choose between 3 and 4 i felt really torn... but i just couldn't do the 4. I think the prices are crazy for what you get, but the food is quite good. It's worth it tho if you can sit on the patio... it is lovely. The YAKI UDON and MALAYSIAN LAKSA and BEEF JANTABOON are delicious. Skip the Pad Thai. The service could go either way. All this being said, I recommend.
(3)
Madison C.
Read Mu Du Noodles on Yelp and decided to try it because it received such high rating. Visually, the food looked great. Taste wise, it was disappointing. Entree: Lemongrass soup and Green Thai Curry with tofu instead of chicken. - Lemongrass soup was bland. Did not taste the lemongrass at all. -Green Thai Curry was okay. There was a kick from the green curry. Dessert: Coconut sorbet. The only thing I enjoyed. Cheers to the friendly service and overpriced mediocre food!
(2)
Leahi M.
I finally got to try this place out...and I was very happy! There was a bit of a wait for food, but that's to be expected during a Friday evening with a full house...and I could've used more spice, especially when the menu warns that the item may be spicy...however, overall the experience was lovely.
(5)
Mike E.
My wife and I ate at Mu Du for the first time and it most certainly will not be the last. In my opinion, it was fantastic. I had the Singapore and it was beautiful. Just the right amount of spiciness. My wife had the Beef Jantaboon which she loved too. Lucky for me she didn't eat all of hers and I got leftovers the next day! Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Jo-Lynne W.
This is a great restaurant in Santa Fe. We've been there many times and it's always been spot on.
(5)
Tim W.
Nice service, tasty food, very interesting specials.
(4)
Corinne M.
Yum! My boyfriend and I were in Santa Fe for a baby shower. Our coworker knows the owner and recommended this restaurant for dinner. It was wonderful. The dinning room was warm (to be expected in June in Santa Fe). We ordered the daikon cakes as suggested by our awesome waiter. They were super tasty. Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside with a great sauce and a great flavor. I had the pad Thai chicken and my boyfriend had another noodle dish that was spicy. Everything was wonderful. So tasty. Lots of meat. Lots of vegetables. I am pregnant, so I had a ginger mint lemonade. Super tasty. My boyfriend is not pregnant so he had a Japanese beer, which was very good. For dessert we had a Lemon meringue amazingness with whipped cream and strawberries and almond cookies. So fresh and so light. It was the best thing every. The owner, Mu, came out and talked to us. The whole staff was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. The next time I go back to Santa Fe, I will definitely go back.
(5)
Jon L.
I'll be concise: Food was good, but not great. Service was good, but not great. Everything was overpriced (each entree should have been reduced by $5). Won't be back.
(2)
Kb W.
My family of four ate here and had a lovely dinner, both the food and interaction with the owner. We were visiting Santa Fe and, as vegetarians, had heard a lot about Mu Du, so we went. All our dishes were delicious but what will always be our take away from our dinner here was how kind the owner was to us, esp our disabled infant and toddler. Our infant was stressed because of ??? (probably tired and Sensory overload) and Mu, the owner, just picked him up and gave him the best cuddle, walking him around so we could eat (we're ordinarily of the divide-and-conquer school). He was in heaven to be snuggled and get to see different sights. My husband is Japanese and pretty picky about noodles and he liked his meal as did our toddler and I. We'd definitely eat here again when in Santa Fe.
(5)
carol B.
The patio dining was lovely. The food was very good. The service was lackluster, even though the owner was sitting right next to us! The waitress took our order. The food came quickly but each order was placed before the wrong person without care. One person asked for chicken and was brought tofu. Then the corrected order took quite a while to be delivered. Great care was given to bring us water... If the restaurant had been packed with people I would have understood the mixup, but not on a sleepy Memorial Day weekend... One of our favorite restaurants...but they need to pay attention to the little things. Just my opinion....
(3)
Kim K.
Outstanding food and service! We didn't have a reservation and were told that it take 45 minutes to get us seated. Reluctantly we agreed but to my surprise, the staff brought us drinks and a sample of their green beens (which are amazing!) while we waited and didn't charge us for it. Who does that as just a simple jester of saying thanks for waiting to eat at our establishment?
(5)
Marc H.
Amazing. Probably the best meal I had in Santa Fe. I had the Malaysian Laska with tofu and my wife had the pesto noodles. Both were fantastic. One note is that the prices were a bit higher than I expected. $14 for entrees with tofu, $20 or so for meat options.
(5)
T P.
Big ol' thumbs up and high five to Mu Du. Friendly and inviting service + delicious and hot food = happy me. If you're visiting and have had just a little too much Green and Red chile... this place seriously hits the spot.
(5)
Sam P.
We were disappointed. Everybody raved about this place, but we found it wanting. She gets the three stars for the creative aspect of the food. Service was good. But the prices we thought were unreasonable. I mean, $20 for a bowl of noodles??? Would go back b/c of the positive reports from locals.
(3)
Tom M.
The other day, my wife says to me, "Hey husband, let's get us some noodles at an altitude that exceeds 7000 ft above sea level." My wife, it must be said, is a food-altitude aficionado, and has always balanced her passion for good food within a framework of proper atmospheric conditions. This conversation led us to Mu Du, a noodle house in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After a three day drive, we were definitely in the mood for a good bowl of noodles, and Mu Du, at approximately 7042.5 ft above sea level (with the height of the chair factored in), did not disappoint. We started with two appetizers: a strangely matched but delicious plate of fried pumpkin flowers stuffed with curried squash, and a poke that was ringed with jellied ginger cubes. The bowl of noodles was also wonderful - it had beef and cilantro in it and had flat noodles, but we were so light headed in the higher elevation that we forgot what it was called. I do remember that it wasn't only the location that was at high altitude -- the noodle bowl cost $22 bucks. One dish to avoid is the deep fried pot stickers with a filling of minced chicken and bacon that was accurately described by our waitress as "a club sandwich". I'm all for unique mash-ups of different foods and cuisines, but this combo was immoral -- the equivalent of a hamburger filled with stinky tofu. Our waitress did a fabulous job at the start of the meal, but faded near the end. Along with several other tables, we were forced to flag down the host and have him help us finalize the bill for our meals. A few bumps in the road, but that is to be expected from a meal that took almost 2000 miles to eat.
(3)
Kori S.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe, hands down. We started with the daikon cakes, crispy on the outside and covered with a delicious sauce and the yummy vegetarian spring rolls. I had to restrain myself from ordering more of the daikon cakes, they were that good. I will forever dream of them and actually fantasized about selling the business and transplanting myself to New Mexico. It would be worth it to be within driving distance of those cakes. For an entree I ordered the Yaki Udon it was chockful of veggies and two types of tofu with a slow burn of heat. I added some sambal with black beans and I wanted to stay there forever. We chased are meal with the coconut ginger sorbet and lychee black tea. Mu Du Noodles believes in using local and organic meats and produce and it is reflected in their prices and the fine food you are putting in your mouth.
(5)
Robyn E.
Super yummy vegetarian/vegan noodle restaurant that serves Thai/Vietnamese style food. The portions are a fair size--and the noodles come in large bowls that will serve two people well enough if you also get an appetizer. The food was very tasty, fresh, and evenly flavored. Atmosphere was comfortably swanky and service was attentive and polite. Restaurant is small, but nicely decorated so that it feels cozy, not cramped. I had a Mojito--which was superbly made, the Vietnamese Spring Rolls ($5.50), and the Malaysian Laksa with organic tofu ($12).
(5)
Bob W.
This might be the most overrated restaurant in town. We had read a great review and went in with great expectations but were very disappointed. I can't remember what the meal was that I had, but all I tasted was lime. I like lime, but I don't want my main course to just be a taste of lime.
(1)
Jason J.
The new age-y vibe kind of bugs, but you have to get used to that sort of thing in Santa Fe. It's a quaint spot, right off Cerrillos Road. If you're not alert you'll drive right by it. Thai meets Vietnamese, with a pan Asian twist. The noodles are delish but hard on the wallet. I like the chicken yaki udon bowl or the Malaysian laksa with tofu. The Vietnamese spring rolls are tasty and the ginger mint-y drink is refreshing. If you're gonna eat off the plaza, which you should, then this is a must visit.
(4)
Jillian E.
A restaurant seemingly way off the beaten path - far removed from the charm of downtown Santa Fe, but totally worth it. I don't think I've ever had a better noodle dish. The spring rolls were fabulous, and the service was great. It was a great way to finish my New Mexican adventure.
(5)
Sam S.
I'd never had Chinese food that tasted so fresh, that wasn't loaded with sauce and grease--this place is a step above everything I've ever had, and I live in Chicago! The place is pricey and they're only open for dinner, but I believe that allows the staff to buy the best ingredients, take their time in food preparation and give the customer the best experience possible. It gets busy, but they have a beautiful patio in the back and since it's off the beaten path (though not far), it's a great destination on a weekend night--a departure from the long waits that comprise the high season in Santa Fe.
(5)
R R.
I would give this restaurant five stars for the food. The noodles are good, portions large, authentic ingredients. I really do love the food. But as a Bay Area transplant, the price astonishes me every time. In California my boyfriend and I ate this kind of food several times a week...because we could afford it. We never paid more than $25 for noodles, dumplings, beer for two. Try that at Mudu and you're looking at a $60 tab. And that's on the conservative side. An adorable place, but man...$21 for a bowl of noodles? That reminds me of my $6 Whole Foods cabbage.
(4)
Andrew B.
A must eat place in Santa Fe. Everytime I am in town I eat here. If they have Edamame it is great. Leftovers always good for the next day. Most kind owner. Call for reservations. A bit pricey but it is Santa Fe.
(5)
Rachel S.
The food was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. I had the Jade brown rice bowl and it was lacking flavor. He had a "spicy" dish - it had good flavor but not spicy at all. Skip their dessert. Atmosphere is less than desirable for the prices.
(3)
V E.
For me, this restaurant is for the quarterly/ yearly visit. Their selection is concise and to the point. The service is tip top. The prices are expected, just as a high end -class restaurant / dining.
(4)
Jennifer J.
As I write this I'm eating the Malaysian Laksa for the second time this week. I live in Albuquerque but the asian food is seriously lacking there, so while visiting Santa Fe for work this week I tried this place out. It doesnt have the ambiance of an overly priced asian restaurant (yes, sorry, from the land of China Towns here and it IS over priced- someone else mentioned the meat is sustainable but is my tofu? $16 plus tip for a tofu noodle soup is kinda out there... but here I am, second time around in a week so....) but it's acceptable, nonetheless. The portions are huge, I might add. So... after I wrote this I found a HUGE earwig in my much anticipated soup! They refunded me and said that they can be in the bok choy. no bueno. Really, all you gotta do is soak that shit in salt water for a minute and the bugs float to the top. Still good food, but they should wash their veggies properly.
(2)
Jabba T.
Another great meal at MuDu. I'll save the flowery compliments as I have reviewed this restaurant previously. Tonight they were packed which is nice to see on a Thursday. Food was awesome- Panang Shrimp with fresh noodles, Lamb Martabok, Miso Romaine salad. Yum! Recommended...again!
(5)
Denise N.
Noodles just didn't WOW me ;( The waitstaff were friendly enough, and the Japanese beer they recommended was really good, but for the price tag, the noodle bowl just didn't grab me. Too bad...
(3)
Kimmy V.
The first time we tried Mu Du noodles I had given the restaurant a 4 star, but after coming back it this restaurant again, this restaurant, the food, and staff is well deserved a 5 star. Upon arriving the restaurant, our server remembered us and the Manager that we met before greeted us and remembered us from our previous visit. The service was impeccable, attentive, witty, and personable. Mu Du I would have to say has mastered at bringing food harmony, by bringing the perfect balance of taste and texture. We ordered the following on a Friday night: -Persimmon Salad -Chinese Green Beans -Chicken and Crab dumplings -Emerald Sate Noodles -Daikon Flatcake (on the house) The persimmon salad must have been a season item, as it was new on the menu. How Mu Du served their persimmon salad was a great way to premier this cinamony (if that's a word) fruit. It was served with pomegranate seeds, a light vinaigrette with chopped basil. The flavor profile in this salad would say... FRESH and Adventurous. In my previous review I already wrote about the Chinese Green Beans and the Emerald Sate Noodles. They were better this time, I paid special attention that the Emerald Noodles were not as oil as they were the first time. I can't vouch for what the Chicken and Crab dumplings taste like as I am allergic to Crab; however, my boyfriend can vouch that they are using REAL crab and not imitation crab with a K! -- The manager made a point to come and say they don't serve Crab with a K there! LOL. Mu Du...thank you for such great food and wonderful service...and thank you letting me leave with a satisified stomach and in a joyful mood.
(5)
Sally P.
My husband and I are strict vegans. Being from NYC where the options are limitless, we were hoping to find restaurants in Santa Fe that can cater to us. All we have to say is OH MY GOD! Our waiter Jay (who was so friendly and helpful) recommended every meal we had from start to finish! Everything was made vegan and everything was mind blowing. From the green beans down to the coconut sorbet! WOW! We love to dine well when we travel, and this place is definitely a place worth coming back to. A memorable experience and an impressive meal!! P.s the owner and Chef was sooo nice and welcoming! Thank you all for such a great time and a wonderful exceptional meal while on our stop in santa fe!! We will for sure be back again!!
Great Place to Eat.....The first time I have ever had food with such flavor. The specials were great. First, Mu brought us string beans, cabbage salad, and chips with a curry hummus. All were amazing. Then I had the Fish and shrimp dumplings for an appetizer which was great. All of our meals were great. I had the Emerald Saute with shrimp, scallops green tea noodles and mushrooms. When I come back to Sante Fe this will be one place I will come back to.
(5)
Al H.
Went for the dim sum style brunch on Sunday. The restaurant was relatively busy. The service was very slow, evidently the kitchen doesn't have the output needed to serve dim sum to a larger crowd. The quality of the food was outstanding. The pork taco, eggplant shrimp, the port stew soup, and by and large everything we had was very tasty and well prepared. The portions though are ridiculously small, even by dim sum standards. Also, the prices are outrageously high, as the bite-size servings cost $4, or $6 or $8...a lunch for 2 consisting of (almost literally) just a few bites cost us $65 (including the tip and a $4 green tea)!!!!
(3)
Emily H.
We like to visit Mu Du Noodles on our date nights. You can usually count on Mu Du Noodles for consistently good food, nice variety, and a good selection of food options for the varied diets we keep. This weekend I think i counted 5 items on the entree menu that were easily made vegan, for example. The service is quick and attentive- they seem to have a communal service style such that whatever staff person brings or clears plates, although we did have a primary waiter who kept track of our food. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Some reviews have complained that the food is too expensive, but I would counter that quality meat and seafood that is grown in a sustainable way should cost a lot. And I easily had two meals in my one bowl of noodles (Pesto Udon Noodle- excellent!). We've also enjoyed the dumplings, the spring rolls are fresh and tasty, and the teas and cold beverages are wonderful. Kids: In the summer MuDu has an outdoor seating area that is a great place to bring the kids. In the winter, the restaurant can get a little cramped, so it's maybe better to take the kids elsewhere. The food can be made kid friendly- my kids love the dumplings and the noodles.
(5)
Chris P.
Loved the dinner here. We were looking for something a little different from the New Mexican food we love so much. This was perfect. Asian food, vegetarian and vegan friendly, good wait staff and decent prices. Rivals many Asian restaurants in San Francisco. I am going to enjoy going back to try other dishes.
(4)
Matt A.
Even with reservations, the restaurant was packed, but the staff was very warm and welcoming. We ordered an appetizer of Lamb Martabak and it was a cross of ground lamb with spices wrapped and deep fried in wonton wrap, rectangular shaped. Additionally, we ordered the Chinese Green Beans tapas. Its made much like any other Chinese restaurant for Chinese green beans, but a tad heavier on the soy sauce. For dinner we shared the Emerald Sauteed noodles. Green Sugar Snap peas, the earthiness of the shitake mushrooms, and nice caramel and crispy searness of the the sea scallops (2 pieces) served with green tea noodles and the crispiness of fried shallots topping. Mu Du definitely knows how to make simple foods taste delicious and they are masters of balance and textures in their dish. Very good, we would come here again when we visit Santa Fe again. ..... We have been back, and they remembered us. They are awesome.
(5)
Jessica M.
Wish I could afford MuDus! This is my pick when I'm being treated by my Dad:) It's absolutely amazing! Sooo yummy, everything. Very friendly service. The chef comes out and greets her regulars and is very charming and sweet. Pricey stuff but pretty worth it. Best dish in Santa Fe if ya ask me!
(5)
Patrick K.
Mu Du noodles offers excellent Asian fusion in Santa Fe. I have been here many times and have never been disappointed. The food is always excellent, and the staff is great. The prices are not cheap, but the ingredients and food are top quality.
(4)
Jill C.
After reading all of the recommendations, I was not expecting a $50 take-out bill for a bland meal. We ordered the green curry with tofu, spring rolls, and beef janataboon. While my partner thought the $24 beef jantaboon was tasty, it certainly did not merit the price. The green curry and spring rolls were horrifying. Half of the curry box was taken up by long stalks of cilantro. The curry had little flavor other than watered down coconut milk with a kick of heat. The vegan spring rolls were a complete waste of $7. Unfortunately because the online menu does not provide prices, we did not know our meal would be so costly; this is street food (well, subpar street food). I also thought it was ridiculous that we were only given one tiny box of rice to share (the rice was actually the best part of the curry.)
(2)
Jason F.
Over priced and over rated. PITA parking. Waitress talking with drunken friends at table next to ours as well as it being generally loud. And my lemon grass soup didn't taste at all like lemon grass.
(3)
Jenn E.
This place is ridiculous!! I don't understand how they can charge $22 for a bowl of noodles that is so average tasting. Sure, I know the meat is organic, sustainable but that doesn't give them the right to blatantly rip people off. The portion of noodles I got was definitely on the small side. I normally never finish my entrees but I finished this one because it was so small! I ordered the special kabocha soup which I was looking forward to because I love kabocha but it was so bland! It was like they put some kabocha in a blender and served it in a bowl. No taste what so ever. I also orderd the emerald saute and like I said, it was decent tasting but it was slightly over-salted and it only had 2 scallops and 2 shrimp plus a small amount of noodles and veggies, all for the price of $22. My fiance ordered the Beef Jantaboon and he also said it was very bland with mostly vegetables, hardly any meat or noodles. They are smart not to put their prices on their menu online otherwise I would never have gone there. We live in CA and the only reason I chose this place was because I saw in a magazine that it had won restaurant of the year. That is very sad that Santa Feans think they are getting great Asian food at this restaurant. Great Asian food can be dirt cheap or it can be pricey. In Napa, we have one of the best Asian chefs in the world, Morimoto's restaurant and he only charges $14 for a bowl of noodles. The only reason I didn't give it one star is because our service was decent and I appreciated that. Sorry but I would definitely suggest you to spend your hard earned money elsewhere.
(2)
Iris B.
this is one of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of eating at. the food was fresh, zesty, tasty, and light. the woman who owns it knows her stuff... and the outside seating area is very quaint and relaxing. i ordered a noodle dish with lime, pesto & tofu along with some melon and yogurt flavored cold saki and the salty caramel ice cream dessert. highly highly recommended.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Ben G.
I'm trying this place for lunch for the first time. I was surprised to see only one noodle dish offered. You would think they would have more options with a place called "Mu Do Noodles." Still, the grilled pork loin vermicelli salad was outstanding. A mouthful of fresh, explosive favors. Excellent!
(5)Sherry C.
The noodles are wonderful. Spicy is quite authentic. Love the environment and services. Seafood is fresh. And generally speaking portions are small, pretty costy Though on yelp is 2 dollars, but noodles are around 20-25, and dessert and appetizer are around 8-10.
(4)Trent N.
As a huge lover of Asian cuisine, I have to say that this was hands down one of the best experiences I've had in recent years. The daikon noodle appetizer was carefully made and very savory, the jade brown rice dish had fantastic texture, and the Malaysian curry noodles were rich in spice and flavor. Couldn't be happier to start my Santa Fe trip here--would wholeheartedly recommend this charming place for fantastic service and food that balances authentic asian dishes with innovative interpretations.
(5)Robert G.
Prior reviewers on the money. Malasian Laksa superb, and the brown rice with chicken and shrimp and cilantro a great second. About $18 per plate, but we took enough back to the RV for a second meal. We recommend it for something different, in the City Different.
(4)Robert W.
We have been coming to Mu Du Noodle since it first opened. We plan our trips from California so that we can have a meal here. The food is always world class. Fresh and unique. Mu the owner is a sweet and warm host.
(5)Amanda R.
Finally, some really good non-New Mexican cuisine in Santa Fe!!! MuDu is admittedly a bit pricey for noodles (~$20 per entree), BUT the ingredients are local, organic, natural, etc. My yuppie self is usually willing to pay a bit more for that kind of quality. Plus everything was delicious! My Malaysian laksa was creamy, complex, and generously portioned, and my stolen bites of my hubby's Singapore noodles were tasty too (mmmm bbq pork). We also enjoyed a deliciously salty/spicy green bean appetizer compliments of our waiter, who could maybe tell that we were newbies and wanted to win us over. (It worked.) I'll certainly go back, and in the meantime, I'm happy to spread the good word!
(4)Angela L.
Over-priced! I am Malaysian and the laksa is nothing close to the true Laksa. The daikon appetizer were over-fried... Would not recommend anybody.
(1)J D.
This place has quite possibly the most complex hours I've ever experienced in a bidness. After multiple visits, observation, statistical analysis and research, I've determined the hours to be the following: [NOTE: whatever hours you're reading online or even at the entrance ... not accurate] CLOSED - Sun/Mon every 4th Thursday on every 3rd Leap year and alternating Tuesdays depending on the climate OPEN - 1am - 3am every Friday the 12th, 5-9 on select weekdays (there's an apparent lottery to see which - M-F - wins) No matter, I'm there for food, not temporal consistency ... and it is flawless. The service is fantastic, the food is fresh, the owner is also fresh and cool, often mingling with the customers; it's small enough the waitresses aren't overwhelmed and having to traverse miles for a napkin. Every person (or family member) I've referred here have come (in many cases multiple times) and were more than satisfied. I think that entitles me to some stock options or something. At least a complimentary spring roll and 1/4 shot of hot sake. P.S. (like dessert in writing) their vegan chocolate brownie, all their desserts, are awesome enough I suspect they are main courses for many
(5)D P.
Tasty food, but very expensive for what it is. We loved our fried kimchi pancakes. The curry was nice and the beef jantaboon was very good. Only drawback is that our waiter was really scattered and seemed slammed - not sure if he forgot to fire our entrees but we were waiting a while in between. However he did make up for it by offering us a complimentary glass of sake. Overall I have been here many times and it is a nice option for upscale asian fusion food.
(4)carol B.
The patio dining was lovely. The food was very good. The service was lackluster, even though the owner was sitting right next to us! The waitress took our order. The food came quickly but each order was placed before the wrong person without care. One person asked for chicken and was brought tofu. Then the corrected order took quite a while to be delivered. Great care was given to bring us water... If the restaurant had been packed with people I would have understood the mixup, but not on a sleepy Memorial Day weekend... One of our favorite restaurants...but they need to pay attention to the little things. Just my opinion....
(3)Kim K.
Outstanding food and service! We didn't have a reservation and were told that it take 45 minutes to get us seated. Reluctantly we agreed but to my surprise, the staff brought us drinks and a sample of their green beens (which are amazing!) while we waited and didn't charge us for it. Who does that as just a simple jester of saying thanks for waiting to eat at our establishment?
(5)Marc H.
Amazing. Probably the best meal I had in Santa Fe. I had the Malaysian Laska with tofu and my wife had the pesto noodles. Both were fantastic. One note is that the prices were a bit higher than I expected. $14 for entrees with tofu, $20 or so for meat options.
(5)T P.
Big ol' thumbs up and high five to Mu Du. Friendly and inviting service + delicious and hot food = happy me. If you're visiting and have had just a little too much Green and Red chile... this place seriously hits the spot.
(5)Rachel S.
The food was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. I had the Jade brown rice bowl and it was lacking flavor. He had a "spicy" dish - it had good flavor but not spicy at all. Skip their dessert. Atmosphere is less than desirable for the prices.
(3)V E.
For me, this restaurant is for the quarterly/ yearly visit. Their selection is concise and to the point. The service is tip top. The prices are expected, just as a high end -class restaurant / dining.
(4)Jennifer J.
As I write this I'm eating the Malaysian Laksa for the second time this week. I live in Albuquerque but the asian food is seriously lacking there, so while visiting Santa Fe for work this week I tried this place out. It doesnt have the ambiance of an overly priced asian restaurant (yes, sorry, from the land of China Towns here and it IS over priced- someone else mentioned the meat is sustainable but is my tofu? $16 plus tip for a tofu noodle soup is kinda out there... but here I am, second time around in a week so....) but it's acceptable, nonetheless. The portions are huge, I might add. So... after I wrote this I found a HUGE earwig in my much anticipated soup! They refunded me and said that they can be in the bok choy. no bueno. Really, all you gotta do is soak that shit in salt water for a minute and the bugs float to the top. Still good food, but they should wash their veggies properly.
(2)R R.
I would give this restaurant five stars for the food. The noodles are good, portions large, authentic ingredients. I really do love the food. But as a Bay Area transplant, the price astonishes me every time. In California my boyfriend and I ate this kind of food several times a week...because we could afford it. We never paid more than $25 for noodles, dumplings, beer for two. Try that at Mudu and you're looking at a $60 tab. And that's on the conservative side. An adorable place, but man...$21 for a bowl of noodles? That reminds me of my $6 Whole Foods cabbage.
(4)Kristina K.
We had dinner at Mu Du last week, we all loved the food. Big portions but a little bit pricey. Service was ok, for some reason they didn't bring the appetizers all together but one first and after 10 minutes 2 more, after more 5, the last one!
(4)claire g.
Greasy, expensive, friendly service.
(1)Megan T.
Meh. I mean you don't have a ton of options here in NM for Asian but that doesn't mean they should bend you over for a bowl of noodles, chives, and vegetables. $20 to $25 for this?! If it were ten bucks less I'd be ok with it. The food isn't bad except for the daikon cake app. Wow. Pass on that. The intimate setting full of shnar shnar Santa Feans is pleasant but for my money I will be heading down the street to that Thai Vegan place.
(2)Esteban R.
Okay, perhaps this place deserves 3 stars but I am giving them 2 stars anyway. Why? Well, let me get to why they deserve 3 stars. The service was great and when my wife and I walked in we were immediately greeted with smiles and hellos by not only the waitstaff but also management/ownership. It was warm, clean, cozy and it smelled amazing! Everyone there was lost in food and conversation- some of that banter surely fueled by wine/sake or beer. Kudos to Mudu for creating a great environment in which to eat. On to why they deserve 2 stars... Whether you live in Santa Fe, as my wife and I do, or you are just visiting you will notice a lack of authentic Asian food. We recently moved back to Santa Fe from Portland and we (especially me) have been craving Japanese or Chinese noodles. And when I say noodles I mean the real stuff and not Panda Express or some American take on Asian cuisine. This is where Mudu disappoints. We started with the daikon "cakes". Hmmm... How to describe, they tasted like deep fried bread strips (think hush puppies) with some spices and splattered -although artistically- with run of the mill, over-the-counter Oyster Sauce. For $8 I was expecting more than something I could order at a neon hued food truck at a State Fair. As far as our main dishes, um, well, I ordered the Yaki Noodles and my wife the Singapore Noodles. Both items were nice. That's it, nice. Nice would be okay if we were paying Panda Express or generic American-Asian (not Amerasian) prices. But for $20 and $25 per plate we should have received out-of-this-world, mind blowing, orgasmic amazingness. Not nice. The portions were smaller and there was nothing truly exotic or authentic about these dishes. They relied heavily on chives (lots) to imbue the dishes with flavor. The Singapore was certainly more flavorful than the Yuki Udon but that's like saying that a Big Mac is more flavorful than a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. One just has a few more ingredients than the other but they are both pretty boring fillers. I really want to like this place. My wife really wants to like this place. $20-$25 for dull and somewhat below average dishes. As I stated, these dishes were nice. I am sure you have dated a nice and boring person, desiring more from them after investing so much thought and expectation especially after they promised so much. But we all know that nothing changes boring except seeking out the real deal and not settling. I certainly won't settle for Mudu, sadly it seems like so many Santa Feans already have. (For good pho head to Pho Kim, for good Chinese food at Chinese food prices head to Chows Chinese Bistro)
(2)Phil T.
Had dinner there a few nights ago.... Wow... It was stunning. Vegans and veg heads need not worry. Very wonderful Mu, thank you!
(5)M S.
Ridiculous description of their food. And I quote enough noodles for 2 to 4 people hefty serving of noodles. I thought there better be for $25. Alas it should be a crime the boxes were not even full and the quality of food was terrible! Do not order from these folks you will be sorry!
(1)David S.
Excellent noodle bowls, charming staff including the wonderful owner, who accommodated our request to sit in the side room even after she was going to close it up.
(5)Sean D.
They were super busy when my fiancé went in last night, but even though we didn't have a reservation, they happily seated us almost immediately. Busser brought waters as we waited for our server - a buzzed and bearded fella who was delightful and even brought us the most delicious green bean appetizer with the spring rolls we ordered (which were also amazing - especially that ginger dipping sauce). The chicken pad Thai was hands down the best I have ever had. Server asked if we wanted chili sauce, etc. I usually love sriacha, but it would have just ruined this already perfect dish. My fiancé had the dumpling and miso special - squash dumplings - and it was perfect as well. On top of all that, they have a great list of both local/domestic and Japanese microbrews. This place could not be any more perfect - highly recommend!
(5)Serena A.
Mu Du Noodles, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This is one of the best non-New Mexican places in town. Mu goes to the green market to grab fresh ingredients and concocts amazing and innovative dishes with them. The emerald sautee is my favorite, try it!
(5)George R.
Both of our dishes here were great. These are the best noodles I've had in the US in a long time. The prices seem way to high, but definitely worth going at least once. I'll probably be back in spite of the prices.
(5)Alex W.
I hear Mu Du is Tom Ford's favourite restaurant in Santa Fe. I don't think it's my absolute favourite, but it is a great place to eat. Last time I was there was for a birthday party. Their Sake Mojito is a great aperitif to kick things off with. I tried a few of their starters, the lamb dumplings were especially tasty but the chicken potstickers were also really nice. Last time I was there I tried the Beef Jantaboon, which comes with a 'spicy' warning. It wasn't very spicy but it was absolutely delicious. The beef is cooked in a slightly sweet sauce that resembles something you might get with pork belly. I also tried my girlfriend's Laksa. In my opinion this could have been better, there wasn't so much a soup as a thick sauce. A bit of coconut milk and some water could easily rectify this so. All round they do great food in a nice, casual setting. Try and get a table in the garden if the weather is nice. Highly recommended.
(4)Karen P.
Complex and subtle cooking from a really special place. The decor and setting is basic but this kind of approach to food is hard to find and takes a sophisticated palate to fully appreciate--if the great chef Jean Georges ever comes to Santa Fe he will love this place. Addition 8/14: Chef Joel Coleman has now left MuDu. I will have to go back and see what it is currently like without him.
(4)Corey J.
(this review also appears in an edited form in Santa Fe Reporter's 2012-2013 Restaurant Guide) Mu Du Noodles is "treat yourself" food. It may land on the pricey side (appetizer, main course and desert set me back 48 dollars), but with its local ingredients and simple preparation, Mu Du presents itself as one of the best destinations in town for Asian fusion cuisine. The menu is laudably small (9 main dishes, with a small array of shifting specials that mirror what's currently fresh at the Farmer's Market), and this sort of commitment is rewarding to the customer. Each of the main dishes are prepared with care, and it shows in the flavor. The Beef Jantaboon was particularly fantastic--the spicy Angus beef was both perfectly marinated and prepared, the vegetables were fresh and light, and the broth with fresh noodles was remarkably complex and satiating. There's a--forgive the apparent contradiction--simplicity in Chef Mu Jing Lau's food. The flavors are bold, front-forward and rich, but there is almost always a pleasant aftertaste, or some other accompanying sensation--a sweetness that builds beautifully to spiciness or a tenderness that gives way to rich umami. Even the less Asian-inspired dishes (mostly the deserts) have that same balance. And on the subject of desert, do try the lemon panna cotta. It may seem counter-intuitive after a meal of such bold flavors, but there's a delectable subtlety to it--a certain incomprehensible loveliness that leaves one floating out the door rather than walking.
(5)Kristopher And Jessica K.
OVERPRICED! Heed the advice of the few Asian reviewers. We ordered 1) Yaki Udon - Decent, but definitely not worth $25. 2) Lamb Martabak - We felt the price for this was fairly reasonable. Sauce was good, but there was barely any meat in the dumplings. We pretended we weren't sharing to escape the $2 sharing charge (insanity!). Total including tip was $35 (wow!). In my opinion, I would've paid $20 max for that meal. Go here in desperation to separate yourself from your money and for something different. We normally can get away with sharing an entree and a side, but we left Mu Du feeling cheated and hungry.
(2)Annie S.
I really don't know the big deal about Mu Du. We finally went here for dinner on a Friday night and it was really packed. The space is surprisingly large and we were seated at the back of the restaurant. I was so shocked at the prices. Green curry with chicken was $18 and a Chinese beef noodle soup was $22! Ridiculous. The curry lacked flavor and I've never see thai curry prepared that way (and I've been to Thailand twice). We also ordered the daikon pancakes and they were good but nothing great. I would say this is a generic Asian restaurant with thai, chinese, korean, etc options. The servers are friendly and it looks like there is a slew of regulars but I would not recommend this place.
(2)Tamaki I.
Everything that I've tried at Mu Du is awesome. Not your traditional Asian noodle place, but they rock their own vibe and it works out great! They are a little pricey... I think they can get away with it because they're one of a kind. Did I mention their staff is incredibly friendly?! Not like "the customer is always right" friendly, but genuinely caring. Not many parking spots in front of the restaurant, but don't run away because of that! Street parking is available!
(4)Ryno C.
Finally ate here after hearing all the hype and was sorely disappointed. First, when we arrived at the restaurant, the place was empty. The hostess sat us at a small table against the wall. Then, another couple came in and, in a small dining room full of empty tables, the hostess sat the couple down right next to us. We were honestly only a foot away from them and in the empty restaurant we could hear every word of each other's conversations. It was incredibly uncomfortable. The place eventually filled up, but with a lot of people who were apparently regular patrons and acted like they owned the place. The atmosphere was just plain horrible. On top of that, the food was flavorless. We ordered a spring roll appetizer, which was fresh and delicious, but spring rolls are impossible to mess up. My date ordered a pad Thai which was drenched in a flavor-killing lime juice -- really? I ordered the Shanghai-something-or-other which was supposed to be spicy, according to the menu, but turned out to be just plan bland. None of the usual noddle plate dressings and spices and nuts melded together. The ingredients are fresh, which was the only plus. But in no way does that justify the outrageous price tag. Overall, not at all worth it. Save your money and go to Dara Thai or heck, Panda Express.
(2)Shane B.
Warm and friendly, attentive service by seemingly genuine individual. The food is outstanding. Christy ordered emerald sautee with tofu. Deliciously spiced, rich flavors. I ordered one of the night's specials, squash potstickers. I can't adequately describe how utterly delicious and satisfying this meal was. The potstickers were perfectly fried and piled on top of a mound of grilled cauliflower, mushroom and zucchini, mixed with bits of kale and doused with a light squash bisque or creamy broth that was spicy to exactly the right heat. I would drink this liquid gold 3 times daily if given the chance. Many vegetarian and vegan options up and down the menu and a respectable beer and wine list as well as other specialty drinks include the citrus-ade Christy ordered: a concoction of lemon, lime, ginger, fresh mint and strawberry that was out of sight. Dessert: we split a small dish called poset that was essentially a flan with strawberries and pomegranate and strawberry reduction. It was just the right amount of awesome. Super highly recommended. Seek it out !
(5)David T.
Thought for sure I'd reviewed this place because it is one of my favorite escapes when the New Mexican food starts talking back to me. The stars off are simply because the place is very ordinary looking, especially the exterior and for what it is, it is very pricey. It's a little nicer inside but still pretty plain. You know you're going to be in for hefty bill when they don't post their prices on their website. What it lacks in atmosphere is easily outweighed by some very tasty Asian fare. One word of caution they are in no way afraid to turn up the heat - so, ask your server about heat levels or be prepared to sweat. Favorites include the Vietnamese Spring Rolls (the uncooked kind) or the Lamb Martabak (Indonesian crispy dumplings) for starters. Love all the noodle dishes but standouts include Yaki Udon and their very good Pad Thai. They also offer a number of homemade desserts but I'm usually too full. A final note is that they source local and organic - recycle and compost . Thanks for respecting your customers and the planet.
(3)Franny P.
It's a matter of knowing what to order. A friend and I dined at Mu Du Noodles and this is what we had. We started with the Kimchi Pancakes. Every bite was a giddy reminder of what you hope for when you dine out. The sourness of kimchi combined with a crunchy - latke like- pancake is simply delicious. The dipping sauce adds a welcome and bright element that does not over power - as dipping sauces are wanton to do. We also ordered a starter salad that was deceptively sparse but delivered flavor in spades. I remember sitting there looking at this plate of lettuce thinking, "where is this amazing flavor coming from?" This is Mu Du's super power - a delightful and complex fireworks display of flavor concocted for your rooftop pleasure. My girlfriend ordered the Malaysian Laksa. This entree is to die for, and is obviously their signature dish. My eyes rolled back in my head and a warm and pleasant feeling enveloped my elbows. Gorgeous shrimp and firm pillowy scallops atop a bowl of wide noodles only hint at the perfection of flavors in the seafood version of this dish. A sauce so deftly handled that it catapults this gastronomical offering to the top of "must try." I always order Pad Thai where it is served. I have been eating Pad Thai for 21 years. I don't know much about a lot of things, but I know this dish. Here in lies my quizatorial disappointment with Mu Du's version of what should be an exquisitely simple noodle dish. Possibly in an attempt to make it healthy, they add broccoli and a slew of other vegetables. Blasphemy and Sacrilege! Though the flavor was good (because that's what Mu Du does best), the texture and appearance was... unfortunate. The broccoli looked like it had been ridden hard and dragged across the border. Also, what's with Shitake mushrooms in a Thai dish? So, pass on the Pad Thai. When in doubt, Pad Thai should be left to food trucks and holes in the wall. Ambitious chefs just can't help themselves. We ordered a few mixology type beverages that weren't going down swiftly. They could be described as... medicinal. Dessert redeemed the few minor upsets that weren't even really threatening this already culinary WIN. I was back to moaning all over again. If your not okay with dropping $40 - $60 for dinner (per person) for a full-on sit down meal. Then place a pick-up order for one appetizer and one entree for you and someone special. It's plenty of food for two. Oh, stop groaning about being really hungry. You'll get amazing new taste sensations for a fraction of the price. Plus you can watch Tampopo ( a Japanese Spaghetti Western) while noshing on your noodles.
(4)VK D.
I have eaten here several times & never disappointed with Mu's creative culinary excellence. Sometimes I just eat a few different appetizers so to try as many flavors as possible. Authentic Asian style cooking from the heart. Don't be afraid to try her specials, they are usually wonderful. Parking can be tough but worth the effort.
(5)India C.
Wonderful. The atmosphere was really lovely, the staff was delightful, and the food was sooo good. We started with the Vietnamese spring rolls, I've never had them before so I was surprised that they were raw, they were amazing and so refreshing. After a long and hard deciding process I chose the Beef Jantaboon for my entree which was unbelievable. My boyfriend had a the lamb curry from the specials list which was also yummy. I can't wait to go back and try everything else on the menu!
(5)Yasmin S.
3.5 stars, really... but having to choose between 3 and 4 i felt really torn... but i just couldn't do the 4. I think the prices are crazy for what you get, but the food is quite good. It's worth it tho if you can sit on the patio... it is lovely. The YAKI UDON and MALAYSIAN LAKSA and BEEF JANTABOON are delicious. Skip the Pad Thai. The service could go either way. All this being said, I recommend.
(3)Denise N.
Noodles just didn't WOW me ;( The waitstaff were friendly enough, and the Japanese beer they recommended was really good, but for the price tag, the noodle bowl just didn't grab me. Too bad...
(3)Kimmy V.
The first time we tried Mu Du noodles I had given the restaurant a 4 star, but after coming back it this restaurant again, this restaurant, the food, and staff is well deserved a 5 star. Upon arriving the restaurant, our server remembered us and the Manager that we met before greeted us and remembered us from our previous visit. The service was impeccable, attentive, witty, and personable. Mu Du I would have to say has mastered at bringing food harmony, by bringing the perfect balance of taste and texture. We ordered the following on a Friday night: -Persimmon Salad -Chinese Green Beans -Chicken and Crab dumplings -Emerald Sate Noodles -Daikon Flatcake (on the house) The persimmon salad must have been a season item, as it was new on the menu. How Mu Du served their persimmon salad was a great way to premier this cinamony (if that's a word) fruit. It was served with pomegranate seeds, a light vinaigrette with chopped basil. The flavor profile in this salad would say... FRESH and Adventurous. In my previous review I already wrote about the Chinese Green Beans and the Emerald Sate Noodles. They were better this time, I paid special attention that the Emerald Noodles were not as oil as they were the first time. I can't vouch for what the Chicken and Crab dumplings taste like as I am allergic to Crab; however, my boyfriend can vouch that they are using REAL crab and not imitation crab with a K! -- The manager made a point to come and say they don't serve Crab with a K there! LOL. Mu Du...thank you for such great food and wonderful service...and thank you letting me leave with a satisified stomach and in a joyful mood.
(5)Madison C.
Read Mu Du Noodles on Yelp and decided to try it because it received such high rating. Visually, the food looked great. Taste wise, it was disappointing. Entree: Lemongrass soup and Green Thai Curry with tofu instead of chicken. - Lemongrass soup was bland. Did not taste the lemongrass at all. -Green Thai Curry was okay. There was a kick from the green curry. Dessert: Coconut sorbet. The only thing I enjoyed. Cheers to the friendly service and overpriced mediocre food!
(2)Leahi M.
I finally got to try this place out...and I was very happy! There was a bit of a wait for food, but that's to be expected during a Friday evening with a full house...and I could've used more spice, especially when the menu warns that the item may be spicy...however, overall the experience was lovely.
(5)Mike E.
My wife and I ate at Mu Du for the first time and it most certainly will not be the last. In my opinion, it was fantastic. I had the Singapore and it was beautiful. Just the right amount of spiciness. My wife had the Beef Jantaboon which she loved too. Lucky for me she didn't eat all of hers and I got leftovers the next day! Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Jo-Lynne W.
This is a great restaurant in Santa Fe. We've been there many times and it's always been spot on.
(5)Tim W.
Nice service, tasty food, very interesting specials.
(4)Corinne M.
Yum! My boyfriend and I were in Santa Fe for a baby shower. Our coworker knows the owner and recommended this restaurant for dinner. It was wonderful. The dinning room was warm (to be expected in June in Santa Fe). We ordered the daikon cakes as suggested by our awesome waiter. They were super tasty. Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside with a great sauce and a great flavor. I had the pad Thai chicken and my boyfriend had another noodle dish that was spicy. Everything was wonderful. So tasty. Lots of meat. Lots of vegetables. I am pregnant, so I had a ginger mint lemonade. Super tasty. My boyfriend is not pregnant so he had a Japanese beer, which was very good. For dessert we had a Lemon meringue amazingness with whipped cream and strawberries and almond cookies. So fresh and so light. It was the best thing every. The owner, Mu, came out and talked to us. The whole staff was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. The next time I go back to Santa Fe, I will definitely go back.
(5)Jon L.
I'll be concise: Food was good, but not great. Service was good, but not great. Everything was overpriced (each entree should have been reduced by $5). Won't be back.
(2)Kb W.
My family of four ate here and had a lovely dinner, both the food and interaction with the owner. We were visiting Santa Fe and, as vegetarians, had heard a lot about Mu Du, so we went. All our dishes were delicious but what will always be our take away from our dinner here was how kind the owner was to us, esp our disabled infant and toddler. Our infant was stressed because of ??? (probably tired and Sensory overload) and Mu, the owner, just picked him up and gave him the best cuddle, walking him around so we could eat (we're ordinarily of the divide-and-conquer school). He was in heaven to be snuggled and get to see different sights. My husband is Japanese and pretty picky about noodles and he liked his meal as did our toddler and I. We'd definitely eat here again when in Santa Fe.
(5)Jabba T.
Another great meal at MuDu. I'll save the flowery compliments as I have reviewed this restaurant previously. Tonight they were packed which is nice to see on a Thursday. Food was awesome- Panang Shrimp with fresh noodles, Lamb Martabok, Miso Romaine salad. Yum! Recommended...again!
(5)Sally P.
My husband and I are strict vegans. Being from NYC where the options are limitless, we were hoping to find restaurants in Santa Fe that can cater to us. All we have to say is OH MY GOD! Our waiter Jay (who was so friendly and helpful) recommended every meal we had from start to finish! Everything was made vegan and everything was mind blowing. From the green beans down to the coconut sorbet! WOW! We love to dine well when we travel, and this place is definitely a place worth coming back to. A memorable experience and an impressive meal!! P.s the owner and Chef was sooo nice and welcoming! Thank you all for such a great time and a wonderful exceptional meal while on our stop in santa fe!! We will for sure be back again!!
(5)Chris O.
Fortunately we were the first ones at the door on a Saturday night because they only had two small tables that were unreserved. Despite how busy they were, this was easily one of the best restaurants I've been to. The wait staff was quick and attentive and everyone took it as their personal responsibility to make sure we were happy and satisfied. My pregnant wife had the ginger-citrus-ade to drink, which came with a lemon slice, two slices of strawberry, and a mint sprig. I got one of the sake samplers--three shot glasses of very fine sake, complete with descriptions of each that was right on. For an appetizer, we ordered the Organic Lamb Martabak. The dumpling was perfectly crispy and not heavy at all. Spicy and delicious and the dipping sauce was refreshing and a delightful complement. We were also given a plate of sautéed green beans with garlic and other mellow spices. For our main course we shared the Malaysian Laksa. Like the beans with our appetizer, the vegetables were cooked to perfection--a little crispy and not wilted or mushy at all. Even splitting the meal, we had to take half of it home. Although the main dish cost $19 (an extra $2 to split), it was enough for two meals for both of us. For dessert we had lemon mousse with hazelnut meringue on top. There were a few slices of strawberry and a dollop of fresh whipped cream and blueberries on the side along with a sprig of mint. Amazing. The ambiance of the place was elegant, simple, warm, and zen-like. Our cloth napkins included a small gray stone on top with chopsticks inside. We definitely loved the experience of eating at Mu Du Noodles and hope to be back before we leave Santa Fe in two weeks.
(5)Kathy B.
Great Place to Eat.....The first time I have ever had food with such flavor. The specials were great. First, Mu brought us string beans, cabbage salad, and chips with a curry hummus. All were amazing. Then I had the Fish and shrimp dumplings for an appetizer which was great. All of our meals were great. I had the Emerald Saute with shrimp, scallops green tea noodles and mushrooms. When I come back to Sante Fe this will be one place I will come back to.
(5)Emily H.
We like to visit Mu Du Noodles on our date nights. You can usually count on Mu Du Noodles for consistently good food, nice variety, and a good selection of food options for the varied diets we keep. This weekend I think i counted 5 items on the entree menu that were easily made vegan, for example. The service is quick and attentive- they seem to have a communal service style such that whatever staff person brings or clears plates, although we did have a primary waiter who kept track of our food. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Some reviews have complained that the food is too expensive, but I would counter that quality meat and seafood that is grown in a sustainable way should cost a lot. And I easily had two meals in my one bowl of noodles (Pesto Udon Noodle- excellent!). We've also enjoyed the dumplings, the spring rolls are fresh and tasty, and the teas and cold beverages are wonderful. Kids: In the summer MuDu has an outdoor seating area that is a great place to bring the kids. In the winter, the restaurant can get a little cramped, so it's maybe better to take the kids elsewhere. The food can be made kid friendly- my kids love the dumplings and the noodles.
(5)Chris P.
Loved the dinner here. We were looking for something a little different from the New Mexican food we love so much. This was perfect. Asian food, vegetarian and vegan friendly, good wait staff and decent prices. Rivals many Asian restaurants in San Francisco. I am going to enjoy going back to try other dishes.
(4)Matt A.
Even with reservations, the restaurant was packed, but the staff was very warm and welcoming. We ordered an appetizer of Lamb Martabak and it was a cross of ground lamb with spices wrapped and deep fried in wonton wrap, rectangular shaped. Additionally, we ordered the Chinese Green Beans tapas. Its made much like any other Chinese restaurant for Chinese green beans, but a tad heavier on the soy sauce. For dinner we shared the Emerald Sauteed noodles. Green Sugar Snap peas, the earthiness of the shitake mushrooms, and nice caramel and crispy searness of the the sea scallops (2 pieces) served with green tea noodles and the crispiness of fried shallots topping. Mu Du definitely knows how to make simple foods taste delicious and they are masters of balance and textures in their dish. Very good, we would come here again when we visit Santa Fe again. ..... We have been back, and they remembered us. They are awesome.
(5)Jessica M.
Wish I could afford MuDus! This is my pick when I'm being treated by my Dad:) It's absolutely amazing! Sooo yummy, everything. Very friendly service. The chef comes out and greets her regulars and is very charming and sweet. Pricey stuff but pretty worth it. Best dish in Santa Fe if ya ask me!
(5)Patrick K.
Mu Du noodles offers excellent Asian fusion in Santa Fe. I have been here many times and have never been disappointed. The food is always excellent, and the staff is great. The prices are not cheap, but the ingredients and food are top quality.
(4)Jill C.
After reading all of the recommendations, I was not expecting a $50 take-out bill for a bland meal. We ordered the green curry with tofu, spring rolls, and beef janataboon. While my partner thought the $24 beef jantaboon was tasty, it certainly did not merit the price. The green curry and spring rolls were horrifying. Half of the curry box was taken up by long stalks of cilantro. The curry had little flavor other than watered down coconut milk with a kick of heat. The vegan spring rolls were a complete waste of $7. Unfortunately because the online menu does not provide prices, we did not know our meal would be so costly; this is street food (well, subpar street food). I also thought it was ridiculous that we were only given one tiny box of rice to share (the rice was actually the best part of the curry.)
(2)Jason F.
Over priced and over rated. PITA parking. Waitress talking with drunken friends at table next to ours as well as it being generally loud. And my lemon grass soup didn't taste at all like lemon grass.
(3)Jenn E.
This place is ridiculous!! I don't understand how they can charge $22 for a bowl of noodles that is so average tasting. Sure, I know the meat is organic, sustainable but that doesn't give them the right to blatantly rip people off. The portion of noodles I got was definitely on the small side. I normally never finish my entrees but I finished this one because it was so small! I ordered the special kabocha soup which I was looking forward to because I love kabocha but it was so bland! It was like they put some kabocha in a blender and served it in a bowl. No taste what so ever. I also orderd the emerald saute and like I said, it was decent tasting but it was slightly over-salted and it only had 2 scallops and 2 shrimp plus a small amount of noodles and veggies, all for the price of $22. My fiance ordered the Beef Jantaboon and he also said it was very bland with mostly vegetables, hardly any meat or noodles. They are smart not to put their prices on their menu online otherwise I would never have gone there. We live in CA and the only reason I chose this place was because I saw in a magazine that it had won restaurant of the year. That is very sad that Santa Feans think they are getting great Asian food at this restaurant. Great Asian food can be dirt cheap or it can be pricey. In Napa, we have one of the best Asian chefs in the world, Morimoto's restaurant and he only charges $14 for a bowl of noodles. The only reason I didn't give it one star is because our service was decent and I appreciated that. Sorry but I would definitely suggest you to spend your hard earned money elsewhere.
(2)Iris B.
this is one of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of eating at. the food was fresh, zesty, tasty, and light. the woman who owns it knows her stuff... and the outside seating area is very quaint and relaxing. i ordered a noodle dish with lime, pesto & tofu along with some melon and yogurt flavored cold saki and the salty caramel ice cream dessert. highly highly recommended.
(5)Steve E.
A bit overrated. The food was good but prices are off the chart for what you get. Service is a bit slow.
(3)Al H.
Went for the dim sum style brunch on Sunday. The restaurant was relatively busy. The service was very slow, evidently the kitchen doesn't have the output needed to serve dim sum to a larger crowd. The quality of the food was outstanding. The pork taco, eggplant shrimp, the port stew soup, and by and large everything we had was very tasty and well prepared. The portions though are ridiculously small, even by dim sum standards. Also, the prices are outrageously high, as the bite-size servings cost $4, or $6 or $8...a lunch for 2 consisting of (almost literally) just a few bites cost us $65 (including the tip and a $4 green tea)!!!!
(3)Tiffany S.
Mu Du Noodles is depressing. It depressed me before I knew what noodles were. Before I knew that good noodles should cost, at most, five dollars for a steaming bowl larger than your wildest dreams. Mu Du Noodles seems to believe that A) a bowl of noodles should be shared ( I am not joking) and B) that it should cost upward of ten dollars, and thats if you stay on the vegie side and don't go crazy and order meat. I knew better than to eat here, even before I had any idea that Ramen Noodles didn't have to come from a plastic package... I recommend you save time, money and sanity and try Dara Thai down the street instead. Or, for actual (as close as you can get in Santa Fe) noodles, head down Cerrillos and go to Jinja instead.
(2)Kai C.
So, this place looks like a hole in the wall. But then you go inside and it's decent looking. Kinda dressier attire than you'd imagine. Sit down and watch out - over $20 for one bowl of noodles. We ordered the tofu noodles instead, which were only $15. Definitely great noodles and the summer spring rolls were insane, eggplant to die for - but seriously, too expensive for noodles.
(3)Leigh S.
I have to drive from Denver for my Mu Du cravings.
(5)Sam P.
We were disappointed. Everybody raved about this place, but we found it wanting. She gets the three stars for the creative aspect of the food. Service was good. But the prices we thought were unreasonable. I mean, $20 for a bowl of noodles??? Would go back b/c of the positive reports from locals.
(3)Jason J.
The new age-y vibe kind of bugs, but you have to get used to that sort of thing in Santa Fe. It's a quaint spot, right off Cerrillos Road. If you're not alert you'll drive right by it. Thai meets Vietnamese, with a pan Asian twist. The noodles are delish but hard on the wallet. I like the chicken yaki udon bowl or the Malaysian laksa with tofu. The Vietnamese spring rolls are tasty and the ginger mint-y drink is refreshing. If you're gonna eat off the plaza, which you should, then this is a must visit.
(4)Jillian E.
A restaurant seemingly way off the beaten path - far removed from the charm of downtown Santa Fe, but totally worth it. I don't think I've ever had a better noodle dish. The spring rolls were fabulous, and the service was great. It was a great way to finish my New Mexican adventure.
(5)Tom M.
The other day, my wife says to me, "Hey husband, let's get us some noodles at an altitude that exceeds 7000 ft above sea level." My wife, it must be said, is a food-altitude aficionado, and has always balanced her passion for good food within a framework of proper atmospheric conditions. This conversation led us to Mu Du, a noodle house in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After a three day drive, we were definitely in the mood for a good bowl of noodles, and Mu Du, at approximately 7042.5 ft above sea level (with the height of the chair factored in), did not disappoint. We started with two appetizers: a strangely matched but delicious plate of fried pumpkin flowers stuffed with curried squash, and a poke that was ringed with jellied ginger cubes. The bowl of noodles was also wonderful - it had beef and cilantro in it and had flat noodles, but we were so light headed in the higher elevation that we forgot what it was called. I do remember that it wasn't only the location that was at high altitude -- the noodle bowl cost $22 bucks. One dish to avoid is the deep fried pot stickers with a filling of minced chicken and bacon that was accurately described by our waitress as "a club sandwich". I'm all for unique mash-ups of different foods and cuisines, but this combo was immoral -- the equivalent of a hamburger filled with stinky tofu. Our waitress did a fabulous job at the start of the meal, but faded near the end. Along with several other tables, we were forced to flag down the host and have him help us finalize the bill for our meals. A few bumps in the road, but that is to be expected from a meal that took almost 2000 miles to eat.
(3)Kori S.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe, hands down. We started with the daikon cakes, crispy on the outside and covered with a delicious sauce and the yummy vegetarian spring rolls. I had to restrain myself from ordering more of the daikon cakes, they were that good. I will forever dream of them and actually fantasized about selling the business and transplanting myself to New Mexico. It would be worth it to be within driving distance of those cakes. For an entree I ordered the Yaki Udon it was chockful of veggies and two types of tofu with a slow burn of heat. I added some sambal with black beans and I wanted to stay there forever. We chased are meal with the coconut ginger sorbet and lychee black tea. Mu Du Noodles believes in using local and organic meats and produce and it is reflected in their prices and the fine food you are putting in your mouth.
(5)Robyn E.
Super yummy vegetarian/vegan noodle restaurant that serves Thai/Vietnamese style food. The portions are a fair size--and the noodles come in large bowls that will serve two people well enough if you also get an appetizer. The food was very tasty, fresh, and evenly flavored. Atmosphere was comfortably swanky and service was attentive and polite. Restaurant is small, but nicely decorated so that it feels cozy, not cramped. I had a Mojito--which was superbly made, the Vietnamese Spring Rolls ($5.50), and the Malaysian Laksa with organic tofu ($12).
(5)Bob W.
This might be the most overrated restaurant in town. We had read a great review and went in with great expectations but were very disappointed. I can't remember what the meal was that I had, but all I tasted was lime. I like lime, but I don't want my main course to just be a taste of lime.
(1)Sam S.
I'd never had Chinese food that tasted so fresh, that wasn't loaded with sauce and grease--this place is a step above everything I've ever had, and I live in Chicago! The place is pricey and they're only open for dinner, but I believe that allows the staff to buy the best ingredients, take their time in food preparation and give the customer the best experience possible. It gets busy, but they have a beautiful patio in the back and since it's off the beaten path (though not far), it's a great destination on a weekend night--a departure from the long waits that comprise the high season in Santa Fe.
(5)Andrew B.
A must eat place in Santa Fe. Everytime I am in town I eat here. If they have Edamame it is great. Leftovers always good for the next day. Most kind owner. Call for reservations. A bit pricey but it is Santa Fe.
(5)Steve E.
A bit overrated. The food was good but prices are off the chart for what you get. Service is a bit slow.
(3)Tiffany S.
Mu Du Noodles is depressing. It depressed me before I knew what noodles were. Before I knew that good noodles should cost, at most, five dollars for a steaming bowl larger than your wildest dreams. Mu Du Noodles seems to believe that A) a bowl of noodles should be shared ( I am not joking) and B) that it should cost upward of ten dollars, and thats if you stay on the vegie side and don't go crazy and order meat. I knew better than to eat here, even before I had any idea that Ramen Noodles didn't have to come from a plastic package... I recommend you save time, money and sanity and try Dara Thai down the street instead. Or, for actual (as close as you can get in Santa Fe) noodles, head down Cerrillos and go to Jinja instead.
(2)Kai C.
So, this place looks like a hole in the wall. But then you go inside and it's decent looking. Kinda dressier attire than you'd imagine. Sit down and watch out - over $20 for one bowl of noodles. We ordered the tofu noodles instead, which were only $15. Definitely great noodles and the summer spring rolls were insane, eggplant to die for - but seriously, too expensive for noodles.
(3)Leigh S.
I have to drive from Denver for my Mu Du cravings.
(5)Franny P.
It's a matter of knowing what to order. A friend and I dined at Mu Du Noodles and this is what we had. We started with the Kimchi Pancakes. Every bite was a giddy reminder of what you hope for when you dine out. The sourness of kimchi combined with a crunchy - latke like- pancake is simply delicious. The dipping sauce adds a welcome and bright element that does not over power - as dipping sauces are wanton to do. We also ordered a starter salad that was deceptively sparse but delivered flavor in spades. I remember sitting there looking at this plate of lettuce thinking, "where is this amazing flavor coming from?" This is Mu Du's super power - a delightful and complex fireworks display of flavor concocted for your rooftop pleasure. My girlfriend ordered the Malaysian Laksa. This entree is to die for, and is obviously their signature dish. My eyes rolled back in my head and a warm and pleasant feeling enveloped my elbows. Gorgeous shrimp and firm pillowy scallops atop a bowl of wide noodles only hint at the perfection of flavors in the seafood version of this dish. A sauce so deftly handled that it catapults this gastronomical offering to the top of "must try." I always order Pad Thai where it is served. I have been eating Pad Thai for 21 years. I don't know much about a lot of things, but I know this dish. Here in lies my quizatorial disappointment with Mu Du's version of what should be an exquisitely simple noodle dish. Possibly in an attempt to make it healthy, they add broccoli and a slew of other vegetables. Blasphemy and Sacrilege! Though the flavor was good (because that's what Mu Du does best), the texture and appearance was... unfortunate. The broccoli looked like it had been ridden hard and dragged across the border. Also, what's with Shitake mushrooms in a Thai dish? So, pass on the Pad Thai. When in doubt, Pad Thai should be left to food trucks and holes in the wall. Ambitious chefs just can't help themselves. We ordered a few mixology type beverages that weren't going down swiftly. They could be described as... medicinal. Dessert redeemed the few minor upsets that weren't even really threatening this already culinary WIN. I was back to moaning all over again. If your not okay with dropping $40 - $60 for dinner (per person) for a full-on sit down meal. Then place a pick-up order for one appetizer and one entree for you and someone special. It's plenty of food for two. Oh, stop groaning about being really hungry. You'll get amazing new taste sensations for a fraction of the price. Plus you can watch Tampopo ( a Japanese Spaghetti Western) while noshing on your noodles.
(4)VK D.
I have eaten here several times & never disappointed with Mu's creative culinary excellence. Sometimes I just eat a few different appetizers so to try as many flavors as possible. Authentic Asian style cooking from the heart. Don't be afraid to try her specials, they are usually wonderful. Parking can be tough but worth the effort.
(5)Ben G.
I'm trying this place for lunch for the first time. I was surprised to see only one noodle dish offered. You would think they would have more options with a place called "Mu Do Noodles." Still, the grilled pork loin vermicelli salad was outstanding. A mouthful of fresh, explosive favors. Excellent!
(5)Sherry C.
The noodles are wonderful. Spicy is quite authentic. Love the environment and services. Seafood is fresh. And generally speaking portions are small, pretty costy Though on yelp is 2 dollars, but noodles are around 20-25, and dessert and appetizer are around 8-10.
(4)Trent N.
As a huge lover of Asian cuisine, I have to say that this was hands down one of the best experiences I've had in recent years. The daikon noodle appetizer was carefully made and very savory, the jade brown rice dish had fantastic texture, and the Malaysian curry noodles were rich in spice and flavor. Couldn't be happier to start my Santa Fe trip here--would wholeheartedly recommend this charming place for fantastic service and food that balances authentic asian dishes with innovative interpretations.
(5)Robert G.
Prior reviewers on the money. Malasian Laksa superb, and the brown rice with chicken and shrimp and cilantro a great second. About $18 per plate, but we took enough back to the RV for a second meal. We recommend it for something different, in the City Different.
(4)Kristina K.
We had dinner at Mu Du last week, we all loved the food. Big portions but a little bit pricey. Service was ok, for some reason they didn't bring the appetizers all together but one first and after 10 minutes 2 more, after more 5, the last one!
(4)Robert W.
We have been coming to Mu Du Noodle since it first opened. We plan our trips from California so that we can have a meal here. The food is always world class. Fresh and unique. Mu the owner is a sweet and warm host.
(5)Amanda R.
Finally, some really good non-New Mexican cuisine in Santa Fe!!! MuDu is admittedly a bit pricey for noodles (~$20 per entree), BUT the ingredients are local, organic, natural, etc. My yuppie self is usually willing to pay a bit more for that kind of quality. Plus everything was delicious! My Malaysian laksa was creamy, complex, and generously portioned, and my stolen bites of my hubby's Singapore noodles were tasty too (mmmm bbq pork). We also enjoyed a deliciously salty/spicy green bean appetizer compliments of our waiter, who could maybe tell that we were newbies and wanted to win us over. (It worked.) I'll certainly go back, and in the meantime, I'm happy to spread the good word!
(4)Angela L.
Over-priced! I am Malaysian and the laksa is nothing close to the true Laksa. The daikon appetizer were over-fried... Would not recommend anybody.
(1)J D.
This place has quite possibly the most complex hours I've ever experienced in a bidness. After multiple visits, observation, statistical analysis and research, I've determined the hours to be the following: [NOTE: whatever hours you're reading online or even at the entrance ... not accurate] CLOSED - Sun/Mon every 4th Thursday on every 3rd Leap year and alternating Tuesdays depending on the climate OPEN - 1am - 3am every Friday the 12th, 5-9 on select weekdays (there's an apparent lottery to see which - M-F - wins) No matter, I'm there for food, not temporal consistency ... and it is flawless. The service is fantastic, the food is fresh, the owner is also fresh and cool, often mingling with the customers; it's small enough the waitresses aren't overwhelmed and having to traverse miles for a napkin. Every person (or family member) I've referred here have come (in many cases multiple times) and were more than satisfied. I think that entitles me to some stock options or something. At least a complimentary spring roll and 1/4 shot of hot sake. P.S. (like dessert in writing) their vegan chocolate brownie, all their desserts, are awesome enough I suspect they are main courses for many
(5)D P.
Tasty food, but very expensive for what it is. We loved our fried kimchi pancakes. The curry was nice and the beef jantaboon was very good. Only drawback is that our waiter was really scattered and seemed slammed - not sure if he forgot to fire our entrees but we were waiting a while in between. However he did make up for it by offering us a complimentary glass of sake. Overall I have been here many times and it is a nice option for upscale asian fusion food.
(4)Megan T.
Meh. I mean you don't have a ton of options here in NM for Asian but that doesn't mean they should bend you over for a bowl of noodles, chives, and vegetables. $20 to $25 for this?! If it were ten bucks less I'd be ok with it. The food isn't bad except for the daikon cake app. Wow. Pass on that. The intimate setting full of shnar shnar Santa Feans is pleasant but for my money I will be heading down the street to that Thai Vegan place.
(2)Esteban R.
Okay, perhaps this place deserves 3 stars but I am giving them 2 stars anyway. Why? Well, let me get to why they deserve 3 stars. The service was great and when my wife and I walked in we were immediately greeted with smiles and hellos by not only the waitstaff but also management/ownership. It was warm, clean, cozy and it smelled amazing! Everyone there was lost in food and conversation- some of that banter surely fueled by wine/sake or beer. Kudos to Mudu for creating a great environment in which to eat. On to why they deserve 2 stars... Whether you live in Santa Fe, as my wife and I do, or you are just visiting you will notice a lack of authentic Asian food. We recently moved back to Santa Fe from Portland and we (especially me) have been craving Japanese or Chinese noodles. And when I say noodles I mean the real stuff and not Panda Express or some American take on Asian cuisine. This is where Mudu disappoints. We started with the daikon "cakes". Hmmm... How to describe, they tasted like deep fried bread strips (think hush puppies) with some spices and splattered -although artistically- with run of the mill, over-the-counter Oyster Sauce. For $8 I was expecting more than something I could order at a neon hued food truck at a State Fair. As far as our main dishes, um, well, I ordered the Yaki Noodles and my wife the Singapore Noodles. Both items were nice. That's it, nice. Nice would be okay if we were paying Panda Express or generic American-Asian (not Amerasian) prices. But for $20 and $25 per plate we should have received out-of-this-world, mind blowing, orgasmic amazingness. Not nice. The portions were smaller and there was nothing truly exotic or authentic about these dishes. They relied heavily on chives (lots) to imbue the dishes with flavor. The Singapore was certainly more flavorful than the Yuki Udon but that's like saying that a Big Mac is more flavorful than a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. One just has a few more ingredients than the other but they are both pretty boring fillers. I really want to like this place. My wife really wants to like this place. $20-$25 for dull and somewhat below average dishes. As I stated, these dishes were nice. I am sure you have dated a nice and boring person, desiring more from them after investing so much thought and expectation especially after they promised so much. But we all know that nothing changes boring except seeking out the real deal and not settling. I certainly won't settle for Mudu, sadly it seems like so many Santa Feans already have. (For good pho head to Pho Kim, for good Chinese food at Chinese food prices head to Chows Chinese Bistro)
(2)Phil T.
Had dinner there a few nights ago.... Wow... It was stunning. Vegans and veg heads need not worry. Very wonderful Mu, thank you!
(5)M S.
Ridiculous description of their food. And I quote enough noodles for 2 to 4 people hefty serving of noodles. I thought there better be for $25. Alas it should be a crime the boxes were not even full and the quality of food was terrible! Do not order from these folks you will be sorry!
(1)David S.
Excellent noodle bowls, charming staff including the wonderful owner, who accommodated our request to sit in the side room even after she was going to close it up.
(5)Sean D.
They were super busy when my fiancé went in last night, but even though we didn't have a reservation, they happily seated us almost immediately. Busser brought waters as we waited for our server - a buzzed and bearded fella who was delightful and even brought us the most delicious green bean appetizer with the spring rolls we ordered (which were also amazing - especially that ginger dipping sauce). The chicken pad Thai was hands down the best I have ever had. Server asked if we wanted chili sauce, etc. I usually love sriacha, but it would have just ruined this already perfect dish. My fiancé had the dumpling and miso special - squash dumplings - and it was perfect as well. On top of all that, they have a great list of both local/domestic and Japanese microbrews. This place could not be any more perfect - highly recommend!
(5)Serena A.
Mu Du Noodles, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This is one of the best non-New Mexican places in town. Mu goes to the green market to grab fresh ingredients and concocts amazing and innovative dishes with them. The emerald sautee is my favorite, try it!
(5)George R.
Both of our dishes here were great. These are the best noodles I've had in the US in a long time. The prices seem way to high, but definitely worth going at least once. I'll probably be back in spite of the prices.
(5)Alex W.
I hear Mu Du is Tom Ford's favourite restaurant in Santa Fe. I don't think it's my absolute favourite, but it is a great place to eat. Last time I was there was for a birthday party. Their Sake Mojito is a great aperitif to kick things off with. I tried a few of their starters, the lamb dumplings were especially tasty but the chicken potstickers were also really nice. Last time I was there I tried the Beef Jantaboon, which comes with a 'spicy' warning. It wasn't very spicy but it was absolutely delicious. The beef is cooked in a slightly sweet sauce that resembles something you might get with pork belly. I also tried my girlfriend's Laksa. In my opinion this could have been better, there wasn't so much a soup as a thick sauce. A bit of coconut milk and some water could easily rectify this so. All round they do great food in a nice, casual setting. Try and get a table in the garden if the weather is nice. Highly recommended.
(4)Karen P.
Complex and subtle cooking from a really special place. The decor and setting is basic but this kind of approach to food is hard to find and takes a sophisticated palate to fully appreciate--if the great chef Jean Georges ever comes to Santa Fe he will love this place. Addition 8/14: Chef Joel Coleman has now left MuDu. I will have to go back and see what it is currently like without him.
(4)claire g.
Greasy, expensive, friendly service.
(1)Corey J.
(this review also appears in an edited form in Santa Fe Reporter's 2012-2013 Restaurant Guide) Mu Du Noodles is "treat yourself" food. It may land on the pricey side (appetizer, main course and desert set me back 48 dollars), but with its local ingredients and simple preparation, Mu Du presents itself as one of the best destinations in town for Asian fusion cuisine. The menu is laudably small (9 main dishes, with a small array of shifting specials that mirror what's currently fresh at the Farmer's Market), and this sort of commitment is rewarding to the customer. Each of the main dishes are prepared with care, and it shows in the flavor. The Beef Jantaboon was particularly fantastic--the spicy Angus beef was both perfectly marinated and prepared, the vegetables were fresh and light, and the broth with fresh noodles was remarkably complex and satiating. There's a--forgive the apparent contradiction--simplicity in Chef Mu Jing Lau's food. The flavors are bold, front-forward and rich, but there is almost always a pleasant aftertaste, or some other accompanying sensation--a sweetness that builds beautifully to spiciness or a tenderness that gives way to rich umami. Even the less Asian-inspired dishes (mostly the deserts) have that same balance. And on the subject of desert, do try the lemon panna cotta. It may seem counter-intuitive after a meal of such bold flavors, but there's a delectable subtlety to it--a certain incomprehensible loveliness that leaves one floating out the door rather than walking.
(5)Kristopher And Jessica K.
OVERPRICED! Heed the advice of the few Asian reviewers. We ordered 1) Yaki Udon - Decent, but definitely not worth $25. 2) Lamb Martabak - We felt the price for this was fairly reasonable. Sauce was good, but there was barely any meat in the dumplings. We pretended we weren't sharing to escape the $2 sharing charge (insanity!). Total including tip was $35 (wow!). In my opinion, I would've paid $20 max for that meal. Go here in desperation to separate yourself from your money and for something different. We normally can get away with sharing an entree and a side, but we left Mu Du feeling cheated and hungry.
(2)Annie S.
I really don't know the big deal about Mu Du. We finally went here for dinner on a Friday night and it was really packed. The space is surprisingly large and we were seated at the back of the restaurant. I was so shocked at the prices. Green curry with chicken was $18 and a Chinese beef noodle soup was $22! Ridiculous. The curry lacked flavor and I've never see thai curry prepared that way (and I've been to Thailand twice). We also ordered the daikon pancakes and they were good but nothing great. I would say this is a generic Asian restaurant with thai, chinese, korean, etc options. The servers are friendly and it looks like there is a slew of regulars but I would not recommend this place.
(2)Tamaki I.
Everything that I've tried at Mu Du is awesome. Not your traditional Asian noodle place, but they rock their own vibe and it works out great! They are a little pricey... I think they can get away with it because they're one of a kind. Did I mention their staff is incredibly friendly?! Not like "the customer is always right" friendly, but genuinely caring. Not many parking spots in front of the restaurant, but don't run away because of that! Street parking is available!
(4)Ryno C.
Finally ate here after hearing all the hype and was sorely disappointed. First, when we arrived at the restaurant, the place was empty. The hostess sat us at a small table against the wall. Then, another couple came in and, in a small dining room full of empty tables, the hostess sat the couple down right next to us. We were honestly only a foot away from them and in the empty restaurant we could hear every word of each other's conversations. It was incredibly uncomfortable. The place eventually filled up, but with a lot of people who were apparently regular patrons and acted like they owned the place. The atmosphere was just plain horrible. On top of that, the food was flavorless. We ordered a spring roll appetizer, which was fresh and delicious, but spring rolls are impossible to mess up. My date ordered a pad Thai which was drenched in a flavor-killing lime juice -- really? I ordered the Shanghai-something-or-other which was supposed to be spicy, according to the menu, but turned out to be just plan bland. None of the usual noddle plate dressings and spices and nuts melded together. The ingredients are fresh, which was the only plus. But in no way does that justify the outrageous price tag. Overall, not at all worth it. Save your money and go to Dara Thai or heck, Panda Express.
(2)Shane B.
Warm and friendly, attentive service by seemingly genuine individual. The food is outstanding. Christy ordered emerald sautee with tofu. Deliciously spiced, rich flavors. I ordered one of the night's specials, squash potstickers. I can't adequately describe how utterly delicious and satisfying this meal was. The potstickers were perfectly fried and piled on top of a mound of grilled cauliflower, mushroom and zucchini, mixed with bits of kale and doused with a light squash bisque or creamy broth that was spicy to exactly the right heat. I would drink this liquid gold 3 times daily if given the chance. Many vegetarian and vegan options up and down the menu and a respectable beer and wine list as well as other specialty drinks include the citrus-ade Christy ordered: a concoction of lemon, lime, ginger, fresh mint and strawberry that was out of sight. Dessert: we split a small dish called poset that was essentially a flan with strawberries and pomegranate and strawberry reduction. It was just the right amount of awesome. Super highly recommended. Seek it out !
(5)David T.
Thought for sure I'd reviewed this place because it is one of my favorite escapes when the New Mexican food starts talking back to me. The stars off are simply because the place is very ordinary looking, especially the exterior and for what it is, it is very pricey. It's a little nicer inside but still pretty plain. You know you're going to be in for hefty bill when they don't post their prices on their website. What it lacks in atmosphere is easily outweighed by some very tasty Asian fare. One word of caution they are in no way afraid to turn up the heat - so, ask your server about heat levels or be prepared to sweat. Favorites include the Vietnamese Spring Rolls (the uncooked kind) or the Lamb Martabak (Indonesian crispy dumplings) for starters. Love all the noodle dishes but standouts include Yaki Udon and their very good Pad Thai. They also offer a number of homemade desserts but I'm usually too full. A final note is that they source local and organic - recycle and compost . Thanks for respecting your customers and the planet.
(3)India C.
Wonderful. The atmosphere was really lovely, the staff was delightful, and the food was sooo good. We started with the Vietnamese spring rolls, I've never had them before so I was surprised that they were raw, they were amazing and so refreshing. After a long and hard deciding process I chose the Beef Jantaboon for my entree which was unbelievable. My boyfriend had a the lamb curry from the specials list which was also yummy. I can't wait to go back and try everything else on the menu!
(5)Yasmin S.
3.5 stars, really... but having to choose between 3 and 4 i felt really torn... but i just couldn't do the 4. I think the prices are crazy for what you get, but the food is quite good. It's worth it tho if you can sit on the patio... it is lovely. The YAKI UDON and MALAYSIAN LAKSA and BEEF JANTABOON are delicious. Skip the Pad Thai. The service could go either way. All this being said, I recommend.
(3)Madison C.
Read Mu Du Noodles on Yelp and decided to try it because it received such high rating. Visually, the food looked great. Taste wise, it was disappointing. Entree: Lemongrass soup and Green Thai Curry with tofu instead of chicken. - Lemongrass soup was bland. Did not taste the lemongrass at all. -Green Thai Curry was okay. There was a kick from the green curry. Dessert: Coconut sorbet. The only thing I enjoyed. Cheers to the friendly service and overpriced mediocre food!
(2)Leahi M.
I finally got to try this place out...and I was very happy! There was a bit of a wait for food, but that's to be expected during a Friday evening with a full house...and I could've used more spice, especially when the menu warns that the item may be spicy...however, overall the experience was lovely.
(5)Mike E.
My wife and I ate at Mu Du for the first time and it most certainly will not be the last. In my opinion, it was fantastic. I had the Singapore and it was beautiful. Just the right amount of spiciness. My wife had the Beef Jantaboon which she loved too. Lucky for me she didn't eat all of hers and I got leftovers the next day! Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Jo-Lynne W.
This is a great restaurant in Santa Fe. We've been there many times and it's always been spot on.
(5)Tim W.
Nice service, tasty food, very interesting specials.
(4)Corinne M.
Yum! My boyfriend and I were in Santa Fe for a baby shower. Our coworker knows the owner and recommended this restaurant for dinner. It was wonderful. The dinning room was warm (to be expected in June in Santa Fe). We ordered the daikon cakes as suggested by our awesome waiter. They were super tasty. Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside with a great sauce and a great flavor. I had the pad Thai chicken and my boyfriend had another noodle dish that was spicy. Everything was wonderful. So tasty. Lots of meat. Lots of vegetables. I am pregnant, so I had a ginger mint lemonade. Super tasty. My boyfriend is not pregnant so he had a Japanese beer, which was very good. For dessert we had a Lemon meringue amazingness with whipped cream and strawberries and almond cookies. So fresh and so light. It was the best thing every. The owner, Mu, came out and talked to us. The whole staff was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. The next time I go back to Santa Fe, I will definitely go back.
(5)Jon L.
I'll be concise: Food was good, but not great. Service was good, but not great. Everything was overpriced (each entree should have been reduced by $5). Won't be back.
(2)Kb W.
My family of four ate here and had a lovely dinner, both the food and interaction with the owner. We were visiting Santa Fe and, as vegetarians, had heard a lot about Mu Du, so we went. All our dishes were delicious but what will always be our take away from our dinner here was how kind the owner was to us, esp our disabled infant and toddler. Our infant was stressed because of ??? (probably tired and Sensory overload) and Mu, the owner, just picked him up and gave him the best cuddle, walking him around so we could eat (we're ordinarily of the divide-and-conquer school). He was in heaven to be snuggled and get to see different sights. My husband is Japanese and pretty picky about noodles and he liked his meal as did our toddler and I. We'd definitely eat here again when in Santa Fe.
(5)carol B.
The patio dining was lovely. The food was very good. The service was lackluster, even though the owner was sitting right next to us! The waitress took our order. The food came quickly but each order was placed before the wrong person without care. One person asked for chicken and was brought tofu. Then the corrected order took quite a while to be delivered. Great care was given to bring us water... If the restaurant had been packed with people I would have understood the mixup, but not on a sleepy Memorial Day weekend... One of our favorite restaurants...but they need to pay attention to the little things. Just my opinion....
(3)Kim K.
Outstanding food and service! We didn't have a reservation and were told that it take 45 minutes to get us seated. Reluctantly we agreed but to my surprise, the staff brought us drinks and a sample of their green beens (which are amazing!) while we waited and didn't charge us for it. Who does that as just a simple jester of saying thanks for waiting to eat at our establishment?
(5)Marc H.
Amazing. Probably the best meal I had in Santa Fe. I had the Malaysian Laska with tofu and my wife had the pesto noodles. Both were fantastic. One note is that the prices were a bit higher than I expected. $14 for entrees with tofu, $20 or so for meat options.
(5)T P.
Big ol' thumbs up and high five to Mu Du. Friendly and inviting service + delicious and hot food = happy me. If you're visiting and have had just a little too much Green and Red chile... this place seriously hits the spot.
(5)Sam P.
We were disappointed. Everybody raved about this place, but we found it wanting. She gets the three stars for the creative aspect of the food. Service was good. But the prices we thought were unreasonable. I mean, $20 for a bowl of noodles??? Would go back b/c of the positive reports from locals.
(3)Tom M.
The other day, my wife says to me, "Hey husband, let's get us some noodles at an altitude that exceeds 7000 ft above sea level." My wife, it must be said, is a food-altitude aficionado, and has always balanced her passion for good food within a framework of proper atmospheric conditions. This conversation led us to Mu Du, a noodle house in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After a three day drive, we were definitely in the mood for a good bowl of noodles, and Mu Du, at approximately 7042.5 ft above sea level (with the height of the chair factored in), did not disappoint. We started with two appetizers: a strangely matched but delicious plate of fried pumpkin flowers stuffed with curried squash, and a poke that was ringed with jellied ginger cubes. The bowl of noodles was also wonderful - it had beef and cilantro in it and had flat noodles, but we were so light headed in the higher elevation that we forgot what it was called. I do remember that it wasn't only the location that was at high altitude -- the noodle bowl cost $22 bucks. One dish to avoid is the deep fried pot stickers with a filling of minced chicken and bacon that was accurately described by our waitress as "a club sandwich". I'm all for unique mash-ups of different foods and cuisines, but this combo was immoral -- the equivalent of a hamburger filled with stinky tofu. Our waitress did a fabulous job at the start of the meal, but faded near the end. Along with several other tables, we were forced to flag down the host and have him help us finalize the bill for our meals. A few bumps in the road, but that is to be expected from a meal that took almost 2000 miles to eat.
(3)Kori S.
My favorite restaurant in Santa Fe, hands down. We started with the daikon cakes, crispy on the outside and covered with a delicious sauce and the yummy vegetarian spring rolls. I had to restrain myself from ordering more of the daikon cakes, they were that good. I will forever dream of them and actually fantasized about selling the business and transplanting myself to New Mexico. It would be worth it to be within driving distance of those cakes. For an entree I ordered the Yaki Udon it was chockful of veggies and two types of tofu with a slow burn of heat. I added some sambal with black beans and I wanted to stay there forever. We chased are meal with the coconut ginger sorbet and lychee black tea. Mu Du Noodles believes in using local and organic meats and produce and it is reflected in their prices and the fine food you are putting in your mouth.
(5)Robyn E.
Super yummy vegetarian/vegan noodle restaurant that serves Thai/Vietnamese style food. The portions are a fair size--and the noodles come in large bowls that will serve two people well enough if you also get an appetizer. The food was very tasty, fresh, and evenly flavored. Atmosphere was comfortably swanky and service was attentive and polite. Restaurant is small, but nicely decorated so that it feels cozy, not cramped. I had a Mojito--which was superbly made, the Vietnamese Spring Rolls ($5.50), and the Malaysian Laksa with organic tofu ($12).
(5)Bob W.
This might be the most overrated restaurant in town. We had read a great review and went in with great expectations but were very disappointed. I can't remember what the meal was that I had, but all I tasted was lime. I like lime, but I don't want my main course to just be a taste of lime.
(1)Jason J.
The new age-y vibe kind of bugs, but you have to get used to that sort of thing in Santa Fe. It's a quaint spot, right off Cerrillos Road. If you're not alert you'll drive right by it. Thai meets Vietnamese, with a pan Asian twist. The noodles are delish but hard on the wallet. I like the chicken yaki udon bowl or the Malaysian laksa with tofu. The Vietnamese spring rolls are tasty and the ginger mint-y drink is refreshing. If you're gonna eat off the plaza, which you should, then this is a must visit.
(4)Jillian E.
A restaurant seemingly way off the beaten path - far removed from the charm of downtown Santa Fe, but totally worth it. I don't think I've ever had a better noodle dish. The spring rolls were fabulous, and the service was great. It was a great way to finish my New Mexican adventure.
(5)Sam S.
I'd never had Chinese food that tasted so fresh, that wasn't loaded with sauce and grease--this place is a step above everything I've ever had, and I live in Chicago! The place is pricey and they're only open for dinner, but I believe that allows the staff to buy the best ingredients, take their time in food preparation and give the customer the best experience possible. It gets busy, but they have a beautiful patio in the back and since it's off the beaten path (though not far), it's a great destination on a weekend night--a departure from the long waits that comprise the high season in Santa Fe.
(5)R R.
I would give this restaurant five stars for the food. The noodles are good, portions large, authentic ingredients. I really do love the food. But as a Bay Area transplant, the price astonishes me every time. In California my boyfriend and I ate this kind of food several times a week...because we could afford it. We never paid more than $25 for noodles, dumplings, beer for two. Try that at Mudu and you're looking at a $60 tab. And that's on the conservative side. An adorable place, but man...$21 for a bowl of noodles? That reminds me of my $6 Whole Foods cabbage.
(4)Andrew B.
A must eat place in Santa Fe. Everytime I am in town I eat here. If they have Edamame it is great. Leftovers always good for the next day. Most kind owner. Call for reservations. A bit pricey but it is Santa Fe.
(5)Rachel S.
The food was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. I had the Jade brown rice bowl and it was lacking flavor. He had a "spicy" dish - it had good flavor but not spicy at all. Skip their dessert. Atmosphere is less than desirable for the prices.
(3)V E.
For me, this restaurant is for the quarterly/ yearly visit. Their selection is concise and to the point. The service is tip top. The prices are expected, just as a high end -class restaurant / dining.
(4)Jennifer J.
As I write this I'm eating the Malaysian Laksa for the second time this week. I live in Albuquerque but the asian food is seriously lacking there, so while visiting Santa Fe for work this week I tried this place out. It doesnt have the ambiance of an overly priced asian restaurant (yes, sorry, from the land of China Towns here and it IS over priced- someone else mentioned the meat is sustainable but is my tofu? $16 plus tip for a tofu noodle soup is kinda out there... but here I am, second time around in a week so....) but it's acceptable, nonetheless. The portions are huge, I might add. So... after I wrote this I found a HUGE earwig in my much anticipated soup! They refunded me and said that they can be in the bok choy. no bueno. Really, all you gotta do is soak that shit in salt water for a minute and the bugs float to the top. Still good food, but they should wash their veggies properly.
(2)Jabba T.
Another great meal at MuDu. I'll save the flowery compliments as I have reviewed this restaurant previously. Tonight they were packed which is nice to see on a Thursday. Food was awesome- Panang Shrimp with fresh noodles, Lamb Martabok, Miso Romaine salad. Yum! Recommended...again!
(5)Denise N.
Noodles just didn't WOW me ;( The waitstaff were friendly enough, and the Japanese beer they recommended was really good, but for the price tag, the noodle bowl just didn't grab me. Too bad...
(3)Kimmy V.
The first time we tried Mu Du noodles I had given the restaurant a 4 star, but after coming back it this restaurant again, this restaurant, the food, and staff is well deserved a 5 star. Upon arriving the restaurant, our server remembered us and the Manager that we met before greeted us and remembered us from our previous visit. The service was impeccable, attentive, witty, and personable. Mu Du I would have to say has mastered at bringing food harmony, by bringing the perfect balance of taste and texture. We ordered the following on a Friday night: -Persimmon Salad -Chinese Green Beans -Chicken and Crab dumplings -Emerald Sate Noodles -Daikon Flatcake (on the house) The persimmon salad must have been a season item, as it was new on the menu. How Mu Du served their persimmon salad was a great way to premier this cinamony (if that's a word) fruit. It was served with pomegranate seeds, a light vinaigrette with chopped basil. The flavor profile in this salad would say... FRESH and Adventurous. In my previous review I already wrote about the Chinese Green Beans and the Emerald Sate Noodles. They were better this time, I paid special attention that the Emerald Noodles were not as oil as they were the first time. I can't vouch for what the Chicken and Crab dumplings taste like as I am allergic to Crab; however, my boyfriend can vouch that they are using REAL crab and not imitation crab with a K! -- The manager made a point to come and say they don't serve Crab with a K there! LOL. Mu Du...thank you for such great food and wonderful service...and thank you letting me leave with a satisified stomach and in a joyful mood.
(5)Sally P.
My husband and I are strict vegans. Being from NYC where the options are limitless, we were hoping to find restaurants in Santa Fe that can cater to us. All we have to say is OH MY GOD! Our waiter Jay (who was so friendly and helpful) recommended every meal we had from start to finish! Everything was made vegan and everything was mind blowing. From the green beans down to the coconut sorbet! WOW! We love to dine well when we travel, and this place is definitely a place worth coming back to. A memorable experience and an impressive meal!! P.s the owner and Chef was sooo nice and welcoming! Thank you all for such a great time and a wonderful exceptional meal while on our stop in santa fe!! We will for sure be back again!!
(5)Chris O.
Fortunately we were the first ones at the door on a Saturday night because they only had two small tables that were unreserved. Despite how busy they were, this was easily one of the best restaurants I've been to. The wait staff was quick and attentive and everyone took it as their personal responsibility to make sure we were happy and satisfied. My pregnant wife had the ginger-citrus-ade to drink, which came with a lemon slice, two slices of strawberry, and a mint sprig. I got one of the sake samplers--three shot glasses of very fine sake, complete with descriptions of each that was right on. For an appetizer, we ordered the Organic Lamb Martabak. The dumpling was perfectly crispy and not heavy at all. Spicy and delicious and the dipping sauce was refreshing and a delightful complement. We were also given a plate of sautéed green beans with garlic and other mellow spices. For our main course we shared the Malaysian Laksa. Like the beans with our appetizer, the vegetables were cooked to perfection--a little crispy and not wilted or mushy at all. Even splitting the meal, we had to take half of it home. Although the main dish cost $19 (an extra $2 to split), it was enough for two meals for both of us. For dessert we had lemon mousse with hazelnut meringue on top. There were a few slices of strawberry and a dollop of fresh whipped cream and blueberries on the side along with a sprig of mint. Amazing. The ambiance of the place was elegant, simple, warm, and zen-like. Our cloth napkins included a small gray stone on top with chopsticks inside. We definitely loved the experience of eating at Mu Du Noodles and hope to be back before we leave Santa Fe in two weeks.
(5)Kathy B.
Great Place to Eat.....The first time I have ever had food with such flavor. The specials were great. First, Mu brought us string beans, cabbage salad, and chips with a curry hummus. All were amazing. Then I had the Fish and shrimp dumplings for an appetizer which was great. All of our meals were great. I had the Emerald Saute with shrimp, scallops green tea noodles and mushrooms. When I come back to Sante Fe this will be one place I will come back to.
(5)Al H.
Went for the dim sum style brunch on Sunday. The restaurant was relatively busy. The service was very slow, evidently the kitchen doesn't have the output needed to serve dim sum to a larger crowd. The quality of the food was outstanding. The pork taco, eggplant shrimp, the port stew soup, and by and large everything we had was very tasty and well prepared. The portions though are ridiculously small, even by dim sum standards. Also, the prices are outrageously high, as the bite-size servings cost $4, or $6 or $8...a lunch for 2 consisting of (almost literally) just a few bites cost us $65 (including the tip and a $4 green tea)!!!!
(3)Emily H.
We like to visit Mu Du Noodles on our date nights. You can usually count on Mu Du Noodles for consistently good food, nice variety, and a good selection of food options for the varied diets we keep. This weekend I think i counted 5 items on the entree menu that were easily made vegan, for example. The service is quick and attentive- they seem to have a communal service style such that whatever staff person brings or clears plates, although we did have a primary waiter who kept track of our food. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Some reviews have complained that the food is too expensive, but I would counter that quality meat and seafood that is grown in a sustainable way should cost a lot. And I easily had two meals in my one bowl of noodles (Pesto Udon Noodle- excellent!). We've also enjoyed the dumplings, the spring rolls are fresh and tasty, and the teas and cold beverages are wonderful. Kids: In the summer MuDu has an outdoor seating area that is a great place to bring the kids. In the winter, the restaurant can get a little cramped, so it's maybe better to take the kids elsewhere. The food can be made kid friendly- my kids love the dumplings and the noodles.
(5)Chris P.
Loved the dinner here. We were looking for something a little different from the New Mexican food we love so much. This was perfect. Asian food, vegetarian and vegan friendly, good wait staff and decent prices. Rivals many Asian restaurants in San Francisco. I am going to enjoy going back to try other dishes.
(4)Matt A.
Even with reservations, the restaurant was packed, but the staff was very warm and welcoming. We ordered an appetizer of Lamb Martabak and it was a cross of ground lamb with spices wrapped and deep fried in wonton wrap, rectangular shaped. Additionally, we ordered the Chinese Green Beans tapas. Its made much like any other Chinese restaurant for Chinese green beans, but a tad heavier on the soy sauce. For dinner we shared the Emerald Sauteed noodles. Green Sugar Snap peas, the earthiness of the shitake mushrooms, and nice caramel and crispy searness of the the sea scallops (2 pieces) served with green tea noodles and the crispiness of fried shallots topping. Mu Du definitely knows how to make simple foods taste delicious and they are masters of balance and textures in their dish. Very good, we would come here again when we visit Santa Fe again. ..... We have been back, and they remembered us. They are awesome.
(5)Jessica M.
Wish I could afford MuDus! This is my pick when I'm being treated by my Dad:) It's absolutely amazing! Sooo yummy, everything. Very friendly service. The chef comes out and greets her regulars and is very charming and sweet. Pricey stuff but pretty worth it. Best dish in Santa Fe if ya ask me!
(5)Patrick K.
Mu Du noodles offers excellent Asian fusion in Santa Fe. I have been here many times and have never been disappointed. The food is always excellent, and the staff is great. The prices are not cheap, but the ingredients and food are top quality.
(4)Jill C.
After reading all of the recommendations, I was not expecting a $50 take-out bill for a bland meal. We ordered the green curry with tofu, spring rolls, and beef janataboon. While my partner thought the $24 beef jantaboon was tasty, it certainly did not merit the price. The green curry and spring rolls were horrifying. Half of the curry box was taken up by long stalks of cilantro. The curry had little flavor other than watered down coconut milk with a kick of heat. The vegan spring rolls were a complete waste of $7. Unfortunately because the online menu does not provide prices, we did not know our meal would be so costly; this is street food (well, subpar street food). I also thought it was ridiculous that we were only given one tiny box of rice to share (the rice was actually the best part of the curry.)
(2)Jason F.
Over priced and over rated. PITA parking. Waitress talking with drunken friends at table next to ours as well as it being generally loud. And my lemon grass soup didn't taste at all like lemon grass.
(3)Jenn E.
This place is ridiculous!! I don't understand how they can charge $22 for a bowl of noodles that is so average tasting. Sure, I know the meat is organic, sustainable but that doesn't give them the right to blatantly rip people off. The portion of noodles I got was definitely on the small side. I normally never finish my entrees but I finished this one because it was so small! I ordered the special kabocha soup which I was looking forward to because I love kabocha but it was so bland! It was like they put some kabocha in a blender and served it in a bowl. No taste what so ever. I also orderd the emerald saute and like I said, it was decent tasting but it was slightly over-salted and it only had 2 scallops and 2 shrimp plus a small amount of noodles and veggies, all for the price of $22. My fiance ordered the Beef Jantaboon and he also said it was very bland with mostly vegetables, hardly any meat or noodles. They are smart not to put their prices on their menu online otherwise I would never have gone there. We live in CA and the only reason I chose this place was because I saw in a magazine that it had won restaurant of the year. That is very sad that Santa Feans think they are getting great Asian food at this restaurant. Great Asian food can be dirt cheap or it can be pricey. In Napa, we have one of the best Asian chefs in the world, Morimoto's restaurant and he only charges $14 for a bowl of noodles. The only reason I didn't give it one star is because our service was decent and I appreciated that. Sorry but I would definitely suggest you to spend your hard earned money elsewhere.
(2)Iris B.
this is one of the best Chinese restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of eating at. the food was fresh, zesty, tasty, and light. the woman who owns it knows her stuff... and the outside seating area is very quaint and relaxing. i ordered a noodle dish with lime, pesto & tofu along with some melon and yogurt flavored cold saki and the salty caramel ice cream dessert. highly highly recommended.
(5)