It’s all about noodles at simple Lisle eatery
Around long enough to call a fixture and tucked away so as to qualify as a “hidden gem,” Fabulous Noodles has been working magic since the mid-’90s. Mind you, it faces stiff competition from nearby Katy’s Dumpling House and Lao Sze Chuan, but it’s up to the challenge.
What this place is known for, and what will make you swoon, is the namesake noodles that appear in several variants menu-wide. Take note: the thick, chewy, pan-fried ones are boss.
Yes, the restaurant setting is simple — a handful of tables, vinyl and tapestry booths, wood-paneled walls — but in that simplicity the food really shines.
The lengthy menus brought to the table are daunting; there’s just so much information to digest. And while it’d be easy to fall back on entree mainstays — sweet and sour chicken, Hunan beef — I advise you otherwise.
Thankfully, the appetizer options are limited, so you’re free to order with abandon after enjoying the non-greasy, jam-packed egg rolls, like we did. Prefer crab Rangoon? Pot stickers? You can go that route, too.
The comforting soups are standouts, so don’t wait until “soup season” to enjoy them. You’d be wise to get the hearty, spicy, hunky beef noodle, but then you’ll need to return for the crave-inducing barbecue pork with thin noodles and a shower of green onion.
Humble, braised noodles swathed in oyster sauce with ginger and green onions; silky, slippery shrimp won ton noodles; and Singapore rice noodles: they’re all good. Remember, though, that our love affair is with the broad, pan-fried rice noodles. We got ours topped with sweet slivers of barbecue pork and mixed veggies. Chewy, crunchy and puffed, they’re an ideal vehicle for sopping up addictive brown sauce. Also darn tasty are the long, toothsome, Taiwan-style Yu noodles. But since the sauce is a bit sweet, this is one for sharing.
Though it’s not going to wow you with its looks, the fried rice is also really good. Pale soy-colored with plenty of crisp bean sprouts, the “Fabulous” version comes chock-full of chicken, barbecue pork, pineapple and shrimp. There are rice plates, too, along with egg foo young, chop suey, chow mein and lo mein, available with whatever protein beckons.
Crisp, refreshing Asian beers make a fine accompaniment to whatever you order. Personable, genuine service ensures a memorable dining experience.
Dessert is customary fortune cookies, but chances are you’ll be bursting at the seams by the time they arrive and won’t miss commonplace offerings like green tea ice cream.
Considering the satisfaction level, that’s just fine. Er, fabulous.
Ÿ Restaurant reviews are based on one anonymous visit. The Daily Herald does not review restaurants it cannot recommend.
Fabulous Noodles
Fabulous Noodles
4663 Old Tavern Road, Lisle
(630) 305-8868, fabulousnoodles.com
Cuisine: Chinese noodle house
Setting: Tiny strip mall storefront
Entrees: $6.95 to $14.95
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday