Spice-C Noodles, located on 506 S 13th Street near the Old Market, is a new Chinese cuisine restaurant that specializes in hand-pulled noodles and fresh ingredients. The outside looked unsuspecting and nothing remotely new, but after reading reviews giving praise to the food, I was not going to let the run-down exterior deter me.

Upon entering, I noticed that almost every booth in the dimly lit restaurant was empty. From that point forward I didn’t know what to expect. To me, an empty restaurant usually signifies mediocre food.

The entire restaurant had a similar feel to that of Umami in Bellevue. The mirrors on the bright red walls made the tiny space feel much more warm and welcoming.

I was pleasantly surprised when I peered over at the kitchen and saw that they were making their own hand-pulled noodles along with freshly cut vegetables.

The process of hand-pulling noodles originated in China and continues to serve as an inexpensive way to feed large groups of people. The entire process can take up to two hours to prepare but is definitely worth the wait.

The menu consisted of different variations of soup along with egg rolls and other classic sides that can usually be found at any Chinese restaurant. I ordered beef noodles, which came with a pile of vegetables and half of a hard boiled egg incorporated into the soup. I was overwhelmed by the amount of food that came in each bowl.

The soup had a bold, salty flavor that became overpowering after a few spoonfuls. I wouldn’t get the same thing again, but I was not disappointed.

Every main dish item on the menu was a reasonable $9. For the amount of food that you get, it felt like a steal. I was barely able to finish my leftovers the next day. For those on a budget, this place is definitely worth the money.

Although I wouldn’t list it as an absolute must-try, I was not disappointed in the least. Spice-C Noodles’ strangely cozy atmosphere and favorable cuisine made for a good place to grab dinner on a cold day.