Allergico's Hidden Gem: BIB Noodle Bar

Arguably the ultimate hidden gem, you wouldn't expect that the best noodles in the UK could be found in a re-purposed shipping container in Coventry but that's exactly where they are.

BIB Noodle bar may be small but this place packs in mighty flavours with their array of Chinese dishes. They're most famous for their handpulled Biang Biang noodles (see right) and their dumplings. We caught up with owners Qifen and Bradley to find out how they make their food so delicious.

Why did you decide to set up BIB Noodle Bar?

We were struggling to find a job for Qifen in the UK, so we decided to create her one ourselves!

Why is it called BIB Noodle Bar?

It’s a combination of Qifen's name and my nickname growing up.

What makes your food stand out from all the other noodle bars?

I like to think is down to the experience people have when they come to our little container. It’s not just the quality and unique food, it’s down to the experience people have.

How would you describe your food in three words?

Fresh, Healthy, Delicious.

What's the spiciest food you sell?

In theory we can spice up any dish to any level to whatever the customer can take. We have done a special chilli oil for one customer who loves his chilli, which is over and above what we would normally sell.

If you were recommending any of your dishes for an alternative Christmas menu, what would you pick?

The braised Belly Pork would have to be up there, as it’s sweet, soft, warm and comforting.

What vegan options do you have?

Most of the vegetarian options we have are also vegan. From Dumplings to the Noodles, Bao buns to Rice bowls. We are looking at adding more options for Vegetarians and Vegans next year, as Chinese food as a whole is very friendly to this lifestyle choice.

What's the most unusual dish on the menu?

At the moment I don’t think there is anything on our menu that is a stretch for anyone. We have had Chicken Feet on there in the past, which I’m sure challenged some people.

You are famous for hand-pulled noodles, why was it important to you that these were made from scratch?

To be in control of the whole process. From sourcing the best flour, and being able to make them fresh every day, as it always gives our customers the best experience possible.

THE REVIEW:

I'll begin where every meal at BIB Noodle Bar absolutely must begin: the dumplings. On my visit to the noodle bar, I had the joy of both watching these being made and of eating them.

The ones I tried were the sweetcorn and pea (see below) variety which are vegan and smelled amazing as they were being prepared. They're served with a little bowl of soy sauce with a few delicate spring onion slices in. At once they look so deliciously crispy and inviting, like little bundles of dumpling joy. Taste-wise they continued the delicious theme.

They're served whilst still crispy and soft and after that you get a rush of fresh and healthy flavours. The sweetcorn balances really well with the pea to make a satisfying and exciting flavour combination.

I'll be honest, I practically inhaled the dumplings, they were so nice and they made for a brilliant breakfast on the cold October morning when I visited. These would make the perfect light lunch or as a side to a bowl of their famous noodles.

Also, if you're introducing someone to Chinese food for the first time, these are good as they're mild but full of all the delicious flavours that put Chinese cuisine on the map.

Next up was the dish that is arguably the star of the show in terms of the BIB Noodle Bar menu: Biang Biang Noodles.

The first thing that makes these noodles special is they're handmade on site every day which guarantees their amazing quality.

In terms of toppings for the noodles, there's a lot to choose from but I picked my favourite which is the mushroom one (this is also the vegan option). Once you've picked your topping, you're asked what spice level you'd like, I personally think the medium spice level is best but this is a matter of personal taste.

When the noodles arrive you're instantly able to smell all the rich and delicious herbs and spices that have gone into making the dish.

The first bite you take of this dish will deliver a rush of flavours, you'll get umami richness from the mushrooms and gentle herby and spicy flavour from the sauce. It gets better from there and it is honestly a joy to devour a big bowl of the noodles, they leave you feeling full but also healthy thanks to stellar ingredients.

Other allergy-friendly options on the menu:

Shiitake Mushroom Rice Bowl

Shashed Cucumber Salad

Gua Bao Bun with Mushroom

Where to find them:

Landmark Shed 12, Fargo Village Far Gosford Street Coventry, CV15ED