Yocoko Noodle Bar

Blythe’s Verdict
In the far off distant days of my misspent youth, I was introduced to the noodle bar concept in a lovely little place next to the Cutty Sark, in Greenwich, rather close to where I was born. Since then, it’s a style of place I’ve visited from time to time, most recently in a couple of places in Glasgow. Of course, we sampled the concept of quick, simple, reasonably priced Chinese cuisine at Chop Chop, a few weeks ago. Yocoko approaches things from a different perspective, seeking to reflect a broader range of cuisines from the region.

I really liked the simplicity of their layout. We sat at one of the booth-style tables in the middle of the restaurant. Service was quick and simple. The menus were well layed-out, informative, and contained a range of food that I wanted to eat.

Initially, MJ and I were both drawn to the same dish in the soupy noodles section, and for a moment I thought another of our legendary sword fights was going to be necessary to settle matters, but I was soon distracted by the prospect of “dry” Singapore noodles. MJ helpfully pointed out that this sounded like a dish that I was more likely to actually eat, rather than simply play with for an hour like I’d done with the noodles in Chop Chop. Slowly but surely, she’s starting to get to know me I ordered some spring rolls as well, for a light starter.

The spring rolls arrived quickly, served in a rather strange little red dish, with a sweet chilli dip. They were piping hot, crisp, and flavour-filled, so ticked the box very nicely. The dip was fairly meh, but this was a promising enough start.

Spring roles on a boat

Singapore Noodles

When the main courses arrived, we enjoyed a very pleasing game of roll reversal, as MJ had some serious playing to do with her soupy noodles. My dish was a straightforward pick and shovel plate: pick at the interesting bits; shovel the rest into my expectant face. The dish had good flavour, a pleasing whisper of chilli heat, and enough strips and chunks of meat to keep my palate interested. It also looked a whole lot nicer than the spring rolls, in terms of how it was presented on the plate.

Overall, I liked Yocoko. It accurately executes dishes, provides interesting plates of sustenance, and does so with an understated style. I’d go back and I’d even take people there, particularly if they’re looking for a fast plate of tasty grub.

MJ’s Verdict

HUGE Noodle soup

I was defeated.

Scores on the Doors

Out of 20 Blythe gives Yocoko:
3/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3/5 for service
3/5 for setting
giving an overall 12/20

Out of 20 Miriam gives Yocoko:
3/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3/5 for service
3/5 for setting
giving an overall 12/20

Today’s Lunch Questers were: Miriam, Blythe.

We wore: Distinctly autumnal layers, distinctly autumnal brown herringbone jacket.

We ate: Spring rolls, vegetable soupy noodles, Singapore noodles.

We drank: Water, Tsingtao

Total Bill: £16

Yocoko Noodle Bar
44-46 South Bridge
Edinburgh
EH1 1LL