Nouilles of 3rds UPDATE - Lomita

Most people don’t know this, but I am indebted to Nouilles of 3rds. Because pregnancy also comes in thirds, and I wouldn't have made it through the first third if I didn't have Nouilles of 3rds. 

During first trimester, I was one of the “lucky” ones. No nausea or vomiting, but I had my own equivalent; fatigue and a complete lack of appetite so severe I could barely force feed myself a single banana.

Everyone finds a food they can handle, and for me it was the House Noodle Soup. Almost once a week, I'd muster all my strength to get into the car for almost a full bowl of noodle soup. The beef broth is full of flavor and savor, rich without being too fatty or thick. That giant bone that's full of marrow adds extra layers of depth, and the rice noodles are always cooked just right. And Nouilles of 3rds was extra kind. I just don't love their meatballs,and when I would ask to substitute the meatball for extra tendon, they loaded it up without batting an eye, and I would get a bowl so full of tendon that I would catch a bit of it every time I dipped my spoon.

I had to know if I loved that soup just because I was pregnant or because I just love that soup so I ordered that soup again. I just love that soup. It's just as good today as it was all those other days, though it may be even better without the progesterone to screw with my system.

They make other dishes too, Cambodian/Asian staples from the south if you're looking for less liquid. They make a good Hainan Chicken, for example, a deceptively difficult dish. The chicken is tender with none of the sliminess that sneaks in when chicken is poached. The ginger dip is strong and stings in a way that is hard-hitting without being a full-on assault. The garlic rice is just right, made in a broth with a little edge. 

The Beef Loc Lac is juicy little bits, tiny bites sautéed with a sweeter soy. It’s not my favorite thing only because I like the chicken better. 

I think I’ve had everything on the menu now, and I have yet to find something that doesn't make me smile. In a pandemic world where there is less and less reason to smile, at least I'll be smiling about the soup.

Nouilles of 3rds - Lomita

Cambodian comfort north of Long Beach and it awaits at Nouilles of 3rds. The location is authentic enough, so the food must be close. Good luck finding the shopping center, and if you have to take a left across PCH at rush hour, their food that may be to die for...literally.

I'm really not into meatballs. A ball of mystery meat, no thanks, but I do love the Street Meatballs here. The tendon softens the more rubbery texture of the beef, and I love the savory flavor that drips juice from inside a crispy crust. The sharp garlic oil and sweet chili sauce are great embellishments, and they get your fingers sticky. 

Nouilles is French for noodles, and the Bah-Bong Noodles are comfort to the max. The chicken is tender and the egg rolls are bomb. Rice noodles are al dente, and the veggie mix meshes with coconut cream.The hubby says it tastes like Cambodia and he would know. 

The No3 House Noodles Soup. Impossible to find good pho in the South Bay, but this iteration makes a savory soup all the same. The prime beef does taste prime, and the beef bone marrow is the absolute best part. Tendon is tender, beef balls are baller, and I prefer the rice noodles over egg.

This is how Asian food should be. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy or gourmet, just good stuff made well, bowls of soup and steaming noodles cooked in the heart of a heartland fire. Nouilles of 3rds won't be rising to widespread acclaim anytime soon. They seem to have lost their website too,  but I like that they keep their profile low. I'd rather not wait in line every time I crave their noodles, and I predict I will crave them fairly often.