Every October 6th, food lovers across the nation come together to celebrate National Noodle Day, an ode to one of the most comforting and versatile dishes in the world. From silky ramen and chewy udon to springy pho and spicy lo mein, noodles have a universal power to bring warmth, satisfaction, and culture to every bowl.
In the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area—a region rich in culinary diversity—noodle lovers are spoiled for choice. Whether you’re craving a steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen, handmade Chinese noodles, or a light Vietnamese pho, the DMV has it all. Here’s a look at the top noodle destinations that truly stand out.
🥢Daikaya (Washington, DC)
📍 Location: 705 6th St NW, Washington, DC
🍜 Specialty: Sapporo-style Ramen
If there’s a noodle temple in DC, Daikaya is it. Located near Chinatown, this Japanese ramen shop has earned cult status for its rich, umami-packed broths and perfectly springy noodles imported directly from Sapporo. The Shio Ramen and Shoyu Ramen are must-tries, each offering a distinct depth of flavor. The cozy, bustling atmosphere makes it a perfect stop for both ramen purists and first-timers.
🍜 Mama Chang (Fairfax, VA)
📍 Location: 3251 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA
🍜 Specialty: Hunan & Sichuan-style Handmade Noodles
From celebrity chef Peter Chang, Mama Chang offers a deeply authentic taste of central China. Their Chili Oil Noodles and Dan Dan Noodles pack serious flavor and spice. Every dish tells a story—crafted from family recipes and regional ingredients. If you like your noodles with a bold kick, Mama Chang will not disappoint.
🍜 Pho 75 (Arlington, VA & multiple locations)
📍 Location: 1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
🍜 Specialty: Vietnamese Pho
Few things beat a classic bowl of pho, and Pho 75 has been a DMV staple for decades. The secret lies in its richly simmered broth and tender slices of beef or chicken, all complemented by fresh herbs and rice noodles. Simple, affordable, and consistently delicious, Pho 75 is the go-to for authentic Vietnamese comfort food that warms the soul.
🍜 Chaplin’s Restaurant & Bar (Washington, DC)
📍 Location: 1501 9th St NW, Washington, DC
🍜 Specialty: Japanese Ramen with a Creative Twist
Step into Chaplin’s, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a 1930s Tokyo film set. This Shaw neighborhood favorite serves hearty bowls of ramen like The Chaplin, featuring tonkotsu broth and charred pork belly, or The Great Dictator, a vegetarian favorite. The ambiance, cocktails, and live energy make it as much a night-out destination as a noodle haven.
🎉 Slurp, Savor, and Celebrate
Whether you’re team ramen, pho, lo mein, or udon, National Noodle Day is your perfect excuse to explore the DMV’s noodle scene. From DC’s bustling ramen bars to Northern Virginia’s pho houses and Maryland’s creative fusion kitchens, there’s a bowl waiting for every taste and mood.
So grab your chopsticks, bring your appetite, and celebrate the art of the noodle—one slurp at a time.