In the comments section of my post on the Banh Mi Bo Kho from Pho Lucky, "FOY" Dereck mentioned the Beef Noodle Soup from Zen Modern. I found this interesting since Calvin had also mentioned enjoying the Niu Rou Mian from Zen Modern. So, I guess it was time to make my way to Sabre Springs to check things out.
I found the location of the restaurant to be interesting, right next to the MTS parking lot, in a small strip mall with a tight parking lot, squeezed between a 7-11 and a location of March and Ash which was doing some major business.
As for the restaurant, well it was empty at a few minutes past eleven.
Once seated, I was handed a menu that had everything from Egg Rolls to Salt & Pepper Wings to Udon to Kimchi Fried Rice to Nigiri to a huge collection of "Rolls"….you kinda see why I hesitated in visiting. Both Dereck and Calvin advised me to only get the Beef Noodle Soup. Which I finally found on the menu below the Crispy Chicken Spring Roll and above the Chinese Chop Salad.
So, I placed my order for the Beef Noodle Soup ($19) and the default dining utensil was delivered to the table…..
Hmmm…..luckily there were packs of wooden disposable chopsticks in the container on the table.
This is what the niu rou mian looked like.
This was actually not bad. The soup could have used more anise and beef flavor for my taste, but it had a mild peppery spice, a balanced sodium content, good soy sauce tones, and was not bad at all. In fact, I've definitely had worse in the Convoy District and at a popular chain from Taiwan in Mira Mesa…this was definitely better in my opinion. The richness and texture of the soup was on par with what I've had in San Diego.
The noodles were slightly over cooked, thus they lacked a good "QQ" springiness but were fine.
The beef were a mixed bag, some really under cooked and tough pieces, while some bits were very tender and tasty.
Overall, I was rather pleasantly surprise considering the almost Americanized Asian Fast-Foodish looking shop and menu with dishes from all of East Asia. The price at nineteen bucks wasn't a bargain, but like I said, I've had worse in the "Asian districts" of San Diego. If Zen was in my 'hood, I'd probably have the NRM every once in a while.
Who knew; NRM in Sabre Springs!
Zen Modern Asian Bistro
13510 Sabre Springs Pkwy Suite 103
San Diego, CA 92128
Current Hours:
Mon – Thurs 10am – 9pm
Friday 10am – 10pm
Saturday 11am – 10pm
Sunday 11am – 9pm
Thanks for the recommendation Dereck!
glad it was decent
I was pleasantly surprised Kat!
I agree that sometimes the beef can be a little wonky. Usually it turns out pretty well for me though. I do always use the side of pickled veg for a little extra punch.
I’ll have to try the niu rou mian. I didn’t like the won ton noodle soup.
Thanks again for the recommendation Dereck!
My sources told me that the beef noodle soup was the only thing worth ordering here Soo!
I went back today to grab a bowl after seeing these photos..!!! I caught a nice anise smell when the bowl was delivered but it was light in the soup. The meat was a little chewy today and I had to pull a lot of fat out (personal pref). Noodles were good and it hit the spot.
Also, the place was packed to the gills. People even had to sit outside. Maybe it was this post that did it!
They used to offer pickled vegetables with the soup that really added a little something extra. Maybe no longer or you have to ask.
I doubt that my post has that much influence Dereck!
They did have pickled vegetables for $1 more RD! But I just wanted to see how it was plain and simple first!
Literally a diamond in the rough!
Yes, quite surprising Junichi!