The fried shrimp with thai curry and wok vegetables was tasty and was proportioned large enough for two. Although I chose noodles, all dishes may be ordered with rice. I did, however, think the noodles were a bit undercooked for my liking. (Eric A. Brown/Stars and Stripes)
The fried shrimp with thai curry and wok vegetables was tasty and was proportioned large enough for two. Although I chose noodles, all dishes may be ordered with rice. I did, however, think the noodles were a bit undercooked for my liking. (Eric A. Brown/Stars and Stripes)
Customers are encouraged to order and pick up entrees from the bar. A variety of alcoholic beverages --- beer, wine and cocktails --- are available. Non-alcoholic options are also available. (Eric A. Brown/Stars and Stripes)
There is plenty of seating outside on the patio at Aroma Noodlebar, which is within eyeshot of the hustle and bustle of Mauritiusplatz, shopping, and other cafes in Wiesbaden, Germany. Patio heaters are in place to keep customers warm during colder months. (Eric A. Brown/Stars and Stripes)
It was chilly out: one of those days when it drizzles just enough to wear a jacket, but the rain is not quite hard enough to pop open the umbrella. A day when a hot bowl of soup or something spicy would hit the spot.
If you find yourself in this situation while in Wiesbaden’s pedestrian-only shopping district, Aroma Noodlebar is a place where you can enjoy either or both.
Aroma’s location, within a few steps of Mauritiusplatz, makes a great place to take a load off or meet friends inside to get warm, or on the patio in fairer weather.
Aroma boasts an extensive menu of — you guessed it — Asian noodles. But it also has plenty of salads, soups and pasta dishes, most for not more than 7-8 euros.
I ordered the chicken soup from the English menu. Although the menu instructs customers to pick up entrees from the bar, it was fairly early and only two other customers were eating, so the waitress brought the bowl to my table. The soup was abundant, with whole mushrooms and julienned vegetables floating in a rich, semi-spicy coconut broth. It really hit the spot. Although the portion was nearly enough for a meal, I looked forward to the main course.
I chose my main entree not merely because I like fried shrimp with vegetables but also because of its higher level of spiciness, indicated by the two small peppers next to the description. I figured two peppers would rate high enough on the Scoville scale to help warm my damp body.
The plate had a generous amount of fried shrimp with chili, basil and plenty of spring onions for crunch. I chose Asian noodles on the side, although all dishes also may be ordered with rice. I’ll admit that I had a difficult time eating everything on my plate. But I managed, thanks to the help of a tasty glass of sweet tea.
Aroma’s menu also lists a wide array of duck, beef and chicken dishes. These include spicy Japanese udon noodles in green curry, vegetables, chicken and a hint of coriander for warmth and color for 7.90 euros.
The salad menu was also fairly extensive, with traditional entrees such as the Asian, mixed and Caesar salad, each less than 6 euros. An unconventional selection, the goat cheese salad, goes for 7.40 euros. It’s made of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn, crunchy walnuts, and red and green peppers topped with warm goat cheese and balsamic or yogurt dressing.
Aroma Noodlebar has a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine, cocktails and specialty drinks. It also offers quite a few nonalcoholic drinks priced at 4.50 euros.
As I left, the weather began to break, and the outdoor seats at Aroma Noodlebar began to fill up. The next time I find myself in Wiesbaden’s pedestrian-only shopping district, I’ll be sure to drop by again — in better weather, I hope.
Aroma NoodlebarAddress: On Mauritiusstrasse 1 65183 Wiesbaden, just about halfway into Wiesbaden’s pedestrian shopping district. The closest parking garage is City-Parkhaus, which is one block to the west and an easy walk. Be advised that this particular garage’s interior was difficult to negotiate because of tight turns and narrow parking spots, so I don’t recommend it for large American-style vehicles. Menu: Quickly prepared Asian noodle dishes. Menu in English and German.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Prices: Soups and starters range from about 3.20 to 4.30 euros; salads from 5.40 to 7.40 euros. Asian dishes range between 7 and 8 euros — some closer to 9 euros. Vegetarian dishes are between 5 and 6 euros. Soups as a main dish cost about 6.90 euros. Italian pastas are 6-7 euros.
Dress: Casual.
More information: Telephone: (+49) (0)611 2408951; website: www.aromanoodlebar.de.
