A vacant Union Street unit could soon become home to Aberdeen’s first ever “noodle library”.
The “unique and modern” concept is popular in places like Korea and Japan, with more and more noodle cafes popping up in cities across the world.
It essentially works the same way as a regular library – but with instant noodles instead of books.
Customers are able to pick a pack from shelves of different flavours, cook it themselves and enjoy the quick and tasty meal then and there.
Korean locals call these venues “a paradise for noodle enthusiasts”, and add that the introduction of such culinary spots has “redefined the convenience store experience”.
And now, Aberdeen businessman Maaz Vohra plans to transform 164 Union Street and bring the taste of East Asia to the Granite Mile with this novel concept.
What is a ‘noodle library’?
The idea of a “noodle library” was introduced a few years ago by one of Korea’s leading convenience store chains, CU.
Their Ramyun Library in Seoul is now the biggest and most famous venue of this kind, boasting a record-breaking range of more than 200 types of the entangled snack.
It has become a viral hotspot for Korean ramyeon since opening in 2023, with colourful packages attractively displayed and arranged like books in a library.
You can buy packs to take home or cook and eat them there – as the shop has cooking stations and a wide selection of toppings like eggs, cheese, dumplings, and much more.
And it appears to be doing well among locals and tourists, quickly becoming one of the main visitors’ attractions in the Hongdae area.
So what would the Aberdeen noodle library look like?
Mr Vohra wants to recreate this success on Aberdeen soil, while also bringing an empty city centre unit back into use.
He has taken over the property on 164 Union Street that has recently been transformed into a colourful display.
Blueprints show the Noodle Library in Aberdeen will have a similar design to its Seoul counterpart – combing a convenience store with a restaurant.
It will have three seating zones, which could fit up to 30 people stopping by for a quick pot of the juicy delight.
Much like other venues of this kind, there would be no cooking equipment installed but a few hot water dispenser that customers can use to soak in their dehydrated meals.
There will also be microwaves to reheat warm toppings and other snacks.
Planning papers add: “The Noodle Library presents a unique and modern food concept that does not rely on commercial cooking infrastructure.”
How many types of noodles would be on offer?
The Noodle Library would offer between 25 and 35 different types of instant noodles – if the plans are approved.
This collection might not be as extensive as the Ramyen Library, however, would be a lot more diverse and include varieties from Japan and China, as well as from Korea.
There would also be ready-to-eat snacks such as crisps, biscuits and packaged dumplings, and a range of typical South Asian beverages like bubble tea.
You can view the plans for yourself here.
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