Mecha Noodle Bar

In my short time at Yale, I’ve realized that what makes this place special isn’t just the professors, academics, or the people—it’s also the smaller comforts that make all of it feel livable. After a long night out, why do we all end up at Gheav like it’s instinct? Why does Cross Campus fill with blankets and spikeball nets the second the weather turns warm? Why can we endure test after paper, and paper after pset, through another New Haven winter? Maybe it’s because, after that rough week of deadlines, there’s something waiting for you on the other side.

If comfort, for you, could come in the form of dumplings, fries, and wings, then have hope: Mecha Noodle Bar’s 50% off Munchies deal might be Yale’s best-kept secret.

When I was first introduced to the Weekday deal, I was immediately taken aback. 50% off every appetizer, 3pm-6pm Monday through Friday? Gathering a cohort of taste-testers, I made it our mission to ensure you, the reader, would be well prepared when you look for comfort after that final paper gets submitted…

Roasted Mushroom Dumplings:

Earthy, consistent, warm. Perhaps the tenets of “comfortable.” Taking my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised by a grassy umami taste inside these soft, cream filled dumplings. With a wonton-skin seared to perfect golden crisp, they pair powerfully alongside a sweet brown butter miso sauce. Though unimpressed with an unnecessary arugula topping that detracted from the otherwise rich flavors, our vegetarian friends were quick to legitimize the dumplings as their go-to order. 

Table-wide, these dumplings are a 7.8/10.

Poutine:

Poutine is a traditional Canadian comfort food composed of fries smothered in cheese curds. It is taken to new heights with the Japanese-fusion twist Mecha has effortlessly achieved; the shareable dish is adorned with ao nori, Korean chili flakes, and spiced Japanese curry. Though a messy endeavor if you go forkless – as we did – the payoff of the rich sauce smothering crisp fries makes up for the concern. It’s also vegetarian! Designed as a heaping portion for a table to share, the Munchies deal certainly gets you optimal bang for your buck–just one of these orders priced at 50% off could feed a huge appetite.

Our panel of experts rate this one a bold 7.1/10, a staple for large tables.

Saigon Egg Rolls:

I am convinced the measure of a place – especially one that claims superiority within the critical market of college-affordable Asian food – could be determined entirely by their egg roll. Mecha’s Saigon Egg Roll fights a good fight in contention for “Best Munchie”. Though lacking in some flavor, the wide array of sauces and excellent presentation shine through. Upon first bite, we were disappointed in noticing that Mecha’s take lacked the savory, rich texture of its truly Vietnamese counterpart. Yet, much of our enthusiasm was saved upon a second bite of the roll, dipped in its signature nuoc mam sauce. If you find yourself looking for something lighter, this just may be the dish to roll with!

We give these egg rolls a 5/10.

Firecracker Wings:

In all fairness, the phrase “firecracker wing” was not misleading. An explosion of mismatched seasoning and competing spices, Mecha’s firecracker wings are not lacking in the flavor-department; however, it’s hard to see where they planned on going with this flavor. Flavorful seasoning does not inherently prescribe good flavor, and pairing it with a grainy, cilantro lime style sauce did not help. For the diehard wings lover, a word of advice: don’t disappoint yourself.

3/10.

Red Oil Dumplings:

Every sweeping restaurant deal needs a pièce de résistance, and Mecha certainly found its showpiece. Drowned in hot chili oil peppered with crunchy fried shallots, the red oil dumping a pan-seared masterpiece. The dumpling itself is stuffed with competing flavors of vinegar and warm ground meat. In Mecha’s own words, they are “a delicious upgrade on a classic favorite,” and it’s hard to find fault in their argument. 

A spicy, yet delicious twist on a soul food favorite, the Red Oil Dumpling is a powerful 9.1/10 in our book. 

A table tip: If you think your poutine is lacking some of that all-important flavor, try adding some Red Oil Dumpling broth!

At the end of the day, Mecha’s Munchies deal hasn’t done anything to reinvent comfort–but the restaurant has certainly done its part to make it more accessible. Whether you’re thinking about splitting poutine with friends or planning to order Red Oil Dumplings for the third time that week, Mecha will deliver. Sometimes, after a long week, good food at half price is reason enough.