I’m SO excited to put you guys on to Yu Noodles Ellicott City, and honestly, even if this weren’t a partnership, I’d be rushing to tell you about this place. The Ellicott City location just opened in June, and they kicked things off with a grand opening special: free mochi all month on orders of $50 or more, so you NEED to take advantage.
If you’re already familiar with Yu Noodles from my Silver Spring review, you already know the vibe: handmade noodle soups, soup dumplings, and dim sum at prices that are super affordable for the quality and portion sizes you get. The Ellicott City location’s got all of that and more. Their rainbow soup dumplings ($14) are the kind of thing you order immediately, and the black sticky rice with coconut milk and mango ($8) had me saying I would come back for it alone, lol. Let me break down everything I tried at this new gem on Baltimore National Pike.
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What Makes Yu Noodles Ellicott City a Standout Spot
Yu Noodles is a DMV chain built on Chongqing-style handmade noodle soups and soup dumplings, and this Ellicott City spot is one of their newest locations. You’ll find them inside St. John’s Plaza on Baltimore National Pike (right next to Sprouts), with plenty of free surface lot parking and easy access.
What sets them apart from a regular Chinese restaurant is the range: soup dumplings, dim sum starters, rice plates, noodle soups, marinated duck, desserts, and boba tea all on one menu. Their pricing’s genuinely on the lower end for the portion sizes and quality you get, making it a fantastic spot for both a quick lunch and a longer dinner. All noodles are handmade in-house.
What Are Rainbow Soup Dumplings?
Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) are thin-skinned steamed dumplings with both a seasoned meat filling and a pocket of hot savory broth inside each one. Rainbow soup dumplings are a modern, colorful variation where the dough’s tinted with natural colorings, with each color corresponding to a different filling flavor.
At Yu Noodles, a single order ($14) lets you try one of every flavor in the basket, which is a really brilliant way to sample the whole dumpling lineup. Order these first, they’re the most instagram worthy thing on the menu.
What to Order at Yu Noodles Ellicott City
Here’s the full rundown of everything I tried and my honest take:
Rainbow Soup Dumplings ($14)
These are a MUST. The whole basket’s gorgeous AND delicious, and getting one of every flavor is such a fun experience. The beef and pork flavors were my personal favorites, and they even have a pizza pork dumpling. Hot broth inside, so go careful on the first bite. If you’re a soup dumpling fan in the Howard County area, Yu Noodles is joining spots like NanXiang Express as a top-tier option.
R1 Minced Pork Over Rice ($8)
I still can’t get over this being only $8. You get a generous portion of savory minced pork sauce over rice with veggies and a fried egg on top. The portion’s actually huge and it’s a total must-try. It’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck dishes on the entire menu. A must-try, IMO.
Golden Cabbage ($7) and Crispy Fungus ($7)
Start with these while you’re waiting for the dumplings and noodles. The Golden Cabbage and Crispy Fungus (mushrooms) are both super tasty with great textures that complement the heavier dishes. At $7 each, they’re a perfect way to open the meal and complement the heavier dishes.
Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup ($15)
Really delicious noodle soup with lots of meat and perfectly cooked handmade noodles. The broth’s got great flavor. If you love a hearty, satisfying noodle bowl, this is your order. Great for anyone who wants something warming and filling.
PRO TIP: save room for the black sticky rice with coconut milk and mango ($8). I would come back for this alone, no joke. It’s a big bowl and I was SO into it. They also have ice jelly and mango pomelo sago if you want to keep the dessert going. And the boba tea with jelly and strawberry smoothie are both great drink options.
Beyond what I ordered, the menu also includes marinated duck (served cold or in noodle soup), Chongqing noodles (the chain’s original signature), bone-in beef short rib noodle soup, spicy oil pork wontons, scallion pancakes, and pork buns. Vegetarian options on Yu Noodles’ menus across locations include vegetable dumplings and tofu-based noodle soups.
The Vibe and Experience
Yu Noodles Ellicott City’s got a clean, modern feel and it’s set up for both quick lunches and longer sit-down meals. St. John’s Plaza has plenty of surface lot parking so getting in and out’s easy. It’s a great spot for families, casual lunches with a friend, or a full group dinner where you want to order a spread and share. Online ordering’s available through their site, and they deliver via DoorDash and Grubhub too if you want to enjoy it at home.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 9150 Baltimore National Pike #13, Ellicott City, MD 21042 (inside St. John’s Plaza near Sprouts)
- Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 9:30pm
- Ordering: Walk-in or online at yunoodlesellicottcity.com; delivery via DoorDash and Grubhub
- Parking: Free surface lot at St. John’s Plaza
- Grand opening promo (through June): free mochi on orders of $50 or more
- Vegetarian options available (tofu noodle soups, vegetable dumplings on chain menus; confirm at the location)
- Allergen note: food may contain peanuts and tree nuts per chain menu disclosures
- Also in the area: Chin Xi’an at BenGong’s Tea in Ellicott City for amazing hand-pulled noodles
Is Yu Noodles Ellicott City Worth It?
YES, and I’d say this even if it weren’t a partnership. The combination of rainbow soup dumplings, affordable rice plates, satisfying noodle soups, and that black sticky rice dessert makes for a really well-rounded meal at genuinely inexpensive prices. Yu Noodles Ellicott City’s filling a real gap in Howard County for quality soup dumplings and dim sum, and I have a feeling it’s going to be packed once word gets out. Go soon while it’s still new!
Have you guys been to the new Ellicott City location yet?! Let me know what you order and whether you tried the rainbow dumplings in the comments below, Nomsters. Send this to someone who needs a new HoCo spot on their list!