The best noodles in New York

Pad Thai
The foodies who flock to Sripraphai would say coming here for pad thai is like going to Nobu for tekka maki. Let ’em—great is great. The dish ($7.50) is strikingly fresh, full of flavor, and the essence of what this kid favorite should be. Chewy rice noodles, substantial shrimp that are actually worth sinking your teeth into, matchsticks of tofu, scrambles of egg and the requisite bean sprout–peanut–lime wedge combo are brought together in the four-part harmony of spicy, sweet, salty and sour that makes authentic Thai cuisine a thrill. 64-13 39th Ave between 64th and 65th Sts, Woodside, Queens (718-899-9599)

Panfried Noodles
Childhood is all about chaos, and this Shanghai-style, tangled mess of a nest is a culinary romp for kids. Grown-ups may frequent Joe’s Shanghai for the heavenly soup dumplings, but it’s the panfried noodles ($8) that little ones love. Thick and crunchy, they come topped with a glossy mound of beef (or pork or chicken), broccoli, mushrooms and bok choy. The noodles on the outskirts stay crisp, while those beneath the saucy toppings soften, resulting in a textural wonderland. Joe’s Shanghai, 136-21 37th Ave between Main and 138th Sts, Flushing, Queens (718-539-3838, joesshanghairestaurant.com). See website for other locations.