Signage alert: Instant Noodle Factory on 7th Street

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Signage is up now for Instant Noodle Factory, opening next month at 130 E. Seventh St. just west of Avenue A...

This fast-casual DIY concept offers up instant noodles — more than 150 types. 

The first outpost opened this past summer in Long Island City... Eater's Robert Sietsema gave it a whirl (and liked it!): 

When you enter, you are advised to study the ramen matrix ... mainly from Japan, China, and Korea, though a few originate in Thailand, Singapore, and other locations. 

Yet, this is a factory and you are the worker responsible for preparing your own meal. I was entirely bewildered when I first walked in, wondering how to approach the place. But this bewilderment was delightful — because perplexed is not a bad way to feel at the start of a meal. My advice is to select one of the preset noodle combinations, eight in number, which include type of ramen; added objects like sausages, herbs, fish balls, and boiled eggs; and condiments. If you don't pick a preset combo, you could spend hours considering your million or so options.

No. 130's former tenant, Avant Garden, moved around the corner to Avenue A and Sixth Street in July.