$100 and under: Noodlemi

Despite the slightly uncomfortable wooden stools, Noodlemi is a good place for a quick bite in casual surroundings. The Vietnamese noodle bar, co-owned by chef Duyen Hackett (formerly of Vietnamese restaurant Song) and Jeremie Gougenheim, gives the cuisine a modern spin. The best part? All the food is free of both MSG and gluten.

It's best to come in a small group since the biggest table - which is in the middle of the tiny space - seats only six people. The servers are friendly and helpful, and takeaway and delivery options are also available.

Our favourite dish was the green papaya salad, which came in three versions: vegetarian (HK$55), grilled pork neck (HK$58) or prawn (HK$60). The star of the dish was the papaya itself, and the crunchy strands were nicely spiced, and came with a refreshing sweet-and-sour sauce, and fresh coriander.

The rice vermicelli with aromatic crab and shrimp (HK$68) had a rich and flavourful broth and came with simple toppings of tomato and deep-fried tofu cubes.

The crispy chicken spring rolls (HK$58) were piping hot and nicely seasoned, but were a bit stiff and chewy. Next time we'll try the lighter rice paper rolls (HK$50-HK$68) and the banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) and curries (HK$60-HK$72).

vanessa.yung@scmp.com

Noodlemi, 2 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, tel: 2253 1113. Open: Monday-Saturday 11.30am-10pm, Sunday noon-9pm