DOZENS of customers queued up as a world famous noodle bar became the latest addition to Basildon’s Eastgate Shopping Centre. 

Chopstix, one of the UK’s biggest takeaways, opened its doors yesterday offering a wide range of Asian street food to customer. 

Sitting opposite McDonalds on the food court, the noodle bar has capacity for 50 people to sit at once and dozens of customers were seen queuing up yesterday morning as they rushed to try out the food. 

Chopstix marketing executive, Rupert Cole, said he was “excited” to finally welcome customers at their new site.

Marketing executive, Rupelt Cole, was thrilled with the opening.Marketing executive, Rupert Cole, was thrilled with the opening. (Image: Newsquest)

 

He said: “We feel very happy to be launching our site in Basildon. 

“We had a big queue outside when we opened and it was exciting to welcome them all. It looks like everyone has been enjoying it.

“I think this is a lovely shopping centre and even though it is only the first day, we already feel at home. Hopefully we can stay here for very long.

“I encourage all customers who haven’t tried us to come down to Eastgate and you won’t be disappointed.”

 

Dozens queued outside the new shop in the food court.Dozens queued outside the new shop in the food court. (Image: Ignas Jazerskis)

 

Customers told the Echo they were more than impressed with the food as they went home satisfied after enjoying lunch at the new business. 

Customer Brady Smith said: “I think the food is really nice. I’m quite happy with it and it is something different to what is already on offer here.

“I think it’s a good addition to the food court.”

Matt Allen, another customer, shared his concerns about whether the eatery would survive long enough in the shopping centre.

 

Customers enjoying their food at the new Chopstix in Basildon.Customers enjoying their food at the new Chopstix in Basildon. (Image: Ignas Jazerskis)

 

He said: “The food was really nice. The firecracker chicken was probably the best I had.

“I like it but unfortunately no one really seems to last long in the shopping centre. The one in Lakeside has lasted so hopefully this one will too.”

The new Chopstix is the second restaurant in south Essex, with one already proving popular at Lakeside shopping centre.

As a special opening offer, the first 100 customers were given a free medium box with noodles and toppings.

Visitors can still get a free portion of spring rolls by signing up at chopstix.co.uk/basildon1000