Review: 31131 Downtown Noodle Shop
Posted by benbacardi,
In the past we've reviewed a number of the Creator 3-in-1 sets that are effectively a smaller version of the Creator Expert modular buildings: designed to be fun to build and fit somewhat together into a longer street. 2022 brings us 31131 Downtown Noodle Shop, which can be rebuilt as either a games arcade or a small bike repair shop.
At 569 parts, it's not the largest of these sets in recent years, but it packs a lot in and provides an interesting build.
Summary
31131 Downtown Noodle Shop, 569 pieces.
£39.99 / $44.99 / €44.99 | 7.0p/7.9c/7.9c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
A fun, colourful building with some great details, and not bad alternative models
- Lots of detail
- Great architectural details in a small model
- Good alternative models
- Small interiors
- No real need to fold closed
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures and Stickers
Two minifigures populate the small shop and apartment. The chef in the noodle bar is wearing chefs whites over a pair of tan trousers, and wielding a large cleaver—an unusual cooking implement for a noodle shop, I would suggest!
The female customer of the shop is holding a pair of chopsticks, and wearing a casual jacket over a polo shirt.
The chef's head is double-sided, with a slight smile on one side, and a larger grin on the other. The female head, while single-sided, is printed with a hearing aid (not visible in the photos below). This has only appeared in two other sets, and it's always nice to see more diversity among the minifigures.
A small sticker sheet is included, containing just six stickers.
Downtown Noodle Shop
The primary build starts off with the ground floor, built in two segments that are connected by a hinge. The smallest section, on the left, contains an external flight of steps leading up to the first floor, and a glass door a few studs back from the pavement edge.
The more interesting side is the start of the noodle house, comprising a low counter on top of which sits a couple of bowls and some sauce bottles. A menu (one of the stickers) stands outside, two flags hang over the window, and a pair of lanterns flank the bar.
There's a lamppost on the corner of the street, with an American-style "Creator St." road sign attached. I like the look; it's incredibly simple but very effective!
Nestled in the corner between the noodle bar and the staircase stands a drinks vending machine, built mostly with studs sideways. Again, very few parts have produced a simple model that's immediately obvious as to what it is at first glance.
Inside, there's a small oven and hob tucked away under the stairs, but little room for anything else. From this angle, you can see the two technic pin holes on either side that can be used to connect this set to previous buildings in the Creator 3-in-1 range, such as 31097 Townhouse Pet Shop & Café and 31105 Townhouse Toy Store.
When the building is closed, the enclosed area becomes more a part of the noodle house, and there's a broom and spanner hanging in the short hallway to the rear door.
Next, the first floor is built. For ease of photography I built each floor and the roof independently, though this is not the case in the instructions, and they do not easily detach as they would if it were a larger modular building.
This floor provides a door to the apartment above the noodle house, which is positioned at the stop of the staircase when the floors are connected. The detailing on the rest of the exterior is impressive, with some plants in a window box, a two-tone awning above the other window, and an Asian-style roof to finish off the noodle bar below.
I particularly like the sign advertising the noodle house, however! A pair of grill tiles represent noodles in a red carton, with a couple of golden chopsticks held at a jaunty angle.
Inside the smallest side of the room lies a newspaper, a flower in a vase, and a ladder up to the (yet to be built) roof.
The main part of the apartment is filled with a radio, more flowers, and a comfy looking armchair and rug.
There's no TV, but the arm chair faces a lovely picture on the wall!
Completing the building, the roof is finally constructed. A series of straight and curved slopes provide interesting architectural detailing above the windows, and there's an aerial despite the apartment not having a TV.
A tree in the corner of the roof provides yet more flora, and a hatch opens to the ladder into the first floor below.
When the whole building is assembled, it makes a surprisingly large model, particularly when folded out. The colours go well together, with the green and brown of the ground floor, the pale walls of the first floor, and the red and white of the roof. It makes a great little corner model for the smaller modular street that the Creator 3-in-1 line provides.
Folded up, the gap in the pavement looks a little unsightly, and the building feels considerably smaller.
As mentioned before, it could easily be connected to the other Creator 3-in-1 buildings using the exposed pin holes on the sides.
The unfolded version of the model is obviously the only way to access the interior and the small but fairly well furnished apartment.
A couple of small ancillary models are also provided - firstly, a brightly-coloured pedal-powered ice cream cart. The large ice cream model on top looks fantastic.
It's accompanied by a simple but cute little dog with a very fetching red neckerchief!
For a relatively small set, there's a lot going on when the whole model is put together! But this is a 3-in-1 set, so let's take a look at what else we can build…
Arcade
The first alternative model builds a small games arcade. A large sign in the shape of a games console controller adorns the roof, immediately recognisable. A dog is also included, although a different breed this time.
Inside the arcade, one of the arcade machines is removable, providing better access to the inside. A grabber machine sits against one wall (complete with a claw inside), and the bike from the ice cream cart has been repurposed as a video game (a cycling safari, it seems? Perhaps that picture on the wall of the apartment was a TV after all!)
A better look at the roof shows the construction of the large controller, the skylights, and the series of arrows that I could easily imagine flashing in sequence to attract customers.
Bike Repair Shop
The final of the three models builds a small bike repair shop beside a newsagent. Once again, the designers have done a fantastic job with the sign above the shop, using a handful of parts to depict a small bicycle. The shop appears to currently be working on a bike that's usually attached to the cart left out front.
Inside the repair shop a workbench holds some tools, and a set of steps leads up and over the newsagent to the room on the first floor.
The room is in fact an artist's studio, with windows on all sides, a couple of paint pots, and the safari picture repurposed as a canvas on an easel. Once again, a ladder leads to the roof, but this time there's a sun lounger, where somebody has been relaxing with a drink and some sushi.
Conclusion
The main model is a delightful little set, packet with detail for the small number of parts that it contains. The same can be said for both the alternate models, which are different enough to provide interest but not so different that they don't feel like they fit in the same street. I enjoyed the variety of architectural detailing the designers have managed to include, and the creativity of the shop signs with the limited scale and parts available.
As with all LEGO buildings, the interiors leave a little to be desired, being as small as they are, but there is not much that can be done about that. It is sometimes even a criticism of the larger modular buildings, which have far more parts and command a far higher price!
If you have a small LEGO city setup, this would be a great addition, and if not - why not? Perhaps it's time to start one!
The set is available at LEGO.com for £39.99 / ¢44.99, and coming to the US on the 1st of August for $44.99.
198 likes
50 comments on this article
Very thorough review - thanks! This seems like an excellent set: all three models are really well designed, and the set comes in at 8 cents/element. What’s not to like?
Defo will be getting at least two of those to build the primary model and the bike repair shop. It's a bit concerning, though, that not more emphasis is placed on making "nice" models that have a plausible internal logic (literally). Everything looks so scattershot and thrown together....
I've taken this set off my to-buy list since before its release because I decided I wasn't interested in the subject matter, didn't know what to do with most of the parts (I'm really only interested in that stickered sign as it does not appear in 853921), and I already have 31050 which I'm very satisfied with. But for those that do not have the Deli, this is a worthy successor.
Great review, thanks.
I think the picture in the apartment might be a small flatscreen TV showing a nature documentary? The aerial would make more sense!
Chinese chefs knives usually are mistaken for meat cleavers. But I assure you, they are not the same. The cleaver element therefore is actually very fitting here!
HOLY CRIKEY!!! $68 CAD w/TAX!?!?!
Those reported price increases, because LEGO cares so much about its customers ANNNND didn’t want to cut out that sweet sweet billion dollar profit, make future sets utterly untenable!
I've taken a number of these types of sets (like 31026 and even 3661) and expanded them into half-width modular buildings. I have a few nestled between LEGO's regular modulars. These Creator sets make a nice starting place to work from. I could totally see myself doing that with this one too.
Great review, thank you!
I had the idea that 3-in-1 sets didn't come with stickers. Does this mean that stickers will now be a thing in this theme? It's the second one this year that I see with stickers (the other one was 31125).
Would love to see this displayed with the previous years Creator sets like this, and also the Monkie Kid buildings. They all seem to fall on the same “system” for pin hole locations. I’ll happily pick this one up with it arrives to the states I imagine!
Yep, this one is on the short list to buy! Excellent review of a terrific set. The more I look this over the more it feels like LEGO knocked this one out of the park!
I love it! Just the right amount of stuff and some really good alternate builds. Guess you could be three of these to expand your regular Lego city, it offers so much more than the normal city sets with their two studs wide facade of buildings.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
"I've taken this set off my to-buy list since before its release because I decided I wasn't interested in the subject matter, didn't know what to do with most of the parts (I'm really only interested in that stickered sign as it does not appear in 853921), and I already have 31050 which I'm very satisfied with. But for those that do not have the Deli, this is a worthy successor."
Oh wow, I was thinking this would make for a very diverse eatery area alongside the deli! I have that, I love having food places, but the bike repair shop is pretty excellent too, and at $45 and less than 10 cents per piece, it's a great value as well. This honestly might be a rare 2x purchase for me.
@dimc said:
" @LegoSonicBoy said:
"I've taken this set off my to-buy list since before its release because I decided I wasn't interested in the subject matter, didn't know what to do with most of the parts (I'm really only interested in that stickered sign as it does not appear in 853921), and I already have 31050 which I'm very satisfied with. But for those that do not have the Deli, this is a worthy successor."
Oh wow, I was thinking this would make for a very diverse eatery area alongside the deli! I have that, I love having food places, but the bike repair shop is pretty excellent too, and at $45 and less than 10 cents per piece, it's a great value as well. This honestly might be a rare 2x purchase for me. "
Yeah I was leaning towards the arcade myself, except I already have 31081 as well and I'm using its B model! I love the game controller sign of this one though.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
" @dimc said:
" @LegoSonicBoy said:
"I've taken this set off my to-buy list since before its release because I decided I wasn't interested in the subject matter, didn't know what to do with most of the parts (I'm really only interested in that stickered sign as it does not appear in 853921), and I already have 31050 which I'm very satisfied with. But for those that do not have the Deli, this is a worthy successor."
Oh wow, I was thinking this would make for a very diverse eatery area alongside the deli! I have that, I love having food places, but the bike repair shop is pretty excellent too, and at $45 and less than 10 cents per piece, it's a great value as well. This honestly might be a rare 2x purchase for me. "
Yeah I was leaning towards the arcade myself, except I already have 31081 as well and I'm using its B model! I love the game controller sign of this one though."
Ah, that is a nice one too! I don't have that either, so I think I'll try to make the most of this one. I do love the bike shop/cafe one from a few years back, if I can find a decent deal I might get one of those. I need to fit some buildings between Modulars and my vintage Town sets that aren't often that tall. These two story buildings work well for it!
Smashing review of an interesting and creative set. Thank you!
The ice-cream salesman on the bike is going to be a menace on the roads, trying to cycle while peering around that huge model on the front.
Mmm, building made of flesh.
Creator still IS a best theme :)
It's okay, but I'd like to get a residential building next year, preferably a town house, similar to 31065, okay, LEGO?
Japanese food on the sign, but Chinese iconography? Interesting...
Great review! To anyone collecting this series of sets, I made a Bricklist of them: https://brickset.com/sets/list-60579
I'm glad Brickset has reviewed this set. I'm not sure if I'll get it. I like the subject matter but I'm not if it'll fit with the other buildings I have. I might be tempted if I see it on sale.
Also, I've seen vegetables being prepared for Chinese dishes with a large bladed knife a bit like a cleaver, so that piece is possibly more appropriate than the more Western style cooking knives
I might get two of the set, that Arcade....
Would it be possible that the picture is actually a flat screen tv?
What a fantastic little set--so many great details in all three models. I love the signage for the "alt" models (the gamepad with arrows, the bicycle in silhouette). I had hoped the vending machine would be functional--what can I say, 80020 spoiled me! I somehow missed this line of creator modulars, but I'll have to start paying closer attention.
@lordofdragonss said:
"Mmm, building made of flesh.
Creator still IS a best theme :)"
Soon all the parts necessary to make this 76393 in flesh colour will be available. Let's see what the internet community will make out of this...
Wasn't on my radar, but now... I kinda like it. I really like how... cramped it looks. Wouldn't mind getting three of these for all the builds and make a nice, dense complex.
Thanks for the great review and beautiful photography of this neat little set!
Great set! Don't understand why the folding up to a closed shop is listed as a con since this is literally what every AFOL wants, instead of the recent building facades we usually get from LEGO.
3 in 1 Creator buildings are generally my favourite sets but this one looks real messy/busy.
@goldenguy880 said:
"To anyone collecting this series of sets, I made a Bricklist of them: https://brickset.com/sets/list-60579"
Cool, thanks! Should 31077 be on the list too?
I put these smaller buildings as a buffer between the large modular series and the houses in the suburbs.
Cries for two sets to be bought to somehow make the buildings bigger, at 44.99 I'm sure its too much price wise, but if it can be found for 20-30% off, not bad. Stickers in a Creator set are a bit disappointing as well.
Definately the spiritual succesor to 31050: Corner Deli in similar layout and style, the little corner street is even similarly removable, and the big chair on the living space floor.
@Banners said:
" @goldenguy880 said:
"To anyone collecting this series of sets, I made a Bricklist of them: https://brickset.com/sets/list-60579"
Cool, thanks! Should 31077 be on the list too?"
yes it should be
One of the most anticipated reviews to me after its initial reveal.
I love how it resembles the building seen in 80012 Monkey King Warrior Mech.
That side build was one of my personal favourites, but I never got it due to the price of the Mech.
Now I have another excellent opportunity! This set looks like a more refined and enlarged version of the side build!
This set will surely fit well into my new City.
I just wish the pavement would've been a little wider. Even 2 or 3 more studs' width of pathway would have been sufficient.
@Banners, @gromit6: 31077 is from a different series that isn't designed to work with this one. That series uses a totally different definition of "modular" which most AFOLs consider to be lower quality than this (which doesn't even use the term "modular" officially, so the confusion within the community is self-inflicted).
I adore this set, and bought it, the second I saw it, last week. I really liked the Creator townhouse set (that I bought cheaply back in 2018) and the corner burger bar, and I thought this would be really sweet too.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
" @Banners, @gromit6: 31077 is from a different series that isn't designed to work with this one. That series uses a totally different definition of "modular" which most AFOLs consider to be lower quality than this..."
Ah, yes – I see now there are six of these separate Creator 3-in-1 "modular / not-modular" sets it appears... Cheers.
https://brickset.com/sets/theme-Creator?query=modular
@Torrent_Studios said:
"One of the most anticipated reviews to me after its initial reveal.
I love how it resembles the building seen in 80012 Monkey King Warrior Mech.
That side build was one of my personal favourites, but I never got it due to the price of the Mech.
Now I have another excellent opportunity! This set looks like a more refined and enlarged version of the side build!
This set will surely fit well into my new City.
I just wish the pavement would've been a little wider. Even 2 or 3 more studs' width of pathway would have been sufficient."
Can someone explain why the 3-in-1 sets are so much more affordable than City?
@Banners said:
" @LegoSonicBoy said:
" @Banners, @gromit6: 31077 is from a different series that isn't designed to work with this one. That series uses a totally different definition of "modular" which most AFOLs consider to be lower quality than this..."
Ah, yes – I see now there are six of these separate Creator 3-in-1 "modular / not-modular" sets it appears... Cheers.
https://brickset.com/sets/theme-Creator?query=modular
"
I see what you are talking about,I was thinking all of the 3in1 buildings type sets were in the same group
I love it and most likely will grab 2 or 3 boxes, as the alternate builds are pretty nice too!
@Banners said:
" @LegoSonicBoy said:
" @Banners , @gromit6 : 31077 is from a different series that isn't designed to work with this one. That series uses a totally different definition of "modular" which most AFOLs consider to be lower quality than this..."
Ah, yes – I see now there are six of these separate Creator 3-in-1 "modular / not-modular" sets it appears... Cheers.
https://brickset.com/sets/theme-Creator?query=modular
"
Technically 7 if you add 40305 : LEGO Brand Retail Store , it uses the same system of removable walls/door/roof sections but that set isn't a 3-in-1 or Creator labeled, neither does the box highlight that the side windows/ATM/front door can be removed seperately.
The doors/windows/wall sections of those 7 sets can be interchanged , following 8x8 and 8x16 floor plans and 4 wide holes for subsections.
@StyleCounselor said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
"One of the most anticipated reviews to me after its initial reveal.
I love how it resembles the building seen in 80012 Monkey King Warrior Mech.
That side build was one of my personal favourites, but I never got it due to the price of the Mech.
Now I have another excellent opportunity! This set looks like a more refined and enlarged version of the side build!
This set will surely fit well into my new City.
I just wish the pavement would've been a little wider. Even 2 or 3 more studs' width of pathway would have been sufficient."
Can someone explain why the 3-in-1 sets are so much more affordable than City? "
There are a couple possible reasons that come to mind. Creator 3-in-1 tends to have fewer unique printed figures, fewer new part molds, and fewer large specialty parts than City sets do. Ultimately, though, the biggest reason may be that the high demand for the City theme simply allows Lego to charge more for it.
My town does need a Chinese Sushi restaurant, or a Japanese Chinese food restaurant! Either way as long as it's not burgers or pizza it's all good!
Love seeing a fully enclosed building again at this price point in the CREATOR line.
I will buy at least 3. Good job LEGO!
@Mandalorian6285 said:
" @Lyichir said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
"One of the most anticipated reviews to me after its initial reveal.
I love how it resembles the building seen in 80012 Monkey King Warrior Mech.
That side build was one of my personal favourites, but I never got it due to the price of the Mech.
Now I have another excellent opportunity! This set looks like a more refined and enlarged version of the side build!
This set will surely fit well into my new City.
I just wish the pavement would've been a little wider. Even 2 or 3 more studs' width of pathway would have been sufficient."
Can someone explain why the 3-in-1 sets are so much more affordable than City? "
There are a couple possible reasons that come to mind. Creator 3-in-1 tends to have fewer unique printed figures, fewer new part molds, and fewer large specialty parts than City sets do. Ultimately, though, the biggest reason may be that the high demand for the City theme simply allows Lego to charge more for it."
I agree, demand drives up the prices of things by a significant amount, as seen in the star wars sets! (cough, cough)"
@StyleCounselor: I agree with @Lyichir 's points made about the high demand with City. Creator seems to be a little left out in recent years, but it's by no means bad.
LEGO City has a really specific thing about a basic fantasy modern day city for kids, but Creator is just a generic theme with offerings for anyone: from brick-built creatures to cheap Voltron, then you have these nice simple houses which are made from more basic bricks and are meant to fit into a grounded city, rather than City's firefighting and police.
@Mandalorian6285: One of the biggest problem with the community, really, as long as we keep buying, LEGO will keep producing the same things. We should just reduce our purchases, really. Not only does it protect our wallet, but LEGO (hopefully) will eventually identify the problem with their products and (again, hopefully) fix it up. The way their doing things currently is sure to push away many fans who don't have the money to afford these new sets.
@Torrent_Studios said:
" @Mandalorian6285 said:
" @Lyichir said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
"One of the most anticipated reviews to me after its initial reveal.
I love how it resembles the building seen in 80012 Monkey King Warrior Mech.
That side build was one of my personal favourites, but I never got it due to the price of the Mech.
Now I have another excellent opportunity! This set looks like a more refined and enlarged version of the side build!
This set will surely fit well into my new City.
I just wish the pavement would've been a little wider. Even 2 or 3 more studs' width of pathway would have been sufficient."
Can someone explain why the 3-in-1 sets are so much more affordable than City? "
There are a couple possible reasons that come to mind. Creator 3-in-1 tends to have fewer unique printed figures, fewer new part molds, and fewer large specialty parts than City sets do. Ultimately, though, the biggest reason may be that the high demand for the City theme simply allows Lego to charge more for it."
I agree, demand drives up the prices of things by a significant amount, as seen in the star wars sets! (cough, cough)"
@StyleCounselor: I agree with @Lyichir 's points made about the high demand with City. Creator seems to be a little left out in recent years, but it's by no means bad.
LEGO City has a really specific thing about a basic fantasy modern day city for kids, but Creator is just a generic theme with offerings for anyone: from brick-built creatures to cheap Voltron, then you have these nice simple houses which are made from more basic bricks and are meant to fit into a grounded city, rather than City's firefighting and police.
@Mandalorian6285: One of the biggest problem with the community, really, as long as we keep buying, LEGO will keep producing the same things. We should just reduce our purchases, really. Not only does it protect our wallet, but LEGO (hopefully) will eventually identify the problem with their products and (again, hopefully) fix it up. The way their doing things currently is sure to push away many fans who don't have the money to afford these new sets."
It is absolutely mind-boggling, really. You must all be correct. It just seems so odd because to me the Creator sets have been far superior- better designs, better parts, and far cheaper. Who needs more blue-glassed buildings? I get what you guys are saying, but I just still don't get it! :/
There are lots of little details that usually only appear in far more expensive Ninjago or Creator Expert sets. So will be great that a wider audience can get to build, play, rebuild and create new ideas without worrying about preservation of the main model. Personally, thinking about how to combine with 31097 to make something interesting.
@TeriXeri said:
" @Banners said:
" @LegoSonicBoy said:
" @Banners , @gromit6 : 31077 is from a different series that isn't designed to work with this one. That series uses a totally different definition of "modular" which most AFOLs consider to be lower quality than this..."
Ah, yes – I see now there are six of these separate Creator 3-in-1 "modular / not-modular" sets it appears... Cheers.
https://brickset.com/sets/theme-Creator?query=modular
"
Technically 7 if you add 40305 : LEGO Brand Retail Store , it uses the same system of removable walls/door/roof sections but that set isn't a 3-in-1 or Creator labeled, neither does the box highlight that the side windows/ATM/front door can be removed seperately.
The doors/windows/wall sections of those 7 sets can be interchanged , following 8x8 and 8x16 floor plans and 4 wide holes for subsections."
Thanks for pointing that out everyone, I had completely forgotten about that "modular" series. @LegoSonicBoy is right, the naming of these sets is very confusing, and that's not even considering the two different "mini modulars" systems that are directly based on the actual Modular Buildings theme. If anyone's really curious, Brickset's "Mini Modulars" tag seems to include all sets that are buildings and have at least one removable floor: https://brickset.com/sets/tag-Mini-Modular
@CCC said:
" @Torrent_Studios said: " @Mandalorian6285: One of the biggest problem with the community, really, as long as we keep buying, LEGO will keep producing the same things. We should just reduce our purchases, really. Not only does it protect our wallet, but LEGO (hopefully) will eventually identify the problem with their products and (again, hopefully) fix it up. The way their doing things currently is sure to push away many fans who don't have the money to afford these new sets."
There isn't really a community, just a group of individuals that each like some of the things LEGO produces. Some people like City and will continue to buy that, whereas other people like Creator. Some people might even like both. Personally, I buy what I like and I don't buy what I don't like. I'm not going to stop buying what I like in the hope that by doing so LEGO will get some hidden message about what you think is wrong with their current products and that they need to change what they produce or reduce prices, since if I was going to buy something then they are already producing something I like.
"
The "group of individuals that each like some of the things LEGO produces" is literally a community - a wide variety of those individuals, like you and I, gather at sites like Discord or Brickset.
You have every right to buy what you like and otherwise. If LEGO produces a product that someone likes, chances are, those people will pay whatever cost it takes. That doesn't mean that LEGO's prices are okay, because they objectively aren't. A Cloud City Boba Fett doesn't cost $2000 in actual value, but people are still willing to pay it because they like it.
Same thing happens here. People like it, so they buy it. And LEGO will keep doing it because no matter what, they will still have a supportive customer base.