Chinese Noodly Nights

This place is more than unassuming. Tucked away in the corner on the bottom floor of an open Chinese shopping mall complex, sits the Chinese Noodle Restaurant. We arrive to the 30 or so seated restaurant full, but before we could even turn around to sit down on the bench to wait for a table, the keen hostess hands us a menu and makes a mental note of where we are in the frayed line.

A little bewildered by the efficiency of the one woman jumping from person to person, inside and out of the little restaurant door, I notice their huge menu posted on the outside window. In awe, I forget the more extensive menu in my hand, too overwhelmed by choice and gaze at all the noodle dishes, dumplings, and soups, wishing It could be as easy as ordering one of everything.

As I stare dumfounded, the little Chinese lady taps me on my shoulder asking if I am ready to order… Ahhhhh… I said a little flustered, while my brain ticks a million miles per second, trying to work out if I should say yes or no so she doesn't move on to the next in line who will take our precious seats.

But its ok, as I realise turnover is quicker than you can say ‘dumplings please!’ and we’d rather work out what we really want than order in a hurry. I gather myself and we order pan-fried lamb and shallot dumplings and Xinjiang Stir-fried noodles with beef. Now the excitement kicks in, as I realise I am in for a treat of noodly proportions! Did I mention that they make their own hand-pulled noodles? Well, they make their own hand-pulled noodles, which is what makes this place extra special and utterly addicting!

The lady yells over to us sitting outside and we are guided to our table, poured green tea and left to rub elbows with the next person slurping their giant noodle soup. You don't really care where or who you sit next to because the food overrides anything that could potentially be said about this place. Not to mention the tapestries of horses draping on the walls and the synthetic grapevines looking like dense jungle hanging from the ceiling, it makes no sense at all. But hey, it’s all about the northwestern Chinese noodles and if you’re lucky you can see them being made in the tiny kitchen.

The stir-fried noodles with beef arrive and do not disappoint. Long, thick and yellowy in colour, they come bathed in the tender beef’s own juices with lightly stir-fried onion, capsicum and Chinese cabbage for some crunch. Picking up the noodles with slippery, plastic chopsticks is a quite frustrating and a tease to say the least, but the wait is worth it. I don’t know what the Chinese word for ‘al dente’ is but these noodles are that! Rubbery, slimy and oh so moreish, it is simply impossible to fault these noodles as there has never been anything else that has tantalised my taste buds quite like it.

Come 12 dumplings, made from the same dough as the noodles are pan-fried to perfection, crispy on the bottom from where the oil has blistered its thick, golden skin and just chewy enough to keep you biting for more. Oh. But that moment when you pierce your teeth through its layers and hot, succulent juices squirt out followed by a bite into the delicate lamb mince balls inside… you know life is complete. For an umami revelation, dip the devilish dumplings into your own concoction of soya sauce, red chili paste and vinegar, a marriage in heaven.

Portions are very generous and satisfyingly filling, so come hungry with friends who like to share and so you can try a few things from their colossal, mesmerising menu. First dates here I don't recommend, unless you’re willing to get a little messy in the name of love. For some fun, order the massive bowl of Udon noodle soup and challenge your partner to finish it! I dare you.

There are not many things you can say to fault the food, its cheap and delicious, and for the boozers, it’s BYO. While the food is nom nom, there is one thing you can fault and that is their disregard for OHNS. But somehow you don't really seem to care, pushing this observation under table, like the bits of noodles that didn’t quite make it to your mouth and rather see it as adding to its grimy charm. Besides, you came here for the noodles.

Opt for: Hand made noodles and dumplings.

Stay for: Mid-week lunch or dinner any night of the week.

Price: Cheap! $3.80 - $18.80 Others: BYO, cash only, vegan and vegetarian friendly

Open: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 1am

Address: Shop 7, Prince Centre, 8 Quay Street, Chinatown, Sydney, NSW

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