Putting the Ooh in Noodles

Noodle Bar

It may be the smallest of the 1949 Hidden City venues, but Noodle Bar (aka Sanlitun Noodle Bar) is considered by many of the city’s foodies to be home to the best bowl of noodles in the entire city – no mean feat when you consider the breadth of competition.

In this diminutive, contemporary space housing just 12 seats, artisanal noodle-masters hand-pull plump rounds of wheat dough into light, bouncy strings before your very eyes, and the nigh on perfect results have seen gourmands the world over clamouring for a coveted counter stool.

It’s touted as ‘Beijing tradition in a bowl’ and we couldn’t agree more, particularly if it’s the beef tendon, tripe or brisket noodles you opt for. The rich beefy, MSG-free broth with your choice of thick-or-thin noodles is also served with mixed wild mushrooms and a selection of chopped garlic, coriander, chilli and shallots as optional seasoning.

In addition there’s a menu of cold small plates, fresh seasonal vegetables, and throughout October a special promotional dish of braised pork trotter with preserved taro sauce and flat noodle is available for just RMB68. Given its reputation, it’s no surprise the bar is immensely popular, so use your noodle and visit pre or post lunch and dinner rush hours!