This is my new favorite whole-in-the-wall. Lan Zhou Handmade Noodle Lan Zhou Handmade Noodle is relatively clean for a Chinatown dive, has a short and simple delicious menu, and stealth-like service. As soon as you order, it takes the chef (dressed like any guy you'd see on the street) less than two minutes to pull the dough into a few bowl of handmade (in front of your eyes) noodles. I tried to take pictures of this noodle magician, working his magic, but even as he slowed down for my benefit, I could not catch a good picture. I was seriously amazed.

The first sign that you're in a ghetto, authentic noodle place is this set up of spicy oil, black vinegar, chili sauce, disposable utensils, and napkins. What made me incredibly happy was the plastic container full of pickled mustard greens (you can see a bit of it in the lower left hand corner) that I love throwing onto my beef noodle soup. Most of the time, I think restaurants don't give enough and here I can add as much as I want.


As I suspected, their English menu does not translate correctly because my Beef Tripe Noodle Soup ended up being a Beef Oxtail Noodle Soup, which was not on their menu. This happens quite often in Chinatown. Don 't worry, it's just another sign of authenticity. I didn't care at all anyway since I would've eaten anything they gave me. I was sure I was in heaven. It was absolutely delicious and it was a huge amount of noodles. I generally like my noodles thicker but I am not complaining about these fresh and bouncy noodles, swimming in a hot and flavorful broth.


Monica ordered the Beef Noodle Soup, similar to mine, but with chunks of beef instead of oxtail.

We shared a plate of pork and chive dumplings. I generally prefer thicker skins but these were still delicious, with an exceptional filling.

I was so full and felt like a fat kid finishing off cake with frosting smeared across the face. For $11 or $7 each when you include tip, I got fresh and tasty noodles with a splash of memories of home.