These guys are really using their noodle. Zhuang Zhuang specialises in men mian, which is a specialised way to cook noodles in a covered pot. It’s a fairly simple concept, really. The noodle master grabs a few handfuls of thick noodles, chucks them in a ceramic pot atop one of the colourful gas burners lined up by the entrance, sets the timer, and you’re in noodle heaven.

The system is playful and the setting is just as fun. Zhuang Zhuang’s menu and decorations are done in a cute doodle style that points out every individual ingredient in the clay pots. There are five sets, including beef, pork belly or just straight up greens and mushrooms. Each portion can be doubled or tripled in bigger containers if you’re bringing friends.

It’s clear the noodles are the star attraction. The accompanying meats and veg in the noodles are sparse, almost to the point where they feel more like a garnish. But, honestly, the noodles are satisfying enough that you won’t want anything else. In an interesting touch, every table gets shakers of cayenne pepper and white pepper for a kick.

Courteous servers move with the groove of the beats on the sound system, bringing over glasses of blended vegetable and fruit juices and crisp lemon tea. We wanted to try the simple desserts, but their pastry chef was off both times we popped in. That’s fine with us–those noodles did plenty to satisfy our appetites.

Address: 107, Building 4, China View, 2 Gongti Dong Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区工体东路2号中国红街4号楼107室

Source: timeoutbeijing.com