A Chronicle of Three Hand-Pulled Noodle Places and More

One of my  reader discoursed about how I blog.  I guess what I lack in exuberance when comes to conversation, my blog makes up for it.  One thing I like in writing is you can just spill out every bean that you can about a topic without others finding fault in how you state it (or not!).

But then, I realized that many bloggers actually just post the photos and share a bit of info about the photo, yet still many appreciate it.

So, without further ado, let me share you a simple collage of my tries with hand-pulled noodles from several restaurants which have caught my attention, together with some other things I would suggest you can order.

1.  Modern Shanghai

2nd level, Veranda Bayside, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Tel. No. 551-1110
Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday); 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. (Friday to Saturday)

First on my list is this Soup Noodles with Spring Onion Oil.  A very simple, light yet satisfying noodle variety.  I like how they have brought out the essence of the spring onion by deep-frying it in canola oil.  The noodles were not soaked in the broth also when served so you get a different sensual experience of each of the elements of the whole dish.

Make sure to check out the menu for some cool beverage concoctions.

Make sure to order Passion Fruit Lemonade to quench your thirst.  Passion fruit doused in Jasmine tea with pink guava, lime juice, soda and pink lemonade.  Next to it is Modern Shanghai's Signature Xiao Long Bao

Another favorite that my husband got is this Pan-fried Soupy Beef Pancakes.

2. Zhu Kitchen

 Ground Floor, Two E-Com Center, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City

The interior was done tastefully as you can see.  I got carried away though by the combination of plush pink and apple green leather chairs.  Something new from the typical Chinese restaurant scene.

Another thing I had taken note off is how they do their noodles fresh everyday.  It is such a showcase watching the kitchen staff knead, pull and stretch the dough in such whimsical manners as if he was really playing with it and entertaining us at the same time.

We munched on some shrimp crackers and a cup of this hot soup base while waiting for our orders.

Aside for the dimsum and noodles they do have fantastic rice dishes as well.  Bhogs got this Roast Duck Rice Topping.

Braised Beef La Mian

La Mian (or La Mein) is a traditional type of Chinese noodles also known as hand-pulled noodles.  

To know more about it you may want to visit this blog: http://everydaynoodle.blogspot.com/2013/02/about-hand-pulled-noodles-la-mian.html

3. Lan Zhou La Mien

The one we have tried and the only thing we go to for a meal whenever we are at 168 Mall Divisoria is Lan Zhou La Mien.  Apparently this is their fourth branch.  And we have tried their noodles a couple of times already.  

We always forget though how big the serving of the noodle bowls.  For a snack two people can share one bowl of La Mian.  

The last time I got to try the Chicken La Mian, I didn't really like it.  It was a bit bland.  A few drops of sesame oil, freshly ground pepper and fish sauce would level the taste up.

The Beef La Mian was very hearty on the other hand.  The beef was marinated and braised before adding on to the noodle dish.  The veggies were not soggy, though the soup base was really scorching hot so be careful.  

What I like about freshly beaten, hand-pulled noodle dough is that the process by which it is prepared have obtained a chewy, right-to-the bite noodles.  

And oh these are by the way fried hopias, in squash flavor.  It is actually made with mashed squash with flour and eggs added then fried.  The oiliness however made this to be very cloying and not that favorable but worth of a sweet snacking experience which is veggie-made.