方砖厂胡同83号院 — Local services in Beijing

Located in the popular Nanluoguxiang area, Fang Zhuan Chang No. 69 Zhajiangmian has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for five consecutive years since 2020. We visited to try their traditional zhajiangmian (noodles), and the experience was both nostalgic and authentic. The zhajiangmian is served with two trays of condiments, including onions, bean sprouts, shredded bell pepper, shredded carrots, cucumber, and more, allowing diners to customize their noodles. The flavor is a true representation of old Beijing traditions, and the added perk of free noodle refills is a nice touch. The staff noticed that our group was made up of ‘foreigners’ and kindly demonstrated how to mix the noodles properly, which added a warm and personal touch to the experience. In addition, we tried the Peking duck, which complemented the meal well. The restaurant is extremely crowded, which speaks to its popularity, but the friendly and attentive staff manage the busy environment efficiently. While the food was enjoyable and offered a sense of authenticity, I did feel the experience was slightly overhyped given the accolades. Overall, it’s a pleasant spot for a taste of traditional Beijing cuisine in a...

My initial attempt at the authentic Beijing Cha Chiang Mian involved savoring thick noodles paired with a savory bean and meat sauce. The standard portion size proved generously ample. Accompanied by two tiers of condiments featuring beans and an array of vegetables, the ritual included stirring and blending the noodles before incorporating the condiments. Despite its heartiness and fiber-rich content, the taste leaned towards bland for my palate, prompting the addition of spicy sauce for an extra kick. Our meal extended beyond this dish, encompassing fermented papaya, smoked chicken, lamb stomach, and bean curd skin. The prompt service, coupled with the swift arrival of dishes, made the dining experience pleasant, although be prepared for potential lunchtime queues. The cost-effectiveness of the meal makes it a worthwhile culinary adventure. Address :...

A Michelin bib gourmet restaurant, famously known for its zha jiang mian (bean paste noodle), which is one of the Beijing must eats. They have many outlets around Beijing, serving colorful toppings and condiments that is very aesthetically pleasing for the gram. However, many locals say that it has deviated from the original flavor of what a traditional zha jiang mian should be, which I do agree as I find the toppings were overwhelming.

Overall I like the noodle texture, which is firm and chewy. The toppings depends on which version of the noodle we ordered with the most "luxurious" version comes with two plates of condiments and toppings. The bean paste was tad too salty and lack of depth.

I could only score a max 4 stars given the presentation, fast service and...