St. John’s Hidden Gem | Wuhan-Style Beef Noodles

🍜 St. John’s Hidden Gem | Wuhan-Style Beef Noodles 📍 The Vibe Tucked away in a cozy downtown storefront, this unassuming spot is a love letter to Wuhan from a chef who’s been away from home for 30+ years. • Decor: Simple, with a black-and-white photo wall of old Wuhan • Smell: Aromatic star anise and beef broth that hits you at the door • Soundtrack: Soft Mandarin folk songs playing in the background Pro Tip: Sit at the counter to chat with the owner – she’ll share stories of Wuhan in the ‘80s. 🍲 Must-Order Dishes 1. Wuhan Beef Noodle Soup ($14.99) 🍜 • Broth: 12-hour simmered beef bone + secret spice blend (clove? cinnamon? she won’t tell!) • Noodles: Freshly pulled wheat noodles – chewy with just the right bite • Toppings: Braised beef shank + pickled mustard greens Why It’s Special: • Tastes like Jun Jun Beef Noodles • Free refill of broth (just ask!) 2. Lotus Root Sandwich ($8.99) 🥢 • Crispy on the outside, sticky-moist inside • Filling: Minced pork with five-spice seasoning • Dip: Sweet chili sauce (homemade, with a ginger kick) 3. Braised Beef & Radish ($16.99) 🥩 • Fall-apart tender brisket • Radish: Soaks up all the soy-beefy goodness • Served with: Steamed rice or hand-rolled noodles (+$2) 4. West Lake Beef Soup ($6.99) 🥣 • Silky egg ribbons in a clear, savory broth • Hidden gem: Perfect for cold Newfoundland days 🌶️ Spice Level Guide • Mild: Default broth (warm, not spicy) • Medium: Add house chili oil • Fire Breath: Ask for "extra la jiao" 💡 Insider Tips 1. Best Time to Go: Weekday lunch – the broth is freshest, and it’s less crowded. 2. Ask for the "Off-Menu" • Hot Dry Noodles (武汉热干面) – weekends only! • Duck Neck (卤鸭脖) – if you’re lucky, she’ll have some. 3. Parking: Free after 6pm on Water St. Next Visit Goals: • Three Delicacies Doupi – if she ever makes it! • Egg & Scallion Pancake – a Wuhan breakfast classic. 📸 Instagram Moments 1. The Broth Pour – watch her ladle the golden beef broth over noodles. 2. Lotus Root Close-Up – that crispy-moist contrast. 3. The Owner’s Smile – her pride in sharing Wuhan flavors is everything. StJohnsEats #WuhanFood #NewfoundlandFoodie #HomeAwayFromHome