BiangBiang Noodle 老街坊凉皮肉夹馍 — Restaurant in Brisbane City

An amazing little spot in West End! Don't be misled by the chosen English name of "Beijing Noodle", for this place is so much more than its noodles. That being said, its namesake noodles are not to be slept on! Chewy, springy, likely handmade (a rarity in Australia!), these noodles are the stuff of dreams, what the Japanese famously termed the sensation of "umami", and what the Chinese refer to as the much sought-after "QQ" mouthfeel (so-called for the similarity of the letter 'QQ' to the Mandarin Chinese word for 'chewy', referring to the bouncy springiness only found in handmade fresh noodles). Furthermore, the noodles come steeped in a true broth, the signature translucent golden-brown that is the hallmark of hours and hours of prepared stewing with juicy bones, herbs, and an assortment of fragrant oils, the same method and heritage that later passed onto, and can be found today in, Japanese ramen and Vietnamese Phở, amongst others.

The store's name itself in Chinese, 老街坊私房菜, is actually translated more into "the Neighbourly Streetside Eatery", referring to an earlier time in history, when the very best of Chinese eateries could be found in less-traveled, little-known corners amid the winding maze of streets and shophouses in olden Chinese cities, often lodged in-between actual residential areas, often having their origins in a local housewife or home-cook being so proficient that their neighbours would pay to eat their food, and via word-of-mouth alone could have their delicious dishes become so sought-after people would hazard navigation through the labyrinthian city streets of ancient China to have a taste. Keeping in mind this was before the age of Google Maps, this is quite a statement to make!

And I'd personally say this place deserves the name they've chosen! For everything I've tried - from the varying broths and lengths of their noodles (offered in thin, thick, and 'flat'), to their 'cold' dishes (traditionally known as 'drinking dishes', or 'alcohol-paired dishes'), to their piping-hot, wondrously fragrant, cumin-peppered stir fried dishes, were deliciously satisfying! Even the décor choices, while some might criticise as old-fashioned, I found intensely nostalgic and poignant, reminding me of earlier times when I traveled the mainland in search of their best cuisine. From the proudly colour-printed pictures of their food on the walls, to the old-school fanciful bordering on the walls, it all strikes a familiar chord, and warmly reassures you that you're in for a properly good, old-school...

If you haven’t been to BiangBiang Noodle since their recent menu update and interior refit, it’s time to give it another go. This spot has long been my favourite Chinese restaurant in the neighbourhood—and now it’s even better.

The new menu puts the spotlight on their incredible hand-pulled BiangBiang noodles, and it’s clear the chef is cooking from the heart. Last night, I had the Shredded Pork with Chopped Vegetables and my husband went for the Spicy Chunky Beef—both full of flavour and deeply satisfying. I’ve never been to China, but the bold, unique spice blends make me feel like I’ve been given a genuine taste of the chef’s homeland.

Worried about heat? Don’t be—if “spicy” isn’t in the name, it likely won’t be. Want a kick? Head to the condiment station at the back of the restaurant—there’s something there for every spice lover.

BiangBiang Noodle is a great example of the small, locally run restaurants that make a neighbourhood feel like home. To the team running this place: you have my deepest respect. To anyone reading this—support your local...

Try the buns with meat inside. Absolutely delicious and the oil is only from the mince not from the bread. In Sunnybank they deep fry the bread so oil is oozing from everywhere. It makes you eat less.

Chef David is awesome and comes out to help his staff when it’s too busy. Comes out and explains the dishes if you ask. Just a really warm and nice atmosphere created by the people who work there.

Lucas the front staff is also very informative and friendly. He’s patient when you’re taking your time to see the menu. He explains things and even gives his honest opinion if asked. Top notch customer service. The little lady with a huge smile is always nice as well. Just a generally really nice place to eat.

The food is 10/10. If only there was a larger portion for the cold sesame noodles. Also no oil in there soup or noodles. Walking out feeling good not heavy. Will...