Xiang Xiang Noodle — Restaurant in Sunnyvale

Also known as Xiang Xiang Noodle, this family-run eatery serves authentic Shanxi cuisine that will warm your heart. Upon entering, you'll notice the cozy, "hole-in-the-wall" atmosphere. The beautiful couple behind the counter will welcome you with warm smiles, despite any language barriers. Their dedication to sharing the best of Shanxi cuisine shines through in every dish, The freshly made, hand-pulled noodles are chewy. delicious, and utterly addictive. We prefer the round noodles, which pair perfectly with the various sauces and toppings. The Dan Dan Noodles are delightful with moderate spiciness, while the Lip Burning Sichuan Noodles will set your taste buds ablaze (in the best possible way)! Both sauced noodles are incredibly flavorful and left us craving more The Chicken and Mushroom Soup is literally a masterclass in comfort food. Made with genuine, boiled chicken broth and bone-in chicken, this hearty soup is a rare find in the Bay Area. Succulent, warming, and utterly satisfying, it's become my go-to order every time I visit. On my last visit, they kindly offered me extra soup on the house, and today, they introduced US to the sublime Chongqing Chicken - a dish that will haunt my dreams! So, so good! As you dine, you'll appreciate the beautiful, engraved chairs and the warm, mom-and-pop ambiance that makes you feel like you're part of the family Shanxi Handmade Noodle (Xiang Xiang Noodle) is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking authentic mouth-watering Chinese cuisine and a genuine, heartwarming experience. Don't hesitate to venture into...

TL;DR - Salt and Pepper Eggplant. Get it and take the bet.

A friend found this spot through social media, and we decide to give it a shot. When we arrived, the place was quiet with plenty of seating and a super convenient parking lot. It’s run by a Chinese man and woman who take turns greeting, cooking, and serving, giving a very mom-and-pop vibe in the best way.

As we placed our orders, the owner confidently recommended the Salt and Pepper Eggplant - saying that if we didn’t enjoy it, he would comp the item. We couldn’t resist a fun bet, and so we shook hands on the deal.

We lost that bet, but we felt like winners. The eggplant was crisp, flavorful, and perfectly fried without being too greasy. The chopped sautéed jalapeños added just the right kick. That’s important, because we quickly found out how much spicier they can go here with the other eats. I loved it, but my friend less so. If you’re spice sensitive, I would err on the side of mild.

Beyond the eggplant, we tried a range of noodle dishes, including the dan dan, knife-shaved, and sautéed oil noodles. Most were solid, but the eggplant stole the show.

One last thing: when you go up to pay, ask about the photo next to the register. You might hear a funny...

This place is a hidden gem. I don't know how I've lived here for this long and not found this place earlier. The food is exquisite and the owner makes you feel right at home.

The food feels more "home style" which I love. The flavours pack a punch without being too overpowering. Striking this delicate balance shows the care and experience behind the dishes. For example, the beef tendon was the best I've had in this area. It had the perfect texture and a great red-braise flavour.

Even more fun was the owner helped us pick the best dishes and bet that if we didn't like the "salt pepper eggplant" then the dish would be on the house. Low and behold, the dish was awesome. We love fried eggplant dishes but I find we always have similar variations. Yet, this was completely different and still awesome. I love how the food here is so different from the dishes I've had before but still makes me love them just as much.

I am excited to come back here and make this a new staple in my local...