鑫渝都摊摊面 (Xinyudu in Beijing, China)

鑫渝都摊摊面



Another supposed hidden gem in Beijing, the internet promised that Xinyudu was as authentic as it gets, albeit in the food court of a fancy department store.



Traditional Chinese characters for tantanmen anyone? 摊摊面 becomes 坦坦麺 becomes 坦々麺.



According to the aforementioned internet recommendation, the staff all speak with a heavy Chongqing accent; a sure sign of authenticity.



Another authentic touch is the addition of dongcai, a mix of pickled cabbage and mustard greens. Dongcai (冬菜) is dark green, and I can't say that I've ever eaten it before (though I probably have).



Hmmmm . . . no dongcai. I guess they are under new management.



I wasn't too impressed with this one. It was generally good, though nowhere near the bowls I can get at many, many places in Tokyo.



As usual, it gets tastier as you get to the bottom.



Ah, a well written article on the internet that is, unfortunately, out of date. Such is the problem with modern China. Actually, this writeup will only be viewed illegally, as Ramen Adventures is on the Blogger platform, a site that is blocked by the Chinese government. Along with Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Google. Chinese readers coming here by way of their illegal VPN service, I welcome you.

I also welcome any suggestions for Beijing. I really enjoyed my three nights there (taking advantage of the free 72-hour layover visa) and plan on visiting again when I get a chance.



朝阳区建国路87号新光 天地地下1层
Shin Kong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District

Open 10-10

张妈妈特色川味馆 (Zhang Ma Ma in Beijing, China)

张妈妈特色川味馆



I usually take a big overseas trip in July. This time was to Africa. A direct flight from Kenya back to Tokyo was in the cards, until I read that travelers can get a free 72 hour transit visa in China. The perfect chance to crush a couple bowls of spicy tantanmen in the capital!



I donned my official World Cup 2014 Japan team jersey and set out on a rented bike for a tantanmen . . . sorry . . . dandanmian adventure!



Beijing is amazing by bicycle. The main roads all have dedicated bicycle lanes (though the black government Audis may butt in during heavy traffic). Jutting out like capillaries are the hutong, small streets lined with whatever wants to take up residence. Mostly homes, but a few tiny restaurants end up in the mix. Everything on the hutong feels hidden.

Zhang mama came recommended as a hidden gem.



Just look for the crowded hole-in-the-wall. I read that lines out the door are common, though this time I just had to walk in and push my way onto whatever table had a free chair.



Dandanmian and a beer. 13RMB. That's about two bucks for those budgeting their money.



Remember to mix it up. A big bite of the top will leave your mouth number from the lama, the sansho peppers that you had better love. The middle bite is nothing but noodles. And the bottom. The bottom is a fiery spice mix that required that beer.



Also in the self-service fridge are skewers of vegetables and animal parts, and something that looked like a yogurt drink.



Whatever the other tables were going for, it all looked great. Bowls of spicy oil for cooking the skewers, plates of brown-colored meats and tofu, and lots and lots of noodles.



The flavors get deeper and deeper as you slowly work to the bottom. Power through it, the pain was only temporary. And though I dig the kodawari style of Japanese tantanmen, with more complex undertones, this bowl of the real stuff was solid.



 

东城区分司厅胡同4号(安定门内大街西侧)
Dongcheng qu fen si ting hutong 4 hao (an ding men nei da jie xi ce)
AnDingMen

治ちゃん (Haruchan in Mishima, Shizuoka)

治ちゃん



My company put us up in Mishima, a small city that acts as a transport hub for the tourist mecca of the Izu Peninsula. I wandered around for a bit, but there wasn't much to see in terms of noodles.



Then I found Bird Bar. Occupying a corner wedge near the south side of the station, this little standing bar was packed with attractive young guys and girls, all who were stopping for a quick drink before starting work. Work at 10pm? Let your imagination run wild.

One stylish lady on her way to a job at a hostess club recommended Haruchan for a 500 yen bowl of tonkotsu ramen.

Yes ma'am!



Sure, this works. These countryside ramenyas are always a decent way to end an evening of drinking.



Not worth a trek, but check them out if your company ever puts you up in Mishima.





静岡県三島市一番町3-21
Shizuoka-ken, Mishima-shi, Ichimabcho 3-12
Closest station: Mishima

Open 5:00pm-2:00am
Closed Sundays