Went to Lan Zhou La Mian (“Pull Noodles”) at Smith Street, Chinatown. The noodles were freshly prepared on the spot with the chef pulling and twisting the dough until the repeated motions separated the dough into strands of noodles. I ordered zha-jiang mian (spicy minced pork noodles, $5) and Ian ordered pork-ribs noodles $5 and chili-oiled dumplings to share $8. I had brewed luo han guo (herbal tea, $1.50) which tasted more like tea than luo han guo.

Me: The noodles are too thick and hard.

Mr NGFL: But don’t you like them thick and hard?

Not for my noodles. La Mian must be thin and smooth. But the food was cheap and tasty but too oily. Service was prompt and polite but not very attentive. Cheesy decor that hasn’t been renovated since the 80s but the new plastic tacky ikea chairs and tables; and photos of tourists and foreign food reviews on the wall clash with the atmosphere.

Lan Zhou La Mian
19 Smith St
T: 6327 1286
12pm – 10.30 pm (Daily)

Rating: 3.000/5 stars