Zhu Zai Jiao Noodle House (Original Shop)

Review

Zhu Zai Jiao Noodle House sits near Wanhe Temple on Nantun Old Street and has been run by one family for more than forty years; bloggers describe it as a third-generation shop approaching half a century. The words "original shop" after the name tell locals exactly which one this is, and at lunchtime it is full almost every day — many Nantun residents have eaten here since childhood.

The item people mention most is the big iron basin of braised sides at the entrance: tofu, kelp, braised eggs and assorted offal, sliced into generous platters that one blogger compared to a giant's plate. Noodles center on dry noodles, sesame-paste noodles and plain soup noodles, made with old-style yellow and thin noodles and a simple sauce that doesn't overpower. Wontons are wrapped and cooked on the spot in a light broth, and the house chili oil on every table is a big reason people come back.

Praise focuses on well-seasoned braised sides, big portions, fair overall prices, and a renovated dining room that is clean, bright and a little artsy. On the downside, some feel it isn't especially cheap for a noodle stall, and one diner complained the chili sauce tasted weaker than before; at peak times the wait for a seat and for food is a common complaint.

Google lists daily hours of 10:00–22:00, while iFoodie notes Tuesdays off — sources differ, so check before you go. Both dine-in and takeaway require queuing, staff assign seats and there are no reservations; around noon is the busiest, so come earlier or later. The old street is narrow and parking is hard, so a scooter, or parking near Wanhe Temple and walking over, works best.

It suits anyone who wants the everyday flavor of Nantun Old Street, or a meal after visiting Wanhe Temple. Two or three people can order one dry noodle and one sesame noodle, add a bowl of wonton soup, and ask for a mixed platter of braised sides to share; add a little of the house chili oil to your noodles.