Traditional Beijing Noodle

If there’s one rule of dining that we conscientiously follow, it’s that if a restaurant is named after something on their menu, that dish is worth ordering. In this Epsom eatery, it is a namesake noodle dish we return for. Though the dish here is called “traditional Beijing noodles”, in Beijing it’s known as zha jiang mian, and those more familiar with Korean food might see similarities with jajangmyeon (an adaptation of the dish). Essentially it’s a serving of delicious chewy noodles draped in an also delicious, rich, caramelised pork and onion sauce. Plus some splinters of cucumber and pickled vegetables for good measure. Beyond noodles, Traditional Beijing Noodle serves various interpretations of dishes from China’s diverse regional culinary traditions, like Sichuan zhong dumplings dressed in a sweet, spicy, slightly garlicky soy, or thicker Shanxi-style knife-cut noodles which are oh-so-chewy. We think the service is worth a mention, too — some of the sweetest and most unobtrusively welcoming in the city.