Last week, we discovered a new Chinese restaurant in Singapore that immediately became a family favorite. Located deep in the heart of Chinatown, Lan Zhou La Mian is not much to look at it with its worn Formica tables and creaky chairs, but the food made up for whatever was lacking in ambience.
We were intrigued by the hundreds of photos taped to the wall that showed various patrons – young and old – posing with the chef, who smiled as he showed off his hand-pulled noodles. Elisa of course, took a front row seat to the show, which was performed in the restaurant’s small, open kitchen. During our hour and a half meal, the chef presented his noodle-making skills several times, throwing the dough over his head – like a lasso – and then behind his back as the noodles slowly took shape.
With my father and his wife in town, we were able to order the full array of dishes: poached, fried and steamed dumplings, Chinese greens with garlic, noodles with pork and spring onion pancakes. The pork dumplings (xiao long bao) – or what my family calls, “soup dumplings,” because of the tasty broth inside – were cooked just right, and the poached dumplings (I would have said, “boiled,”) came in a spicy chili sauce. Everything was delicious, and the restaurant received a thumbs up from all members of our party – from ages 7 to 83.
Lan Zhou La Mian has about ten tables with a couple more outside. Reservations accepted, and dishes start at S$5 each. Cash only accepted.
Here’s the contact details for your next trip to Singapore:
Lan Zhou La Mian 19 Smith Street, Chinatown, Telephone: 6327 1286,
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30 am to 10:30 pm.