Shanghai Noodles in Chicago?

After a recent trip to Toronto, I had the pleasure of visiting a restaurant called "The Dumpling House" . . This place was amazing . . 50+ types of dumplings either steamed or fried. (you had to buy 12 at a time for about 4 bucks)

We ordered a side dish of "Shanghai Noodles" which were easily the most delicious Asian noodles I've ever eaten . . .

I dont want them again. . . I need them again.

Behold their glory:


Does anyone know where I can get these in Chicago?
I've called Furama, Mei Sheung, Sun Wah. . . I even ordered them from Shanghai Inn (what i received was Singapore noodles)

Thanks for the help everyone!

Mandarin Kitchen.

2143 S. Archer St.
312-328-0228

Also available at Ed's Potsticker House and Emperor's Choice.

Awesome . . I'll have to head south and try that . . anyone know of a place on the north side that might have this?

edgewaterglutton wrote:Awesome . . I'll have to head south and try that . . anyone know of a place on the north side that might have this?

Nope. You want an authentic, regional Chinese dish? You're going to have to get up and go to Chinatown (or the 'burbs).

eatchicago, where exactly in Chinatown? i just ordered shanghai noodles at Lao Sze Chuan, and they were nothing like the authentic ones in the picture, they just used spaghetti noodles, like most places. I also must have the chewy noodle!!

I will live a noodle less existence rather than eat noodles anywhere buy Katy's Dumplings in Westmont. Do a search, go, eat, and feel the love.



I'm not kidding, since first going there two years ago, I have not eaten a single asian style noodle anywhere else.

I love Katy's, but this is a different beast altogether. Heartier and chewier. A more ecumenical worldview is needed.

I know it's been a few weeks since I sent out my initial request, here is the update:

I took the advice of Kuhdo and took a trip to Emperor's Choice . . it was pretty good . .but the search continues . . just take a look at the comparison below:



Notice the color of the Toronto noodle . . .

Anyone else have any more ideas? I am about to fly back to toronto and fill up a suitcase shanghai noodles. I wonder if I have to declare that with customs.

edgewaterglutton wrote:Anyone else have any more ideas?

I had one, upthread.

I am making it my goal to go to Mandarin Kitchen!! I promise, I'll report back. I lived in Shanghai for three years and the noodles in the above Toronto pictures look exactly like the ones you find from the street vendor for 5rmb, or $.60. I'm willing to pay USD for good authentic ones, but I thought I read in a previous post that the only place to get homemade hand noodles was Katy's, but they don't have Shanghai style noodle.

Cliantro:

I will visit Mandarin Kitchen in the next few days and add it to my beautiful Noodle collage.

Thanks for the heads up & re-heads up!

Try Ed's. They are usually good with this dish . Too bad about the version you got at EC, they've done better with this dish in the past. From your picture it's clear things weren't done correctly. Depends on who's working the wok I guess.

Anyone got a killer SN recipe and a place to get authentic versions of the necessary ingredients (preferably on Argyle)? Seems to me this ought not be rocket science to create a mind-bending version at home.

Do try Mandarin Kitchen, guys -- I think you'll find it very close to what you're after. MK's version is with pork, though I'm sure they can modify that to fit your preference. I don't quite remember what it's called on their huge menu, but if you look for the words "noodle" and "Shanghai" you should be fine.

Went to Mandarin Kitchen Saturday night. Had the Shanghai noodles, and they were good, not great. They were pork and a small portion of green vegetable. I woud have liked more vegetable like the ones shown in the picture. They were considerably darker colored than ones I have had before. What I was most surprised at was how horrible all the other food was, not good. Ma Po Tofu, was awful, just chili oil and tofu, the dried chili chicken mushy, and the beef in hot chili oil, really dreadful, this dish we told the waitress that it was bad, almost like the meat was bad, she didn't really care. Gluten and black mushrooms, just not prepared correctly. The vegetable dumplings were the only other tasty item we had. I had high hopes as our waitress was from Shanghai, and we reminisced a bit, and thought we were going to get good shanghainese food, but I will not return, even for the noodles. I was just wishing to go across to LSC for good tasting food. By the way MK is BYOB, even though metromix says it carrys beer and wine.

Try Moon Palace on Cermak Road next to fire station in Chinatown. Served in broth or pan fried. Great and very inexpensive.

Octarine wrote:I will live a noodle less existence rather than eat noodles anywhere buy Katy's Dumplings in Westmont. Do a search, go, eat, and feel the love.

I'm not kidding, since first going there two years ago, I have not eaten a single asian style noodle anywhere else.

I could not agree more! While not Shanghai noodles (or at least do not appear to be judging from the photos) they are still my reigning favorite noodles in the greater Chicago area. Perfect spice and toothsome chew to the home made noodles. The one thing that one must be aware of is the addition of Krab in the dish, if that is the sort of thing that turns you off. I'm sure, with a bit of effort, you could communicate that you would rather have it left out if you do desire. Hmmm... I think it's about time to take a trip to the western burbs on my next day off.