Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Chicago's best Asian noodles
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Dan dan noodles FTW. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
This week brings the Lunar New Year, when noodles, among other lucky foods, get special attention.
- So we're dishing up our favorite Asian noodles in the area.
Justin's pick: If a restaurant has dan dan noodles, get out of the way, because I might run you over to order it!
- For today, I chose the Chef's Special Cocktail Bar in Bucktown.
- The thick egg noodles are slathered in a sesame paste and topped with ground pork, peanuts and, of course, Sichuan peppercorns ($15.50).
Monica's pick: The jajangmyeon or black bean noodles from Twin Dragon in Niles, which specializes in Korean-style Chinese food.
- I love these springy noodles bathed in a savory sauce made from soybeans, pork and vegetables ($10.95).
- For extra zing I stir in fermented bean paste and vinegar, and munch kimchi, sweet pickle and white onion between noodle slurps.
Your great recommendations for the best Asian noodles in town:
Mario G. agrees with Justin: "The best dan dan noodles I've ever had come from Chef's Special."
Theresa M.: "Szechuan JMC on Cermak has a delicious dan dan mien. DaMao Jia on Halsted has a unique Szechuan street food dish called Chengdu hot and sour fern root noodles — so yummy!"
Halle M.: "The cold noodles from West Town gem Lao Peng You are so savory and delicious!"
Chris L.: "My favorite noodle dish is the seafood jjampong noodle soup at Shang Noodle in the South Loop. Full of seafood and the broth has a nice kick. $19.00 but I usually get 2 meals out of it, so it is very cost effective."
Mark R.: "Shang Noodle in Evanston. The cha jang mein black bean sauce is awesome."