Unlimited self-serve Da Lu Mian/noodles with gravy at Cheng Man Xiang Noodle House

by FNMLeo

11 Comments

  1. Continuing my exploration of the Chinese restaurant scene in the GTA, I visited this relatively [new restaurant at Metro Square](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gTTGkCHzHm6QiVo1A) specializing in self-serve 打卤面/da lu mian i.e. noodles with gravy. They have other noodle dishes on the menu, but most people seem to order the da lu mian which is on the menu as “Special Paste Noodles” in English, priced at 12.99.

    Once you order your da lu mian, they’ll present you a bowl of plain noodles, which you subsequently bring to a steam table where you can ladle different savoury gravies of your choice, as well as garnishes like cilantro and scallion (Edit: Note, the table also has whole boiled tea eggs which are NOT free btw). The noodles have a nice chewy texture, and many of the gravies are filled with minced meat.

    Refills are unlimited. Just ask the staff for a refill once you finish the first bowl, and then you will be presented another bowl of plain noodles which you can bring again to the steam table.

    I asked the staff what region this concept was from, and they said it was Dongbei/Northeast China, though it seems to be popular throughout other northern regions. As mentioned, they have other noodle dishes that don’t use the gravy table, like beef noodle soup. There is also a self-serve liang cai/cold appetizer table where they charge by the plate.

  2. Heradasha

    Wow this sounds amazing! Once again wish I had a car solely for Markham food adventures.

  3. hao678gua

    That’s a beautiful sight. Thanks for sharing.

  4. Reminds me of the canteens/cafeterias in China that are more for workers than for people to eat out in. It’s simple Chinese food for extremely cheap. I could have an extremely filling meal for like 12 yuan (just over $2CAD). Curious about this, looks like they have tomato and egg but would love to know what other vegetarian gravies they have?

  5. twicescorned21

    Do any of the gravys contain meat?

  6. CDNChaoZ

    How are they on labeling? It’s a little hard to see, but can you easily tell which ones are spicy and which ones aren’t? Or what’s in each gravy, for those who have dietary restrictions?

  7. Elricboy

    Omg, this is the dish that I used to have during my uni days and have been searching for ever since. The names were all chinese and when i tried describing it no one seems to know. Ill definitely be checking this place out

  8. sanjit_ps

    going to try and get my coworkers to come here tomorrow for lunch

  9. thewonderfulpooper

    Are there any spicy gravies or chili oils?

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