Lao Xi Noodle House

This Northern Chinese restaurant, located in a strip mall next to an old par-three golf course, serves some of the most unique (and tasty) noodle dishes in the SGV. There’s only seven tables and the blinds are often look drawn from the outside, but don’t let that dissuade you. If it's your first time, order the wife’s special noodles, which arrive with a trio of toppings: tomato and egg, fried pork, and a minced meat and black bean stew similar to jajangmyeon. The staff will talk you through the menu, explain that all the noodles are made in-house by hand, and strongly discourage you from ordering too much food. Which you’ll do anyway. Don’t skip the lamb soup noodles, with small, round rolled noodles and a fragrant, herb-filled soup.

photo credit: Jakob Layman