Noodles and Pancakes: Fun Fast Food from J&E

When J&E Mansion spins off its high-quality culinary concepts into approachably priced fast food, everybody wins – except that guy who has to pick up our trays.

At J&E Noodle, the signature beef noodle soups are indeed impressive, but our must-try recommendation is the liangmian (RMB 36), with a peanutty, vinegary sauce that clings to the wonderfully chewy noodles. The bowl is big enough for two to share a light lunch, especially if you order the garlicky cold cucumber appetizer (RMB 8). Those cukes were like David Beckham after Victoria’s given him an exacting once-over – impeccably dressed, and a bit chilled.

Turn the corner from the food court and you’ll cross from the basement of Shin Kong to China Central Place. There, J&E Teppanyaki will welcome you into its Ikea catalog of a dining room. You can fill up on iron-plate meats over rice or noodles, or snack on an assortment of pancake-like offerings from the grill. Okonomiyaki (RMB 36-46), that Japanese post-war meal-stretcher, are highlighted. We found the savory pancakes enjoyable, though studded with kimchi. More comfort food comes in the form of omurice or its fun variation, the omunoodle (both RMB 32). Have you ever played the Cooking Mama video game on Nintendo Wii? Eating here feels like your plastic controller has gone beyond stirring and chopping a digital meal and actually beamed it into existence in front of you, piping hot and looking almost too perfect. High score!

Also try: Noodle Bar, Chef Hung's Beef Noodle Soup, Takenosuke

J&E Noodle 健一面
Daily 10am-10pm. B1/F, Food court of Shinkong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (5738 2500)
朝阳区建国路87号新光天地地下1层

J&E Teppanyaki 健一面烧
Daily 10am-10pm. B1/F, China Central Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (5738 2500)
朝阳区建国路87号华贸购物中心1号楼地下1层

Subway: 100m north of Dawanglu station (Line 1)

Photo: Sui