Time-Honored Yangyuxing Hunan Noodle Shop Serves Spicy Noodles and Stinky Tofu to Warm You Up
When you think about Hunan cuisine, what comes to mind? Hongshaorou, spicy fish head, and stinky tofu. As a time-honored Chinese brand, Yangyuxing was opened in Changsha, Hunan province in 1894. Today, there are more than 20 outlets in Changsha alone, and the brand has spread to other parts of the country, including several outlets in Beijing.
On a weekday, we visited the outlet on the first floor of building 6 at Sanlitun Soho (next to Kafelaku). Just like most of the fast food in the office building area, it was busy and noisy, and packed with people. You pick beef, chicken, pork, shrimp or vegetables, then choose either egg noodles or rice noodles (RMB 18-32), the former being more al dente, and the latter being less chewy. After paying, you hand the receipt to the staff and find a place to sit, then they will bring your food to you. Easy right? Don't be scared by how busy the place is – it has a fast turnover as eager diners quickly head back to work.
We opted for the stinky tofu (RMB 10). Unlike the stinky tofu with a golden crust you may have seen before, this tofu is black and topped with a layer of red chilies and preserved bamboo shoots. It has crispy crust, thanks to the deep-frying process, which also keeps the juicy and soft white tofu inside. Be careful as you attack it: A small bite from the corner will save you the embarrassment of splashing the juice out. In fact, the “stinky” flavor was balanced well with sour bamboo shoots and the hot chilies provided an extreme hot kick. If you are a stinky tofu virgin in China, and are brave enough to chi lade (eat spicy), this would make a good first impression.
Beef rice noodles (RMB 26) arrived promptly. It's a simple looking dish, with several slices of beef, wide-cut rice noodles, and soup in a big bowl. Even the broth looked light, and we were surprised at how flavorful and well seasoned it was, with spices such as pepper, scallions, and star anise. The beef slices were marinated well and cooked till tender. Customers can even request more noodles for free. Before you drink up the delicious broth, grab a jar of suanmeitang (酸梅汤), or sour plum juice – the sweet-sour combination will quench your thirst easily.
After the hearty noodles and spicy stinky tofu, you may be sweating thanks to the hot chilies, but that is the way of life in Hunan province. Walking out with a burning mouth, we are eager to return to try more of what Hunan has to offer.
Yangyuxing
Daily 10.30am-9.30pm. Bldg 6, Sanlitun Soho, Chaoyang District (173 1074 2003)
杨裕兴：朝阳区工体北路三里屯SOHO6号商场
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Photos: Tracy Wang
