Punk Rock Noodle: Oi! How About Some Noodles?
Though bikers and punks joining forces to open up a bar-cum-noodle shop sounds like the premise for a questionable Roger Corman movie, we were quite impressed with the results. Last spring, Jimi Sides of the Corner Melt and Noodle In founder, Lei Jun, decided to join their unique culinary histories into a streamlined house of comfort food. Unfortunately, Lei Jun passed away before he could see their plan realized, but this didn’t stop Jimi and Ma (Lei Jun’s widow) from pushing his legacy onward, creating Punk Rock Noodle in the process.
The menu is far more condensed than what you would have found at Noodle In. Some of the old favorites are still present, including the Guizhou Fried Noodles (RMB 38) and their famous “Oi! Oi!” Fried Cheese Balls (RMB 38), which we were thrilled about. We started off with the United Wings, which were a crunchy ramen-covered fusion of flavors that sent our qi gong levels to new heights.
As for cocktails, the drinks were created with the help of Ariel Tudela from Más. They worked together to blend Eastern and Western spirits for creative and delicious results. Cocktails like the Diao Island Iced Tea (RMB 50), a pan-Asian take on the Long Island, and Cherry Bourbon Old Fashioned (RMB 50) were our personal favorites. They also have Arrow Factory (RMB 40) on draft or cheap tall boys of PBR if that’s more your thing.
Maybe Punk Rock Noodle has lost some of the grit of its previous embodiment, but it retains all the edge with ferocious dishes and creative cocktails. So Darby Crash on in and fill your belly with these soulful concessions created with the rebel in mind.
Punk Rock Noodle
Daily 6pm-2am. 25 Donggong Jie, Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (8402 3180)
东城区鼓楼东大街东公街25号
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Email: danielkippwhittaker@thebeijinger.com
Photo: Kipp Whittaker