Noodle with Bean Paste and Minced Meat Sauce from Ollie’s Noodle Shop & Grille (1991 Broadway, 212-595-8181)
YotT stopped by Ollie’s carryout atrium Saturday to try this $8.95 selection.
In terms of flavor, this spicy stew has the vibe of Legend’s Dan-Dan noodles, but with thicker, chewier pasta and a chunkier gravy made of preserved black beans.
Indeed, it seems like an exact analogue of the noodles with meat sauce offered at Shanghai Asian Cuisine, which are a version of a northern Chinese specialty called zha jiang mian.
And they are damned delish. This pick easily rivals Shanghai’s.
Follow Victoria Bekiempis @vicbekiempis.