Having been to Xi'An Biang Biang Noodles, Noodle And Beer and now Chew Fun, I'm starting to think this small section of restaurants close to Liverpool Street can lay claim to the title of "London's China Town".
The food at all three feel real and authentic with dishes far removed from the sweet and sour beige-ness that Leicester Square by and large offers.
I ordered the following:
- Mixed Triple Beef Fun
- Sweet Potato Noodles with Soup
- Sanpin Fun
- Pickled Cowpea
As a general comment, barring the additional pickled cowpea everything comes as part of the order. It's essentially like a Chinese Subway where you construct your meal from base to garnish.
This has most of what you would want from a noodle dish: spice, sourness, saltiness and an outrageously good umami feel from what tasted like yellow bean sauce. The sides can be dipped into or mixed into your broth and in combination with the noodles, meat and peanuts are a delight. Of the meats, the tripe wins hands down for nailing a not-too-chewy texture. The chilli oil deserves plaudits too for having a lovely acidity.
What holds this back are forgiven in the bigger picture but they are things that could be addressed. The dish arrived hot but not piping hot and as a result leads to a meal which is relatively tepid after a short while. The noodles and meats are not spectacular which are things that any noodle bar needs to nail also. I suspect the latter wasn't helped by the temperature issue because red meat gone cold can easily turn to rubber. One last gripe is that there were a few appetising things on the menu which were not available including an alternative chilli oil and a beancurd side. Considering we arrived early on a Saturday late afternoon, such things should ideally be served.
With all being said however, Chew Fun is a restaurant I will find an excuse to come to Liverpool Street for. The combination of everything you are given amounts to a delicious meal and a truly emptied bowl; you simply cannot waste anything. I was full and very content upon leaving and all for a very reasonable price also. read more