#fumin lu

[sbrownlee]

Taking a Call on Fumin Lu.

Shanghai.

© Scott Brownlee

[sophiaouyang]

Oodles of (more) noodles

When you think of brunch you don’t usually think of noodles but when you live in China, you always think of noodles. Noodles for breakfast might bepushing it, but afternoon, I think it’s fair game. Another weekend and another craving for noodles. This time I headed to Noodle Bull in Shanghai’s French Concession. It was a favorite of mine in 2009 when I was interning in the city and it’s been somewhere I can rely on to deliver a piping bowl of noodles for a reasonable price.

A little cleaner and hipper than most noodle joints in Shanghai, Noodle Bull caters to both locals and foreigners. With noodles costing 35rmb and under, there is no need to watch what you order. The menu is limited but the offerings are solid. Dishes such as the classic beef noodle soup or sesame paste noodles (sesame noodles are entirely vegetarian fyi) are tasty and free of msg! They do offer a couple of rice dishes but if you are going somewhere called Noodle Bull, why would you not order noodles??

Add some simple yet healthy chinese style tapas such as marinated egg, marinated tofu or vegetables (all around 6rmb a tapa) for a heartier meal. Be sure to ask for extra “suan cai” or preserved/pickled veggies on the side if you like! Some people complain that prices are high for a simple bowl of noodles but sometimes an extra 10 rmb for clean tables, pleasant service and a nice atmosphere is worth it!