Noodle Shop

164 W 25th Ave

San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 345-1277

Reviewed 9/23/2007

It was a carb-extravaganza at this place, and I felt like Totoro afterwards.

True, that is a common feeling I have after going out for a meal. But I really did feel like a sugar bomb having eaten all those white noodles and dumpling skins and sticky rice cakes. What me, watching my carbs?

On a five-star scale, I’d give this one four stars respectfully for:

1. being inexpensive
2. being convenient (e.g., parking is possible)
3. as many others have commented--being "clean" (obviously noteworthy among certain Asian businesses)
4. elastic noodles that hold up in steaming broth until the end

This place is no-frills, and basic, as in minimal and robotic, service. Walk another block past the more uppity Italian place and the hostess is smiling warmly thorough the tinted glass, but here you wonder if your order translated or got processed. That said, service was prompt and we got what we ordered.

Green veg dumplings were very moist and flavorful. Skins were satisfyingly chewy. The veg noodles were covered generously with ribbon tofu stuffed with shitake, and a small handful of of spinach. Since I dislike the texture of soggy noodles, I habitually inhale Asian soup, burning the inside of my mouth in process. I don't have to do this at this joint as the noodles remain al dente until chewed on.

The prob I have with a depthless bowl of soup is that I get bored with the taste after a while. But this is an aside, and that's my problem.

Noodle Soup gets applause for its soup portions.

My dining buddy was fine with her Sesame and Peanut Pork Noodles, though she said the meal was neither particularly spicy nor peanut-y. I eat like a Hindu, so I sampled neither her noodles nor her porky dumplings, which she also liked.

We did, however, share dessert, which we both loved and wished there was more of. It was the Black Bean Soft Rice Balls (or something like that).

These are like Japanese mochi, but milder in flavor with a filling that is viscous but not pasty. They were covered in a taro (I think) powder and they were soft and warm. We suspect they were hand-kneaded. They reminded me of miniature Hostess Snowball cupcakes--Chinese style. Great for a smile.

Taipan

560 Waverley St

Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 329-9168

Reviewed 7/21/2007

Okay, applying The New York Times scale, the three stars = Very Good

(Some readers' eyes are rolling, but really I am trying to be fair here ;-) I deal with evaluations professionally and standards are a chronic issue!)

Went here with the folks on a recent Saturday afternoon around 1PM. Greeted warmly and led inside the elegant but largely empty restaurant. We were seated next to a couple with children, the only other party there when we arrived.

We ordered dim sum. Ming's selection is far better, so go there if you want the "real" dim sum experience, which includes an atmosphere of packed tables and casual flair. Ming's also has FAR BETTER vegetarian options. However, Taipan's food seem like it might be of superior quality. At least based on one little visit. And while I wish the place had windows in its main section, it is a good-looking place in a reserved, dignified way. An appropriate setting for certain kinds of company or conversation!

We ordered steamed pork dumplings, turnip cakes, rice noodles, lettuce cups, and Chinese broccoli. That's it? Perhaps a few other things but I can't remember exactly. These dishes were all very appetizing, especially the lettuce cups. In fact, I was disappointed when one of the servers brought to us a second serving of them and withdrew them when she realized they should have gone to another table. Damn!

The Chinese broccoli had no bitter aftertaste (it does at Ming's) and its sauce was more delicate. (Can't help to make comparisons.)

The pan-fried rice noodles had flavor all cooked into them, giving them a slightly smokey flavor. I am more accustomed to a plainer version of rice noodles that are drizzled with sauce sauce, but now prefer the former.

Since customers wanting dim sum order a la carte, the place is really preparing it just for you. As such, one expects higher quality than at a place like Ming's. But I still like Ming's for its variety, and precisely for its casual ambiance. You can eat like a pig at Ming's; it's not as easy to do that at Taipan. Better to be more civilized.

On the other hand, the place is nice enough to bring familiar dignitaries, like parents. And I do like it when dishes are placed on the table with care.

Next time, I'd like to go to Taipan for dinner, with a large group of people.