New Mandarin Noodle Deli (Temple City)

[ipsedixit]

I noted a while back that "Mandarin Noodle Deli" had gone through an ownership change about a year and a half ago (read about it here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/706476 ), but never did a review of the place.

Well, the chirpers around told me that there was a change in kitchen staff (not owners) recently, so I figured this might be a good time to pay a visit or two.

First off, there are 3 different types of specialty noodles (in addition to the regular and rice noodles): hand cut, hand rolled, and knife shaved.

With the noodle dishes, you essentially pick the kind of broth and/or fixins (e.g. beef noodles, three flavors, seafood, pork chop, etc.) and then the type of noodle.

Having tried all three, I can say that that the hand pulled are probably the best of the bunch, with the knife cut the worst. All are sufficiently chewy and robust in body, but none really make you stand up and want to touch yourself in that special spot ... if you know what I mean.

None of noodle soup offerings were remarkable, although most were passable. The broth for the beef noodle was thin, almost watery, although the beef (shank, by the way) was tender and flavorful. The three flavors noodle was also bland, as was the pork and vegetable noodles. We spied a table next to ours order stir-fried noodles (with the knife-cut variety), but we never got the chance to sample any for ourselves during our two visits there.

One (sort of) standout was the cold sesame chicken noodles. Nice and sesame-y with a good garlic punch, almost too good. In fact, certain mouthfuls felt like there was enough garlic in the paste to vanquish a village of virulent vampires.

The dumplings (pan-fried, boiled and steamed) are very pedestrian. Beef roll (a la 101 Noodle) is forgettable. Scallion pancakes can be hit or miss.

The leek pancakes are quite good, however, although like most things on the menu (noodles included) are quite bland.

Noodle portions are big, esp. given the price range (about 6.25 to 6.75). Noodle bowls are the equivalent size of the diameter of medium-sized commercial toilet bowl ... with the seat up.

Cheers.

New Mandarin Noodle Deli
9537 Las Tunas Drive (cross street is Primrose)
Temple City
[phone]

[Johnny L]

Some of t he staff left to open House of Mandarin Noodles on Lower Asuza and Temple City Blvd, about 2 miles south of the original.

My parents have told me its about as good as the original Mandarin Noodle Deli under the old ownership.

[ipsedixit]

The original owners left to open up House of Mandarin Noodles.

The original new owners of New Mandarin Noodle was unaffiliated with the original owners of House of Mandarin Noodles.

The new staff of New Mandarin Noodle is apparently a mix of some of the original staff from House of Mandarin Noodle.

Confused? Yeah, me too.

[Johnny L]

Oh so some people went back to work there eh?

[kevin]

can you get the cold sesame noodles without chicken and without pork too?

Thanks.

[ipsedixit]

Sure, I don't see why not. Cold sesame noodles with cucumbers and sprouts ... you're kind of meal?

[TonyC]

How much for the cold sesame chicken noodles? The thought of $6+ for a plate of brothless boiled noodles kinda pisses me off. A lot.

[ipsedixit]

If I recall correctly, it was 6.

Consider that a smaller bowl over at Dai Ho is something like 8.

That's why you go to Won Won. 3.25. Get out of there with a single Abraham Lincoln, with change to spare, even after tax and tip.

[kevin]

i usually get teh sesame noodles with Dai Ho Kitchen.

Obviously by usually that means when I happen to be in Temple City along Las Tunas, and coupled with the fact that it's not pass three pm. Usually, I drop by on a Monday or Tuesday when they are closed.

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Dai Ho Restaurant
9148 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City, CA 91780

Las Tunas Restaurant
3603 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

[odub]

Damn, I had high hopes to add this to my list of places to try but your lack of enthusiasm for the "passable" broths just deaded my interest.

I like cold sesame noodles but it's one of those dishes that, to me, works better as an appetizer than an entree.

[Peripatetic]

Thanks ipse for the rundown. Besides NMND, what other places (SGV and beyond) have standout cold sesame noodle dishes?

[ipsedixit]

Dai Ho is good but expensive.

Personally, if you don't mind run-of-the-mill noodles, I like the version at Won Won Kitchen. If you want hand-rolled noodles, go to Beijing Pie House.

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Won Won Kitchen
9461 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City, CA 91780

Dai Ho Restaurant
9148 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City, CA 91780

Beijing Pie House
846 E Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755

[Ciao Bob]

<<vanquish a village of virulent vampires>>
Great alliteration ipse!