🍜 The Ultimate Beijing Noodles — Fangzhuanchang No. 69 Zhajiangmia

#hellohalloween When in Beijing, eating Zhajiangmian (炸酱面) is a must — and if you want the real deal, locals will point you straight to Fangzhuanchang No. 69 (方砖厂69号). It’s often called the “Michelin-worthy” version of old Beijing noodles, and after trying it myself, I can see why! This particular branch was just a short walk from the siheyuan (courtyard house) where I was staying, tucked near Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing’s most atmospheric old streets. Perfect for a cozy lunch after wandering through the hutongs. ⸻ 🍜 What I Ordered I went for the regular bowl, priced at ¥38. The portion is generous — you can even refill the noodles for free! The meat sauce (炸酱) is rich and aromatic, made with hearty minced pork and a slightly sweet-salty bean paste flavor that clings perfectly to the noodles. Each bowl also comes with a mix of traditional vegetable toppings — shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, radish, and soybeans — balancing the umami of the sauce beautifully. And don’t skip their pickled garlic (腊八蒜) — it’s tangy, slightly sweet, and the perfect sidekick to cut through the richness of the noodles.