James L.
Yelp
In NYC for a brief visit, and back to my old Chinatown stomping grounds where my siblings and I used to ride the B train from BKLYN to the Grand Street stop, in order to do our weekly grocery shopping. Although, I don't miss carrying five plastic shopping bags in each hand for hours, only to have them dig and leave marks in my fingers. IFYKYK
While I'm usually not one to visit a place based upon buzz garnered on social media, I made an exception for 1915 Lanzhou Hand Pulled Noodles because well...hand pulled noodles, right? 1915 has been featured on a few IG reels as well as YT shorts and I must admit, the food looked amazing.
As is common in Manhattan Chinatown, the restaurant below ground, so after walking a few steps down, you immediately walk into a teeny-tiny "waiting area." About 3-4 ppl can stand, while another 3-5 can sit on the wooden bench next to the window. Don't be surprised, if after checking in someone at the register to place your name on the waiting list, if you need to step outside since...
The main "dining room" is also a shoebox sized space. Diners are crammed into tables, and also don't be surprised if you need to share a long table with stranger(s). But these are small inconveniences, since I think I thought the food at 1915 was VERY good.
If you must, wander up to the window looking into the kitchen, and snap the obligatory pic or 10-15 sec video of the chefs kneading and twisting balls of dough into strands of hand pulled noodles...hence the name of the place. No matter how many times I observe it, it is cool to see how in skilled hands, the transformation happens from dough to noodles.
From the menu, there are a few choices of the types of noodles the kitchen can prepare. They're all good, but one of the specialities is the "prism" variety. There is a slight gap in the noodles which creates a bit of "hallowness" when you chew. it is quite unique and soaks up the sauce and soup with each bite. I ordered the classic Signature Lanzhou Beef Noodles, which contained slices of slow roasted beef, thinly sliced radish, noodles, and a spicy-ish (but not too hot) deep broth.
For $15, it's a bargain. The broth had a rich flavor, but admittedly, needed additional spoons of the chili oil on the table. The beef was tender and I really enjoyed the textural crunch from the radish. I always have a bias towards noodle soups, but was particulary happy with this bowl.
Service was fine. Water glasses stayed full and napkins arrived when requested. Keep in mind, this is a small space so it gets HOT when the dining room is full - which is often. I was definitely sweating and wiping my face a few times during the meal.
Since this place is still new, expect long lines and wait times; but IMHO, it's worth it.