Mulan Noodle opens in South London

Mulan Noodle has brought the bold flavours of Xi'an street food to 192 Acre Lane, in between Brixton and Clapham. 

The restaurant is a love letter to the comfort food found at the busy night markets in northern China. Every element is handcrafted, from the hand-pulled noodles to the freshly pleated dumplings and wontons to the sweet and sour chicken, prepared daily with fresh chicken and a house-made sweet and sour sauce. 

At the heart of the action

Inside the open kitchen, guests can watch as dough is slapped, stretched and pulled into wide ribbons, just as it would be on the street corners of Xi'an. The result is robust bowls layered with garlic, sesame, vinegar and chilli oil, always made to order. 

The menu is a celebration of some of China's most popular comfort dishes. Handmade Chilli Oil Noodles (£10.80) lead the way, featuring chewy, hand-pulled strands in a fragrant and fiery oil. Guests can also choose from the Biang Biang noodles – wide and flat, laced with garlic, vinegar and heat; or La Tiao Zi, thick noodles, drizzled with hot chilli oil. 

Toppings are generous and customisable: braised beef shank, brisket or minced beef (each £4), with veggie options including tomato and egg or mixed veg (£2 each), or a marinated soy egg and seasonal greens (£2 each). 

The Handmade Dry Mixed Noodles range starts from £12.80 and includes six varieties, from cumin beef to spicy rib to big plate chicken and more, again with the choice of wide noodles or La Tiao Zi. There is also Classic Soup Noodles (from £12.80), which come in seven broth varieties, from stewed brisket to tomato and egg. 

The menu also extends to rice dishes, handmade starters and street snacks. These include Marinated Cucumber (£5.20), Xinjiang Pepper Chicken (£6) and a Black Fungus Salad (£5.20).

Homemade buns, potstickers and dumplings are made fresh daily – pan-fried, steamed or boiled. Desserts such as Sichuan Ice Jelly, Deep Fried Milk, Mango Pomelo Sago and Brown Sugar Rice Cake also feature. 

At the bar

In terms of drinks, Mulan Noodle offers a range of signature cocktails, such as the Jade Margarita, which uses authentic jasmine tea, and Oolong Eclipse, made with authentic oolong tea. Bubble tea is also offered next door. 

Live music features every Friday and Saturday night, when musicians take to the floor with traditional Chinese instruments. 

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