If you are looking for an incredible and authentic meal that won’t break the bank, you need to head to Arcadia.
Tucked away in a local strip mall at 921 S Baldwin Ave, you will find Lao Xi Noodle House.
This casual, family-owned spot has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for offering high-quality food at a good value.
The dining room is decorated with exposed brick walls and charming children’s drawings taped to the front counter.
You’ll also see their multiple years of Michelin accolades proudly displayed alongside local reviews.
The ancient ‘helao’ technique
Lao Xi Noodle House specializes in authentic Shanxi cuisine. They are famous for an ancient noodle-making process known as “helao”. This northern Chinese method historically used a wooden cylinder. Here, a mechanical press is mounted directly above the cooking station.
It squeezes fresh dough through small holes, extruding noodles straight into boiling water. This technique produces noodles that are compact, uniform, chewy, and smooth. They maintain this tradition by pressing the dough fresh for every single plate ordered.
The signature ‘Wife Special Noodle’
The restaurant is most recognized for its signature Wife Special Noodle. The dish has a personal history: it was the first meal co-owner Ellen ever cooked for her husband, Joe. He enjoyed it so much that it became the menu’s centerpiece.
The dish features a bed of freshly pressed noodles topped with a three-part combination: a dark minced meat sauce, a vibrant tomato and egg mixture, and sliced beef. It is finished off with julienned cucumber.
More authentic Shanxi dishes
While the helao noodles draw the crowds, you have to try their other traditional dishes. The kitchen prepares a comforting chopped chili beef soup, served with thinly sliced meat, fresh cilantro, and red chili oil.
You can also order freshly wrapped meat dumplings and cold appetizer plates, like dressed jellyfish tossed with vegetables.
