There are many Sichuanese joints in Hong Kong, serving dumplings and spicy noodles at breakneck speed to lunch crowds around town. Dandan, promising authentic Sichuan street style fare, has come to join the race, promising to serve authentic Sichuan noodles and serve them fast.
You sense that Dandan is a no-frills establishment due to the cashier at the front door. We, of course, order the namesake ($55) of the eatery and we adore the texture of the noodles straight away. With their perfect thickness and consistency we know these stringy delights are a winner.
However, the meat and sauce – the spirit of dan dan noodles – are a bit of a let-down. The minced pork in the homemade chilli sauce is spicy and fragrant, but that’s it – no sesame or peanut sauce. We understand that this is how the authentic noodles are served on the streets of Sichuan but we’re used to the trimmings and sadly this simple version is a little underwhelming.
Things turn around with the shredded chicken noodles ($55). Served with cold versions of the supreme noodles mixed with shredded chicken, black fungus and whole peanuts, the mishmash of crunchy and soft textures mixes well with the spicy sauce.
We like the basics Dandan has to offer, and it’s not a bad choice if you’re looking for a fast lunch in the area. But with the variety of noodles here, they need to put a little more thought into delivering something special for the finicky eaters of Hong Kong. Lisa Cam
Dandan 1/F, Low Block, Grand Millennium Plaza, 181 Queen’s Rd C, Sheung Wan; dandanhk.com. Dinner for two: $150.