Mian’s Sichuan Noodles in West Adams
Eating Mian’s Sichuan Noodles in West Adams
Arrived just before 7PM on a Saturday night, party of four seated immediately. There was the constant bustle of the front-house staff and turn over of guests; we were efficiently seated and orders taken, if not on the hurried side. Servers travel from table to table serving everyone on a team based approached, rather than one dedicated server. Later in the evening, the manager came by to check that everything was good (it was) and appeared relieved :) Super nice team, not one for small talk (not that I was looking for that).
The Restaurant
Mian, it’s the Chinese word for noodle
Owners originally known for opening Chengdu Taste, so you can pick up on how this is an evolution from their other projects
The Food
Chongqing style noodles - spicy and numbing noodles with an emphasis on the seasoning, popular throughout China (thanks to Elaine at China Sichuan Food)
Basically, Sichuan cooking pairs spicy and numbing sensations together to great affect: spice from the Chile Pepper (capsaicin which produces the burning sensation) with the Sichuan Peppercorn (that creates a numbing, or vibrating mouth sensation called paresthesia) together
Click here to read more about Sichuan style numbing properties by ViteRamen (I love learning new things) or BBC’s more in-dept commentary
Warm, noodle bowls - noodles range from egg noodle, rice noodle, chewy wheat noodles, and the list goes on. Found an acceptable variety of noodle bowls!
Mapo tofu in the foreground
Pan fried chicken dumplings - a bigger dish than expected! (a good thing)
Spicy Black Fungus aka mushrooms (cold) - this one is my favorite side dish. Perfectly fresh, tangy, and zesty. Love this chewy texture.
Chengdu Fried rice
Sake cup, runneth over! (hint - read more about drinking sake in a Masu cup; it’s to signify generosity, kindness and appreciation)
We’re Sweating Over Here!
My partner (a distinctly no spice guy) was dropping bullets due to the mapo tofu heat. While myself, a self-professed average spice lover (encouraged by parents at a young age to build up tolerance to the heat), did not taste a bit of spice from the same dish. To each their own!
Mian interiors and indoor seating
Mian, bar seating
Interiors
Approachable wood textures mixed with clean lines, urban concrete, with a unique squiggle pattern that’s repeated in accent elements. The walls feature graffiti style, Chinese-inspired artwork with squiggly lines of faces in masculine blacks and reds. The wavy line re-appears as, what I suspect are custom wooden chairs with a metal squiggle backing. Great atmosphere for meeting with friends or a casual lunch with your long-term significant other. Perhaps a first date, if you were avoiding all pomp and circumstance - and wanted to highlight the tasty food. Overall, its interiors are definitely an upgrade and more designed and thoughtful than their San Gabriel Valley location.
Location
Walking distance from the new, dessert-inspired hotel, Alsace Hotel, and the even newer Cento Pasta on the main West Adams strip. It’s a few blocks West our favorite restaurant standbys like Alta and Mizlala. In short - it’s centrally located in West Adams!
Overall
Loved it! Our second time eating here. Food was off the charts good, uniquely LA, and atmosphere was bustling but we were still able to hold a conversation. Our OC guests gave it glowing reviews, and we heartily agreed. Next time, def want to order more of those chewy noodles :)
Mian food menu
