January 4, 2023
Possibly our most favourite cheap eat of the past 5 years has been the vegan-friendly youpo noodle bowl. Our preferred venue was Lanzhou Beef Noodle Bar in Carlton, which later changed its name to Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar. We didn't even dare try to replicate this meal during the lockdowns of the past few years and it was often one of the first things I'd venture out to eat when restrictions eased.
During that period, the Carlton outlet seemed to cease operation so we shifted our loyalties to a sibling store on Elizabeth St in the city. I've since learned that Master Lanzhou has set up an Express venue at University of Melbourne campus just around the corner from their previous Carlton one, and it opens only for weekday lunches. Meanwhile, there's an extra new Master Lanzhou in Chinatown!
How reassuring it is to have ready access to a youpo noodle bowl ($13.90) once again. At Elizabeth St it's possible to order from a touch-screen to the left of the entry, and then help yourself to any cold dishes or drinks you're after - whenever possible, I pick up a honey grapefruit tea ($4.80) to counteract the spice.
The meal is simple but special. Noodles are stretched on the spot to order, and take only minutes to cook. They're wide, elastic when manipulated with chopsticks, delightfully springy when bitten into, and so very filling. The noodles are seasoned liberally with oil, smoky ground chilli flakes, minced garlic, spring onions, and topped with blanched bok choy. Everything needs a big mix-up before you dig in. It is a supreme comfort food but, we've learned, pretty caustic if you need to wear a mask afterwards. So plan your youpo noodle bowls accordingly.
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Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar
379 Elizabeth St, Melbourne CBD
9326 4404
youpo noodle bowl $13.90
Accessibility: There are two steps up on entry. Furniture is densely arranged and it's common to share a table with others. Tables are mostly high and accompanied by backless stools. There are three lower height tables explicitly reserved for those who physically need them. We ordered and paid standing at a touch screen, grabbed our own drinks, and food was served to our table. We didn't visit the toilets. Photos of the Chinatown outlet hint that it might be a bit more comfortable.
Those noodles look delicious. I'd love to have freshly stretched noodles - thought with less chilli. This looks like a place I went to at Melb Connect but I had to leave as they said everything has beef stock. I also went to a meal where a colleague made stretched noodles but again it was cooked with meat so am still waiting.
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