Master Lanzhou Beef Noodle Bar II

October 14. 2023

   

It's time for another Lanzhou Noodle update! We made our first visit to the Chinatown outlet of Master Lanzhou Beef Noodle Bar between Wheeler Centre Spring Fling sessions with friends. We spent little time with the menu and went straight to our long-standing favourites from the other stores: a bowl of youpo noodles (~$15) and a cup of iced honey grapefruit tea (~$6) each.

Here are the differences we noticed between the Chinatown and Elizabeth St Noodle Bars:

• There's an option of paper menus and QR code-to-mobile phone-purchase, and we chose the latter.
• The upstairs seating at Chinatown is much more spacious and relaxed than any of the other bars we've visited.
• The kitchen is closed from view, so we miss the fun of witnessing the staff's expert noodle stretching.
• My noodles weren't quite as wide and consistent as I've previously encountered, but they arrived just as quickly.
• The toppings were a little sparser, especially the smoky chilli flakes.

Noodles and drinks have increased in price by a couple of dollars (inevitable in these economic times!) but these noodles are still solidly less than $20 and a firm CBD favourite for us. Time will tell whether we end up more loyal to the spicier, showier noodles of Elizabeth St or the relaxed atmosphere of Chinatown - I'll start a tally.

   

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You can also read about our visits to the now-closed Carlton outlet and the Elizabeth St Master Lanzhou.

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Master Lanzhou Beef Noodle Bar

244 Swanston St, Melbourne

9690 9998

youpo noodle ~$15
https://www.masterlanzhou.com.au/

Accessibility: Entry is flat and there is a clear corridor through the ground level, parting dense furniture. A second floor is accessed by stairs (we didn't notice a lift option) and has more spacious seating. We ordered and paid by phone at our table, and didn't visit the toilets.