Potato Powder Love Noodle a Soft Opening Visit

Sometimes things happen for a reason. After doing a bit of shopping at the 99 Ranch on Balboa, I went for a follow-up visit to Dao Xiang Noodle which recently replaced Mama Lin's in the food court. I'd already done an initial visit, but wanted to do another to follow-up. But strangely, Dao Xiang was closed.

Hmmm…..online it says open daily from 10am to 8pm and it was already just past noon?

Oh well, who knows what problem occurred, I'm hoping its not too serious. As I was headed toward the door, I noticed that the interestingly named Potato Powder Love Noodle, which I noted had replaced Shann Xi Magic Kitchen looked like they were open.

Even though some of the signage for Shann Xi is still on the booth!

I walked on over and yes indeed they were open.

Though only a few "main" items were available.

Now, I knew PPLN had locations in both City of Industry and San Gabriel, so I was definitely interested. So, it looked like I'd be getting myself some "love noodle" today for lunch!

I really wanted something "basic"….so I got the "Classic" ($13.99) "slightly spicy", with both the potato and knife cut noodles. It's delivered boiling  hot to you in a stone bowl, so the soup stays scorching hot for your entire meal.

As you can see; the bowls are not large, but it is absolutely packed with noodles.

The broth is savory, edging toward salty, on the thinner side, but it was more than just "slightly spicy". And frankly, I kind of enjoyed it.

The potato noodles, more like vermicelli was a bit overcooked and a bit too mushy for my taste.

The knife cut noodles were nice, good pull, nice toothsome-doughy feel.

   Didn't care much for the small "rolls" of tough beef, but the shiitake and king oyster mushrooms really add a nice depth of flavor to the soup.

Also enjoyed the addition of quail eggs and tofu skin. And of course, you need your veggies….so there's some bok choi as well.

It's priced right and I'll definitely visit again.

I know that I usually do multiple visits at places that are within a certain price range and fairly close to home but made an exception this time. First off, while I'll return, I'm going to wait until the weather turns cooler….I had some sweat dripping down my brow. So, it'll be a few months before I revisit.

Second, I'm not sure how long this is going to be for, but you get a free drink with your meal…which may be a permanent thing since the SGV shops do that, but all the folks eating received free sausages….fairly good sized sausages today. The nice young lady told me it's for "grand opening", so that makes this a bit time-sensitive, and might entice you to visit.

So that you can get your "noodle-love" or "powdery noodle", or "love noodle", or ???? on!

Potato Powder Love Noodle
5950 Balboa Ave (In the 99 Ranch Market Food Court)
San Diego, CA 92111