Beijing’s Hidden Gem: Fangzhuanchang No.69 Zhajiangmian – A Hutong Noodle Legend

When you wander through Beijing’s hutongs, you don’t just find courtyard houses and old-time vibes—you also stumble upon “carb heaven.” Fangzhuanchang No.69 Zhajiangmian is a rising star: no centuries-old brand name, yet one humble bowl of noodles made it a viral hotspot.

1. From a Backyard Secret to Internet Fame

It all began at No.69 Fangzhuanchang Hutong in Beijing’s Dongcheng District. At first, it was just an auntie cooking noodles for her neighbors. The taste was so authentic that word spread, then social media picked it up, and suddenly it became the “line-up champion” of the hutongs.

2. One Star Dish: Zhajiangmian Rules Them All

No need for a giant menu—this place revolves around one star: Old Beijing Zhajiangmian. A generous spread of toppings, handmade noodles, and rich bean paste sauce. The twist? You have to stir it yourself, making the first bite extra satisfying.

3. Sidekicks That Steal the Show

Besides noodles, here are the crowd favorites:

• Pickled Garlic (Laba Suan): Sweet and sour, the perfect palate cleanser.
• Old Beijing Yogurt: Served in a glass bottle, thick and refreshing after noodles.
• Beibingyang Soda: The “childhood Fanta” for Beijingers—orange soda + noodles = nostalgia.
• Cucumber Salad & Braised Pork Knuckle: Crunchy or hearty, pick your sidekick.

4. Why Locals Love It

• The Sauce: Handmade in small batches with yellow soybean paste, sweet paste, and pork belly—slow-cooked to perfection.
• The Noodles: Pulled or cut, always chewy and springy.
• The Toppings: Fresh cucumber, radish, sprouts, beans—crisp and refreshing.

5. Cooking Secrets You Won’t See Everywhere

• Small-Batch Sauce: Avoids that bland, mass-cooked flavor.
• Cold-Water Dunk: Noodles are rinsed in cold water in summer for extra chewiness; in winter, they’re served hot straight from the pot.
• DIY Mixing: Sauce and toppings come separately—you mix to taste.

6. How Much Does It Cost?

• Average spend: around 30–40 RMB ($5–6 USD).
• Zhajiangmian: 25–38 RMB (depending on extras)
• Old Beijing Yogurt: ~8 RMB
• Beibingyang Soda: ~5 RMB

7. From Hutong Hideout to Multiple Branches

It started as a backyard noodle shop, and now has several branches across Beijing. Still, the original hutong shop remains the most authentic.

8. Where to Find It

• The Original Store: No.69 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing (expect long lines).
• Branches: Locations in tourist favorites like Nanluoguxiang and Qianmen.
  • Qianmen: No.46 Qianmen Street
  • Nanluoguxiang: No.2 Nanluoguxiang

Pro Tip: Go off-peak if you can. And don’t forget to pair your noodles with pickled garlic and yogurt for the full authentic “Beijing taste.”