Top 50 Noodle Shop in Chengdu, Sichuan: 420 Knife Cut Noodles, the Ultimate Feast of Beef Noodles
On Chengdu's culinary map, Shuangqiao Road has always been a sacred destination that food lovers cannot afford to miss. Tucked away at No. 149 Shuangqiao Road, "420 Knife-Cut Noodles" is a hidden gem cherished by locals. On a weekend morning, I made a special trip to this legendary noodle shop.
Walking into the modest shop located at No. 149-8 Shuangqiao Road, Chenghua District,
your eyes are immediately drawn to the accolades proudly displayed: consecutive awards for being one of Chengdu's Top 50 Noodle Shops in both 2023 and 2024. This isn't just a local secret; it's critically acclaimed.
I placed my order: a bowl of Beef Knife-cut Noodles (Daoxiaomian). The price? A mere 14 yuan.
By the counter, they also sell their signature Sichuan Peppercorn Powder (Huājiāo fěn) and Chili Powder (Hǎijiāo) for those who want to take a taste of their secret blends home.
A self-serve station offers complimentary pickled vegetables (pàocài) and noodle broth (miàntāng), a traditional and thoughtful touch that regulars appreciate.
When the bowl arrived, I was first struck by its appearance. The deep amber-hued broth was topped with vibrant green cilantro. Several substantial chunks of beef rested on the bed of noodles, with glimpses of preserved vegetables and chili oil lurking beneath the surface. It was instantly appetizing.
The first sip of the soup was revelatory. The intense, savory flavor of beef bone instantly filled my mouth, followed by a gentle numbing sensation (málà) from the Sichuan peppercorns and a subtle heat. This is the authentic taste of Sichuan-style red broth beef noodles. The broth is complex, hinting at numerous spices, yet perfectly balanced—warming and comforting without being overly aggressive.
The noodles are truly the soul of this dish. The characteristic uneven thickness of hand-shaven noodles creates a fantastic textural play—thinner parts are silky and smooth, while thicker parts are delightfully chewy and Q弹 (QQ, meaning very springy). Each piece expertly holds the flavorful broth, creating a perfect harmony of savory soup and wheaty noodle in every bite.
The beef, is incredibly tender yet holds its shape. It practically melts in your mouth, rich with meaty flavor and carrying a subtle málà aftertaste that makes you want to order an extra portion immediately.
The most surprising part is that despite costing only 14 yuan, the bowl doesn't cut corners on ingredients. The preserved vegetables in the broth are crisp and refreshing, perfectly cutting through the richness of the beef. Taking a bite of raw garlic alongside the noodles (a classic northern Chinese way to eat noodles) elevates the entire experience, adding a pungent kick that makes the flavors pop even more.
Sitting in the simple, unadorned shop, listening to the sounds of Sichuanese dialect from fellow diners, and slurping down this authentic bowl of noodles, you truly feel immersed in Chengdu's genuine food culture. There's no fancy decor here, no excessive packaging—just solid good taste and incredibly affordable prices.
If you're visiting Chengdu and want to experience the real local flavor, far from the overpriced tourist traps, then Sì Èr Líng Daoxiaomian is absolutely worth a special trip. For just 14 yuan, this bowl of noodles offers a taste of the most authentic, everyday deliciousness that defines old Chengdu.
Sì Èr Líng Daoxiaomian (肆贰零刀削面)
Address: No. 149-8, Shuangqiao Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu (成都市成华区双桥路149号附8号)
Hours: 8:00 - 21:00
Average Cost: 14-20 RMB
