Lao Shan Dong

If you can remember my previous post about Tomoya, I really wanted to visit Lao Shan Dong instead. We didn't know they closed early on Sundays. Well, here is attempt #2; mind you, I've been here lots before. Lao Shan Dong shares a parking lot with Tomoya; yes the same small, narrow one. I often wonder why they make parking lots so narrow, when some people obviously cannot maneuver in them. This is also the case of the Crystal Mall parking lot. I guess it's for economic reasons - get as many people in as possible. So Viv squeezes our SUV into a tiny space and she barely was able to get out herself, luckily she's petite.

The menu at Lao Shan Dong is pretty simple. They have a few noodle choices, dumplings and some small side dishes to choose from. We didn't feel like having a bowl of noodles each, so we decided to share a large bowl. We also got a small order of boiled dumplings and 3 side dishes: Beef Shank, Pickled Cabbage and Dry Tofu. The large bowl of noodles is more than enough for 2 people, especially if you order other items like we did.

The food came out fast and furious. I believe we got all of our items within 5 minutes of ordering. Of course the side dishes were quick because they are all pre-made and displayed up at the front of the restaurant. The beef shank was sliced razor-thin and topped with a thick soy-based sauce. It was pleasant to eat; however, the sauce was really salty. The dry tofu was also topped with the same sauce and all we could taste was salt. The pickled cabbage was lightly flavoured with vinegar, sugar and peppers. It was a good compliment with the spicy beef noodles. The boiled dumplings is an interesting dish. At first glance, it looks boring and bland. Also, the skin is a bit thick and the meat filling is not very flavourful. Okay, you're probably thinking that I don't like the dumplings. On the contrary, I do! When dipped into a mixture of soy sauce and white vinegar (you can adjust this any which way you want), it really works. It's also a bargain - 10 pcs for $5.

Now the main attraction, the beef noodles. As mentioned, the bowl of noodles is quite large, even the small bowl. The broth is flavourful; yet not overly salty. I like the addition of pickled vegetables which gives the soup some zing. It also gives a texture contrast to the noodles and beef. The noodles themselves are soft, yet still retains its elasticity. There were an abundance of noodles and beef in the broth. The beef flank was tender; however, since it's a relatively lean cut of meat, it can be a bit chewy. The beef noodles are good at Lao Shan Dong and stand up well to other places in the GVRD. Service, if you can imagine is hurried and efficient. you won't get much in the way of chit-chat; but this place is not about that. You can sit down, order, eat and leave within 30 minutes no problem.

The Good:
- Inexpensive
- Large bowls of good beef noodle
- Curiously good plain ol' dumplings

The Bad:
- Side dishes are so-so
- Seating is tight
- Lineups are common

Lao Shan Dong
4887 Kingsway
Burnaby, B.C.
604-439-9588

Business Hours:
11:00am - 9:30pm (Mon - Thur)
11:00am - 10:00pm (Fri & Sat)
11:00am - 3:00pm (Sun)