Mian - Los Angeles

Man, it's hard to find a place like Mian. Supply chains are shot and prices are soaring, and if you want good food, prepare to pay. 

Except Mian-Los Angeles is an LA establishment with SGV prices, and you can get gooey, tar-yolked Thousand Years Egg in Chili Sauce for a measly price of $5. Be prepared for the pungence - you love them or you hate them, and there is no in-between. Either way, the chunky green chili sauce is to die for.

Soothe your spice and slake your thirst with a cup of Mung Bean Tea. It's a sweety-beany slurp, and it only costs 3 with refills for free. 

Have you ever seen anything quite as pretty as this Pork Pan Fried Dumpling dish? The juicy mince is a contrast to the crispy starch-fry and does a flavor-dance with a sauce both spicy and sour.

The Half Crispy Skin Chicken may not be their main attraction, but it's something to cluck about. The skin isn't all that crispy, but the chicken is pretty perfect.

You can't come to a place called Mian and not have a bowl of mian. Their signature Chengdu Zajiang Noodle is possibly the best bowl of noodles I've ever tasted - just the perfect balance of long, eggy al dente noodles coated with savory pork, a rich fried egg and a slightly spicy sauce you can't stop eating. 

Of the Osmanthus Rice Balls, I was not a fan. The sweet rice balls were rock hard, and I'm not sure if they were undercooked or if this is just how they are. The simple slightly-syrup they come in is refreshing after a hot meal on a summer day. 

Man, I'm in love with Mian. The food is as straightforward and simple as it sounds, but it's executed with absolute mastery, and I dare you to find better mian in LA.