When a bowl of pian'erchuan arrives, move the topping aside with your chopsticks and find the chopped pickled mustard greens, bamboo shoots and pork. The greens season the broth, the shoots add crunch and the pork makes a fuller bite. Start with the house bowl before deciding what you would add next time.
Ask what comes in the bowl that day
Look for 雪菜 or 倒笃菜 on the menu and ask whether the regular bowl comes with bamboo shoots and pork. In winter, try “今天的片儿川用什么笋？是冬笋还是其他笋？” It asks which shoots are used that day. Shops can vary with supply and recipe. If someone avoids an ingredient, ask whether the broth and topping are cooked together.
Sip the broth before adding anything
Taste the broth first, then try a few noodles with a bamboo slice and some greens. If it tastes too salty, ask whether a little clear broth can be added. Check the extras if someone wants a fried egg or more meat. With two bowls, order one as served and one with an addition to see how it changes the meal.
Fit a noodle stop after a walk
A bowl of hot noodles makes a natural pause after a winter walk through Hangzhou. At lunchtime, check whether you collect the bowl yourself and where your number is called. Once you have tried it, remember what you liked about the shoots, greens or pork. That gives you something specific to ask for on the next visit.
