Right, let’s talk Chinese beef noodles. It's a culinary world away from your average chow mein and a proper obsession of mine. In Birmingham, while we might not have the sprawling Chinatown of London, there’s a surprising amount of quality out there if you know where to look. Today, I'm wading into the soupy, flavourful debate of "red braised" vs. "clear broth." Both are masterpieces in their own right, and I've found a few spots in Brum that nail it.
I've been to Kung Fu Noodle before, and it seems a recent change in ownership has only made them better. The menu is a bit different, but the heart of the place is the same. The noodles here are the star of the show. They're handmade, and you can absolutely taste the difference—chewy, springy, and they hold onto the broth like a best friend.
We went for the beef brisket and some pig gut. The braised pig gut was a revelation, perfectly cooked and bursting with deep, savoury flavour. The beef brisket was good too, though a few pieces could have been a bit more tender for my liking. The broth is what really ties it all together: it's rich but not oily, with a perfect balance of spices and a just-right level of heat. You won't leave this place hungry; the portions are seriously generous.
The OG Hand-Pulled: Kung Fu Noodle
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| Great broth and noodle, I prefer the pig gut more than beef brisket |
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| Garlic Wonton is good too |
Rating
Food: 4.5/5 - Excellent handmade noodles and a flavourful broth.
Service: 4/5 - Friendly and efficient.
Decor: 3.5/5 - Simple and clean.
Value: 4.5/5 - Generous portions for the price.
Overall: 4.5/5 - My go-to for a proper, authentic bowl.
Estimated cost per person: £15 - £25
This place is a bit of a secret, tucked away inside Let's Go Supermarket. It's a small, family-run stall that serves a red-braised beef noodle that's truly exceptional. The broth here is a knockout. Compared to Kung Fu, it has a spicier, more layered flavour profile that just gets better with every spoonful. The beef is also noticeably more tender and flavourful.
The downside? The noodles aren't handmade, so they lack that signature chew of Kung Fu's. The portion is also a bit smaller, which, when you're paying a similar price, can feel a little less generous. But the quality of the broth and beef more than makes up for it. Just a heads-up: they sell out fast, so get there early!
Service: 4/5 - Friendly and efficient.
Decor: 3.5/5 - Simple and clean.
Value: 4.5/5 - Generous portions for the price.
Overall: 4.5/5 - My go-to for a proper, authentic bowl.
Estimated cost per person: £15 - £25
The Hidden Gem: Beef Noodle inside Let's Go Supermarket
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| Flavourful broth and tender beef |
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| Pickle to refresh your palate |
Rating
Food: 4.5/5 - Exceptional broth and beef.
Service: N/A - It's a counter service stall.
Decor: 2/5 - It's a stall inside a supermarket, so don't expect a dining room.
Value: 3.5/5 - A bit pricey for the portion size, but the quality is high.
Overall: 4/5 - A must-visit for the flavour alone.
Estimated cost per person: £15 - £20
This is the only clear broth option on my list, and it's a beauty. While the broth is clear, it's far from flavourless—it's got a deep, comforting taste that's surprisingly robust. Uncle Leo's uses beef shank, which gives the meat a lovely, chewy, and spongy texture that’s different from the others. It's braised beautifully and packed with flavour.
The noodles are again the mass-produced variety, but honestly, for the price, who cares? This is the cheapest spot on the list, and the best part is the unlimited noodle refills. You will leave here absolutely stuffed. It’s perfect for when you're on a budget but still want a quality, hearty meal.
Service: N/A - It's a counter service stall.
Decor: 2/5 - It's a stall inside a supermarket, so don't expect a dining room.
Value: 3.5/5 - A bit pricey for the portion size, but the quality is high.
Overall: 4/5 - A must-visit for the flavour alone.
Estimated cost per person: £15 - £20
The Budget-Friendly: Uncle Leo's Beef Noodle
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| Great clear broth beef noodle |
The noodles are again the mass-produced variety, but honestly, for the price, who cares? This is the cheapest spot on the list, and the best part is the unlimited noodle refills. You will leave here absolutely stuffed. It’s perfect for when you're on a budget but still want a quality, hearty meal.
Rating
Food: 4/5 - Good quality beef and broth, but the noodles are average.
Service: 3/5 - Fast and efficient.
Decor: 3/5 - A simple, no-frills setting.
Value: 5/5 - The best value for money on the list, hands down.
Overall: 4/5 - A fantastic option for a cheap and filling meal.
Estimated cost per person: £10 - £15
A Final Honest Bao Tip: For any of these places, always ask for extra coriander and spring onion if you’re a fan. They're game-changers and really elevate the entire bowl!
Verdict: Kung Fu Noodle takes the crown for its sublime handmade noodles, but Uncle Leo's is the undisputed king of value.
Restaurant Information
Kung Fu Noodle
Service: 3/5 - Fast and efficient.
Decor: 3/5 - A simple, no-frills setting.
Value: 5/5 - The best value for money on the list, hands down.
Overall: 4/5 - A fantastic option for a cheap and filling meal.
Estimated cost per person: £10 - £15
A Final Honest Bao Tip: For any of these places, always ask for extra coriander and spring onion if you’re a fan. They're game-changers and really elevate the entire bowl!
Verdict: Kung Fu Noodle takes the crown for its sublime handmade noodles, but Uncle Leo's is the undisputed king of value.
Restaurant Information
Kung Fu Noodle
Address: 13 Ladywell Walk, Birmingham B5 4ST
Beef Noodle (inside Let’s Go Supermarket)
Beef Noodle (inside Let’s Go Supermarket)
Address: The Arcadian Centre, 70 Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TD
Uncle Leo's Beef Noodle
Uncle Leo's Beef Noodle
Address: 12-14 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham B5 4AT
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