Where should you go when you're looking for the most authentic Chinese food in America? According to Clarissa Wei, a freelance journalist for CNNGo, a travel and lifestyle website independent of the 24-hour cable news channel, if you're in Arizona, you should go to China Magic Noodle House in Chandler.
Based on interviews with chefs and Chinese restaurant associations, surveys of local food writers and polls, and her own experience, Wei says being a successful Chinese restaurant in the United States means "catering to the American palate, but still being authentic enough to be considered a reputable Chinese joint."
Huh? I'm not sure the owners of great Chinese restaurants in the Valley such as Wahsun and Chou's Kitchen -- or even China Magic Noodle House -- would agree with that statement.
At any rate, here's what Wei had to say about China Magic Noodle House:
"Watch through a window as the noodles you just ordered are handmade and pulled for you.
China Magic Noodle House serves outstanding beef noodles for less than $10. Huge portions and you can get them dry or with broth.
The egg rolls are a good appetizer, but spicy marinated pig ear is also on the menu. If that isn't enough, they serve freshly squeezed juice and boba milk tea."
China Magic Noodle house is the only Arizona restaurant included in the list. To see all fifty entries, go here.
