Since I moved to DC about 5 years ago I have affectionately called Chinatown "China-block." The area doesn't really deserve to be called a "town." The streets are overrun with American shops and restaurants that have little to do with the name except for the Chinese characters that show up on signage. Of course there are Chinese restaurants, but for the most part they are mediocre and not worth your time or money.
Yet, there is a little shop on the corner of 6th and H that deserves your attention. Look for the green awning that showcases a chef making homemade noodles. Take a moment and watch the skill and mastery. It's as if the motions are second nature.
The tiny space is sparsely furnished with linoleum tables and some fish tanks (but those aren't for decoration - you can choose your fish and have it cooked). The waitresses seem to be running every which way trying to juggle their tables.
If the man in the window wasn't a giveaway, I'm going to tell you now that the thing to order at Chinatown Express is the noodles. My preference is to have them fried with chicken or beef. The best part of this whole thing is that the noodles (which are good sized portion) are less than $7 with tax! You can't get much better than that, especially if you carry out and go sit on the steps of the Portrait Gallery and take in the sights and sounds of China-block.
image: tripadvisor.com
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