Seven Noodles — Review by Mark Wiens
Toronto, Canada — Sichuan Chinese
Seven Noodles serves one of the best chao shou noodle dishes outside of China, featuring handmade bamboo noodles topped with scrambled egg, tomato, and minced pork in a traditional Sichuan style. The noodles are hand-smashed to create the distinctive texture, and the dish is finished with a dramatic flaming oil pour that scorches the chili on top.
What was great: One of the best chao shou noodles outside of China, handmade bamboo noodles with scrambled egg and tomato, traditional Sichuan preparation with minced pork and slow-cooked yellow peas, dramatic flaming oil finish
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Seven Noodles specializes in chao shou noodles, a traditional Sichuan dish that Clement describes as one of the world's greatest noodle dishes. The signature preparation begins with handmade bamboo noodles, which get their name from the sound they make when smashed against the table during preparation. The noodles are thick and wide, providing a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the toppings.
The bowl arrives topped with scrambled egg and tomato, creating a sweet and sour element, combined with minced pork and slow-cooked yellow peas. The chef emphasizes the importance of using yellow peas, not chickpeas, which provide a creamy and distinctive taste to the dish. Unlike the spicier versions from Chongqing, this rendition is not overly spicy or numbing, making it more accessible while still delivering authentic Sichuan flavors.
The final and most dramatic element is the crackling hot chili oil that is poured over the entire bowl with a theatrical flourish, igniting briefly and scorching the chili on top. This finishing touch adds both visual spectacle and intense flavor to the dish.
The Experience
Seven Noodles is located in a basement location, following a Toronto theme where great food is made downstairs. The kitchen is visible and open, allowing diners to watch the entire noodle-making and cooking process. The chef demonstrates the handmade noodle preparation, explaining the technique and origins of the dishes with passion and expertise. The atmosphere is casual and food-focused, with the theatrical presentation of the flaming oil pour creating an unforgettable dining moment.
Value and Pricing
While specific pricing is not mentioned in the transcript, the experience of having a world-class chao shou noodle dish prepared with handmade noodles and theatrical presentation appears to be exceptional value for money.
Notable Moments
One of the best chao shou noodles ever had. Definitely the best outside of China.
The bamboodle, we use a wide noodle cuz usually when people making the bamboodle, this handmade noodle, they smash the noodle to the table. The sound is bamb. So that's why it's called bamboo noodle.
The last step: Crackling oil. Oh, it ignites. Holy moly. Oh, it's on fire.
The Verdict
Seven Noodles is a must-visit destination for anyone serious about authentic Sichuan noodles and traditional Chinese cuisine. The combination of handmade noodles, careful ingredient selection, and theatrical presentation makes this one of the best chao shou noodle experiences available outside of China. This restaurant is best for adventurous diners who want to experience authentic regional Chinese cooking and don't mind the dramatic presentation that comes with it.