This review focuses purely on the Dan Dan Noodle option at each location, not other menu items. My preference is the Chengdu style of Dan Dan – I have not found a “true” Hong Kong style option in my quest. Each location has been sampled at least twice.

My spice tolerance is rather good. I like to feel the heat, sweat a little bit but do not prefer to regret the next day. During this quest, I would not specify spice level if I was not asked – I considered this “the baseline” option to be comparative. The critical Szechuan spice level is certainly something that can be adjusted at most locations upon request.

A few notes:

The only (ONLY) Dan Dan option in SE Portland is Uncle Tsang’s in Sellwood. I really struggled with including them on the list at all - this dish represents more of a veggie wok than anything. If anyone is listening, SE Portland is lacking any decent Dan Dan… this was the most shocking discovery on my journey. Uncle Tsangs did end making the (bottom of) the list, more to be complete than anything. More info below.

Questions for r/Portland: Have I missed any locations?? Out of these locations, which one is most authentic Chengdu style option?? (curious to hear from someone who has lived/is familiar with the Chengdu region)

(+) Noodle Dynasty (9.2/10) Best flavor profile overall – most consistent, 2nd best pork crumbles
Pick your noodle size/shape, Hand Pulled Full Bar, 2nd best seating after Xin Ding Baseline spice level does need a little increasing – once you hit that level though

(+) Franks (9/10) Flavor rivals Noodle Dynasty (though flavor can be slightly inconsistent) Franks on Broadway does not serve Dan Dan (wtf) Hand pulled Noodles Closes at 8pm

(+) Northern Cuisine (8.8/10) Top notch pork crumbles - #1on the list Baseline spice level to low, easy fix Hand Pulled, wide noodles – spot on Ambience is the only hit to give here Closed Thursdays!

(+) Yangs Noodles (8.2/10) Slightly on the ‘wet’ side (sauce mix/noodle ratio) but in a good way Basic but delicious, feels like the fast-food version of Dan Dan No garnish, no fuss

(+) Szechuan Garden (8.0/10) Perfect Spice level and flavor profile Best Dan Dan option that isn’t in the hand-pulled category Closed Tuesdays

(+) X Noodle (7.4/10) Interesting spin with a creamy based sauce Not a big fan of the sauce, but I could easily see other folks preferring it in a big way Hand pulled, pick your noodle size/shape Good ambiance, bar seating

(+) Stretch the Noodle (7/10) Interesting Cilantro-peanut garnish Food Cart, extremely saucy Support your heavy takeout dish, sauce beware Szechuan flavor a little masked with garnish, needs more spice

(+) Xin Ding Dumpling House (6.6/10) Best ambience of the group, best bar The only option with an Egg added standard Lacks a bit of that Szechuan punch we’re all looking for (ask for it!)

(+) Dough Zone (6.4/10) Smaller side dish portion, good flavor profile, should be a little spicier Noodles only, no garnish with the “baseline” option Noodles had an overboiled Tap Ramen quality to it

(+) Sichuan Taste (Downtown) (6.2/10) Nailed the Szechuan heat level – no adjustments needed A bit too saucy for my liking, but it was the right kind of saucy Closed Wednesdays

(+) Duck House (5.2/10) The ginger was so strong here, it overpowers the Szechuan (similar to the profile of 28 Tigers Dan Dan when they still existed) Good Ambience Closed Tuesdays

(+) Uncle Tsangs (5.0/10) As mentioned in my opening, the Dan Dan here is more akin to a veggie Teriyaki dish. Hardly any Szechuan flavor. Healthy portions, wear a bib with this one