I don’t know what it is about them. Whether it’s the way they make making the noodle dough right in front of you look like a piece of cake or the way they handle a flaming skillet full of delicious, mouth watering noodles – I completely adore them. There’s something so appealing about a man who can cook; and let me tell you, making noodles this fantastic takes talent. During my time here in China I have discovered a great truth: real men make noodles.
Noodle Man (well, boy) #1: Juh Bah Kuh. While I probably spelled his name completely wrong, I don’t know how to make Chinese characters on here so this will have to suffice. We first met JBK during our first week here in China. We wanted to go out to eat to celebrate a boy in our group’s birthday and one of the Chinese teachers here had suggested this place (I have no idea what it’s even called, I should probably find that out). It’s a precious little noodle shop with pictures of everything they serve on the walls – which makes ordering a breeze. We each picked something off the wall that looked appetizing and hoped for the best. Little did we know that we were about the have the best noodles of our lives. The shop is so amazing. They make the noodles right in front of you; you can watch the whole process – it’s so fun. Since that time we have returned many times for two reasons: the delicious noodles and the most adorable little boy (JBK), the owner’s son who hangs around the shop all day. The first few times we went he would come wave and give us high fives – we would always ask him his name but he would never respond. The last time we went – a few days ago – he came over and sat by us…and randomly started speaking to me in English! He showed me his English book he uses at school and we had a nice conversation about animals and how he was doing. He told me it was nice to meet me at least five times and finally responded when I asked him what his name was! Juh Bah Kuh. He asked what my name was and hopefully he will remember. I adore him. I’m going to buy him a toy and take it to him before we leave. I also fully plan on getting a picture with him and his amazing father before I go back home. Those noodles will be my last meal here and I might cry when I never get to eat them again. They might have to come home with me in my suitcase.
Noodle Man #2: The hot man at the night market who makes delicious, flaming (literally) hot noodles in his cute little noodle stand. He usually wears a light blue and teal striped shirt (which does wonders for his skin tone), has amazing pearly whites (not something you see too often in China), and is just overall so attractive. I’ve only ever spoken one word to him – and he responded in Chinese…go figure. My goal is to make him recognize me…since we wander around there every night anyways. I’m going to get a picture sometime when I go to buy noodles – I’ll post it when I do.
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