In search of cheap eats before a movie at the new Regal multiplex at Gallery Place, DCist wandered the streets of Chinatown in an attempt to asses the recent diminution of traditional businesses and their replacement by big name corporate chow. While McDonalds touted Chinese characters on their facade nary a lo-mien noodle was to be found inside. Pot Belly’s also declared their support of the Chinese culture with a decorative store front Wandering inside however and asking for General Tso, only produced more disappointment. Finally rounding the corner from H Street NW to Sixth Street we were instantly welcomed by an old friend the Chinatown Express.

While a Google search yields more bus schedules then menu items, a visit to the Chinatown Express Restaurant will yield cheap eats that satisfy. Out front an employee can almost always be seen pulling noodles by hand or making fresh dumplings. This DCist requested a table and ordered pork buns, beef friend noodles, chicken and broccoli, with a glass of sake, and the bill came in just under 20 bucks. It was more than enough for two, in fact the two of us had to roll out the front door, and nearly passed out watching “Hitch.”

DCist recommends you stick to the basics when you visit. While the other menu items are pretty much on par with other Chinese restaurants, the noodles, pork buns, and dumplings are menu stand outs. It just so happens that they are also the most cost-effective delicacies Chinatown Express has to offer. $4.95 will get you a bowl of noodles cooked your way that is guaranteed to fill your stomach, while also supporting one of the restaurants that keeps Chinatown what it was meant to be.