"Following Flavor and Authenticty: Chinatown (Manhattan)"

An exploraton of food, community, and culture through three ethnic enclaves in New York.

Little Poland Spanish Harlem Home

PEANUT NOODLES

Traditional recipe presented by Sabrina Yang:
Ingredients: 2 tbsp of peanut butter sauce (preferably creamy), 1.5 tbsp of oyster sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, a swig of sesame oil? (like 1 tbsp i think), thick noodles, scallion Cooking the Noodles:Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the thick noodles. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until they reach your preferred texture. Reserve Noodle Water: Drain the noodles, but save a small amount of the cooking water—about 1–2 tablespoons—for the sauce. Corn Husks: Select medium-to-large husks without holes or dark spots (save imperfect ones for cooking). Soak in warm or hot water for 15–30 minutes until soft. Rinse, remove silk, drain, and keep ready for assembly. Prepare the Sauce:In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add a splash of the hot noodle water to loosen the mixture and create a smooth, pourable sauce. Combine: Toss the warm noodles with the sauce until every strand is evenly coated. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped scallions on top just before serving.

More about Peanut Noodles!

Peanut noodles have their origins in East Asian culinary traditions, particularly in China’s Fujian province (Fuzhou), where the tossed noodle dish Ban Mian is popular, and in Sichuan, known for its spicy sesame-peanut sauces. In the 1970s, American adaptations began to emerge, often using peanut butter as a convenient substitute for sesame paste. The dish also draws on influences from Southeast Asian cuisines, especially Thai peanut sauces, which contribute additional depth and complexity to its flavor profile.

Where in Chinatown (Manhattan)?

Shu Jiao Fu Zhou

295 Grand St, New York, NY 10002

Shu Jiao Fu Zhou offers authentic Fujianese cuisine in a casual, no-frills setting. The restaurant is especially known for its handmade dumplings and rich, flavorful peanut noodles, which reflect Southern Chinese culinary traditions. With modest seating and straightforward service, it provides an accessible taste of Fujian’s regional flavors while serving the local community and visitors seeking genuine Chinese comfort food.


Chang Lai

55 Bayard St Store B, New York, NY 10013

Chang Lai, is a cozy counter-service spot known for its Cantonese-style comfort food. The restaurant is especially celebrated for its peanut noodles, as well as its curry and oyster sauce fish balls, rice noodles, and dumplings. With modest seating, approachable service, and affordable prices, Chang Lai offers an accessible taste of Hong Kong street-food traditions in the heart of Manhattan.