Ji Bei Chuan Asian Noodle Shop Opens in Orange CT

Carly Terzigni May 10, 2023

If you don’t know about Chef Jin yet, you owe it to your taste buds to step into one of his now numerous restaurants across Connecticut. Perhaps you are familiar with Tomo 68 in Naugatuck or Natural Kitchen in Milford – and most recently, Ramen & Bao in Oxford. Those are all thanks to Chef Jin, and now you can check out Ji Bei Chuan in Orange, which has its official grand opening on May 9th.

Ji Bei Chuan is a widely popular dining establishment in China, with over 400 locations overseas. Here in the United States, there are only 40, with this Orange location the first in the state. As you step inside, your eyes are immediately drawn to its noodle bar: a beautiful dark-stained natural wood countertop where guests can dive head-first into one of the many noodle or soup dishes on the menu.

Speaking of the menu, it is filled with dishes you are probably well acquainted with, as well as a few that perhaps you have never tried before. Front to back, you will find authentic Chinese cuisine that centers around the rice noodle, or Mi Xian. The first page of its menu is the star of Ji Bei Chuan, covered with unique soups and dry rice noodle dishes you will not see as frequently as you would ramen or stir fry. The menu does feature a wide assortment of familiar dishes like Tonkontsu Ramen, Chicken Fried Rice, and Beef Stir Fry.

Also familiar to many will be its lineup of appetizers, which includes Crab Rangoon, Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings, and Scallion Pancakes with curry sauce, which provides a fascinating and tasty twist. But it was the Spicy Garlic Cucumbers that really won us over, with just the right level of spice to kick things off and awaken our palates before the rest of our food arrived.

If you are into all things heat, then the Spicy Mala Soup will be right up your alley. It is not for the faint of heart – if its vibrant red color is any indicator, you should tell before you take a bite that it does not hold back. Even the milder dishes like the Dry Tossed Rice Noodles still have a healthy kick to them, with your choice of Minced Pork, Chicken, or Beef Brisket. Spicy food fans rejoice: you will not be disappointed here. But if you stop by and want an authentic Ji Bei Chuan experience, consider its signature dish: JBC Rice Noodles, with chicken, fish maw, wood-ear, bean curd, corn, enoki mushrooms, lettuce, and scallion.

If you know Chef Jin, then it should not come as a surprise that he already has his eyes set on his next project.

Ji Bei Chuan 519D Boston Post RD Orange, CT 06477