Xin Jiang Noodle Restaurant

Located in Sydney's dumpling belt, this restaurant is a short cut to northern China signposted by 95-plus menu possibilities. Think of it as Choose Your Own Adventure via glistening handmade noodles, caramelly-sweet fried eggplant and salads zinging with Chinese black vinegar. If these dishes don't quite transport you to this region, then the local headdresses, Asian lute and seasonal photographs of Xinjiang displayed throughout might. This restaurant's own 'scenic' distractions include watching waiters tailgate each other as they bring an endless procession of beef noodle soup to tables and spotting the menu doppelgangers (such as the excellent pan-fried dumplings) that are also available at related eatery Sea Bay in the city.