Night Shift 2: Two Sticks - Yunnan China

In preparation for yet another late night at work, we were eager to try the next local specialty. Two Sticks - Yunnan China is a busy little noodle house located at the corner of George and Goulburn. As the name implies, the restaurant features flavours of Yunnan province with a strong focus on noodle soup.

When we first arrived at the restaurant, the first thing we noticed was how busy it was. Having passed by on other occasions, I've always noticed a queue just outside the restaurant. Seating arrangements were rather cozy - tables were small and seated at most a group of three. Luckily, my colleagues and I were able to grab a table within 10 minutes.

Cold Cut Beef ($4.80 AUD)

The first of my orders to arrive was the Cold Cut Beef appetizer. The dish really is as simple as its sounds, consisting of thin beef slices served chilled. Hoisin sauce and dried chili seasoning is set aside for dipping. Without the sauce, the beef seemed a tad dry and flavour was lacking.


Yunnan Signature Rice Noodle Soup ($11.80 AUD)

My main was the Two Sticks staple, Yunnan Signature Rice Noodle Soup. The meal was initially served on a platter with a bowl of noodles, a bowl of soup, and a plate of raw beef. However, the waiter helps to prepare the beef by dumping it into the hot broth prior to serving the meal. The flavour of the broth seemed to suggest that it wasn't saturated with MSG but was still very tasty. Noodles had a nice texture to them and were not served overcooked. For those who like spicy, there's a small bowl of chili peppers and other garnish on the side.

Braised Beef Mini-Pot Noodle Soup ($9.80 AUD)

Spicy Chicken Mini-Pot Noodle Soup ($9.80 AUD)

The mini-pot noodle soups are interesting options at Two Sticks. Unfortunately, those meals belonged to my coworkers. I've been told that the mini-pot noodle soups were delicious but can neither confirm nor deny.