Where is the most authentic place to eat Nanjing Da Rou Mian?

Nanjing Da Rou Mian, belonging to the "Gai Jiao Mian" variety, is different from the recently emerged Xiao Rou Mian. It is cooked separately, with the cooked noodles retrieved and placed in pre-prepared soup, and the braised Da Rou Mian is then placed on top. In the memory of every local resident, there is a taste that is simple and inexpensive, with a strong oil-red sauce carrying the unique salty-sweet flavor of the Jiangnan region. Although it may not have made it to the grand stage, it is the most humble and familiar taste of home in Nanjing. So where can one go to find an authentic bowl of Da Rou Mian in Nanjing?

Braised noodles from an anonymous vendor

Hidden in the narrow horse-lane, there is a small and ordinary village in the city. The noodle portion is small, but the meat is large, taking up half of the bowl. Overall, it is economically satisfying. The soup is salty-sweet, leaning more towards salty. A few sips are enough, but drinking too much might become a bit greasy. The large pieces of meat turned out to be unexpectedly delicious, with a good amount of lean meat and well-seasoned, without feeling greasy when eaten.

Little Dragon Big Meat Noodle Restaurant

Moved out of the Lu Pu community due to popularity, specializing in traditional old braised noodles from the south of the city. Recommended with large noodles and a thick sauce, each bowl comes with a piece of meat that is one centimeter thick, stewed until tender and crispy, with great value for money.

Jiangnan Chun Noodle House

Listed on Dianping's must-try restaurant rankings. Average ambiance, but delicious. It has been around in Nanjing for several decades.

Shunxin Noodles Restaurant

Late-night diner on Nanjing Road, a 24-hour noodle house that caters to hungry night owls. Their specialty is a combination of ramen and braised noodles, with traditional braised noodles replacing the usual ramen. Hand-pulled noodles on-site, smooth, chewy, and non-sticky.