Noodles Plus

Since opening in 2015, Dong Huang’s no-frills, 20-seater handmade noodle and dumpling spot has acquired quite a following among students, academics and in-the-know locals. You can't book, and there's often a queue before the shutters are raised – although that's part of the fun. Top calls are the xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings), which you can see being made in the open kitchen, although the laminated menu holds other treasures too. Expect myriad dishes made with their delightfully chewy handmade noodles (from soups to fiery stir-fries), plus a host of steamed buns, congees and spiced beef tendon. It’s Shanghainese comfort food at its best. Cash only.