Restaurant Review: Beijing Noodle #9 at Caesars Palace

Goldfish reflections at Beijing Noodle #9

Treading water

Scallop and Enoki Soup with Pork and Shrimp Dumplings

Throwing noodles

Beijing Noodle #9 at Caesars Palace

I planned a lunch trip to Beijing Noodle #9 in Caesars Palace because I'd heard so many good things about the restaurant while researching different places to eat in Vegas.  Finding it is a bit of a challenge if you're not familiar with the Caesars Palace hotel/casino layout, though, so check the signs or ask for directions, or you might end up somewhere completely different and never find the restaurant at all.  

Beijing Noodle #9 is located in the BACK of the hotel, past the registration desk. ("Does Caesar live here?"  Thanks to 'The Hangover' for making me smile every time I walk in that way.)  You will find the restaurant near the buffet entrance, past the High Limit Slot area.  There were a LOT of people milling around, and until you walk right up to the restaurant you're likely to miss it altogether.

I LOVE the giant goldfish tanks they have at the entrance!  I took lots of photos of the tanks and their inhabitants, but I really wanted to take a picture of the hostess – she was dressed in a beautiful goldfish-orange dress.  So pretty!  I didn't even ask for the photo op, though, as she was extremely busy.  

I didn't have a reservation, and I was perfectly happy to sit at the bar after seeing the open kitchen nearby.  I wanted to watch the chefs prepare the meals, and it turned out to be a good choice and very entertaining for this solo traveler.  I only had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated, and I chose the bar especially after I’d been watching the men making noodles through the window while I waited.  They were quick, flinging and flipping wads of dough into dozens of noodle strands in less than 2 minutes.  It was fascinating.  I wish I’d recorded a video instead of taking photos because they moved too fast to see the noodles.  I also watched another man making wontons from scratch.  Very, very quick work.  The restaurant was crowded and loud, so be prepared if you go for lunch.

I ordered the Scallop & Enoki Soup, then decided to add on Pork & Shrimp Dumplings because they sounded yummy, as well.  The soup was very hot and had lots of scallops and mushrooms in a good-sized bowl of broth.  The broth was very flavorful and filling, and I probably should have stopped there instead of adding on the dumplings.  The Chinese man next to me dined properly on his soup: chopsticks to pick the solid foods out of the broth, then picking up the bowl with the tips of his fingers to slurp the soup.  I used a spoon, instead.  


The Pork & Shrimp Dumplings were very flavorful and served in a container that is steamed instead of placed in an oven or microwave.  I don't believe I've ever had such truly fresh-made dumplings before, and these were delicious.  Dipped in light soy sauce they were just as good as straight out of the container, but enjoyable either way.  I declined the offer of a fork and opted to stab the dumplings when my waiter wasn't looking after I realized I couldn't pick them up properly with the chopsticks without dropping them everywhere.  Saving face in a Chinese restaurant...


My cute, young Chinese waiter switched back and forth between Mandarin Chinese and English quickly when speaking to me and my bar mate (the older Chinese man who knew how to eat soup), and he called me “Lady” every time he addressed me.  “Thank you, lady.”  “What will you have, lady?”  “Would you like a fork, lady?”  It was great to have someone who could converse well in multiple languages, and he received a good tip for his attentions.


I did add a Pepsi to my order, and I have no idea how I managed to eat all of the food given to me.  I sat for quite a long time after I finished eating, watching the chefs work and marveling at their skills.  It was very entertaining and quite relaxing, too.  It also gave me time to digest, and my waiter continued to look after me even though I told him he didn't need to.  My total bill was $24.07 + tip, and I look forward to visiting again sometime.  I don't know if I'm looking forward to eating more than watching the chefs, though; I guess I'll have to try it again and see which one wins.  I would give this meal and experience an 8 out of a possible 10.  


Reservations can be made by calling (877) 346-4642, and they are open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.


View their menu here:
http://www.caesarspalace.com/images/non_image_assets/Noodle_9_web_menu_8_2011.pdf