101 Noodle Express

101 Noodle Express is a Chinese restaurant situated at 1408 E Valley Blvd in Alhambra, California. As a part of the Chinese Restaurant category, 101 Noodle Express offers a variety of dishes, with a focus on noodle soups and other Chinese specialties. However, recent customer feedback paints a concerning picture regarding food safety, hygiene practices, and the overall quality of some of its offerings. Potential local users should carefully consider these reviews before deciding to dine at or order from this establishment.

One particularly alarming review details a severe case of foodborne illness experienced by two individuals after dining at 101 Noodle Express on December 24, 2024, for lunch. The customers reported falling ill for over 72 hours after consuming lamb noodle soup, pickled mustard greens (as a side dish), and beef rolls. Their symptoms included severe vomiting, diarrhea, body chills, fever, and an inability to eat or drink. The reviewer explicitly stated that this was the only food they had consumed and that they had no prior history of foodborne illness for decades. This strongly suggests that the food consumed at 101 Noodle Express was the likely cause of their sickness.

Adding to the concern, the reviewer mentioned that the "lamb soup smelled funny" but they did not think much of it at the time. This olfactory warning sign could indicate spoilage or contamination of the lamb. The reviewer also speculated on potential causes of their illness, including "stale lamb or beef meat, or cooks and wait staff handling food who are not hygienic after bathroom use." While the exact cause remains unknown, these are serious allegations that point towards potential issues with food handling and ingredient freshness.

Furthermore, the reviewer noted that "The bathroom is dirty" and that "Several reviews mention this." Poor bathroom hygiene in a food establishment can often be indicative of broader cleanliness issues within the premises, including the kitchen, which can directly impact food safety. This corroborating evidence from multiple reviews amplifies the concern regarding the overall hygiene standards at 101 Noodle Express.

The same reviewer also pointed out the payment policy of the restaurant, stating, "Cash or Venmo only." This limited payment option might be an inconvenience for some customers and could also raise questions about the restaurant's financial practices.

In contrast to the severe food poisoning report, another reviewer offered a more positive, albeit limited, comment, stating, "Beef rolls are good." This suggests that at least one specific dish at 101 Noodle Express is well-received. However, this positive feedback is overshadowed by more critical remarks in the same review, where the customer found the "Xlb is Mid," implying mediocre quality for the soup dumplings. More significantly, this reviewer stated that the "what takes the cake away is that they use MSG in their beef noodle soup." While MSG sensitivity varies among individuals, its presence is a factor some diners prefer to avoid.

Another customer expressed strong dissatisfaction with the beef noodle soup, stating, "I might as well eat salt water with my noodles. I had to separate the noodles from the soup to make it edible." This indicates a significant issue with the flavor balance of at least one of their noodle soups, rendering it unpalatable for this customer. The reviewer also provided a historical perspective, noting that the restaurant "used to be filled with people and delicious food, but now it’s a shadow of its former self," leading them to conclude, "I wouldn’t recommend it." This suggests a potential decline in the restaurant's quality and popularity over time.

Based on these reviews, the environment of 101 Noodle Express is not explicitly described in positive terms. The mention of a dirty bathroom suggests potential issues with cleanliness in the customer areas, which might extend to other parts of the restaurant. The service is not particularly highlighted, with the focus of the reviews being primarily on food quality, hygiene, and payment options.

The features of 101 Noodle Express appear to include a menu with noodle soups, beef rolls, and XLB (soup dumplings), among other items. The beef rolls seem to be a standout dish for some. However, the use of MSG in the beef noodle soup and the overly salty flavor of at least one noodle soup are notable aspects. The restaurant operates on a cash or Venmo only payment system.

The most significant concern raised by the reviews is the potential for foodborne illness and the reported lack of hygiene, particularly the dirty bathroom and the alleged unsafe food handling practices. These issues far outweigh any positive comments about specific dishes. There is no promotional information available in the provided text.

Given the serious nature of the food poisoning incident and the concerns about hygiene, local users should exercise extreme caution when considering 101 Noodle Express. The positive comment about the beef rolls and the mention of other menu items are insufficient to outweigh the risks implied by the negative feedback. The historical decline in quality reported by one reviewer further suggests that the current standards at the restaurant may be compromised.

Potential customers who still wish to consider 101 Noodle Express might want to contact them directly at (626) 300-8654 or mobile phone +1 626-300-8654 to inquire about their current food safety and hygiene practices. However, in light of the detailed and concerning customer reviews, it would be prudent to prioritize establishments with more consistently positive feedback regarding food safety and cleanliness.

In conclusion, while 101 Noodle Express in Alhambra may offer some palatable dishes like the beef rolls, the strong and recent reports of severe foodborne illness, coupled with concerns about hygiene and declining food quality, present significant red flags for potential customers. Local users seeking a reliable and safe dining experience might be better served by exploring other Chinese restaurants in the Alhambra area with more favorable and consistent reviews.