9 Dragon Noodle House serves healthier, tastier Asian fare

The LSU favorite Nine Dragon has expanded its business. 9 Dragon Noodle House, a bigger, healthier restaurant from the same company, opened two weeks ago in the shopping center at Highland Road and Lee Drive.

It is set in the former location of Saigon Noodle and Splendido! Frozen Yogurt (Map it!). Unlike the takeout-style Nine Dragon, the new noodle house—with a numeral in the name—is focused on a sit-down, more relaxed environment with almost triple the dining room space.

While the menu does feature traditional Chinese fare like the house specials of orange chicken and sesame chicken, one quick glance will show this restaurant isn’t doing the same old thing.

The menu also features an array of items like jellyfish, sautéed pig stomach, Szechuan dishes such as Ma Pu tofu, fish stomach soup and different takes on the rice dish Bibimbap, which features rice mixed with shiitake mushrooms, carrots, bean sprouts, ekoi, kimchi, minced pork, eggs and vegetables in a special sauce. 9 Dragon also serves noodle dishes, including the delicious and hearty roasted duck ramen noodle soup. Hours before the restaurant opens its doors, the cooks are preparing the broth fresh every day.

The portions are big and reasonably priced. You’ll be asking for a to-go box unless you bring your appetite.

While Nine Dragon might have been the go-to for quick Chinese takeout for students, 9 Dragon Noodle House is an authentic experience that breathes new life into the Asian food scene in Baton Rouge. 9 Dragon Noodle House is open daily, 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. For more information, call 766-9977.