Mandarin Express

I echo the last review in that you’ll either rate this venue as 5 stars or 1 star. Here’s my take and my overdue review. Mandarin Express is one-of-a-kind and a hidden gem and I do preface my visitors that this is truly a hole-in-the-wall spot. The restaurant is ran by a humble family, the dad is the chef and the mom is the host/server. Sometimes, their sons come to help out when they can. They are known for the cross bridge noodle soup (過橋米線)which is an Yunnan rice noodle dish. You can order the dish “cooked” or “uncooked.” Cooked means the soup is served with all the ingredients cooked as shown in my picture. Uncooked - the ingredients are served in individual small dishes and you would slowly add them into the hot broth to cook. The dish is packed with content and you will feel well-fed

You either rate this place a 5 star or a one star. This is definitely a 5 for me. I have traveled all across America, yet this restaurant’s cross bridge noodle soup and fried tofu are still the best in the nation for me. Throughout my 14 years of coming to this restaurant, they have never disappointed. Sometimes, they even give out candy and treats to us! I see a lot of people speaking bad about the lady waitress, but she is actually really nice when you get to know her.

this place is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Rockville - I’ve been going here regularly with my family for over 15 years. there’s usually no wait on a weekday night and it’s pretty easy to find parking. This place does offer the classic Chinese restaurant dishes but the real gems are the ones listed below. here’s what to get: 1) the crossbridge noodle soup (過橋米線) , cooked (you can order it “raw” with piping hot soup and put the raw ingredients in yourself, but I prefer it to come out cooked). This noodle soup is so comforting and delicious, and filled with a ton of good ingredients like fresh veggies, shrimp, meat, and tofu skin 2) crispy sweet and spicy tofu (干辣豆腐) , it’s fried to order and super crispy when it comes out. delicious. 3) the rice cakes with mustard green and p

For the suckling blue crabs stir-frying experience, you can stop by this little family restaurant. Due to the small female size we paid 17.50 for the crab dish, but the flavors were abundant with yolks. The price might vary depending on the size. The Crossbridge noodle was always a-must in this chill fall weather. The Dill dumpling was featured on the Chef’s Special Board, liked by the table next to us. We’ll try next time!

Super super nice! The portions were large for such a good price. The food was so yummy and they were so kind especially with the service❤️ I highly recommend.