Where Noodle Dreams Become Reality: Max’s Beef Noodles in Munich Awaits!

Do you like handmade noodles combined with aromatic broths, exotic spices and fresh ingredients such as meat, vegetables or tofu? Then you’ve come to the right place at Max’s Beef Noodle Restaurant in Munich, one of the best Chinese noodle spots in the city! Be prepared for long queues, especially at peak times throughout the year, as this popular restaurant has limited seating.

Located in the heart of Munich at Sendlinger Tor, Max’s Beef Noodle Restaurant specialises in traditional handmade Chinese noodles known as Shǒugōng Lāmiàn (手工拉面).

In addition to a variety of noodle options, such as noodle soups and fried noodles, the menu also offers a selection of rice dishes and an assortment of starters. These include Mao Dou (毛豆), a type of Chinese edamame, refreshing spinach and cucumber salad, crispy spring rolls and much more. For the most authentic experience, we suggest you focus on a few noodle dishes and pair them with a few sides. Later on, we’ll give you some tips and specific recommendations for individual dishes that we’ve personally enjoyed.

Max’s Beef Noodles captures the charm of a cozy Chinese street food restaurant, with simple yet delicious dishes and an ambiance that emphasizes authentic cuisine at truly fair prices. The decor is modest, allowing the focus to remain on the food. You can even watch the chefs skillfully prepare noodles right in front of your eyes, adding a unique and engaging touch to the dining experience.

This allows you to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Chinese noodle making. Hand-pulled noodles are a true art form, created through a meticulous process in which the dough is deftly manipulated and pulled into long, elastic strands. This centuries-old technique involves four essential steps, beautifully depicted in small murals at Max’s Beef Noodles: mixing the dough, kneading it, portioning it, and finally pulling it. Each step requires precision, skill and extensive practice to achieve the perfect consistency and texture of the noodles.

1. Mixing the dough

To make the basic dough, flour – usually wheat flour – is mixed with water. Sometimes a pinch of salt or a dash of oil is added to improve elasticity. The ratio of flour to water is crucial as it determines the texture and firmness of the dough; the mixture should be balanced, avoiding a consistency that is too dry or too sticky.

2. Kneading the dough

Kneading is an important step as it activates the gluten in the flour, which gives the dough its elasticity and structure. The dough is vigorously pulled and folded for about 10 to 15 minutes until it is smooth and supple. Many chefs allow the dough to rest at intervals to allow the gluten to fully develop and improve the texture.

3. Dividing the dough

Once the dough has reached the ideal consistency, it will be divided into smaller portions. The size of these portions depends on how thick you want the pasta to be. Generally, the dough is divided into long cylindrical pieces, which are then prepared for the next stage: pulling.

4. Pulling the dough

The final step involves repeatedly pulling, stretching and folding the dough into noodles. This process requires skill and practice as the dough is carefully stretched into long, thin strands. The pulling is repeated until they reach the desired thickness and length. Skilled chefs often perform this step in a fluid, dance-like motion, twisting and twirling the dough through the air. When the noodles are ready, they’re cooked in boiling water and served in a variety of delicious dishes.

Let’s dive into our recommendations, starting with the sides and starters. These delicious small plates, served in individual bowls, are currently priced between €2 and €4 each. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, one portion per person might not be enough – but at these prices you can certainly afford to order a few extras! 😉

We’ve already tried the spinach salad, Chinese edamame, fried chicken and tofu and can recommend them all. Here’s a closer look at each dish:

At Max’s Beef Noodles, the tofu (煎豆腐 – Jiān Dòufu) is sliced and fried on a hot griddle or in a pan until it achieves the perfect balance of textures – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The fried tofu is then tossed in a light marinade of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice wine, and other seasonings that enhance its natural character.

With its mild and slightly nutty flavor, tofu is quite subtle on its own. But frying it adds a deliciously crunchy, lightly caramelized crust that adds a rich, savory note. Thanks to the marinade, the tofu readily absorbs the flavors, resulting in a delightful combination of salty, spicy, and subtly sweet flavors that complement each other beautifully.

The Spinach Salad (菠菜沙拉 – Bōcài Shālā) features tender, cooked spinach beautifully tossed in a creamy sesame dressing and garnished with chopped peanuts.

The fresh spinach adds a subtle earthiness and delicious crunch to the dish. The sesame dressing has a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness and a deep umami profile, while a splash of vinegar adds a refreshing, tangy note. The peanuts not only enhance the texture of the salad with their satisfying crunch, but also intensify the nutty essence, perfectly complementing the aromatic sesame. With its slightly sweet taste and inviting crunch, this salad is a versatile addition to any meal.

Yánshuǐ Máodòu (盐水毛豆), commonly known as edamame, are young soybeans still in their pods. These delicious snacks are typically boiled in salted water and lightly seasoned, making them a treat for the palate. While many people associate edamame with Japanese cuisine, it is also very popular in China.

The flavor of edamame is mild and slightly salty, with a pleasant earthy note that comes from the soybeans themselves. The addition of salt enhances their natural flavor and makes them even more delicious. Eating edamame is a fun experience: you can break open the pods with your teeth and squeeze out the firm beans inside. For convenience, you can also use chopsticks or a fork to enjoy the beans more easily.

The Fried chicken pieces (煎鸡块 – Jiān Jīkuài) are made by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces, marinating them, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying them in a wok. This dish is similar to Japan’s tori no karaage and in some ways even resembles chicken nuggets, but it is prepared without any preservatives or additives.

The chicken is simply marinated with salt, pepper and a touch of soy sauce. After marinating, the pieces are breaded, creating a delightful texture with a satisfying crunch. The meat remains tender and juicy, while its mild flavor develops a subtle nuttiness from the roasted notes created during frying.

Next up are the main courses, including the house specialty – Max’s Beef Noodles (马克思牛肉面 – Mǎkèsī Niúròu Miàn). This dish is a delightful reinterpretation of traditional Lanzhou Lamian (兰州牛肉面 – Lánzhōu Niúròu Miàn) beef noodle soup. It features a fragrant broth, tender noodles, juicy slices of beef and mushrooms, all nicely garnished with scallions and fresh coriander.

The broth is the star here. It’s made with beef, beef bones and soup chicken, and it’s infused with a unique blend of 14 different spices. This rich mixture is simmered over low heat for six hours in a specially designed pot, allowing the flavors to meld and the nutrients to be gently extracted. The result is an amazingly aromatic broth that’s not only super tasty, but also super healthy. It’s full of amino acids, calcium, and collagen, which help strengthen bones and support the immune system.

For first-time visitors to Max’s Beef Noodle, this is a dish not to be missed – it is the centerpiece of the restaurant, and for good reason.

In addition to Max’s famous beef noodles, we highly recommend trying the Hongshao noodle soup (红烧牛肉面, Hóngshāo Niúròu Miàn).

Unlike the boiled meat found in Lanzhou lamian, the beef in this dish is slow braised, resulting in exceptional tenderness and rich flavor. While Max’s beef noodles are served in a clear broth, the Hongshao noodle soup offers a sweeter, heartier and more robust flavor thanks to the beef braised in soy sauce. This delicious dish is garnished with crisp bok choy, fresh cilantro and scallions for a refreshing touch and vibrant color.

Fried Noodles with Beef (牛肉炒面 – Niúròu Chǎomiàn) is a delicious dish that brings together a medley of lightly fried noodles, tender slices of beef, fresh vegetables, and a fluffy scrambled egg.

This hearty dish has a spicy flavor profile that is beautifully complemented by an umami-rich sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and an array of spices. Vegetables, especially Chinese cabbage, add a refreshing crunch and a hint of sweetness that perfectly balance the bold flavors of the beef and sauce. Aromatic spices like garlic and ginger add warmth and complexity. The noodles are tossed to an ideal al dente texture that remains moist and absorbs the delicious juices of the other ingredients.

Our last dish for today is Ban Noodles with Mushrooms and Minced Meat (香菇鸡肉拌面 – Xiānggū Jīròu Bànmiàn). This delicious creation features cooked noodles tossed in a fragrant sauce, complemented by savory minced meat and tender mushrooms.

The noodles are served in a bowl and generously topped with coarsely chopped ground chicken, succulent mushrooms and fresh green onions. Before you eat, be sure to stir everything well to ensure that the flavors blend beautifully.

The sauce, made with soy sauce, oyster sauce and a blend of spices, imparts a rich and savory flavor that seeps into the noodles, giving them a deliciously moist consistency. The mushrooms contribute a deep, earthy flavor with a robust umami profile that perfectly complements the chicken and noodles. The ground chicken adds a tender, almost creamy texture that absorbs the sauce beautifully and spreads evenly over the noodles. For those who like an extra kick, a splash of chili sauce can be added, just as with the other dishes.

Max’s Beef Noodles in Munich stands not only for delicious handmade noodles, but also for exceptional service. This was especially evident on my first visit when I attempted to leave a tip, only to be politely declined despite several requests. This response clearly shows that customer satisfaction is a top priority and good service is a core value here. Such a respectful attitude fosters an authentic and welcoming atmosphere. With a strong emphasis on food quality, attentive service and real value for money, what more could you ask for?