Lamb Face Noodle Soup at Mission Chinese, $12
For those with an adventurous palate, this Lamb Face Noodle Soup is full of unexpected flavors to excite your ’buds — both the kind on your tongue and your pals, as this big bowl is meant to be shared. The soup is jam-packed with oodles of extra-soft Shanghai noodles and unbelievably tender pieces of lamb meat. We’re especially feelin’ the whole roasted nuts that give a nice textured crunch and the spiced pickles for a dose of tangy vinegar. The robust broth is brewed using soy sauce and lamb stock, and the entire meal is garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds for an overall savory soup.
Mission Chinese, 2234 Mission Street (between 18th and 19th streets); 415-863-2800.

Photographed by Maria del Rio