{"id":67041,"date":"2025-12-10T18:46:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T18:46:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/67041\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T18:46:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T18:46:12","slug":"cant-miss-dishes-at-99-ranchs-new-food-court-in-flushing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/67041\/","title":{"rendered":"Can\u2019t-Miss Dishes at 99 Ranch\u2019s New Food Court in Flushing"},"content":{"rendered":"

The popular California-based Asian supermarket chain, 99 Ranch Market<\/a>, has continued its East Coast expansion<\/a> with its first New York City location<\/a> in Flushing, Queens \u2014 at the now-closed Hong Kong Supermarket at 37-11 Main Street between 37th and 38th avenues.<\/p>\n

While the grocery store opened its doors in NYC in August, the Eat Up food court in the basement has been under construction<\/a>. The vast majority of the stands fired up their kitchens over the weekend of December 6th to churn out regional specialties from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The space was so packed with local families and friends that I had to hover over customers mid-departure to snag a free table on Saturday around 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

A mix of old and new restaurants make up the 20 stalls, although three of the businesses, including Tandoor Samsa with Uyghur<\/a> dishes, hadn\u2019t opened yet. But still, there\u2019s a big overlap in the food offering with that of neighboring food courts, such as Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodle beef soup or steamed whole fish at New World Mall<\/a> or Hong Kong milk tea at Tangram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At 99 Ranch\u2019s Eat Up food court, the noodles, drinks, and pork trotters are a cut above the rest for their respective quality and variety. In terms of vibes, the space continues the local trend<\/a> towards modern and upscale: clean, sleek look; free Wi-Fi and outlets; and a heavier emphasis on customer service as most (though not all) of the operators speak English to be able to communicate with customers outside of the local Chinese diaspora. A worker at Herb Nook Lab<\/a> explains the drinks and offers to remake beverages that are not up to the customers\u2019 liking.<\/p>\n

Here are Eater NY\u2019s highlights of the food stands at 99 Ranch\u2019s new Eat Up food court.<\/p>\n

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The meat and enoki mushroom skewers from Fried Skewers. Caroline Shin\/Eater NY<\/p>\n

What to Eat at 99 Ranch\u2019s Eat Up Food Court<\/p>\n

Fat Potato Noodles: These noodles ($12 for classic option) are like a bounce house for your mouth. With a crystal-clear layer around a white core, these slippery strands are some of the prettiest, softest, and springiest I\u2019ve ever had. The broth, though, is spicy yet bland. Bean sprouts, sausage, seaweed, and tofu skin add substance to the soup. Stall 7<\/p>\n

Chopin Noodle House<\/a>: This Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodle spot offers six noodle types ranging in flatness and thickness. The broth in the traditional beef noodle soup ($12) is flavorful yet light and not oily. Stall 25<\/p>\n

Master Hong Noodle House<\/a>: Staffers roll out dough throughout the day to produce four different noodles: wheat, soybean, buckwheat, and spinach. My spinach noodles, served in a braised beef broth ($15), had a delightful buoyancy. Stall 9<\/p>\n

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The potato noodles in spicy beef broth from Fat Potato Noodles. Caroline Shin\/Eater NY<\/p>\n

Long Jiang Pork Feet Rice<\/a>: The seasoning on the pork dishes is perfect \u2014 savory, smoky, fragrant. I love trotters; it\u2019s the rich, jelly-like, fall-off-the-bone tender texture of tendon and skin, which is hard to achieve. The rice dish includes crunchy, tangy radish for texture and flavor counterpoints. Stall 5<\/p>\n

Yu Xiang Yuan: This corner spot doesn\u2019t display its English name, but the lit-up board showcases photos of various fish preparations: hot chile oil, grilled, steamed with soy sauce, and served in pickled vegetable soup. The delicate filets in scallion oil ($25) were excellent. The vegetable sides here pack a nice crunch and lots of flavor. Stall 21<\/p>\n

Luo Xiao Du: The popular luosifen<\/a> (snail noodle soup, $11) satisfies those with a palate for super-funky flavors like stinky cheese or tofu. The broth really punches up with fermented bamboo and green beans. The egg fritter ($2.50), where egg is drizzled into a crispy disc in the deep fryer, is a nice touch as a topping. The snail, however, is hard to extract because it\u2019s much smaller than escargot, and the vendor didn\u2019t provide any tools; a toothpick would\u2019ve been helpful. Stall 19<\/p>\n

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The menu at Yu Xiang Yuan. Caroline Shin\/Eater NY<\/p>\n

What to Drink at 99 Ranch\u2019s Eat Up Food Court<\/p>\n

Herb Nook Lab<\/a>: These are high-quality tea drinks ($7) focused on seasonal fruits that are juiced on site. For this quarter, the apple is in the spotlight, and, from the jasmine tea to the optional cream on top, it imparts a lovely, subtle flavor. Stall 23<\/p>\n

Laankee<\/a>: This tea stall brews a strongly caffeinated, harmoniously flavored (not bitter), velvety-textured Hong Kong-style milk tea ($6). Stall 22 <\/p>\n

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The dining area at Eat Up. Caroline Shin\/Eater NY<\/p>\n