Meet Alison Deng and Sia Zhang, the owners of Biang Biang Noodles in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Biang Biang’s long, thick, hand-pulled noodles are delightfully chewy and a great canvas for chili and garlic. Alison and Sia infuse these traditional noodles with lots of different flavors, proteins, and veggies. Order the Mapo tofu, mala beef, or cumin lamb noodles and a savory fried chicken bao or some of their insanely crispy chicken wings!
Fun fact: The Chinese character for ‘biang’ is the most complicated Chinese character — over 50 strokes!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What’s your favorite part about the community your business is in & why?
First, Capitol Hill has a vibrant cultural scene. It attracts a diverse and creative crowd that perfectly matches our innovative dining experience. The neighborhood is known as a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, which is amazing because we can actively contribute to that scene and provide a welcoming space for everyone who walks through our doors. Another fantastic thing is the loyalty of Capitol Hill residents to local businesses. They support us, giving us a solid customer base and creating strong community pride. Lastly, the community engagement here is exceptional. These aspects make running Biang Biang Noodles in Capitol Hill a truly dynamic and enriching experience.
Why is it important to you and your business that people #SpendLikeItMatters?
Supporting us and other local businesses gives a boost to our economy. It’s like creating more jobs and making our community stronger. Plus, it’s all about building connections. When you choose local, you’re not just getting tasty food; you’re joining a community where we can hang out and get to know each other.
And guess what? Going local also means fueling innovation. It’s like supporting fresh ideas and making our place exciting and vibrant. Oh, and let’s not forget the planet! Shorter supply chains mean less harm to the environment.
So, let’s make a difference. Let’s #SpendLikeItMatters and create a thriving community we can all be proud of.
As a business owner, what’s the strangest or craziest idea you’ve ever tried?
One of the craziest and most exciting ideas I’ve ever tried was building a speakeasy bar on the mezzanine of my restaurant. The bar will feature artisanal cocktails that are inspired by Asian culture. It was an unconventional concept that added a new dimension to the dining experience. It is coming in the fall of 2023.
What’s something your customers may not know about you or your business?
We strive for the best quality of hand-pulled noodles. Every noodle chef in our restaurant has to practice pulling 1000 orders of noodles to be on his own in the cooking line.
What are some of your favorite local businesses and why?
I love Homer on Beacon Hill. It offers a welcoming vibe and delicious Mediterranean food.