The Mein
Uncle Pings
I’m a sucker for beef chow fun— something about the way those thicker noodles have a frypan char and the smoky savoriness that sets them apart from other noodle dishes. Theirs are as good as they come—the noodles are light and pillowy, airy and non-greasy, and bursting with flavor. The mung bean sprouts share the flavor of the noodles, and the flank steak is chew-with-your48
U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E AU G U S T 2 0 2 2
tongue insanity. The thick-cut al dente green onion is complemented by sliced yellow onion that tastes flash-fried, providing a light snap that still tastes well-marinated in flavor. The best part is the lack of heavy starchiness you often feel from noodle experiences. We added cream cheese wontons which came with some of the best sweet and sour sauce we’ve ever had. The business’ simplicity of decor and counter-order dining experience makes every visit easy; their consistency, diligence, and quality makes you come back for more. As mentioned above, they have an express lunch that allows a quick meal experience at a price that is just as easy to swallow as the meal itself. A short walk to the next block west, you’ll find a well-shaded grassy area behind the Butte County Office of Education building for you to sit and enjoy your lunch, if you prefer the outdoors. Let their family feed yours. I’m sure if you visit, you’ll appreciate this operation and find yourself an instant fan.
WRITTEN BY JASON CORONA
I heard, “Hi, Uncle Pings!” in the most excited voice and was even happier to order than I was before I called. That was my first of many interactions with the He family, who own and entirely operate Uncle Pings on Robinson Street between Myers and Huntoon Streets in Oroville. This is a mostly to-go establishment—four tables, plus two chairs at their window counter, allow for comfortably-spaced seating. The four family members are tirelessly on display during their greatvalue lunch rush and packaging the mostly to-go orders during dinner. Their bagging is impeccable and deliberate with perfect container placement to ensure satisfaction on your trip home.
