A weathered stone farmhouse surrounded by a walled orchard in the shadow of the Mutianyu Great Wall, this homely noodle house sports the sort of rustic setting that inspire poetry.

As the name suggests, Xiaolumian serves noodles (19/21RMB for a regular/large bowl made from buckwheat flour and flavoured with a choice of spinach, carrot, or wormwood Artemisia.

The noodles can be paired with an array of sauces (for which you pay extra) and the zhajiang-based sauces are especially good. A mixture of sweet wheaten and salted bean paste comes with diced pork, an eggplant and green pepper combo or scrambled eggs. Those who don’t want zhajjiang can opt for stir-fried shredded chicken with ginger slivers or sautéed shitake mushrooms, though the latter is more suited to being a side dish as there is no sauce to coat the noodles.

Clear chicken or beef broth is offered at 23RMB a bowl and each meal comes with a set of condiments--toasted sesame seeds, garlic chips, chili oil, sesame oil with salt and sweet and sour pickled ginger, as well as a platter of mixed vegetables and an excellent dipping sauce.

Everything served at Xiaolumian is of high standard, but it could be better still if their menu was simplified since at present there are just too many choices. That said, this restaurant does provide a wonderful dining experience thanks to the distinctive decorated farmhouse and beautiful outdoor dining area set amidst chestnut and persimmon trees. With several walking trails in the vicinity, including one that takes you on to a wild part of the Great Wall, Xiaolumian has the potential to be a great part of a family day out.

130 Yingbeigou Cun, Huairou District (tel 6162 6506) Weekends and holidays 10am-6pm or by appointment. Meal for two around 150RMB

小庐面 怀柔区营北沟村130号