Brother Nan's noodle shop was large, and the layout was quite different from that of a typical small noodle shop.
Just inside the door was the ordering counter, which also served as the cash register. Now, payment was made before dining. There was also a stainless-steel table here, usually set with marinated eggs, pickles, and baked wheat cakes; at noon, it also offered fast food.
Further inside, there was an actual hallway that led to a very large dining area.
The kitchen was right next to the hallway.
The kitchen was much larger than those of ordinary noodle shops. Zhou Li remembered that back when he was in junior high, Brother Nan's place already sold side dishes—the small plates that could be paired with noodles, such as smashed green beans with minced pork, steamed pork with rice flour, braised beef, and so on. Now, in addition to the side dishes, Brother Nan's place also offered fast food at lunchtime, and one could order home-style dishes as well.
