To date, Song He Lou Suzhou Noodle has 17 outlets in cities such as Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. In October, the noodle chain opened its first outlet in Beijing, marking its debut in northern China. The second Beijing outlet will open in January. The company says it plans to open 300 outlets across China within the next five years.

Geng Xiaoting, a regular customer at the outlet in the Jing'an Kerry Center in downtown Shanghai, is among those who have relished the brand's return to its roots.

"I grew up eating Suzhou-style noodles," says Geng. "It is really heartening to have this addition of a premium noodle shop within walking distance of my office."

Following the success of Song He Lou's noodle outlets, industry insiders believe that there will be more eateries offering premium noodle options to young office workers. Xin Rong Ji, another high-end restaurant that originated in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, recently opened its first noodle-themed outlet in downtown Shanghai.

This new trend is one that has gotten noodle fans like Hua excited.

"Noodles are far more than just food. They are a culinary art infused with much of people's love for life. I am so happy to see noodles making a comeback," he says.

Contact the writer at xingyi@chinadaily.com.cn