Review of Maryland’s Iconic “Dirty Yak” From Viral Restaurant

If you haven’t heard of “Dirty Yak,” you’re not alone, but you’ve probably seen the buzz. This iconic Baltimore dish, locally known as yakamein, yat gaw mein, or dirty yak, has been turning heads on social media and food feeds, with people craving its thick noodles drenched in rich sauce, savory protein, and a hard-boiled egg on top.

For many outside the city, it’s a curiosity. For Baltimore natives, it’s a late-night staple that defines neighborhood carryout culture. So when Mr. 8 That made the trek to Jimmy’s Carryout (2500 Hoffman St.), a longtime East Baltimore favorite known for its shrimp yak and loyal following, it was about more than just trying a viral dish for the first time. It was about experiencing a piece of Baltimore food identity that has engrained itself in the cities story.

Mr. 8 That made the drive out to Baltimore, MD to check out Jimmy’s Carryout. Mr. 8 That rates every restaurant using two simple categories: price and taste, each scored on a scale of 1-5. Add the two scores together, and if a restaurant reaches a total of 8 or higher, it officially “8 that.”

Mr. 8 That: “The noodles had an udon-like thickness and chew to them as opposed to a thinner more rounded lo-mein style noodle. The dark soy that coated everything was a rich salty flavor that got a little bit oily by the end of the eating experience. The hard-boiled eggs provided a break from the salty soy, and the surprise addition of ketchup provided a vinegary sweetness that surprisingly worked with the other flavors going on.”

During his visit, Mr. 8 That tried the Shrimp Yak, with no alterations or modifications. He gave the flavor a 3.7 and the price a 4.5, leading to a final score of 8.2. That means that Jimmy’s Carryout 8 that! While Jimmy’s Carryout has a loyal following, there are many other spots within Baltimore that serve the iconic “Dirty Yak.”

Link to TikTok video review: Mr. 8 That’s TikTok Video on Jimmy’s Carryout

@mr.8.that I went into deep into Baltimore to try Authentic “Dirty Yak” for the First Time from a Baltimore Institution – Jimmy’s Carryout – Baltimore, MD Small Business, Food Review, Baltimore, Yakamein, Dirty Yak, Chinese, Carryout, DMVEats, Foodie, Shrimp Yak, Takeout #foodreview #baltimore #yakamein #DMVEats #baltimorefoodie ♬ original sound – Kinflo

Link to Instagram video review: Mr. 8 That’s Instagram Video on Jimmy’s Carryout

 

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Address:
Jimmy’s Carryout
2500 E Hoffman St
Baltimore, MD 21213

Website: N/A