Lanzhou lamian
(Lanzhou beef noodles, 兰州牛肉面)
Lanzhou lamian is a Chinese noodle dish known for its hand-pulled noodles, originating from Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province in northwest China. "Lamian" translates to "pulled noodles", as the dough is stretched and folded repeatedly by hand to create long, thin noodles with a perfect chewy texture.
This technique not only aligns the gluten but also enhances the texture of the noodles. The resulting noodles are cooked in a rich beef broth that is clear and flavorful, without the use of soy sauce, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
Lanzhou lamian is often served with thinly sliced beef and various toppings, and is traditionally garnished with fresh cilantro, chili oil, and slices of white radish, adhering to a visual principle of the "five colors": clear broth, white radish, green cilantro, red chili oil, and yellow noodles. Read more
This dish has gained immense popularity across China and is often recognized as one of the country's top noodle dishes. The origins of Lanzhou lamian date back to the Tang Dynasty, with its modern form believed to have been popularized in the early 19th century by a Hui Muslim vendor named Ma Baozi.
Today, it is commonly found in numerous noodle shops throughout China, particularly those owned by Hui families who serve halal food.
WHERE TO EAT The best Lanzhou lamian in the world (according to food experts)
