Biangbiang noodles

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Biangbiang noodles also known as youpo chemian in Chinese, are a type of noodle popular in the cuisine of China's Shaanxi Province. The noodles, touted as one of the "eight strange wonders of Shaanxi" (陕西八大怪), are described as being like a belt, due to their thickness and length.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The character "biáng" is one of the most complex Chinese characters in contemporary usage, although the character is not found in modern dictionaries or even in the Kangxi dictionary. The Chinese character "biáng" requires 58 strokes of the pen. Some people think the character represents the sound of the noodle being made, others believe it was a family name, but the true origins remain a mystery.

Preparation[edit | edit source]

The noodle is broad and hand-made. It is topped with lots of red hot peppers for the cold winter in Shaanxi. The ingredients of Biangbiang noodles include high-gluten wheat flour, water, and salt. The toppings are usually simple and vary but generally include a combination of soy sauce, black vinegar, garlic, red hot peppers, green onions, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Cultural significance[edit | edit source]

Biangbiang noodles have become a cultural symbol of the Shaanxi Province and have spread to other areas in China. They are often served in a spicy sauce and are a staple in the local cuisine.

See also[edit | edit source]

Biangbiang noodles Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD