Lanzhou beef noodle soup

Beef noodle soup(Lanzhou)

Location of Lanzhou Prefecture within Gansu (China)

Lanzhou Ramen

Lanzhou-style beef noodle soup at Qiaotou (20190610190359)

Coocking noodles in Beijin002

Chinese noodles

Lanzhou beef noodle soup is a traditional Chinese dish and a staple of Lanzhou cuisine, originating from the city of Lanzhou in Gansu Province, China. It is widely regarded as one of the "Ten Strange Delicacies of Lanzhou." The dish is celebrated for its clear broth, tender beef, hand-pulled noodles, and distinctively refreshing flavor. It is a symbol of Lanzhou's culinary culture and has gained popularity both nationally and internationally.

History

The origins of Lanzhou beef noodle soup can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, when it was first created by the Hui people, a Muslim ethnic group in China. The dish was developed as a halal meal that adheres to Islamic dietary laws, which is why it predominantly features beef instead of pork, which is more commonly used in other Chinese noodle dishes.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of Lanzhou beef noodle soup include clear beef broth, radishes, chili oil, coriander, garlic, and specially made hand-pulled wheat noodles. The beef used in the soup is usually a combination of different cuts to enhance the flavor and texture of the broth.

The preparation of the dish is an elaborate process that involves several steps:

• The beef broth is simmered for hours with various spices, including cinnamon, star anise, and ginger, to create a rich and flavorful base.
• The noodles are hand-pulled to desired thickness. The art of noodle pulling is a skill that requires years of practice, and it is a spectacle in itself to see the chefs stretch and fold the dough to produce thin, even noodles.
• The radishes are cooked until tender and added to the broth.
• The soup is assembled by placing noodles in a bowl, ladling the hot broth over them, and then topping with slices of cooked beef, radishes, and a sprinkle of coriander and garlic.

Cultural Significance

Lanzhou beef noodle soup is more than just a dish; it is a cultural icon of Lanzhou. It represents the city's hospitality and the fusion of different cultural influences, including Han Chinese and Hui Muslim traditions. The dish is served in numerous noodle shops across Lanzhou, each claiming to have its unique recipe or preparation method. It has also become a popular street food throughout China, symbolizing Lanzhou's culinary influence.

Variations

While the traditional Lanzhou beef noodle soup remains the most popular, several variations have emerged, catering to different tastes and preferences. These include adding different types of vegetables, using various noodle widths, and adjusting the level of spiciness.

In Popular Culture

Lanzhou beef noodle soup has been featured in various travel and cooking shows, highlighting its significance in Chinese cuisine and its unique preparation process. It is often cited as a must-try dish for visitors to Lanzhou and is celebrated in food festivals and culinary competitions.

See Also

• Chinese cuisine
• Noodle soup
• Hui cuisine