Tastes & traditions of the Yellow River
From noodles and dumplings to opera and festivals, explore the authentic flavors and captivating performances shaped by millennia, Deng Zhangyu reports.
Lanzhou beef noodles
A bowl of beef noodles is an essential culinary experience when visiting northwestern China, especially in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province.
This iconic dish features hand-pulled noodles that are chewy and silky, served in a clear yet rich beef broth that is slow-simmered for hours with spices and radishes. The classic presentation adheres to the principle of "one clear, two white, three red, four green, and five yellow", referring to a clear broth, white radish, red chili oil, green cilantro and scallions, and yellow, shiny noodles.
Each bowl is crafted right before your eyes, with skilled chefs stretching and pulling the dough into thin, uniform strands. The size of the noodles can be adjusted according to customer preferences. The combination of tender beef slices, aromatic soup and springy noodles creates an unforgettable harmony of flavors and textures.
