Gansu local food and restaurants, what and where to eat in Gansu

Gansu, located at the intersection of the Loess Plateau, Tibetan Plateau, and Inner Mongolian Plateau, has long been a significant origin of Chinese cuisine. Its unique geography and abundant natural resources have given rise to a wealth of distinctive culinary delights. Following are food and restaurant that recommended to enjoy in Gansu.

What to eat

Top 1: Lanzhou Beef Noodles/兰州牛肉面

Lanzhou Beef Noodles, known as "China's Number One Noodle", is a renowned local delicacy from Lanzhou, Gansu. Its appealing colors—clear beef broth, pure white radish slices, bright red chili oil, fresh green garlic sprouts, and smooth yellow noodles—delight diners both at home and abroad. The noodles are tender yet chewy, the beef is succulent and melts in mouth, and the broth is rich and flavorful, leaving a lasting impression. In every street and alley of Lanzhou, at least one or two beef noodle shops can be found, filling the air with their delightful aroma, making it an indispensable part of life in the city.

Top 2: Rang Pi Zi/酿皮子

Rang Pi Zi, a specialty snack from the Northwest, delicious and refreshing, can be not only a snack but also a filling main dish. Often enjoyed as a fast food, it is beloved by the people of Gansu. Rang Pi Zi can be shimmering yellow or smooth like jade, and when mixed with special seasonings, there is a sour, spicy flavor and a chewy mouthfeel. Served cut into thin strips and topped with steamed, sliced gluten, chili oil, vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and mustard, the dish is visually appealing and aromatic. In the hot summer, a plate of Rang Pi Zi feels incredibly refreshing and boosts your appetite.

Top 3: Jiangshui Noodles/浆水面

Jiangshui (mixed starch) noodles are a popular daily staple in southern Gansu. There are two types of jiangshui: one called “clear jiangshui”, which is transparent, another called "hairy jiangshui", which is thicker with vegetables. The jiangshui with scallions and Sichuan pepper is heated with oil and, to awaken its flavors, giving it a refreshing sourness. Jiangshui noodles are typically seasoned with chili oil, salt, and coriander, and served with delicious toppings like Longxi cured meat, cold cucumber salad, and tiger-skin peppers. Gobbling with garlic, enjoy the nutritious heat-beating meal.

Top 4: Hand-grasped Mutton/手抓羊肉

As one of Gansu's top ten classic dishes, Hand-grasped Mutton can trace back to nearly a thousand years, which will be found everywhere in Gansu, from cities to rural areas.

The preparation is straightforward, but the selection of ingredients is crucial. Typically, local free-range lamb is used for its tender meat and mild flavor. The meat is cleaned, placed in a pot with water and spices, and simmered until tender. It can be eaten by hand directly, or sliced and dipped in a special sauce or refined salt, and eating whether hot or cold have a distinctive flavor.

In Gansu, hand- grasped mutton is a kind of culture more than just a dish. During festivals and celebrations, families gather to enjoy it together, sharing hearty portions and drinks, that the joyful atmosphere is hard to describe in words.

Top 5: Longxi Cured Meat/陇西腊肉

Longxi cured meat is a traditional dish with rich color, aroma, and flavor. With a long history, its preparation involves marinating pork in ingredients, such as salt, Sichuan peppercorns, cumin, ginger peel, and cinnamon, then drying it in the sun. The cured meat features a beautiful marbling of fat and lean meat: the lean portions are vibrant like a red sunset, tender yet not dry, while the fat is glistening like agate, rich but not greasy. There are various ways to enjoy Longxi cured meat, but the most classic method is to sandwich it in a steamed bread, preferably after warming it up to reach the best texture.

Top 6: Jingning Braised Chicken/静宁烧鸡

Jingning braised chicken, also known as Jingning stewed chicken, is a traditional delicacy from the Jingning region of Gansu, renowned for its golden color and enticing aroma. It is made with top-quality domestic chickens and Jingning's unique free-range hens, seasoning a secret blend of stew spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken is tender and juicy, bursting with flavor. Each bite intertwines the rich taste of the chicken with the fragrance of medicinal herbs, just like a feast of taste.

Top 7: Tianshui Guagua/天水呱呱

Tianshui guagua is a traditional snack from the Tianshui region of Gansu, known as "the first delicacy of Qinzhou". With origins dating back nearly 2000 years to the late Western Han Dynasty, it comes in various types, with buckwheat guagua being the most popular. When served, it is typically torn into small pieces and paired with a mix of condiments such as chili oil, sesame oil, mustard, soy sauce, salt, vinegar, and garlic paste, that the texture is fragrant, spicy, and soft.

Top 8: Hui Douzi/灰豆子

Hui Douzi (pea) is a unique snack from Lanzhou, Gansu, made from gray peas that are boiled to a sandy texture with a natural sweetness. Its preparation is similar to red bean soup, but the main ingredient is the pea. What makes Hui Douzi special is the addition of "hui", which refers to a local edible alkali derived from plants. When served, it is often sweetened with white sugar, creating a distinct flavor. In the hot summer months, chilled Hui Douzi becomes a refreshing treat to help beat the heat.

Where to eat

Top 1: Mogouyan Time-honor Brand Beef Noodles/磨沟沿老字号牛肉面

Mogouyan Time-honor Brand Beef Noodles is undoubtedly a shining symbol of the city, cherished by locals and favored by visitors alike. The signature dish is made with high-quality beef and handmade noodles, complemented by rich bone broth and distinctive seasonings, leading to a bowl of noodles that boasts tender meat and chewy noodles.

Whether for the tourists who are eager for delicacy or for the locals who have grown up with beef noodles, Mogouyan's unique flavor and quality make it a representative of Lanzhou's culinary culture, showcasing the charm and character of the city to the world.

• Recommended: Lanzhou beef noodles, noodles with soybean paste, cold noodles, chow mein (fried noodles)
• Operating Hours: 06:00 AM – 03:00 PM
• Address: No. 46 Mogouyan, Xijin East Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City, Gansu
• Telephone: 13893365227

Top 2: Halal Restaurant of Ma the Sixth/马老六清真餐饮

Halal Restaurant of Ma the Sixth is a popular and renowned establishment specializing in halal cuisine in Lanzhou Gansu. Their signature dish is Lamb, prepared mainly through stir-frying, steaming, and braising. The finished dish is tender, beautifully presented, and the lamb is soft and flavorful, best enjoyed with white-skinned noodles. In the evening, they also offer whole lamb hot pot.

• Recommended: Hand-grasped Motton, Braised Mutton, Roasted Lamb with Cumin, Whole Mutton Hot Pot, San Pao Tai
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
• Address: No. 17 Tongwei Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu
• Telephone: 0931-8458333

Top 3: Zhengning Road Snack Night Market/正宁路小吃夜市

Zhengning Road Snack Night Market is the largest snack night market in the Chengguan District of Lanzhou. Located in a bustling area, this long street is illuminated throughout the night, featuring a dazzling array of snacks. Every evening, nearly a hundred stalls are lined up neatly from east to west, with vendors calling out enticingly to attract passersby, creating a vibrant and lively scene.

• Recommended: Rang Pi Zi, Jiangshui Noodles, Hui Douzi, Cold Noodles, Barbecue, Sheep Head, Apricot Peel Soup
• Operating Hours: 06:30 PM – 02:00 PM
• Address: No. 333 Zhengning Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu

Top 4: Jiayuguan Desert Tandoor Barbecue/嘉峪关大漠馕坑肉

Desert Tandoor Barbecue, located in Jiayuguan, is a well-known restaurant specializing in Xinjiang cuisine and various grilled meats. Their signature dish, Tandoor Lamb Barbecue, is praised for its crispy exterior and tender interior, with no gamey taste, delivering an authentic flavor. Every dish here is not only delicious but also leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the true essence of Northwest flavors.

• Recommended: Tandoor Barbecue, Naan, Palif, Hand-shredded Pepper Chicken, Spinach with Gluten
• Operating Hours: 12:00 AM – 02:30 PM & 05:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Address: Intersection of Tiyu Avenue and Shengli South Road, Jiayuguan City, Gansu
• Telephone: 18693766696

Top 5: Dongji Beef Xiaofan/董记牛肉小饭

Zhangye specialty Beef Xiaofan specializes in a local delicacy known as beef xiaofan. This dish features dough drop, cooked in a beef broth with tender beef slices, tofu, and rice noodles. The beef is succulent and flavorful, while the dumpling-like pieces of dough are incredibly smooth, making for a nice texture.

• Recommended: Beef Dough Xiaofan
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
• Address: No. 24 East Democracy Street, Zhangye City, Gansu
• Telephone: 13150143965