Lanzhou local food and restaurants, what and where to eat

When mentioning Lanzhou, one must bring up the world-famous Lanzhou Beef Noodles, as iconic as a melodious northwestern folk song, heralding the start of Lanzhou's culinary symphony. Yet, the treasures of Lanzhou cuisine extend far beyond just this dish, like radiant pearls scattered along the banks of the Yellow River, awaiting each traveler to discover and savor. Following are food and restaurants that recommended to enjoy in Lanzhou.

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. Its five 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 Lanzhou. 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. In the height of summer, Lanzhou people naturally turn to eating jiangshui noodles.

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 Lanzhou, 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 Lanzhou, 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: Hu Family Baozi/胡家包子

Hu Family Baozi is the most renowned baozi in Lanzhou, offering a wide variety that delights with both meat and vegetarian fillings. The beef baozi is tender and juicy, with a rich, meaty aroma, while the carrot baozi is crisp and refreshing, with a subtle sweetness. Unlike other baozi, Hu Family Baozi is typically enjoyed with chili oil. Pouring the vibrant red chili oil over the baozi and taking a bite fills your mouth with fragrance and leaves you savoring each flavorful, juicy bite.

Top 6: Milk and Egg Laozao/牛奶鸡蛋醪糟

In Lanzhou, especially in the night markets, a beloved treat can be found everywhere: Milk and Egg Laozao, which, was once the representative of Lanzhou local cuisine in addition to Lanzhou beef noodles. Laozao, also known as Jiuniang in some places, is a kind of fermented glutinous rice wine. In Lanzhou, laozao is boiled with milk and eggs, then topped with a sprinkle of crushed dried fruits. The soft egg blossoms in a creamy, pale broth that is sweet and tangy, with an enticing milky aroma.

Top 7: Dongguo Pear Soup/热冬果

Dongguo Pear Soup is a beloved street snack that Lanzhou locals have enjoyed for centuries. Dongguo pear, which has been cultivated for hundreds of years and is one of the renowned "Eight Pears of Gansu", is crisp, juicy, and fragrant. In winter, people prepare it as a warm, sweet soup by heating the Dongguo pear with red dates and rock sugar, simmering over a gentle flame. Each spoonful delivers a tender, smooth bite of pear that melts in the mouth, filling with sweet flavors and a warmth that seems to spread throughout the body.

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
• 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
• 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

Top 4: Hu Family Baozi Halal/胡家包子·清真

Hu Family Baozi Halal has been open for over twenty years and has expanded to 21 locations during that time, attracting many locals with its outstanding craft and flavor. Though the storefronts aren’t particularly large, the prominent signs are hard to miss and the spaces inside are clean and well-organized. The baozi are generously filled with thin wrappers and plenty of savory broth, making them irresistibly appetizing at first glance.

• Recommended: Hu Family Baozi, Spicy Soup, Hui Douzi, Eight Treasures Laozao, Beef
• Operating Hours: 08:30 AM – 07:00 PM
• Address: No. 68 Linxia Road, Xiguan Cross, Chengguan District, Lanzhou
• Telephone: 0931-8465018

Top 5: Ma Zhixiong Barbecue with Chili/马志雄辣子烤肉

Near the back gate of the Army General Hospital, the Ma Zhixiong Barbecue with Chili is tucked away in the street alleys, yet it draws crowds of eager diners. The grilled lamb is sprinkled with a spicy chili powder, with the meat’s fat soaking into the chili, making each bite intensely flavorful and explosive.

• Recommended: Barbecue with Chili, Pancake
• Operating Hours: 05:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Address: No. 110-118 Xiaoxihu West Street, Qilihe District, Lanzhou
• Telephone: 18609384069