Zhangye local food and restaurants, what and where to eat

As an important hub along the Silk Road, Zhangye has long been one of the keys crossroads for cultural exchange between the East and the West. With the flow of commerce and population, the flavors of various regions have blended in this land, making Zhangye a melting pot of diverse cuisines and giving rise to a unique local food culture. Following are food and restaurants that recommended to enjoy in Zhangye.

What to eat

Top 1: Beef Xiaofan/牛肉小饭

Beef Xiaofan is one of the most distinctive breakfasts in Zhangye. Though called "Xiaofan" (literally "little rice"), it actually refers to small chunks of dough made from flour, shaped to resemble rice grains but with a much chewier and firmer texture. The dough is cut into rice-sized pieces, boiled in water, and then topped with a broth made from simmered beef bones, along with ingredients like tofu, vermicelli, and beef. When scoop up, fragrance overflowing, making you sweat from the nose while eating, with the deliciousness truly beyond words.

Top 2: Cuoyu Noodles/搓鱼面

Cuoyu (rubbed-fish) Noodles, also known as Cuo Yuzi, is a traditional noodle dish unique to Zhangye. Its name comes from the shape of the finished noodles, which are thick in the middle and taper to a point at both ends, resembling small fish. To make the noodles, dough is rolled into thin strips and then rubbed by hand into fish-like forms, finally boiled. This type of noodle can be served in soup, mixed with sauce, or stir-fried like chow mein. The texture is delightful, with a chewy, satisfying bite.

Top 3: Stir-fried Bola/炒拨拉

Stir-fried Bola (stir and toss) is a dish named for the action of "stir-frying and tossing" the ingredients during its preparation. In a large iron wok, chopped lamb offal—such as liver, lungs, stomach, intestines, and heart—is stir-fried with seasonings like scallions, garlic sprouts, and spices over high heat until cooked and serve. The dish is moderate spicy and flavorful, fat yet not greasy, with smoke wreathed. Stir-fried Bola is typically eaten hot, served directly from the wok, delicious and warm.

Top 4: Minced Noodles/张掖臊面

Minced Mian is a famous traditional snack in Zhangye, beloved by locals, often enjoyed in combination with chives baozi. The traditional Minced Mian, thinly slice the dough into chive leaves alike, then boiled until cooked. The broth is typically made with chicken stock, beef bone or pork bone stock can also be used, seasoning with pepper and ginger powder, and a little cornstarch to thicken the soup, making it transparence. Topped with meat slices, scallions, and dried tofu, it is mellow and spicy that is and unforgettable.

Top 5: Gaotao Oil Cake/高台油糕

Gaotai Oil Cake is a renowned traditional snack in Zhangye Gaotai and is a masterpiece of Gaotai people. The flour is first parboiled with boiling water, then repeatedly stirred with cold water. The dough is then kneaded into balls about the size of an egg and filled with a mixture of sugar and sweet red bean paste. After being deep-fried, the oil cakes are golden brown with an irresistible aroma. The outer layer is crispy while the inside is soft, with a sweet and delightful taste that lingers in the mouth.

Top 6: Chicken with Dough Roll/卷子鸡

Chicken with Dough Roll is another signature dish of Zhangye, known for its rich flavor, chewy wheat rolls, and a perfect combination of color, aroma, and taste. The chicken is cut into small pieces and stir-fried in a pot with ginger, chopped scallions, and red chili, then simmered over high heat until about 80% cooked. Afterward, wide dough rolls, rolled into a cylinder, is placed on top of the chicken to continue cooking. Once fully cooked, the dish is served with shredded green peppers and onions, ready to be enjoyed.

Where to eat

Top 1: Bighead Jiao Beef Xiaofan/焦大头牛肉小饭

In Zhangye, there is a popular Xiaofan restaurant, the well-known Bighead Jiao Beef Xiaofan. This is a local favorite, and its reputation has spread by word of mouth, with its generous servings of beef, delicious yet affordable.

• Recommended: Beef Xiaofan, beef slices, drumstick
• Operating Hours: 07:00 AM – 01:30 PM
• Address: No. 482 South Ring Road, Ganzhou District, Zhangye
• Telephone: 13014120177

Top 2: Pengxin Lamb Restaurant/鹏馨羊羔肉

Pengxin Lamb Restaurant, using a secret recipe and traditional cooking techniques, combines locally sourced, all-natural ingredients to offer you a unique lamb experience. The lamb is tender and flavorful, with a satisfying level of spice, and the accompanying side dishes are crisp and refreshing. No wonder the restaurant is still packed with people even close to 10 p.m.

• Recommended: lamb dishes, seasonal vegetables, Cuoyu Noodles, Chicken with Dough Roll, Milk and Egg Laozao
• Operating Hours: 09:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Address: south gate of No.2 Middle School of Zhangye, Xinjian Street, Zhangye
• Telephone: 0936-8880333

Top 3: Grain Trade Restaurant/粮贸餐厅

Grain Trade Restaurant specializes in breakfast dishes such as Minced Noodles and a variety of meat and vegetarian baozi, attracting many customers. The broth of the Minced Noodles is rich and flavorful, while the baozi have thin skins and are generously filled. With affordable prices, it is an excellent spot to experience the local breakfast of Zhangye.

• Recommended: Minced Noodles, Goubuli Baozi
• Operating Hours: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM
• Address: East Street Crossroad, Ganzhou District, Zhangye
• Telephone: 18009366092

Top 4: Liu Yingying Malatang/刘英英麻辣烫

Liu Yingying Malatang is renowned for its unique spiciness and the rich Sichuan peppers. Made with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, each step carefully monitors to ensure the highest quality, and every bite is filled with a fragrant and mouthwatering taste.

• Recommended: Malatang
• Operating Hours: 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Address: No. 170 South Ring Road, Ganzhou District, Zhangye
• Telephone: 13830660859

Top 5: 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

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the ancient Silk Road

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• Top destinations: best places to visit in Zhangye
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• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, festivals, etc.
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• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Zhangye
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