Flavors of Lanzhou
The cuisine of Lanzhou in Gansu Province is famous for its strong flavor, which is popular in northwest China and Central Asia.
Usually seasoned with pepper powder, garlic and chili, Lanzhou cuisine is enjoyed by many Chinese, especially those from the northern part of the country.
For Lanzhou locals, a big bowl of hand-pulled beef noodles is a must for breakfast. Many beef noodle restaurants crowded with people enjoying their food can be seen along the busy city streets.
Lanzhou beef noodles contain yellow noodles, red pepper powder, white turnips, clear beef soup and chopped green onions. There are about 10 ten types of beef noodles according to the noodles' thickness.
Beside Lanzhou hand-pulled beef noodles, boiled mutton with thick bean noodles and Lanzhou "zhaorou," stewed pork with fermented bean curd and lotus leaf-shaped steamed buns, are also widely popular among locals and tourists alike.
Typical Lanzhou desserts include "sanpaotai" (green tea with rock sugar, Chinese dates, dried apricots and dried rose petals), "huidou" (boiled local fava beans with Chinese dates) and "dongguoli" (boiled Dongguo pears with rock sugar).