Lanzhou Cold Noodle

A delicious topic! Lanzhou Cold Noodle, also known as Lanzhou Liang Pi or Lanzhou Cold Skin Noodle, is a popular Chinese dish originating from Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province in northwest China. It has gained significant popularity in Chinese restaurants in the USA and worldwide. Let's dive into the details of this dish!

Origins

Lanzhou Cold Noodles have a rich history dating back to the 1960s in Lanzhou. The dish was created by a local chef named Peng Changpeng, who experimented with cold noodles as a way to cool down the local residents during the hot summer months. The dish quickly gained popularity in Lanzhou and eventually spread throughout China and internationally.

Ingredients

The key ingredients of Lanzhou Cold Noodles include:

1. Starch noodles: Thin, white, and chewy starch noodles made from wheat flour, water, and sometimes cornstarch or tapioca flour.

2. Sauce: A savory, slightly spicy, and sweet sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sugar.

3. Toppings: Chopped cucumber, carrots, cilantro, bean sprouts, and sometimes sliced pork or chicken.

Preparation

The preparation of Lanzhou Cold Noodles involves several steps:

1. Cooking the starch noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, they are soaked in hot water, then rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Preparing the sauce by mixing the ingredients mentioned earlier.

3. Assembling the dish by placing the cooked noodles in a bowl, topping with the sauce, and garnishing with the various toppings.

Texture and Flavor Profile

The starch noodles have a unique texture, being slightly chewy and firm. The sauce adds a savory, slightly spicy, and sweet flavor profile, while the toppings provide a refreshing crunch and freshness.

Regional Variations

Lanzhou Cold Noodles have variations across different regions in China and internationally. Some variations may include different types of noodles, additional toppings, or changes to the sauce recipe.

Where to Find Lanzhou Cold Noodles in the USA

You can find Lanzhou Cold Noodles in Chinese restaurants, especially those specializing in Northwestern Chinese cuisine. Some popular restaurants and chains serving Lanzhou Cold Noodles in the USA include:

1. Xi'an Famous Foods (multiple locations)

2. Lanzhou Handmade Noodle (New York City)

3. Chengdu Impression (Los Angeles)

4. China King (multiple locations)

Tips for Ordering

When ordering Lanzhou Cold Noodles at a restaurant, you can customize the dish to your liking by asking for:

DIY Lanzhou Cold Noodles at Home

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making Lanzhou Cold Noodles at home. You can find starch noodles at Asian markets or online. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Cook the starch noodles according to the package instructions.

2. Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl.

3. Assemble the dish by placing the cooked noodles in a bowl, topping with the sauce, and garnishing with the toppings.

I hope this introduction to Lanzhou Cold Noodles has piqued your interest and appetite!