Best Budget Eats in Lanzhou, China
1. Hand-Pulled Noodles at Xigu Jiaolou
Savor traditional Lanzhou's famous hand-pulled noodles at this local institution. Known for its tender noodles and hearty broth.
- Authentic Experience: Serves traditional Lanzhou noodles in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
- Value for Money: Offers generous portions at an affordable price.
- Local Favorite: A popular spot among locals and travelers alike.
2. Spicy Crescent Moon-Shaped Buns at Xinjiang Snack Street
Savor these spicy, crescent-shaped buns filled with mutton or potatoes at the bustling Xinjiang Snack Street.
- Spiciness Level: Offers a range of spice levels to cater to different preferences.
- Unique Snack: A popular snack unique to Lanzhou and the Xinjiang region.
- Bargain Price: Inexpensive street food offering great value for its quality and flavor.
3. Lamb Soup at Hui Muslim Restaurant
Indulge in a hearty lamb soup made with aromatic spices at the Hui Muslim Restaurant.
- Tasty Broth: Offers rich and flavorful lamb broth.
- Hui Culture Experience: Experience the local Hui culture while enjoying traditional Muslim cuisine.
- Family-Style Serving: Serves generous portions suitable for sharing with a group.
4. Sour Yogurt at Jiuqu Zhai
Relax and enjoy the refreshing taste of homemade sour yogurt at Jiuqu Zhai.
- Freshness: Made fresh daily using local ingredients.
- Refreshing Break: A perfect palate cleanser between meals.
- Affordable Refreshment: Inexpensive, yet a tasty and healthy option.
5. BBQ Mutton Skewers at Muslim Street
Experience the flavors of grilled mutton skewers at the bustling Muslim Street.
- Variety: Offers a variety of different seasonings and cuts.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while savoring delicious street food.
- Portion Size: Skewers are small and inexpensive, allowing you to try multiple flavors.
6. Rice Cake Soup at Zhongshan Road
Warm up with a bowl of chewy rice cake soup along Zhongshan Road.
- Comfort Food: A comforting, warm dish suitable for any time of the day.
- Local Specialty: A unique and popular dish in Lanzhou.
- Affordable Comfort: Inexpensive and filling, perfect for budget travelers.
7. Cold Noodles at Xiguan Dachang Laoban
Cool down with a bowl of cold noodles at the iconic Xiguan Dachang Laoban.
- Unique Taste: Features a unique, tangy flavor from its secret sauce.
- Historical Significance: A historic eatery with over 70 years of history in Lanzhou.
- Portion Size: Offers a generous serving of noodles at an affordable price.
8. Lanzhou Beef Rolls at Little Gansu Restaurant
Savor the delicate flavor of Lanzhou beef rolls at the cozy Little Gansu Restaurant.
- Tender Meat: Features tender, well-seasoned meat wrapped in thin pastry.
- Cozy Atmosphere: A warm and inviting restaurant with friendly service.
- Value for Money: Offers a great taste at an affordable price point.
9. Sesame Paste at Huitongxiang Sesame Paste Shop
Indulge in the creamy goodness of sesame paste at the famous Huitongxiang shop.
- Creamy Delight: A rich and creamy dessert made from roasted sesame seeds.
- Traditional Processing: Uses traditional, labor-intensive methods to produce the paste.
- Packaging Options: Available for purchase in various sizes and packaging options.
10. Roasted Sugary Dumplings at Chenghua Snack Street
Savor the sweetness of roasted sugary dumplings at Chenghua Snack Street.
- Unique Treat: A unique snack found in Lanzhou, with a crispy exterior and sticky filling.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the lively atmosphere while savoring delicious street food.
- Affordable Snack: Inexpensive and satisfying, making it a great budget option.
11. Grilled Mutton at Lao Ran Bei
Savor the flavors of grilled mutton at the popular Lao Ran Bei restaurant.
- Tasty Meat: Features tender, flavorful mutton cooked to perfection.
- Atmosphere: A cozy and inviting restaurant with a friendly atmosphere.
- Value for Money: Offers great value for the quality and portion size of the grilled mutton.
12. Sweet Potato Pancakes at Qixian Snack Street
Indulge in the crispy goodness of sweet potato pancakes at Qixian Snack Street.
- Crispy Delight: A crispy and flavorful snack made from shredded sweet potatoes.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the lively atmosphere while savoring delicious street food.
- Affordable Snack: Inexpensive and satisfying, making it a great budget option.
13. Boiled Mutton at Boiling Pot Restaurant
Savor tender boiled mutton in a flavorful broth at the Boiling Pot Restaurant.
- Tender Meat: Features tender, well-cooked mutton.
- Comforting Broth: Offers a comforting, warm broth to enjoy with the boiled mutton.
- Value for Money: Offers great value for its quality and portion size.
14. Gourmet Sandwiches at Jinyuan Western-Style Restaurant
Satisfy your cravings for Western-style sandwiches at the trendy Jinyuan Restaurant.
- Western Taste: Offers a taste of Western cuisine in Lanzhou.
- Atmosphere: A modern and trendy restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere.
- Affordable Western Option: Inexpensive, yet offering a taste of Western cuisine for budget travelers.
15. Hot Pot at Liuyang Hot Pot Restaurant
Experience the flavors of hot pot at the popular Liuyang Hot Pot Restaurant.
- Variety: Offers a wide selection of ingredients to customize your hot pot.
- Warm and Comforting: A warm and comforting meal for any time of the year.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable hot pot options available to suit different budgets.