Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Lanzhou, China

1. Lanzhou Beef Noodles

Hand-pulled noodles in a rich, flavorful beef broth, topped with thinly sliced beef. A hearty staple of Lanzhou cuisine.

Unique Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles create a unique texture compared to machine-made ones.
Rich Broth: The flavorful broth is made from simmering beef bones for hours, giving it a deep and rich taste.
Authentic Experience: Experience the authentic Lanzhou culture by enjoying this dish in one of the many street food stalls.

Delicious pastries filled with sweet lotus paste, shaped like a crescent moon. A popular snack in Lanzhou.

Traditional Shape: The unique crescent moon shape is a nod to its origins and is considered auspicious.
Sweet Lotus Paste Filling: The sweet lotus paste filling provides a delightful contrast to the crispy, flaky crust.
Street Food Vendors: Try these cakes from street food vendors for an authentic experience.

Thin, crispy pancakes made from grated potatoes. A popular street food in Lanzhou.

Unique Ingredient: Unlike traditional pancakes, potato pancakes are made solely from grated potatoes.
Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of the pancake contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish as a quick, tasty snack while exploring Lanzhou's bustling streets.

Steamed or grilled meat buns filled with tender, spiced meat. A Lanzhou specialty.

Spiced Meat Filling: The spiced meat filling is a blend of flavors that sets Roujiamo apart from other buns.
Steamed or Grilled: Both steamed and grilled versions are available, each offering a slightly different texture.
Local Bakers: Support local bakeries to get the best, authentic Roujiamo experience.

Tender lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and chili. A must-try in Lanzhou.

Tender Lamb: The lamb is always tender, making for a delicious bite.
Cumin and Chili Seasoning: The unique cumin and chili seasoning gives these kebabs a distinctive flavor.
Street Food Vendors: Visit street food vendors for the best, authentic Shu Ping Goubuli experience.

Fish cooked in boiling water and served with hot chili oil, green onions, and vinegar. A popular dish in Lanzhou.

Hot Chili Oil: The generous use of hot chili oil gives this dish a spicy kick.
Fresh Ingredients: Fresh fish and vegetables ensure a delicious meal.
Local Restaurants: Try this dish at local restaurants for the best, authentic Shui Zhu Yu experience.

Roasted Hami melon seeds are a popular snack in Lanzhou. They have a sweet, nutty flavor.

Sweet and Nutty Flavor: The sweet, nutty flavor of Hami melon seeds makes them a delicious snack.
Health Benefits: Hami melon seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy snack option.
Street Food Vendors: Buy roasted Hami melon seeds from street food vendors for a quick, tasty snack.

Hand-pulled noodles in a clear sesame sauce broth. A delicious dish in Lanzhou.

Hand-Pulled Noodles: The hand-pulled noodles create a unique texture compared to machine-made ones.
Sesame Sauce Broth: The clear sesame sauce broth is both flavorful and comforting.
Local Noodle Shops: Try this dish at local noodle shops for the best, authentic experience.

A savory cake filled with minced meat and vegetables. A popular dish in Hami, a region near Lanzhou.

Filled with Minced Meat: The filling is made from minced meat and vegetables, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
Unique Shape: Hamichang's unique rectangular shape is both eye-catching and easy to handle.
Regional Specialty: Try Hamichang in Hami, a region near Lanzhou, for an authentic experience.

Filled with juicy meat and wrapped in a thin, translucent skin. A popular dish in Lanzhou.

Thin, Translucent Skin: The thin, translucent skin allows you to easily see the filling.
Juicy Meat Filling: The juicy meat filling is both flavorful and satisfying.
Local Dumpling Shops: Try these dumplings at local dumpling shops for the best, authentic experience.

A hearty soup made with tender lamb, vegetables, and cumin. A popular dish in Lanzhou.

Tender Lamb: The tender lamb adds richness to the soup.
Cumin Flavor: The cumin flavor gives this soup a unique, aromatic taste.
Local Restaurants: Try this soup at local restaurants for the best, authentic experience.

A popular beverage in Lanzhou made by combining tea and milk. A refreshing drink.

Tea and Milk: The combination of tea and milk creates a unique flavor.
Refreshing Drink: Nai Cha is both refreshing and soothing on hot days.
Local Tea Shops: Try this drink at local tea shops for the best, authentic experience.

A popular snack in Lanzhou made from yogurt that's frozen and cut into blocks. A refreshing treat.

Frozen Yogurt Block: The frozen yogurt is cut into blocks, making it easy to eat on the go.
Refreshing Treat: Dong Fen Gao is a refreshing treat, especially during hot summer days.
Street Food Vendors: Buy Dong Fen Gao from street food vendors for a quick, tasty snack.

Delicate dumplings filled with soup and meat. A must-try in Lanzhou.

Soup Filled: The soup inside the dumpling adds an extra layer of flavor.
Delicate Skin: The delicate skin of the dumpling is both thin and tender.
Local Dumpling Shops: Try these dumplings at local dumpling shops for the best, authentic experience.

Hand-pulled noodles served in a savory sauce. A popular dish from Hami, a region near Lanzhou.

Hand-Pulled Noodles: The hand-pulled noodles create a unique texture compared to machine-made ones.
Savory Sauce: The savory sauce complements the noodles perfectly.
Regional Specialty: Try Hami Noodles in Hami, a region near Lanzhou, for an authentic experience.