Chinatodo
Discover truly nationwide Chinese noodles! From Lanzhou beef noodles to Shaxian peanut noodles, explore flavors, prices, and ordering tips for 8 universal staples.
Four Kings of Soup Noodles
1. Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Beef Noodles (兰州牛肉面 lán zhōu niú ròu miàn)
Popularity: ★★★★★
Key Features: Clear broth, hand-pulled noodles (order "Er Xi" for medium thickness).
Price: ¥12-20 (1.7−2.8 USD)
2. Tomato and Egg Noodles (番茄鸡蛋面 fān qié jī dàn miàn)
Homestyle Favorite: Sweet-sour tomato broth with scrambled eggs.
Where to Find: School cafeterias, fast-food chains.
Avg Cost: ¥10-15 (1.4−2.1 USD)
3. (阳春面 yáng chūn miàn)
Minimalist Classic: Light soy broth with pork lard and thin wheat noodles.
Nostalgic Price: ¥5-10 (0.7−1.4 USD)
4. Henan Braised Noodles (河南烩面 hé nán huì miàn)
Northern Icon: Lamb broth with hand-stretched noodles, served with pickled garlic.
Signature Move: Add chili-infused lamb fat (Yangyou Lazhi).
Price Range: ¥15-25 (2.1−3.5 USD)
Dynamic Duo of Mixed Noodles
5. Zhajiangmian (炸酱面 zhá jiàng miàn)
Northern Legend: Wheat noodles with soybean-pork sauce and cucumber shreds.
Authenticity Check: Sauce should separate into oil and paste layers.
Cost: ¥10-18 (1.4−1.4-1.4−2.5 USD)
6. Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles (武汉热干面 wǔ hàn rè gān miàn)
Sesame Sensation: Alkaline noodles tossed in sesame-peanut sauce with pickled radish.
Local Adaptation: Reduced sesame ratio outside Hubei.
Price: ¥8-12 (1.1−1.1-1.1−1.7 USD)
National Handmade Noodles
7. Shanxi Knife-Cut Noodles (山西刀削面 shān xī dāo xiāo miàn)
Shanxi Specialty: Sliced into willow-leaf shapes, chewy yet tender.
Topping Formula: Tomato-egg (vegetarian) or braised beef (meat).
Universal Proof: Found in northern chains (e.g., Dongfanggong) and southern malls.
Price: ¥12-20 (1.7−1.7-1.7−2.8 USD)
