1. What are the most popular local dishes in Lanzhou?
Some of the most popular local dishes in Lanzhou include hand-pulled noodles (la mian), beef noodle soup (niu rou mian), steamed lamb (zheng yang rou), and mutton kebabs (yang rou chuan). Other popular dishes include sour and spicy shredded potato (suan la tu dou si), Lanzhou style beef noodles with clear soup (qing tang niu rou mian), and spicy diced chicken with peanuts (gan bian si ji dou).2. Is Lanzhou known for a specific cuisine?
Lanzhou is primarily known for its hand-pulled noodles, which are a staple in the city’s cuisine. The city is also known for its Muslim influence, resulting in many halal dishes and flavors in its local cuisine.
3. What type of food is served at Lanzhou restaurants?
Restaurants in Lanzhou mainly serve traditional Chinese cuisine, with a focus on dishes featuring hand-pulled noodles, lamb, beef, and other meats. There are also many halal restaurants that cater to the city’s sizable Muslim population.
4. Are there any vegetarian options available in Lanzhou?
Yes, there are some vegetarian options available in Lanzhou. Some restaurants may have vegetarian versions of dishes made with meat such as tofu or vegetables, while others may have dedicated vegetarian menus.
5. Can I find international cuisine in Lanzhou?
While traditional Chinese food is the most common option in Lanzhou, there are also some restaurants that serve international cuisine such as Italian, Korean, or Japanese food. These can often be found in larger hotels or tourist areas.
6. What should I try at a night market in Lanzhou?
A night market is a great place to sample various street foods and snacks in Lanzhou. Some must-try items include grilled skewers of meat or vegetables (chuanr), fried stuffed pancakes (guo kui), and stuffed dumplings (bao zi). You can also find various dishes made with hand-pulled noodles, such as cold noodles (liang mian) or fried noodles (chao mian).
7. What are some recommended restaurants in Lanzhou?
Some popular restaurants in Lanzhou include MaZiRen Hand-Pulled Noodle Restaurant, Jiu Xin Noodles, Huanghe Lounge, and Tongmen Yuanzi Restaurant. These restaurants specialize in Lanzhou’s signature dishes and have been highly recommended by local residents and tourists alike.
8. Is street food safe to eat in Lanzhou?
In general, street food is considered safe to eat in Lanzhou. However, it is always a good idea to choose food from vendors who are busy with customers, use fresh ingredients, and maintain clean cooking areas. It is also recommended to go with cooked or boiled foods rather than raw options.
9. Can I bring home any local specialties from Lanzhou?
Yes, there are several local specialties that you can bring home from Lanzhou as souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. Some popular options include preserved fruits such as walnuts or cherries, dried beef jerky (gan bian shao rou), handmade carpets or rugs, and traditional Chinese herbal medicines.
10. Are there any cultural dining customs or etiquette I should be aware of in Lanzhou?
As with many other cities in China, it is polite to wait for the host to begin eating before starting your own meal. It is also customary to leave a small amount of food on your plate at the end of the meal as a sign of having enjoyed the meal thoroughly. Tipping is not expected at most restaurants in China.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Lanzhou?
Yes, there are some vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Lanzhou. Some options include:
1. Green Garden Vegetarian Restaurant: This restaurant offers a mix of Chinese and Western-style vegetarian dishes.
2. Pure Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant: Specializes in Buddhist temple cuisine and has a variety of meat-free options.
3. Taste Tang Vegetarian: Offers a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
4. Wensu Vegetarian Restaurant: Features traditional Chinese vegetarian dishes as well as some Western-inspired dishes.
5. Gongdelin Vegetarian Hotpot Restaurant: A hotpot restaurant that offers an all-vegetarian menu.
6. Wanfu Temple Vegetarian Restaurant: Located at the Wanfu Temple, this restaurant serves delicious vegetarian meals surrounded by peaceful scenery.
7. Xiangtianxia Vegan Fast Food: Offers a range of plant-based fast food options such as burgers, noodles, and dumplings.
8. Buddhaland Vegan Lifestyle Club: Serves vegan versions of traditional Chinese dishes in a relaxing environment.
Please note that while these restaurants offer primarily vegetarian or vegan food, they may also serve some dishes with eggs or dairy products. It is best to inquire about specific dietary restrictions when ordering to ensure a fully vegan meal.
3. Can I find international cuisine options in Lanzhou?
Yes, Lanzhou has a diverse range of international cuisine options available. Some popular options include Italian, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and Mexican food. Many restaurants in Lanzhou also offer fusion cuisine, blending traditional Chinese flavors with international influences. Additionally, there are also several fast food chains and western-style cafes in the city.
4. What is the best street food market in Lanzhou?
The best street food market in Lanzhou is the Jincheng Night Market (also known as Jincheng Shizi Night Market). It is located in the city center, near to Baidu Bridge and offers a wide variety of local delicacies such as beef noodles, mutton skewers, and fried rice cakes. The market is open every evening and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to sample traditional Lanzhou cuisine.
5. Do restaurants in Lanzhou offer English menus?
Yes, some restaurants in Lanzhou may offer English menus, especially those that cater to foreign tourists. However, it is always a good idea to have a translation app or a phrasebook on hand in case the menu is only available in Chinese.
6. Are there any halal food options in Lanzhou?
Yes, there are halal food options available in Lanzhou. The city has a large Muslim population, so Muslim-owned restaurants offering halal dishes can be found throughout the city. Some popular halal food options include hand-pulled noodles (lamian), kebabs (chuan), and mutton soup (yangrou tang).Some recommended halal restaurants in Lanzhou include:
1. Hui Muslim Noodle Restaurant
Address: No.9 Shizi Alley, Xinjiancun Street, Chengguan District, Lanzhou
2. Qinchuan Hand-Pulled Noodles Restaurant
Address: No.50 Xijin East Road, Anning District, Lanzhou
3. Saetkung Korean Restaurant
Address: Wannianchun Shopping Center, No. 116 Western Dingxi Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou
Additionally, most supermarkets and convenience stores in Lanzhou also have a selection of halal products available for purchase.
It is also worth noting that many non-Muslim restaurants in Lanzhou also offer vegetarian or vegetable-based dishes which may be suitable for those looking for halal options. Be sure to ask about the ingredients used and communicate any dietary restrictions or preferences to the restaurant staff.
7. What is the price range for dining out in Lanzhou?
The price range for dining out in Lanzhou varies, but on average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 30-100 yuan (4.5-15 USD) per person. A meal at a high-end restaurant can cost around 200-400 yuan (30-60 USD) per person. Street food and small local restaurants can be much cheaper, with meals costing 10-20 yuan (1.5-3 USD) per person.
8. Is it customary to tip at restaurants in Lanzhou?
Generally, it is not customary to tip at restaurants in Lanzhou. Tipping is not expected or required, but some high-end restaurants may include a service charge on the bill. If you feel that the service was exceptional, you can leave a small tip of 5-10% of the total bill, but it is not expected.
9. Are there any traditional Chinese dining experiences available in Lanzhou?
Yes, there are several traditional Chinese dining experiences available in Lanzhou. Some popular options include:
1. Hot Pot (huoguo): Lanzhou is famous for its delicious hot pot, which is a type of communal meal where diners cook various meats, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth at their table.
2. Muslim-style cuisine: As a major city on the ancient Silk Road, Lanzhou has a large Muslim population and offers many delicious dishes influenced by Islamic cooking traditions.
3. Noodle shops (lamian): Lanzhou’s hand-pulled noodles are renowned for being long, thin, and perfectly chewy. Visitors can watch as skilled chefs stretch and pull the dough to create these tasty noodles.
4. Night markets: The lively night markets of Lanzhou offer visitors a chance to try a variety of local specialties like lamb kebabs, spicy stews, fried breads (jianbing), and more.
5. Tea houses: Traditional Chinese tea culture is alive and well in Lanzhou, with many tea houses offering a serene atmosphere to enjoy various teas and snacks.
6. Banquet-style dining: For special occasions or business dinners, banquet-style meals offer a wide variety of dishes served family-style to share among guests.
7. Sichuan cuisine: While not specific to Lanzhou, the neighboring province of Sichuan is known for its bold flavors and spicy dishes such as mapo tofu and kung pao chicken.
8. Farmhouse restaurants: In rural areas outside of Lanzhou, visitors can experience traditional farmhouse meals made with fresh ingredients from the surrounding countryside.
9. Homestay meals: For a truly unique experience, some local families offer homestays where guests can enjoy home-cooked meals while learning about daily life in China from their hosts.
10. What are some must-try dishes for first-time visitors to Lanzhou?
1. Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup: This is the most famous dish in Lanzhou and must be tried by every visitor. This soup consists of hand-pulled noodles in a flavorful beef broth, topped with tender slices of beef, green onions, and other spices.
2. Shaobing Flatbread: Made with a dough filled with various meats and vegetables, this savory flatbread is sure to delight your taste buds.
3. Chuan’r (Skewered Lamb): These are skewers of marinated lamb cooked over an open flame and are a popular street food item in Lanzhou.
4. Baiji (Steamed Rice Cake): This steamed rice cake is a popular breakfast item in Lanzhou and is usually topped with sugar or brown sugar for added sweetness.
5. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Originally from Shanghai, these juicy dumplings have become a popular dish in Lanzhou as well. They are filled with hot soup and minced meat and steamed to perfection.
6. Ganbaoshou (Dry-Fried Noodles): These crispy fried noodles are typically served as a side dish and can be found at many restaurants in Lanzhou.
7. Jidan Wanzi (Egg Balls): These deep-fried egg balls are made from ground eggs mixed with flour and served with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
8. Yan Ta Meat Pie: Shaped like a tall pagoda tower, these flaky pastries are filled with minced beef or lamb, onions, chili peppers, cumin, and other spices.
9. Lamb Skewer Soup: This hearty soup combines tender chunks of lamb skewers with vegetables and noodles in a rich broth.
10. Tofu Skin Rolls: These rolls consist of tofu skin stuffed with meat or vegetables and steamed until tender. They make for a delicious appetizer or snack option while exploring the city.
11. Are there any famous local food markets or food streets in Lanzhou?
Some popular food markets and streets in Lanzhou include:– Zhangye Road Night Market: This bustling night market features a variety of local street foods, including hand-pulled noodles, barbecue meats, and traditional snacks.
– South Gate Food Street: Located near the South Gate of Lanzhou City, this street offers a diverse range of local specialties such as beef noodles, mala tang (spicy hot pot), and roasted lamb skewers.
– Guofang Pedestrian Street: This pedestrian street is lined with vendors selling traditional Lanzhou dishes like Liangpi (cold noodles) and Shao mai (steamed dumplings).
– Gansu Flavor Snack Village: This food market features stalls selling a wide selection of snacks and local delicacies from various regions in Gansu province.
– Xiguan Pijiu Jie (Beer Street): As the name suggests, this street is known for its lively bars and restaurants serving up cold beers and hearty bar snacks such as spiced dried beef and steamed buns.
12. Can I find authentic Sichuan cuisine in Lanzhou?
Yes, you can find authentic Sichuan cuisine in Lanzhou. There are several restaurants and eateries that serve traditional Sichuan dishes such as Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Gong Bao Shrimp. Some popular options include Sichuan restaurant Mala Niu Papa, Chongqing Xiao Tian E Hotpot, and Seven Days Spicy Pot. You can also find local street food vendors selling Sichuan-style snacks like spicy noodles and grilled skewers. It is recommended to ask locals for their favorite spots to ensure a truly authentic dining experience.
13. How do I go about ordering food if I don’t speak Chinese?
You can use translation apps or websites to help you communicate your food preferences or dietary restrictions. You can also try pointing to pictures in the menu or looking for English translations on the menu. Some restaurants may also have English-speaking staff who can assist you. Alternatively, you can go to more tourist-friendly areas where they may have menus with English translations or find international chain restaurants that may offer menus in multiple languages.
14. Is it safe to eat street food in Lanzhou?
Eating street food in Lanzhou can be safe, as long as you take precautions such as choosing vendors with clean and hygienic cooking areas, opting for freshly cooked dishes, and avoiding anything that doesn’t look or smell fresh. It’s also a good idea to stick to busier areas where there is a higher turnover of customers. Overall, using common sense and following local recommendations can help reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.15. Do restaurants in Lanzhou cater to special dietary restrictions or allergies?
Most restaurants in Lanzhou do not specifically cater to special dietary restrictions or allergies. However, many restaurants will have a variety of dishes including vegetarian options and dishes without common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. It is always best to communicate your dietary restrictions or allergies to the restaurant staff so they can try to accommodate your needs. Additionally, some higher-end restaurants may be more willing to make accommodations for dietary restrictions upon request.
16. How early do restaurants typically close for dinner service in Lanzhou?
It really depends on the specific restaurant and its location. Generally, restaurants in Lanzhou start dinner service around 5:00-6:00 PM and may stay open until 9:00-10:00 PM. Some restaurants in more bustling areas may stay open later, while others in quieter neighborhoods may close earlier. It is always best to check with the individual restaurant for their specific opening and closing hours.
17. Are reservations recommended for popular restaurants or during peak tourist seasons?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for popular restaurants and during peak tourist seasons. This is especially true for high-end or fine dining establishments. Making a reservation in advance can help ensure that you get a table at your desired date and time, and avoid long wait times.
18.Are there any recommended rooftop bars or restaurants with scenic views of the city?
Yes, there are several recommended rooftop bars and restaurants with scenic views of the city. Some popular choices include:
1. Sky Bar at Lebua – Located on the 64th floor of Lebua State Tower, this luxurious rooftop bar offers stunning views of Bangkok’s skyline and the Chao Phraya River.
2. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar – Situated on the 45th floor of Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, this rooftop bar boasts a 360-degree view of the city, along with delicious cocktails and live DJ sets.
3. Vertigo and Moon Bar – Perched on top of Banyan Tree Hotel, this open-air bar offers breathtaking views of Bangkok along with a fine dining experience.
4. Vanilla Sky Rooftop Bar – Located on top of Compass SkyView Hotel, this stylish rooftop bar offers panoramic views of Bangkok’s cityscape and serves fusion tapas and signature cocktails.
5. Above Eleven – This hip rooftop restaurant and bar provides a stunning view of Sukhumvit Road while serving up Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine.
6. The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar – Set on top of Hotel Muse Bangkok, this chic rooftop bar offers views over downtown skyline and Chao Phraya River, as well as delicious cocktails.
7. Red Sky Restaurant – Located at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, this elegant indoor-outdoor restaurant serves up exceptional food with a backdrop of beautiful city views.
8. Sirocco – As one of the highest alfresco restaurants in the world (situated on the 63rd floor), Sirocco provides a spectacular view while dining on Mediterranean cuisine.
9. Zense Gourmet Deck & Lounge – Situated above Central World Shopping Complex, Zense offers a modern Thai menu alongside sweeping city views.
10. CRU Champagne Bar at Red Sky – This sophisticated champagne bar located on top of Centara Grand at CentralWorld offers stunning views of the city while sipping on bubbly.
19.How does the cost of dining out compare to cooking meals at home in terms of price and taste?
The cost of dining out can vary greatly depending on the restaurant and the type of meal ordered. In general, dining out tends to be more expensive than cooking meals at home due to the added costs of labor, overhead, and markups on ingredients.
In terms of taste, it’s difficult to make a general comparison as it ultimately depends on the skill and preference of the person cooking the meal. Some people may prefer their own cooking while others may enjoy trying new dishes at restaurants. Additionally, certain ingredients and techniques used in restaurants may result in tastier dishes that are difficult or time-consuming to replicate at home.
Ultimately, whether dining out or cooking at home is more expensive and tastier will depend on personal factors such as budget, skill level, and personal taste preferences.
20.What are some off-the-beaten-path dining spots that locals frequent for authentic cuisine?
Some off-the-beaten-path dining spots that locals may frequent for authentic cuisine include:
1. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants: These small, hidden gems often have the best and most authentic food, as they cater to locals and avid foodies.
2. Street food vendors: In many cities and towns, street food is a popular option for locals looking for a quick and delicious meal on the go. These vendors often offer traditional, regional dishes at affordable prices.
3. Ethnic enclaves: Many cities have neighborhoods or districts known for their large population of a certain ethnicity or culture. These areas are likely to have numerous authentic restaurants serving traditional cuisine from that culture.
4. Markets and food halls: Farmers’ markets, flea markets, and food halls can be great places to find local produce and traditional dishes made by local chefs.
5. Family-owned restaurants: Locals often like to support family-owned businesses, as they tend to have a more personal touch and serve homemade meals passed down through generations.
6. Rural or countryside eateries: If you venture outside of the city or tourist areas, you may stumble upon quaint restaurants in the countryside that serve fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and traditional dishes.
7 . Food festivals and events: Many towns and cities host annual food festivals or events celebrating a specific type of cuisine or local ingredients. Attending one of these events can give you a taste of truly authentic dishes enjoyed by locals.
8. Community centers or cultural venues: Local community centers or cultural venues may also hold events featuring traditional cuisine from various cultures within the community.
9. Bed-and-breakfasts or homestays: Staying at a bed-and-breakfast or homestay can provide an opportunity to try homemade meals prepared by your host using local ingredients and traditional recipes.
10. Dive bars with good food: Don’t underestimate the quality of food found in dive bars! These casual watering holes often serve up tasty, no-frills dishes that are loved by locals.