At the table
Mix the noodles, vegetables and dressing thoroughly. Ask for chilli oil and mustard separately if you prefer a gentler flavour. Mustard can still feel sharp when the chilli is omitted.
Contains wheat. Mustard, celery and sesame may be present; soy sauce and oyster sauce can add soy, wheat and shellfish ingredients. The vegetable-only version can suit vegetarian and vegan diets only when the gravy and all seasonings are plant-based. Even noodles called su liangmian may contain chicken seasoning or oyster sauce; confirm before ordering.
Noodle width, vegetables and dressings vary. Potato, celtuce, cauliflower, wood ear or tofu may join carrot and celery. Some cooks use sesame paste, soy sauce, chicken seasoning or oyster sauce. Meat served alongside is a separate addition.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Noodle width, vegetables and dressings vary. Potato, celtuce, cauliflower, wood ear or tofu may join carrot and celery. Some cooks use sesame paste, soy sauce, chicken seasoning or oyster sauce. Meat served alongside is a separate addition.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savoury and vinegary, with garlic, mustard pungency and adjustable chilli heat; sesame paste can add a nutty note.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Springy, oil-coated wheat noodles with tender vegetables and a light, slightly thickened gravy.
- How it’s made
- Boil wheat noodles, toss with cooked vegetable oil and cool. Cook sliced vegetables in noodle cooking water for the gravy, cool it, then spoon it over the noodles and add the dressings.
Noodle width, vegetables and dressings vary. Potato, celtuce, cauliflower, wood ear or tofu may join carrot and celery. Some cooks use sesame paste, soy sauce, chicken seasoning or oyster sauce. Meat served alongside is a separate addition.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Gansu.
About this regional connection
Gansu: Lanzhou is explicitly identified by original GansuDaily reporting and LanzhouEveningNews.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有兰州凉面吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A summer noodle plate in Lanzhou
Lanzhou cold noodles have a history of street vendors carrying noodles and dressings in baskets. Today they are also served in noodle shops, where a plate may be paired with grilled meat. The vegetable gravy and individually added dressings shape the dish.