🍽️ Biangbiang Noodles

Belt-wide noodles with chili oil, Guan Zhong bold.

Biangbiang Noodles are the iconic noodle of Xi'an and the Guanzhong plain in Shaanxi, named for the slapping sound of dough on the board. The dough is repeatedly kneaded, then hand-pulled into wide, belt-like strands that stay long and unbroken; boiled noodles are topped with scallion, ginger, garlic, soy, vinegar and a heavy spoonful of chili flakes, over which smoking-hot rapeseed oil is poured to sizzle and release the aroma. The noodles are broad, thick and chewy, the chili oil red, fragrant and fiery, and the vinegar lifts the whole bowl. Tossed well, a bowl is generously filling — a reflection of Guanzhong's hearty spirit. In Xi'an it is a noodle-shop staple, best eaten with raw garlic and an orange soda.