Have you ever tasted a dish that looks like a historic landmark? In the heart of Gansu Province, nestled along the Yellow River in Lanzhou (anciently known as Jincheng or “Golden City”), there’s a cold appetizer that does exactly that. Jincheng Baita (金城白塔), meaning “Golden… Read More »Discover Jincheng Baita: Lanzhou’s Iconic Pagoda Cold Platter Dish
In the vast landscapes of Gansu province—where the Loess Plateau meets the ancient Silk Road—food has always been a reflection of resilience, resourcefulness, and warmth. Among the region’s many beloved snacks, Shaokezi stands out as one of the most comforting and heartwarming delicacies. These golden,… Read More »Shaokezi: Gansu’s Crispy Fried Dough Pockets Filled With Flavor
In the heart of Gansu province lies Longxi County, a place known not just for its ancient history and rugged landscapes, but for one of the most beloved cured meats in northwest China—Longxi Bacon. This smoky, savory, slightly chewy delicacy reflects both the climate of… Read More »Longxi Bacon: Gansu Cured Pork With Rustic Flavor
Among the many unique culinary treasures of Gansu province, Sanpaotai stands apart—not because it is a heavy meal like hand-grab mutton or a hearty staple like Jiaotuan, but because it represents hospitality, culture, and centuries of Silk Road history. Sanpaotai is not simply tea; it… Read More »Sanpaotai: A Traditional Gansu Tea Ritual With Rich History
Gansu province in northwest China has given the culinary world many rustic, ancient, and deeply comforting dishes. One of the most unique among them is Jiaotuan, a thick, dough-like, spoon-able dish made primarily from roasted wheat or buckwheat flour. Its texture is soft yet resilient, its flavor earthy and warm, and its cultural roots run deep in the historical Silk Road region.
If you’ve ever wandered the bustling streets of Lanzhou or explored the rugged landscapes of Gansu Province in northwest China, you’ve probably encountered one of the region’s most comforting and satisfying dishes: Chao Mianpian. Also known as fried noodle sheets or 炒面片 in Chinese, this… Read More »Chao Mianpian: Gansu’s Stir-Fried Noodle Sheets Delight
When you travel across the rugged, picturesque province of Gansu, you encounter a blend of cultures — Han, Hui, Tibetan — all leaving their mark on the region’s food. Among its most comforting and beloved dishes is Hezhou Baozi (河州包子), soft, pillowy steamed buns filled with juicy meat or vegetables. Originating from Linxia, historically known as Hezhou, this dish reflects the rich Muslim culinary heritage of the region.
Among the hearty and rustic foods of northwestern China, one dish captures the very essence of Gansu’s hospitality and nomadic roots — Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup (羊肉泡馍, Yangrou Paomo). Though it is most famous in Xi’an, this dish has a beloved presence across Gansu, where the cold climate and strong Muslim culinary traditions have given it a distinctively rich, aromatic flavor.
Deep in the heart of Tianshui, a historic city in Gansu Province known for its Buddhist caves and Silk Road charm, there’s a dish that captures the flavors, warmth, and liveliness of northwestern China — Tianshui Guagua (天水呱呱).
Despite its playful name (which literally means “goo-goo” or “soft-soft”), this is a serious comfort food — a smooth, chewy wheat-based noodle dish bathed in red chili oil, garlic, and vinegar, balanced perfectly between spicy, tangy, and fragrant.
In the heart of Gansu province, where the ancient Silk Road once connected East and West, there exists a dish that perfectly captures the essence of nomadic life and frontier hospitality — Hand-Grab Mutton (手抓羊肉, Shǒu Zhuā Yáng Ròu).
It’s a simple name, but behind it lies centuries of cultural heritage. This dish represents the spirit of the northwestern Chinese people, especially the Hui and Tibetan communities who inhabit Gansu’s vast grasslands and mountain regions.