Hujia Steamed Stuffed Bun

The hotel is not far from Hu's Baozi, so we went there for breakfast. We first went to the one on Dazhong Lane, but that one opened later, so we went to Xiguan. The door is very small, but it's a different world after entering. It's very big. We ordered 5 beef and carrot buns, 5 vegetarian buns, 1 fermented glutinous rice, and 1 millet porridge. The buns are really delicious, better than the ones in the south. Both flavors are delicious, but each variety of buns must be sold in 5 pieces, which is too much for southerners. The two of us were so full that we packed up the remaining 4 buns.

Before arriving in Lanzhou, my impression of the city was limited to the romantic image of the Yellow River running through the city. By the time I left, my stomach was filled with the spicy aroma of beef noodles, the succulent texture of hand-pulled lamb, and the smoky aroma of barbecue—it turns out the joy of Northwest China is a double whammy of carbs and meat! Follow this local's go-to food guide to ensure you'll enjoy your Lanzhou experience from start to finish. 1. Beef Noodles: The Soul is in the Broth, the Essence is in the Spicy Flavor A Lanzhou resident's day begins with a bowl of beef noodles. Don't worry about "Lanzhou Ramen" or "Beef Noodles"; in the area, "Beef Big" is the proper name! - Halal Mogouyan Old-Fashioned Beef Noodles (Anning Branch): Even if you haven't visited the main branch, the branches are incredibly popular! The basic beef noodles, at 8 yuan a bowl, are incredibly affordable. The chef stretches the noodles with a snap and flings them onto the chopping board. Choose your preferred thickness (we recommend medium-thin or fine-thin). Pour boiling hot beef bone broth over the noodles, sprinkle with garlic sprouts and cilantro, and finish with a spoonful of spicy chili oil—the red oil floats on the surface, its aroma making you salivate. The noodles soak up the broth, and every bite is so delicious it's enough to make you stamp your feet. - Gong Ji Beef Noodles (Lanzhou Center Branch): Tired of exploring Lanzhou Center? This place across from Gate 9 is a must-try! The "Meat and Egg" combo is a great deal: ramen, a generous slice of pork shank, a braised egg, and a side dish. The beef is tender and not tough, and the braised egg has absorbed the gravy perfectly. Paired with the chewy noodles and refreshing side dishes, you'll have a satisfying meal for just 20 yuan per person. Tip: Eat beef noodles early; locals prefer the "first pot broth" for a more flavorful experience. The chili, while red in color, isn't overpowering; add generous amounts for a truly flavorful experience! 2. Meat Lovers' Bliss: Meat Freedom from Morning to Night Lanzhou's meat is so fresh you'll forget the "mutton smell." Whether it's steamed buns, hand-pulled lamb, or barbecued meat, the flavor is perfectly balanced. - Hujia Baozi (Anning Branch): A treasured bun shop where locals bring their thermoses to take home! Lines are still long at even the branch. The carrot and beef buns are a favorite—the bun wrap is soft and chewy, and the instant you bite into them, the beef juices burst forth, blending with the sweet aroma of carrots. Dip them in local chili oil and balsamic vinegar—who knows the joy of pairing carbs with meat? Buy a bag and freeze them in the freezer, then steam a few for breakfast for ultimate bliss. - Halal Chuntai Hand-pulled Lamb (Main Branch): Taxi drivers highly recommend the hand-pulled lamb! Arriving piping hot, the lamb is glistening with oil where the skin meets the meat, and it easily falls off the bone. The best part is that it's completely free of mutton; you can even taste the aroma of milk. Paired with raw garlic, a big bite will burst with the aroma of meat and garlic. No wonder locals say, "You can't even taste it's lamb." Remember to vacuum-pack it before you leave, so you can reheat it at home and it's just as delicious. - Gamazi BBQ (12th Branch): The ultimate nighttime show! The lamb and tendons are pre-marinated and grilled to a sizzling, oily consistency. The tendons are tender, not tough, and burst with juice. The potato slices are grilled to a crispy exterior and soft, coated in cumin and chili flakes, stealing the show even more than the meat itself. Don't miss their fried noodles, either. Stir-fried over high heat, they're fragrant and each noodle strand is distinct, making them a perfect match for barbecue. III. Fat-Relieving Recipes & Specialty Snacks: Locals' Secret Ways to Eat Overloaded on meat and carbs? These local specialties will instantly refresh your taste buds and offer the nostalgic flavors you've enjoyed since childhood. - Hoof Tzu Xu's Jiangshui Noodles (main branch): A summertime staple for Lanzhou residents! These noodles have a lightly sour aroma, a natural sourness from fermented vegetables, without any pungent flavor. The noodles are smooth and crisp, and the chives and celery add a touch of flavor. Each bite is both refreshing and appetizing. A bowl after the meat is a welcome respite. - Looking Back (Xiguan Muta Lane branch): A classic alley snack hotspot! The stuffed rubber bands are incredibly flavorful, with generous amounts of sesame paste and chili oil. The spicy trio (potato, tofu skin, and kelp) are incredibly spicy and satisfying. But the biggest surprise was the potato pancakes – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a subtle scallion aroma. I couldn't stop eating them. Paired with a bowl of fluffy gray beans, they warmed my heart. - Old Lanzhou Yogurt: A "living fossil" found everywhere on the streets! I tried five flavors: bitter rose, glutinous rice, gray bean, fermented glutinous rice, and soft pear. Each one had a distinct local flavor: the rose had a refreshing fragrance, the glutinous rice had a slightly sour and refreshing flavor, and the gray bean had a rich, dessert-like flavor. The yogurt was thick, with a naturally fermented, slightly sour taste, making it more soulful than industrial yogurt. 4. Visit and Eat Easter Eggs: Don't Miss the Night Market & Milk Tea - May Day Night Market: A locals' after-get off work "food playground"! Each stall has its own signature dish, so you never have to worry about repeating yourself. I recommend the oyster omelet: golden-brown fried egg wrapped in tender oysters and smothered in a delicious sauce. - Fangha: Lanzhou's own milk tea brand! While I'm not used to the sweet omelet, those who enjoy the aroma of fermented grains will love it. I recommend the "sweet omelet milk tea" served over ice; it's refreshing and refreshing, perfect with barbecue. For several days in Lanzhou, I was constantly bouncing between "feeling like I'm holding onto the wall" and "still wanting to eat one more bite." The food here isn't garbled with fancy presentation, but instead packs a punch with down-to-earth flavor and a human touch—8 yuan for beef noodles fills you up, a few dozen yuan for finger food, and street food yogurt and night market snacks evoke the authentic flavor of Lanzhou. Next time you visit Lanzhou, don't just admire the Yellow River; follow this guide and let your taste buds fall in love with the city first! #美食届味会 #真香好吃大集

Lanzhou: More Than Just a Bowl of Noodles In the public imagination, Lanzhou seems to be defined by a bowl of beef noodles, but in reality, it's much more than that. This important northwestern city, with the Yellow River running through it, is leveraging its unique charm to rise from obscurity to a prominent tourist destination, becoming a rising star in the tourism industry. Lanzhou's popularity is primarily due to its "culinary scene." Beef noodles, the star of Lanzhou cuisine, adhere to strict standards: one clear (clear broth); two white (white radish); three red (red chili oil); four green (green cilantro and garlic sprouts); and five yellow (bright yellow noodles). In the morning, the streets are filled with the aroma of beef noodles. Diners order bowls, and cries of "more chili" echo in the air. The chewy noodles paired with the fragrant, hot broth offer a refreshing start to the day. Besides beef noodles, Lanzhou's cuisine is also mouth-watering. From chewy, glutinous rice noodles to spicy potato chips, dense gray beans, and sweet and sour sweet fermented mash, there are also specialties like Hujia steamed buns, hand-pulled lamb, and fermented glutinous rice wine with milk and eggs. Every bite is rich in Northwest flavor. Lanzhou is also a city rich in history and culture, a veritable "walking history textbook." The Gansu Provincial Museum is a must-see destination, boasting a rich collection. Its flagship sculpture, the "Horse Galloping over Flying Swallow," is a sleek and exquisite piece of art, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of ancient artisans and depicting the splendor of the Silk Road. The Bamboo Slips Museum is a treasure trove of bamboo slips culture, housing nearly 40,000 slips carrying historical information from the Qin Dynasty to the Wei and Jin Dynasties, offering a glimpse into the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the past. When visiting Lanzhou, wandering through its ancient streets and alleys, touching traces of history, it's as if you can hear the footsteps of time. Lanzhou's natural scenery is truly unique. The Yellow River flows through the city, adding to its vibrant and magnificent beauty. Zhongshan Bridge, spanning the Yellow River, has weathered centuries of wind and rain, witnessing the vicissitudes of Lanzhou. At night, illuminated by the vibrant lights, the bridge and the river intertwine in a breathtakingly beautiful hue. The Yellow River Mother sculpture stands quietly, symbolizing her loving care for the people of China. Rafting on a sheepskin raft, listening to the raftsmen's heroic chants, and feeling the Yellow River's majestic power are truly inspiring. Furthermore, the vibrant colors of the Danxia landforms at the Ink and Washi Danxia Scenic Area are a breathtaking display of nature's unparalleled craftsmanship. The lush peaks of Xinglong Mountain offer a relaxing escape from the summer heat. The hospitality of Lanzhou's people is also a unique charm of the city. In Lanzhou, passersby will enthusiastically offer directions or even take you there. Restaurant owners will thoughtfully recommend special dishes to ensure a satisfying meal. This kind of interpersonal warmth creates a homely atmosphere for visitors and makes Lanzhou a more approachable city. Of course, Lanzhou's tourism development also has some shortcomings. Tourism infrastructure still needs improvement. Traffic congestion and accommodation conditions around some scenic spots need improvement. The quality of tourism services varies widely, and some businesses engage in overcharging, impacting the visitor experience. However, I believe that with Lanzhou's increased focus on tourism, these issues will gradually improve. Lanzhou's explosive popularity is no accident; it is the result of a culinary, cultural, natural, and cultural heritage. Like a newly discovered treasure, it showcases the unique charm of Northwest China. This charming city welcomes more visitors to experience its unique charm. I believe everyone who visits Lanzhou will be captivated and leave with unforgettable memories.

A native Cantonese, my dream of visiting Northwest China finally came true! Lanzhou was my first stop, a place filled with delicious food and fun activities. Today, I'm recommending two incredible restaurants! 🍜 Halal Guoyi Cold Noodles, Beef Noodles, and BBQ (Mars Street Flagship Store) 📍 Address: 58 Mars Street, Qilihe District 💰 Per person: 25r A century-old restaurant, established in 1923! Super affordable, a serving of cold noodles is only 10r! The chili is incredibly spicy 🌶️, so use less if you can. I especially recommend the open-fire barbecued meat 🔥; even I, who doesn't eat lamb, loved it! It's completely free of mutton smell, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and incredibly fragrant! The braised beef is also incredible, bursting with flavor! 🫔 Halal Hujia Baozi Shop 📍 Address: 98 Linxia Road, Chengguan District 💰 Per person: 20r Even Ulala has checked in! This baozi shop will totally blow your mind! The buns were super large (twice the size of Guangzhou buns 👀), freshly steamed and super fresh. We ordered three flavors: ✨Vegetarian buns (chives, tofu, egg white, and white fungus) ✨Chives and beef buns and red bean paste buns ✨(Key point) Make sure to dip them in their chili oil; it's incredibly fragrant! After eating at Guoyi, we went to see the Yellow River Mother Statue. Recommended bus route: Zhengjiazhuang Road South Exit 🚌 → West Lake Park Station. This unexpected surprise allowed me to see real willow trees for the first time! 🌳 I finally understood the beauty of "thousands of green ribbons dangling down." The park was filled with elderly people playing chess and children playing, full of life. It's a short walk through the park to the Yellow River Mother Statue, which was packed with people taking photos. 📸 Sitting by the Yellow River and just daydreaming was so relaxing. There's also a sheepskin rafting experience (I regret not trying it!). I'll definitely make it my next visit! 🚣 #LanzhouFoodRecommendations #NorthwestFoodDiary #YellowRiverCheck-inGuide #GuangdongEatLanzhou #Hu'sDumplings

🏨｜High-Value Choice 🚄3-hour direct drive from Xi'an to Lanzhou Arrived at noon and checked into the [Zhongbang Sheraton Hotel] ✨Newly opened in 24 years | Modern, light-luxury style | New facilities 📍Address: No. 1, Beibinhe East Road, Chengguan District 💡Tips: - The Hyatt Regency offers stunning views of the Yellow River, but the facilities are a bit dated - Lanzhou hotels offer excellent value... first-tier prices, third-tier experience 😅 Eat🥣｜A Taste of Lanzhou 1️⃣ Hujia Steamed Buns 🚶‍♀️Hotel: 500m 🥕 Carrot and vegetarian fillings are absolutely amazing! 💰10 buns/basket | Generous portions 2️⃣ Guoyi Beef Noodles 🚶‍♀️Hotel: 400m 🍜 The broth is so rich it's going to make you cry! 🐂Must-buy vacuum-braised beef shank 3️⃣ Chuntai hand-pulled pork 🐑Lamb neck, yyds! No mutton smell at all | Perfectly balanced fat and lean meat💯 4️⃣ Baiji Jingyuan Lamb 🔥Stir-fried veal is a must-order! 🥩Premium ribs | Scallions and eggs | Noodle wraps (three specialties) 5️⃣ Fangha sweetened milk tea 🧊Sweetened green tea (no added sugar) Refreshing and refreshing! Travel ⛲️｜Must-see ☕️Three Forts by the Yellow River 📍Tea stall next to Zhongshan Bridge 💰20 yuan/cup | Watch the sunset over the Yellow River with sunflower seeds 🚤Sheepskin raft 🌊20-minute downstream ride Experience the unique charm of Northwest China 🏛Gansu Provincial Museum 🐎The real Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow! ⚠️ Book your tickets 3 days in advance Transportation 🚗 | Useful Tips 🛺Three-wheeled motorcycles! Faster and cheaper than a taxi! Avoid Lanzhou's traffic jams #LanzhouFood #SpongeTravel #NorthwestTravel #FoodExploration #SpecialForceTravel