Biangbiang Noodles

Biangbiang noodles are a traditional Guanzhong hand-pulled noodle, stretched wide and thick like a belt, typically dressed with sizzling chili oil, scallion, garlic, soy, and vinegar, or topped with a minced-meat sauce; portions are hearty.

Said to come from the Guanzhong countryside, it is named for the biang biang sound of dough repeatedly slapped against the board, and its purpose-built Chinese character, with dozens of strokes, is a playful emblem of Shaanxi food culture.

The classic style is youpo, scattering scallion and ground chili over the noodles, then pouring on smoking oil to release the aroma before tossing, a wide, robust bowl that captures the bold spirit of Guanzhong noodles.

A single noodle can be several fingers wide and longer than an arm, chewy and substantial, making it one of Xi'an's most distinctive and talked-about dishes.