Your Guide to the Best Halal Noodles Around Lanzhou Station

China Explorer Tour

·October 2, 2025

·9 min read

Stepped off the train at Lanzhou Station? You’re probably wondering where to find the best noodles right away. Let's cut to the chase. Your top choice is Ma Zilu Beef Noodle (马子禄牛肉面). This legendary spot is just a short walk away and is the gold standard for authenticity.

Why Ma Zilu?
It’s an official 'China Time-Honored Brand'.
It holds the city's highest rank of 'Special Class'.

You'll understand why Lanzhou locals eat over a million bowls daily once you taste its famously clear, savory broth. For authentic halal noodle shops near lanzhou station, Ma Zilu is the classic you can't miss.

Key Takeaways

Ma Zilu Beef Noodle is the top choice for authentic halal noodles near Lanzhou Station. It is a famous, award-winning restaurant.
You can choose your noodle thickness and spice level when you order. 'Er Xi' is a popular noodle choice, and you can ask for 'Duo lazi' for more spice.
Consider adding extras like more beef or a marinated egg to your noodles. These make your meal even better.
Chen Ji Beef Noodle offers great value and an authentic local experience. It is a good choice for travelers on a budget.

TOP HALAL NOODLE SHOPS NEAR LANZHOU STATION

You have plenty of amazing choices for a steaming bowl of beef noodles. Each spot has its own unique charm. Here are the absolute must-try halal noodle shops near Lanzhou station that you should add to your list.

MA ZILU BEEF NOODLE (马子禄牛肉面)

This is the legend. If you only have time for one bowl, many locals and travelers would point you here. Ma Zilu is more than a restaurant; it's a cultural landmark.

Signature Dish: The classic Lanzhou Beef Lamian. This is the dish that made them famous. You get a bowl of perfectly pulled noodles in a crystal-clear broth, topped with tender beef slices, fresh herbs, and a splash of chili oil. It’s one of China's most famous noodle dishes for a reason.
Why It's a Top Choice: Ma Zilu has a history stretching back over 100 years. The Chinese government even recognizes it as a 'China Time-Honored Brand' and awarded it a 'Special Grade' rank. While some call it touristy, that's because it consistently delivers an authentic, high-quality experience. The flavor is classic, reliable, and deeply satisfying.
Walking Distance: About a 15-20 minute walk from Lanzhou Station. It's a great way to see a bit of the city.
Price Range: A standard bowl costs around ¥8-¥10.
Address: 86 Dazhong Xiang, Chengguan, Lanzhou (兰州市城关区大众巷86号)

WU MU SA BEEF NOODLE (吾穆勒牛肉面)

Looking for a bowl with a bit more kick and a lot more beef? Wu Mu Sa is your destination. This spot is famous for its generous portions and rich, flavorful broth.

Local Tip 💡 Wu Mu Sa is known for its spicy broth. If you love heat, ask for extra chili! It’s also famous for its generous beef, so consider ordering an extra portion.

Signature Dish: Spicy Beef Noodles. While they serve the classic style, many people come here for the bolder, spicier version.
Why It's a Top Choice: It's all about the beef and broth here. The broth is darker and richer than at Ma Zilu, with a more pronounced spice flavor. They are also famously generous with their beef slices. If you're a meat lover, this is one of the best halal noodle shops near Lanzhou station for you.
Walking Distance: Around a 25-30 minute walk from Lanzhou Station. You might prefer a short taxi ride.
Price Range: A bowl is about ¥8. Adding a generous extra portion of beef will cost around ¥15 more.
Address: 26 Beibinhe East Road, Chengguan, Lanzhou (兰州市城关区北滨河东路26号)

1915 BEEF NOODLE (1915牛肉面)

This modern chain honors a long family tradition. 1915 Beef Noodle offers a clean, comfortable setting and a fantastic show. It's a great introduction to the world of hand-pulled noodles.

Signature Dish: Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup. Their version stands out because you can watch the chefs pull your noodles to order right before your eyes!
Why It's a Top Choice: Quality and transparency are key here. The owner was inspired by her grandparents' noodle shop, and she ensures every bowl is authentic.
- MSG-Free Broth: The soup is slow-boiled for 8 hours using premium beef and bones.
- Perfect Noodles: The dough is kneaded at least 81 times for the perfect texture.
- Live Show: You can watch the entire noodle-pulling process, which is an amazing cultural experience. This commitment to craft makes it one of the most interesting halal noodle shops near Lanzhou station.
Walking Distance: There are several locations. The one at Wanda Plaza is a 15-minute taxi ride from Lanzhou Station.
Price Range: Expect to pay around ¥15-¥25 for a bowl.
Address: Wanda Plaza, 3F, 333 Tianshui North Road, Chengguan, Lanzhou (兰州市城关区天水北路333号万达广场3楼)

BEST VALUE HALAL NOODLES

Sometimes you just want a delicious, no-frills bowl of noodles that won't break the bank. You want to eat where the locals eat. For that, you need to find a neighborhood gem that delivers amazing flavor for just a few yuan.

CHEN JI BEEF NOODLE (陈记牛肉面)

Chen Ji is the answer for travelers on a budget. This spot is a true local favorite. You won't find fancy decor or big signs here. You will find an honest, steaming bowl of authentic beef noodles for an unbeatable price. It’s the perfect place to experience daily life in Lanzhou.

Local Tip 💡 This is a classic "hole-in-the-wall" shop. Don't expect English menus. Just point to what others are having and enjoy the authentic experience! It’s all about the food here.

Signature Dish: The quintessential Lanzhou Beef Noodle. Chen Ji focuses on doing one thing perfectly. Their classic bowl features a light but flavorful broth, chewy hand-pulled noodles, and just the right amount of toppings. It’s simple, pure, and incredibly satisfying.
Why It's a Top Choice: Value and authenticity are the big winners here. You get a fantastic meal for the lowest price. This is where local workers and families come for their daily noodle fix. Eating at Chen Ji feels less like being a tourist and more like being part of the city. The taste is genuine and comforting. You get a real glimpse into Lanzhou's food culture away from the more famous, crowded spots.
Walking Distance: About a 15-minute walk from Lanzhou Station. It's an easy stroll and lets you see a more residential part of the area.
Price Range: A standard bowl is only around ¥7. It’s the best deal you’ll find for this level of quality.
Address: 127 Tianshui South Road, Chengguan, Lanzhou (兰州市城关区天水南路127号)

HOW TO ORDER LIKE A LOCAL

Walking into a bustling Lanzhou noodle shop can feel a little intense. But don't worry! Ordering is a simple three-step process. You'll be ordering like a pro in no time.

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR NOODLE THICKNESS

First, you need to pick your noodle style. The chef pulls them to order, so you get to choose the exact thickness and shape you want. This is the most important part of customizing your bowl.

Pro Tip 💡 Start with Er Xi (二细) if you're unsure. It's the most popular choice and a perfect all-rounder.

Here are the most common options, from thinnest to widest:

Pinyin	Chinese	Description
`Mao Xi`	毛细	As thin as hair, absorbs broth quickly.
`Xi`	细	Thin, round noodles (like spaghetti).
`Er Xi`	二细	Slightly thicker round noodles, a local favorite.
`Jiu Ye`	韭叶	Flat and wide, like a leek leaf.
`Kuan`	宽	Wide, flat noodles.

STEP 2: SPECIFY YOUR SPICE LEVEL

Next, you decide how much heat you want. The soul of the spice is the lazi (辣子), a fragrant chili oil. You tell the cashier your preference when you pay.

No Spice: Bu yao lazi (不要辣子)
Less Spice: Shao lazi (少辣子)
More Spice: Duo lazi (多辣子)

The server will then add the perfect amount of chili oil to your bowl. It adds more flavor than just heat, so we recommend trying at least a little!

STEP 3: ADD YOUR EXTRAS

A standard bowl of noodles is simple and delicious. You can make it even better by adding some extras. You usually order these at a separate window after you get your noodle ticket.

Popular add-ons include:

🥩 Extra Beef (Jia niurou - 加牛肉): A must for meat lovers!
🥚 Marinated Egg (Jia dan - 加蛋): A savory, hard-boiled egg.
🥬 Side of Veggies (Xiao cai - 小菜): Usually pickled radish or other small cold dishes.

Just grab a small plate, pick what you want, and pay. These extras complete the meal and give you the full Lanzhou noodle experience. Enjoy your perfect bowl!

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC CHINA WITH A TAILORED TOUR

Finding that perfect bowl of noodles is an amazing feeling. It’s a real taste of local life. This kind of discovery is what makes a trip to China truly unforgettable. You get to see beyond the famous sights and connect with the culture in a deeper way. But how do you find these hidden gems without the stress?

GO BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK WITH CHINA EXPLORER TOUR

Guidebooks are great, but they can't show you everything. The best experiences often happen off the beaten path. You might miss out on a tiny, family-run restaurant or a vibrant local market. This is where China Explorer Tour comes in. We specialize in creating journeys that let you dive into real local experiences.

Our Slogan Says It All:

Classic Stops, Hidden Gems, Our China Adventures Blend the Best!

We believe travel should be about more than just sightseeing. It should be about creating memories. We help you find those authentic moments, whether it's learning to pull noodles or sharing a meal with a local family. You get to experience the heart of China.

YOUR PERSONALIZED FOODIE ADVENTURE

Imagine a trip designed just for you. You love food, so your tour includes a journey through Lanzhou's best noodle shops. You want to explore more? We can build an itinerary that takes you to spice markets in Sichuan or tea fields in Hangzhou. A tailor-made tour with China Explorer Tour makes it easy.

No More Guesswork: We handle all the planning. You just show up and enjoy.
Break Language Barriers: Your local guide helps you order, translate, and connect with people.
Discover Hidden Spots: We take you to the places only locals know about.

You can turn your foodie dreams into a reality. Let us create your personalized adventure. You get to explore China's incredible flavors without any of the hassle. Visit our Tailor-Made Tours page to start planning your delicious journey today!

Choosing between the best halal noodle shops near lanzhou station is easy when you know what you want. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

Ma Zilu: Go here for the most authentic, classic taste.
Wu Mu Sa: Pick this spot if you love spice and generous beef.
1915 Beef Noodle: Best for a modern setting and watching the chefs at work.

Ready for more delicious discoveries across China? Let China Explorer Tour create your personalized foodie adventure. Simply provide your name, email, and phone on our site. A travel consultant will contact you within 24 hours to start planning.

FAQ

Are these noodle shops certified Halal?

Yes, absolutely. These restaurants are well-known Halal establishments, often run by local Hui Muslim families.

Quick Tip ✅ Look for the green sign with the characters 清真 (qīngzhēn). This is the official sign for Halal food throughout China, assuring you of its authenticity.

How do I pay for my noodles?

Most local noodle shops prefer mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay. They almost always accept cash (Chinese Yuan - ¥). International credit cards are not common in these spots, so having some cash on you is a great idea.

Are there vegetarian options available?

Authentic beef noodle shops focus only on their signature beef broth. You will not find a vegetarian noodle soup option there. For vegetarian meals, you will need to find different restaurants that specialize in meat-free dishes.

What's the best time to eat to avoid crowds?

These shops are busiest during breakfast and lunch (7-9 AM and 12-2 PM). You can visit in the mid-morning or late afternoon for a calmer experience. Many shops close by the evening, so don't wait too late for your noodle fix! 🍜