6 Halal-Friendly Lanzhou Beef Noodles Eateries To Bring Your Muslim Friends To
When we think of halal food, it is unlikely for la mian (pulled noodles) to appear on our list. Typically found in Chinese cuisine, there is, however, an iteration of these noodles, Lanzhou noodles (or Lanzhou la mian), that is made for and by the Muslim population.
Lanzhou here refers to a city in China’s Gansu province, which has a minority Muslim population courtesy of its historical role as part of the Silk Road trail that runs into the Middle East. The result of a growing Muslim population in Gansu’s community has led to a convergence of the initially disparate Chinese and Middle Eastern cultures.
A result of this is the proliferation of Muslim-friendly Chinese food options that have since diffused into the global market. Over the years, many Chinese Muslims have decided to settle in Singapore after being drawn to our shores by our racial diversity and tolerance.
To celebrate the addition of this slice of culinary history to our local food scene, here is a list of eateries that serve Halal-friendly Lanzhou beef noodles bound to titillate your senses!
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/bumbumasala/
BUMBU MASALA [MUSLIM-OWNED]
Hailing from the aforementioned part of China, chef-owner, Musa, has brought the art of noodle-pulling to Singapore. Order a bowl of his signature noodles to catch him working his magic behind the counter; hands deftly shaping the dough with a delicate precision only achievable after years of dedication to the craft.
His Lanzhou beef noodles (S$6.50 onwards) may not be as specular a visual as its other counterparts, but the honest flavours and homemade touch elevates it above other variants.
The noodles are silken and ivory, made even smoother when slurped with the savoury chilli oil-infused soup. The meat while moderate in serving, are mostly made of cuts without webs of tendon within, allow for proper enjoyment of the protein quality with the occasional sinewy edge.
(Pst, if you want to enjoy these noodles from the comfort of your own home, Bumbu Masala offers delivery too!)
527C Pasir Ris Street 51
Foodfare @ Pasir Ris Costa Ris, #01-01
Singapore 513527
Tel: +65 9786 5831
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/junadi.juri/
CHINA FIRST NOODLE LAN ZHOU BEEF NOODLE [HALAL]
A new arrival to the Lanzhou beef noodles scene, Halal-certified China First Noodle Lan Zhou Beef Noodle is helmed by Chinese Muslims as well. Serving hearty one-dish meal options for a flavourful yet fuss-free dining experience, customers can expect fairly priced items without a taste trade-off
Besides the aromatic wafts of herbs from the broth, another ingredient of note is the chilli oil. Doused in vivid shades of red, it has an unmistakable spicy zest evident from the pronounced, condensed cluster of bird’s eye chilli seeds embedded within. Those brave enough to try it will quickly be convinced of its fiery potency.
The highlight of the Lanzhou beef noodles (S$4.80), as expected, is the broth. Deceptive in its lightness, the soup base has a round, full-bodied taste that pairs wonderfully with the equally slick noodles. Even with copious amounts. of chilli oil, the innate flavours of the broth linger; a testament to the care and effort placed in its brewing process.
As the noodles here tend to be softer, for those who prefer theirs with more of a bite, remember to put in a memo with your order to have them less well-done.
470 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh
Fork & Spoon Toa Payoh, #02-70
Singapore 310470
Daily: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Toa Payoh
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NIU ZOU LA MIAN [MUSLIM-OWNED]
The original stall of Musa – yes, the same chef from Bumbu Masala – Niu Zou La Mian is tucked away in a stuffy, tiny and old hawker centre. It is in this humble environment where Musa first built his legacy.
If you hope to catch a glimpse of the noodles master in action, you may be disappointed. Needing to split his time between establishments, much of the noodle-making is now delegated to his two protégés. Don’t worry, the noodles are still freshly pulled with every order.
Pilgrimages will still reward you with an exquisite bowl of Lanzhou beef noodles (S$5). Springy and taut with an airy lightness, the noodles are admirable even against Musa’s. They are then carefully ladled into a bowl of piping hot broth with a mellow undertone of Chinese herbs. To complete the dish, it is served with a lavish helping of spring onions and melt-in-your-mouth marbled beef and a dash of mild chilli.
Although there’s no delivery here, dining in-house means you get to taste history served the way Musa remembered: in heavy, elegantly decorated porcelain bowls that he personally carried over from his hometown of Gansu.
Ubi Avenue 1
Block 325, Food Point Food Court
Singapore 400325
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 4.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ubi
Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/nuodleasia/
NÚODLE [HALAL]
One of the longest standing Lanzhou beef noodles chains, Núodle wishes to introduce the flavours of its hometown, Lanzhou, to the world. Since its inception in 1915, the brand has since expanded to over thirty stores globally.
Taking much pride in their noodles, each bowl is made to order. For curious onlookers, each branch has an open section of the kitchen to allow their talented chefs to dazzle with their craft.
With only three main bowls available, you can expect the fare to be of substantial quality. Sure enough, the noodles of the Signature Beef La Mian (S$8.65++) are bouncy, the broth is rich even before mixing in the chilli, and there is a generous abundance of beef slices. The perfect trinity when looking for an excellent bowl of Lanzhou beef noodles!
(If you’re dining at the chain’s newest branch at Our Tampines Hub, why not work off all that excess energy at the arcade boxes? Each purchase entitles you to at least one try!)
10 Eunos Road 8
Singpost Centre Paya Lebar, #01-136
Singapore 408600
Tel: +65 6747 1588
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
TONGUE TIP LANZHOU BEEF NOODLES [HALAL]
A name synonymous with Lanzhou Beef Noodles, Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles first swept its home nation by storm before making landfall in Singapore. No surprise, this phenomenon continued here, with locals enamoured with the intense flavours, bountiful portions, and of course, impeccably kneaded noodles.
While sticklers for traditionalism may lament Tongue Tip’s modernised menu, diversifying traditional recipes doesn’t necessarily entail forsaking its culinary lineage. For all the unorthodox additions and changes it has made, the brand’s core menu item of Signature Beef Noodles (S$8.90) remains steadfast in homage to the original variant in Lanzhou; the other bowls are merely derivatives of this dish, not equals.
Therefore, this is the place to be if you’re looking for the vibrant flavours of the Signature Beef Noodles but with a twist. Amp up the spice with their Mala Spicy Beef Noodles (S$9.50++), or savour the piquant flavours of the original without sweating over a soup base with their Dry Beef Noodles (S$8.90) instead.
298 Tiong Bahru Road
Tiong Bahru Plaza, #02-107/108
Singapore 168730
Tel: +65 6747 1588
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
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Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yi-Zun-Beef-Noodle/2013861085566495
YI ZUN BEEF NOODLE [MUSLIM-OWNED]
Rounding this list off is the first Halal-friendly Lanzhou beef noodles in Singapore – Yi Zun Beef Noodle. Established by a Chinese Muslim couple, the space is reminiscent of eateries in China – white tiles, stout wooden tables and chairs, china-like bowls, and finished with a wooden signboard above the main door.
With more modest prices than its contemporaries – especially when considering the luxury of dining in air-conditioned comfort – yet without skimping on portions – sharing a large bowl is more practical than farfetched a notion – Yi Zun retains an innate magnetism even with increased competition.
Patrons ordering their popular Yi Zun Noodle With Sliced Beef (S$7.80 for small; S$9.80 for large) can look forward to a well-flavoured broth brimming with a robust helping of glistening handmade noodles and topped with a flourish of beef slices. While the food is normally palatable, the beef is occasionally overdone, and the slices can feel scant in comparison to the surplus of noodles.
45 Sam Leong Road
Singapore 207935
Tel: +65 6291 6616
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park
** Multiple outlets islandwide.
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