Authentic and Affordable Gansu Noodles on Offer at Xibei Yibei
If you're looking for a simple but delicious lunch option among the swaths of fancy eateries in increasingly upscale Beijing, then you're not alone. Yes, it's little wonder why wholesome, down to earth Gansu cuisine has become a popular alternative as of late. Be it Bei 27 Hao, Bun and Noodle, Best Wish Niangpi, or Sun Chase, there's no shortage of such fare around town, and now Sanlitun south newbie Xibei Yibei is getting in on the action.
Located a stone's throw from the So Joy bibimpap we reviewed recently, the newly opened Gansu eatery looks polished and incompatible with the dirty street-eat-style atmosphere of the rest of the street. From its neatly industrial façade to its long wooden tables and stools, to its concrete grey walls, this is certainly the fanciest Sanlitun south opening we've seen in awhile. However, Xibei Yibei has a humble and charming staff, including sibling owners who hail from Gansu that have recruited their father to bring dishes to diners and offer advice on how to eat them in a traditional way.
Hankering for authentic Gansu fare, we ordered the spicy gaodan niangpi (高担酿皮, RMB 16). It's a typical Gansu snack on dry summer days. Its thick strips of steamed wheat flour were served al dente and topped with pieces of wheat gluten. It's a flavorful and moreish dish with a generous touch of chili oil. The secret to each bowlful's success? The owners' Dad told us that they make new batches on a daily basis to ensure the niangpi is fresh enough.
As for the noodles, the saozi noodles (臊子面 sàozi miàn, RMB 26) were served in a huge deep bowl on a wooden tray. It came filled with treasures – chunks of carrot, potato, pork, wheat gluten cubes, celery, and mu’er. It was all topped with chopped cilantro that paired well with the soupy broth, the latter being replete with bones to add more flavor. Added bonus: the green chili pickled Chinese cabbage on the side helped temper the dish's acidic and spicy flavor.
They also offer marinated pork ribs, pig’s ear, and authentic desserts such as huidouzi (RMB 15), a glutinous rice cake with rose and dates (RMB 16). Tempting as those sweets sounded, my belly didn’t have enough space for them, meaning I'll have to save more room next time. All in all, I quite enjoyed the authentic dishes that were made with care at affordable prices. It's enough to make Xibei Yibei one of my new favorite lunch spots in Sanlitun.
Xibei Yibei Noodles
Daily 11am-12am. 53 Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (155 6975 6666)
西北以北Noodles：朝阳区南三里屯路53号
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Photos: Tracy Wang
