Lanzhou Locals Review: Authentic 1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodle Experience in Adelaide
As a proud “camel certificate” holder who has roamed for years between Zhan Guo, Long Shang He, Mo Gou Yan, Squirrel’s Home (which I heard has sadly closed down), and Ma Ji Yong, I believe it’s fair to call myself a true Lanzhounese [Laughing].
Recently, a new spot opened in Adelaide’s Chinatown:
1915 Lanzhou Beef Noodles
(Address: 81 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000),
and I couldn’t resist checking it out. Unfortunately, the experience left me quite disappointed [Stunned][Stunned][Stunned].
Let me share the disappointing aspects:
1. First, the queuing process. You must order at the entrance before finding a seat. Perhaps due to the newness of the place and the staff still learning the ropes, the line at the door was quite long, while there were some empty seats inside. It would be more efficient to let customers wait inside and have the staff manage seating before they order; or simply provide QR codes on each table so that customers can sit down and order directly.
2. For my review, I ordered beef noodles, a meat and egg combo, and a side dish, which cost $20.9.
First, the side dish: the portion was minuscule, served in a tiny plastic bowl with a layer of shredded potatoes at the bottom. Honestly, I estimate there were no more than 50 pieces, and they were gone in one bite; the taste was bland, lacking the rich aroma of chili oil.
Next, the beef: the slicing was subpar, as shown in the picture, I received five slices, one large and thick, and the other four small and fragmented. The color of the beef was pale and unappealing, but the taste was decent.
Then, the soup: the flavor was rather light, missing the robust spice aroma characteristic of the Northwest that I remember from Lanzhou.
However, the taste was fairly acceptable, and many might find it pleasant.
Lastly, the noodles: I ordered the ‘three thin’ type, but I’m not sure if the noodle maker was inexperienced or if there was a mistake, as you can see from the picture, this is definitely ‘two thin’. However, the texture of the noodles was chewy and smooth, which was the highlight of the meal.
3. The store has a condiment area, but there is no vinegar and chili on the dining tables. Carrying a hot bowl of noodles to the condiment area to add these essentials is quite inconvenient.
Now, let me mention the surprising points:
1. On the side dish menu, there is “pickled radish”! This is one of my favorite accompaniments for beef noodles, and it’s a shame it was out of stock this time.
2. The store offers “jujube tea,” which is a very authentic touch!
3. Despite the staff not being fully proficient yet, they are incredibly enthusiastic and have a great attitude.
I won’t be rushing back anytime soon [Cute], but maybe after a month or two, when the food and service have had time to stabilize, I’ll give it another try!
