Ancient Lanzhou Beef Noodles

Ancient Lanzhou Beef Noodles brings the soul of Northwestern China to Newmarket, Auckland, with a menu that champions slow-cooked meats, fragrant spices and handmade noodles.

Here, the focus is on honest craft - beef and lamb meet warm aromatics, peppers and herbs, with bowls and plates that balance comfort and clarity, richness and bite.

Noodle lovers will find themselves drawn to the traditional beef noodle soup, where tender beef shank swims in a slow-simmered broth infused with radish, coriander and leek, or to the lively lift of pickled mustard beef noodles. The traditional Lanzhou method is followed, slowly simmering beef bones with select cuts of shank and chicken, along with spices and herbs, over gentle heat for hours. Careful skimming leaves a clear, pure broth that lets the depth of the beef and the delicate savouriness of chicken shine naturally.

Handmade noodles also star in stir-fries, where spicy chilli beef and braised lamb meet potato noodles and a medley of vegetables, picking up a deeper, smokier edge from the wok.

Beyond the bowls, there's plenty to linger over. Grilled lamb skewers and the signature beef salad with chilli oil hit that street-side craving, while flatbread with cumin lamb and dumplings with pork and green onion offer welcoming, familiar flavours. For heartier appetites, Lanzhou braised lamb on rice and classic beef on rice deliver substantial finales.

Anchored in simplicity and tradition, this is food made for slurping, sharing and savouring. Make a beeline to Newmarket, pull up a seat and let the noodles lead you on - one satisfying strand at a time.