Ma Jiang Liang Mian (Sesame Cold Noodles)
There is no "chilled Chinese" in China! Rich sesame noodles in the real summer
Description
Japanese 'Hiyashi Chuka' (cold noodles with sweet-sour soy and egg strips) is purely Japanese. In China, the undisputed summer cold noodle is 'Ma Jiang Liang Mian': noodles heavily coated in thick sesame paste (Zhi Ma Jiang) spiked with black vinegar and garlic.
Restaurants serving Ma Jiang Liang Mian (Sesame Cold Noodles)
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We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Chinese noodles
- Zhi Ma Jiang(Sesame paste)
- Cucumber
- Black vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- Boil Chinese noodles al dente. Instead of shocking in ice water like in Japan, spread them on a tray and cool them using a fan, tossing with sesame oil to prevent sticking (this preserves the authentic chewy texture).
- Sauce: Put
- tbsp 'Zhi Ma Jiang' (Sesame paste) in a bowl. Slowly whisk in warm water until it reaches a smooth, mayonnaise-like consistency.
- Add soy sauce, aged black vinegar, sugar, and massive amounts of 'Suan Shui' (garlic water).
- Plate the cooled noodles, top heavily with julienned cucumbers (this is often the ONLY topping, sometimes bean sprouts).
- Drown everything in the thick sesame sauce, adding chili oil to taste.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Intense richness of sesame paste、Raw garlic sting
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Japanese Hiyashi Chuka (Sesame flavor - but too sour)
Pairing
Boiled Dumplings / Smashed Cucumbers
Trivia
[Trivia] The colorful toppings of Japanese Hiyashi Chuka (egg strips, ham, tomato, imitation crab) do NOT exist on Chinese cold noodles. The ultra-minimalist 'Noodles + Cucumber + Sesame Paste' is the true aesthetic.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] The sauce is incredibly thick. The second it arrives, you must violently mix it from the bottom up. The water released from the cucumbers naturally thins the heavy sesame paste as you eat.
Allergen
Wheat, Sesame, Soybeans