Our Privacy Statement & Cookie Policy

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

Noodles with heart: Beijing's homespun hospitality in a bowl

CGTN

00:30

From kneading the dough and cutting the noodles to making the savory sauce – every step in the preparation of zhajiangmian happens in front of the guests. These "noodles with fried bean sauce," a Beijing specialty served in a blue porcelain bowl, carry more than flavor; they convey the host's heartfelt welcome, shaped by hours of careful work. In Beijing, taking two hours to cook handmade noodles is considered a far more sincere gesture than inviting guests to a restaurant. The warmth in the dough, the patience in the slow-cooked sauce – these are the simple yet meaningful rituals of hospitality.

Search Trends