Mazilu Noodles in Japan: A taste of China's time-honored brand in noodle–loving country

World
Europe

China's most loved noodle restaurant, Lanzhou Beef Lamian makes its first appearance in the fierce noodle battleground of Tokyo. Boasting over 100 years of service in China, Mazilu Beef Lamian is the only one certified by the Chinese government as a "China Time-honored Brand" . So will this taste of China win the hearts of the noodle-loving Japanese? TERRENCE TERASHIMA finds out.

The origin of so called, Japanese "Ramen" comes from Chinese noodles that came into Japan in mid 19th century.

Since then, the noodle spread throughout Japan and evolved in different forms. It has now become one of the top popular foods in the country, among Sushi and Miso soup.

TERRENCE TERASHIMA TOKYO "Japanese always loved "Ramen", and there are hundreds of different kinds of "Ramen" competing, especially here in Tokyo. Well there is a new taste in town. The Mazulu noodle shop has opened in Tokyo and it is not only attracting hundreds of Japanese but Chinese tourists as well"

One theory is that Japanese "Ramen" originated from "Lamian", from Lanzhou in China, so it possible to say that the original form has revisited Japan. Nearly a hundred people lined up, even before the shop opened, eagerly awaiting to taste the Mazulu Niúròu miàn.

"I heard that it is a famous noodle shop in China and the noodle very different from the Japanese ones. I was really eager to taste one."

"I hear that it is the original taste that you would have in China as well, so I am looking forward to taste one."

And the authenticity is guaranteed.

SEINO TAKERU MANAGER "This is very unique bowl noodle and there are nothing similar here in Japan. I want more Japanese to enjoy this dish. Unfortunately, thanks to the popularity, the soup runs out by the end of lunch time, so my current goal is to open in the evening as well, for those who can only come in the evenings, and hopefully open more of this Mazulu noddles in Japan"

The question would be whether this Chinese taste would appeal to the Japanese palate. Much of the Japanese "Ramen" have either, pork, fish or soy source base soups. The spices and coriander in the Mazulu noodles can be very sharp for Japanese.

But regular customers say, once you get used to it it can be very addictive. "For some Japanese it might come as a little spicy, but this is certainly is a new genre and I think more and more Japanese will appreciate the unique taste"

The Mazulu noodles IS attracting attentions from noodle enthusiasts from all over the country.

Some say it could become a new trend in here in Japan, Terrence Terashima CGTN Tokyo.