If you are one of those people that believe that ingredients should always be treated with respect, by all means stay away from Biang Biang noodles. Before they arrive at the dining room, biang biang noodles are repeatedly swung up and down and through the air, slapped on a table, ripped right down the center and then dropped in boiling water. After handling like that, the final application of searing chili oil must come as relief for the poor noodles.

When you eat these noodle, you might suffer too, but only for a minute. Even if you have little fear of spices, the chili oil can bead your forehead with perspiration and make you blink back the tears. Then you emerge on the other side, wide awake and energized, and you understand that the abuse in the kitchen made those noodles much more fun to eat. Biang Biang noodles are one of China’s ancient capital, Xi’ans most famous cultural exports and they can be enjoyed all around the country, however there are plenty of places in Beijing where you can also find these delicious and oft spicy wheat based treats. If you consider yourself a noodle-head then this dish is a must-try dinner selection when visiting the capital.