Ma Zilu
Time-Honored BrandMa Zilu · Gansu · Founded
Ma Zilu is a renowned beef noodle brand from Lanzhou, Gansu, celebrated for its clear-soup beef noodles. With a century-old legacy, it has perfected the art of hand-pulled noodles and savory broth, earning the love of food enthusiasts across generations.
Brand Story
Ma Zilu Beef Noodles originated in Lanzhou, Gansu, with a history tracing back to the late Qing Dynasty. Founder Mr. Ma Zilu (born circa 1860s) opened his first noodle shop at Nanguan Shizi in Lanzhou, gaining fame for his unique beef broth and hand-pulled noodle technique. During the Republic era, his son Ma Jizu inherited the business and refined the recipe, achieving a clear broth and chewy noodles, making it a representative of Lanzhou beef noodles. After the founding of New China, Ma Zilu was recorded in the Lanzhou Commercial Gazette as a local delicacy. Its cultural significance lies in being a living fossil of Lanzhou's culinary culture, embodying the fusion of Hui cuisine and Han noodle craftsmanship, and serving as a daily dietary symbol for the northwestern region. Though the exact founding year is unverified, the family lineage is clear, and the craft continues today, making it an early practitioner of the 'one clear, two white, three red, four green' standard.
Signature Products
Beef bone broth, clear and flavorful, hand-pulled noodles topped with beef slices, radish, cilantro, and chili oil. (8-15 RMB)
Noodles tossed with a secret beef sauce, rich in flavor, ideal for those who prefer bold tastes. (12-20 RMB)
Premium beef shank, braised to perfection, sliced and ready to eat, a great side dish. (30-50 RMB/jin)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Gansu（甘肃）
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Cultural Note
The craft of Ma Zilu Beef Noodles emphasizes 'three times water, three times ash, ninety-nine times kneading.' Noodle pulling adjusts water temperature and peng ash ratio by season. The broth uses beef bones, beef, and over a dozen spices, simmered for hours, then filtered for a clear soup, embodying the essence of 'clear.' The skill is passed down through family and apprenticeship, emphasizing oral instruction, and is a key part of Lanzhou beef noodle intangible cultural heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Ma Zilu founded?
Ma Zilu was founded in null, originating in Gansu, Gansu, primarily in the Food & Beverage field.
What is the signature product of Ma Zilu?
Its signature product is Clear Soup Beef Noodles. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: