Liu Longzi Beef Rice Noodles

Liu Longzi Beef Rice Noodles

　　Jinshi is a county-level city in northern Hunan, developed from a fishing settlement on Dongting Lake. It has grown into a well-known industrial and commercial hub and a former industrial base, once reputed as the “Little Shanghai” or “Little Nanjing.” Historically home to migrants from thirteen provinces, it is a city that embraces diverse cultures and is famed for its rich variety of local snacks. Among them, beef rice noodles are the most renowned local specialty. Liu Longzi Noodle Shop is a famous eatery in the area, specializing in beef noodles and beef bowls. Established in 1938, it is now officially registered under the name “Liu Longzi Rice Noodles” by its current successor, Huang Zhen. Liu Longzi Rice Noodles won a gold award at the Hunan Agricultural Products Expo. Beef noodles have become a culinary symbol of both Jinshi and Hunan cuisine, with beef noodle shops across the country evolving from this original style.

　　In 1938, Liu Songsheng opened a shop on Lianghe Street in Jinshi, specializing in beef rice noodles. Liu became known as “Liu Longzi” (Deaf Liu) due to losing his hearing from childhood otitis media. Although Han Chinese, he maintained close ties with the Hui community, gaining extensive experience in beef processing. The beef noodles and beef bowls he made were tender yet firm, perfectly seasoned, and known for being spicy, hot, fragrant, and fresh—standing out among numerous beef restaurants in town. His homemade spice bag for stewing beef contained over 20 types of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and spices, including star anise, fennel, cardamom, sandalwood, cassia twig, licorice, dried tangerine peel, clove (male and female), Sichuan peppercorn, sand ginger, shannai, shijingxiang, and spikenard. Additionally, the preparation process was meticulous: upon purchasing beef, it was immediately hung in a ventilated area, then cut into about one-pound chunks based on age, tenderness, fatness, and leanness. These chunks were soaked in clean water to draw out blood from the fibers, then rinsed repeatedly before being simmered in a pot. When cooking, the pot was first cleaned and filled with water. The spice bag was wrapped in cloth, sewn tightly, and placed at the bottom of the pot, followed by layers of beef chunks without covering the pot to allow any unpleasant odors to escape and let the aroma of the spices infuse the meat. The beef was simmered until it was tender enough to be mashed by finger pressure, then removed and placed in a container. Next, half the original broth was diluted with water, brought to a boil, then removed from heat. The surface oil was skimmed off to clarify the broth, leaving it crystal clear and exceptionally flavorful.

　　Once cooled, the cooked beef was either sliced thinly or cut into small chunks. Thin slices were returned to the broth with seasonings for a light simmer, while chunks were braised with seasonings. “Hot and clean” are the hallmarks of Liu Longzi Beef Rice Noodles. Special attention is paid to cleanliness when serving the noodles: bowls are washed and dried, rice noodles are rinsed 2–3 times, then scalded in boiling water and drained. They are placed in the bowl without any water remaining, then topped with salt, green onions, soy sauce, chili, MSG, and the original broth, followed by slices or chunks of beef. The broth remains piping hot—just a small ladleful is poured per bowl to lightly moisten the noodles, instantly releasing an intense aroma. The distinctive flavor of the noodles comes from this small ladle of rich, original broth.

　　Liu Longzi Beef Rice Noodles became hugely popular, becoming a staple breakfast choice for locals in Jinshi, while visitors also considered it a must-try. In the 1990s, former employees of Liu Longzi Beef Noodle Shop started opening their own branches, which gradually expanded to cities such as Changsha, Wuhan, Yichang, Nanchang, and Changde. The fame of Liu Longzi Beef Noodles from Jinshi spread far and wide. However, imitations abounded. Meanwhile, the original Jinshi Liu Longzi Beef Noodle Shop continued to innovate, offering dishes such as simmered beef, braised beef, beef steak, and beef offal served with noodles. Long queues formed daily to enjoy the noodles, with even more customers during holidays.