Ban Mian noodles (拌面 ) are a must-try when you’re in Fuzhou. They’re a simple dish, but what makes it unique is the sauce, which is made with peanut butter—an unusual ingredient in China.
You can find Ban Mian at the restaurant listed, or on most street corners after dark. A bowl costs less than a dollar.
If you want to make them at home, try this recipe:
- 1 pack of wonton noodles or other fresh, flat rice-based noodles
- 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
- A dash of soy sauce
- A dash of Sesame oil
- 1 chopped scallion
Cook the noodles quickly (about one minute). Whisk the sauce ingredients together, adding a splash of the noodle water to make it soupy. Mix together and top with scallions.