Crossing the bridge noodles (Guo qiao mi xian) recipe, Tony Tan (2024)

FAQs

What is the legendary crossing the bridge noodles? ›

Crossing-the-bridge noodles has over a century of history and has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Kunming since 2008. The dish is served with a large bowl of boiling hot broth and soup. The soup is made with chicken, pork bone and seasoning, such as Chinese star anise and ginger.

HISTORY: Yunnan rice noodles (or过 (Guò) 桥(Qiáo), which translates to “crossing-bridge noodles”) is said by some to have originated from a wife who would cross a particular bridge every day to deliver home-cooked dinners to her husband, who was studying for emperor's exams.

As you might expect, the name “Crossing the Bridge Noodles” is inspired by the wife's daily stroll across the bridge to deliver her husband's meals. The story is passed down the generations by word of mouth and has come to represent affection, endearment, and admiration.

Dagu Rice Noodle offers rice noodle soup two ways: their signature Rice Noodle Soup in Hot Bowl, where all the toppings are served in the broth (in a heated pot), or deconstructed – referred to as Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodle Soup, where the toppings are served in a tray and you put them in the broth yourself.

In essence, noodles are a kind of cereal food, which is the main body of the traditional Chinese diet. It is the main source of energy for Chinese people and the most economical energy food.

One common theory states that the name means "south of colorful clouds" (彩云之南; cǎiyún zhī nán). Some annals in the Ming dynasty, for example Dian Lüe (滇略) and Yunnan General Annals (云南通志), support this. However, modern historian Tan Qixiang states that this theory is a superficial explanation of the literal meaning.

This largely depends on the type of noodle and how it's prepared. Some types of Asian noodles, such as soba and udon noodles made from whole grains, can provide a good source of fibre and nutrients. However, other types of noodles, like ramen and rice noodles, may be less nutritious and higher in carbohydrates.

Ladle the hot stock over each bowl, covering all the ingredients. Serve with the condiments and season with your favourites. Eat the noodles, then drink the soup broth at the end.

Chongqing noodle dishes are typically spicy and prepared using a variety of spices, seasonings and sauces. Sichuan pepper is often used in the dish's preparation. Myriad meats and vegetables are also used in its preparation. Various garnishes and condiments are also used, such as spring onions and chili oil.