Chinese Liangfen

Chinese Liangfen is a refreshing cold noodle dish made from mung bean starch, typically served in northern China, especially during summer. The translucent, slippery noodles are tossed with a savory-spicy dressing of chili oil, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame paste, often topped with fresh cucumber, cilantro, and crushed peanuts.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Liangfen is low in fat and protein but high in carbohydrates from the mung bean starch, making it a light yet energizing dish. A typical serving provides around 150-200 calories, along with small amounts of iron and dietary fiber.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	120 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	2 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	800 mg
Potassium	120 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Phosphorus	60 mg
Manganese	0.3 mg
Selenium	2 µg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.05 mg

Per 1 bowl (300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Liangfen is a beloved street food that embodies the Chinese principle of balancing 'cooling' foods in hot weather, and its unique glass-like texture comes from a traditional starch-setting process that dates back centuries.