Chinese sesame paste noodles
Chinese sesame paste noodles, or 'Ma Jiang Mian', is a beloved cold noodle dish originating from Beijing. It features wheat noodles tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made from toasted sesame paste, often combined with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chili oil, and is typically topped with fresh cucumber strips.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily high in carbohydrates from the noodles and contains a moderate amount of healthy fats from the sesame paste. It provides key nutrients like plant-based protein, iron, and calcium, with a typical serving containing roughly 500-700 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 65 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Potassium | 220 mg |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Zinc | 2.0 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 40 µg |
Per 1 serving (300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The dish is a staple of Beijing's culinary culture, especially popular in summer as a refreshing, ready-to-eat meal. Its unique flavor profile comes from the 'ma jiang' (sesame paste), which is made from roasted sesame seeds, giving it a deep, nutty aroma distinct from tahini.
