Are you looking for an easy yet delicious meal to fill you up? Fuzhou, a city in the southeastern part of China known for its breathtaking landscapes, is also home to some of the most comforting and flavorful dishes. From sweet to savory, Fuzhounese cuisine offers a perfect balance of simplicity and depth, with recipes passed down through generations.

Growing up, I spent countless hours standing by the stove, watching my family cook. I quickly realized that even the simplest ingredients could be transformed into something deeply satisfying. My grandmas from each side of the family had their own way of preparing this dish that will soon be introduced, one preferring a dry, rich version, while the other made it soupy and soothing. Yet, despite their differences, both versions carried the same warmth and care.

Recently, this meal has been gaining popularity online, especially in New York City, with countless people discovering its irresistible combination of flavors. And now, I’m here to share it with you: Ban Mian (拌面) and Bien Nui, also known as peanut butter noodles and wonton soup.

So grab your aprons and let’s get cooking!

Recipe for Ban Mian (Peanut Butter Noodles)

This dish is an ‘add what you want’ recipe based on your personal preference!

Ingredients:

• Handmade wheat noodles
• Peanut butter (adjust to taste)
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Green onions
• Sriracha
• Salt
• Chicken seasoning
• Scallion

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the handmade wheat noodles for about 10 minutes or until soft.
2. While the noodles are boiling, mix a spoonful (or more) of peanut butter with a dash of sesame oil, a generous amount of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and a bit of chicken seasoning.
3. Add a small amount of the hot noodle water into the sauce mixture, stirring until smooth. Then, toss in the drained noodles and mix well until evenly coated.
4. Chop up some fresh green onions, sprinkle them on top, and finish with a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. Enjoy!

This noodle dish pairs perfectly with a comforting bowl of wonton soup, a classic staple in Fuzhounese cuisine. The wontons are made with delicate, thin wrappers filled with savory pork, then gently boiled in a light, flavorful broth. Here’s how to make it:

Recipe for Wonton Soup

Ingredients:

• ½ lb ground pork
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chicken seasoning
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 scallion (chopped)
• A dash of pepper
• Wonton wrappers
• 4 cups water (for the broth)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp vinegar
• Additional scallions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the ground pork with salt, chicken seasoning, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chopped scallion, and a dash of pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Place a small spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper. Lightly wet the edges with water, fold into a triangle, and press to seal. Avoid overfilling to ensure they cook properly.
3. Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently drop in the wontons. Let them cook for about 3–5 minutes or until they float to the surface.
4. In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add fish sauce, chicken seasoning, sesame oil, vinegar, pepper, and chopped scallions. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Ladle the broth into a bowl, add the cooked wontons, garnish with fresh scallions, and serve hot alongside your peanut butter noodles.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Ban Mian can also be paired with fish balls. Fish balls are made out of fish paste and can also be found in your local Asian stores! Simply put the fish balls in boiling hot water and top them off with vinegar. It is pretty similar to Bien Nui as it is also commonly served the same way as Bien Nui. 

Different countries have their own unique takes on similar dishes. For example, in Korea, this dish is known as tteokbokki (떡볶이), while in China, it’s called Nián Gāo (年糕). They are often stir-fried, so they are also called 炒年糕. Though the flavors and preparations may vary, both versions highlight the chewy, satisfying texture of rice cakes in a deliciously savory sauce.

Recipe for Stir-Fried Rice Cakes (炒年糕)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rice cakes
• 3 eggs (scrambled)
• 1 cup bok choy (chopped)
• ½ cup squid (sliced)
• ½ cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 tbsp cooking wine
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chicken seasoning
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• ½ tsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice cakes. Cook until they soften, then drain and set aside.
2. In a pan over medium heat, scramble the eggs, then add the bok choy, squid, and mushrooms. Pour in the cooking wine and a little water, then let everything cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add salt and chicken seasoning to the mixture, then toss in the softened rice cakes.
4. Stir in the oyster sauce and chili powder, mixing everything well. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Serve and enjoy!

There are also traditional Fuzhou dishes that hold a special place in my heart, especially those made by my family during special occasions.

One of these is Zong Zi (粽子), a dish my grandma lovingly prepared every Chinese New Year. Wrapped in fragrant green leaves, these pyramid-shaped bundles are packed with sticky rice, creating a chewy, satisfying texture. My family’s version includes peanuts, adding a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, but Zong Zi can be made in countless variations—some are filled with red bean paste for sweetness, while others are stuffed with savory ingredients like marinated pork or salted egg yolk.  

And the best part of it all? The way it’s enjoyed is entirely up to personal preference. While some love the rich, umami flavors of the savory kind, I’ve always preferred mine sweet, generously dusted with sugar. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about unwrapping the warm, glutinous rice and savoring its simple yet comforting taste. Whether eaten fresh or pan-fried the next day for a crispy outer layer, Zong Zi is a dish that brings my family together year after year.

If you ever find yourself strolling through Manhattan, feeling a bit lazy but craving some delicious Fuzhou cuisine, here are a few must-visit spots!

Spots in Chinatown, New York

Hidden between bustling storefronts lies a true gem: GaGa Jiao Cafe at 67 East Broadway. I’ve been coming here since I was young, and it never disappoints. The flavors are comforting and authentic, making it a go-to spot for Fuzhou-style eats.

Another hidden treasure that has gained popularity on TikTok is Fu Zhou Wei Zhong Wei Jia Xiang Feng Wei. This place is located beneath an abandoned mall called East Broadway Mall, making it a bit tricky to find, but trust me, it’s worth the hunt. The dishes here bring bold, nostalgic flavors that feel like a taste of home.

Lastly, New Arping, located on Division Street in Chinatown, is another fantastic spot that deserves a mention. Tucked away at 45 Division Street, this eatery is a go-to for authentic Fuzhou cuisine. Not only is this place delicious, but is also one of the most inexpensive restaurants that I have ever been to!

Each of these restaurants serves incredible dishes with their own distinct flavors and specialties. The best part? They’re some of the most affordable eats in the city, offering generous portions that will leave you full and satisfied.

Fuzhounese cuisine is a beautiful blend of tradition, comfort, and bold flavors, whether enjoyed at home or in the heart of Chinatown. From the creamy richness of peanut butter noodles to the delicate warmth of wonton soup and the nostalgic taste of Zong Zi, these dishes carry generations of culinary heritage. Whether you’re cooking at home or exploring hidden gems in New York City, Fuzhou’s flavors offer a taste of home and history in every bite.

Fuzhounese cuisine is a beautiful blend of tradition, comfort, and bold flavors, whether enjoyed at home or in the heart of Chinatown.