Among China’s multifarious regional cuisines, the food of the northwestern province of Shaanxi (and its capital Xi’An) isn’t as widely heralded as that of its neighbouring Sichuan province or Hunan and Fujian, but it harbours a number of local delicacies that are slowly becoming popular across the globe. Biang biang noodles are, perhaps, the province’s most famous export – noodles pulled by hand from thick ropes of dough, artfully thwacked against the countertop and then stretched into the desired thickness before being split and tossed into boiling water.

There’s an undeniable skill involved in the creation of the speciality – its name is onomatopoeic for the rhythmic banging sound of the noodles as they are stretched. The noodles themselves, long, wide and deliciously dense, are a more substantial stomach filler than its slimmer siblings, often glossily coated in oil, bathing in a thin pool of broth and crowned with an array of toppings. In Brisbane, biang biang noodles are still a bit of an oddity. Though less common than ramen, pho and laksa, there are a few biang biang specialists around that are well worth seeking out.

Biang Biang Fresh Noodle in Fortitude Valley’s Central Brunswick shops Central Brunswick shops is a cult favourite amongst many foodies, with the signature Bang Bang noodles (served with pork mince, potato, eggs, tomato, carrots, shallots and salad) a must-try, alongside the spicier Sichuan dan dan noodle, which boasts pork mince, vegetables, soy sauce, vinegar, chilli oil and pepper oil.

Over in Sunnybank, Terrific Noodles is giving locals a taste of Xi’An cuisine from its eatery in Market Square. Here, the 5 in 1 Biang Biang Noodles are a must-try item – a glistening serve of hand-pulled noodles are topped with shredded pork, pork mince, tomato, egg and chopped vegetables. Kung Food Noodle at Pineplands Plaza in Sunnybank Hills is a great place to enjoy some spicy Sichuan cuisine and refreshing cold dishes. Biang biang noodles can be found here, too – with fat and glossy serves of steaming noodles ready for you to slurp.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Robertson in Brisbane’s southside, Xi’An Famous Food is another Shaanxi-style specialist known for its noodles, stewed pork burgers and Xi’An cold skin noodles. If it’s biang biang you’re looking for, there are two options we recommend – one comes topped with tender beef brisket, diced vegetables and fresh bok choy, the other is a four-in-one dish that crowns its noodles with tomato eggs, beef mince, spicy sliced pork and hot oil. Finally, The Noodle Club in Runcorn is one of the few places in town that serves authentic Chinese breakfast, but the hand-made noodles are worth a try if you’ve got a hunger only biang biang noodles can bust.