| Dragon beard noodles | |
| Country: | China |
| Region: | Shandong province |
| Type: | Noodle |
| S: | 龙须面 |
| T: | 龍鬚麵 |
| L: | "Dragon Beard Noodles" |
| P: | lóng xū miàn |
Dragon beard noodles are a variety of noodle from Shandong province in China. They derive their name from their long, thin appearance, said to resemble the beard of a Chinese dragon. They are traditionally eaten during the Longtaitou Festival, which occurs on the second day of the second month of the Chinese calendar. There is a folk custom called "peeling the dragon skin" (pinyin: “bolongpi”).[1]
The noodles are believed to have been invented by a chef working for the emperor during the Ming dynasty. During lichun, the chef made some unusually long and thin noodles which delighted the emperor, and later became popular among peasants as well. Because of their association with dragons, the noodles began to be eaten during the Longtaitou (lit. "dragon raising its head") festival, which celebrates dragons and the role they play in bringing the Spring rains.[2]