If you have been following the growing Lanzhou beef noodle scene in Metro Vancouver, the West End just entered the conversation.
A Noms Mag community member (Steve) spotted signs for Imran Beef Noodle up early last week, taking over the previous Grandjoy Hotpot that shut down recently.
The spot actually ended up opening on February 7, and we went to check it out (anonymously as usual) over the weekend.
And if you’re a fan of noodles and Lanzhou beef noodles, there is a lot to like here.
The restaurant specializes in Lanzhou lamian, a traditional hand-pulled noodle dish from Lanzhou, China.
It centers around a clear, slow-simmered beef broth topped with fresh herbs, chili oil, and hand-pulled noodles made to order.
Everything on the menu is halal, which is true to the dish’s roots.
Lanzhou beef noodle soup has its origins in the Hui Muslim community of northwestern China, and halal preparation is a defining part of the tradition.
That cultural connection also shows up in the restaurant’s decor, where framed photographs of mosques from around the world line the walls.
After chatting with the owner, we learned that he is friends with the people behind Quds in Richmond and Hue in Burnaby, two other Lanzhou beef noodle spots that have opened in Metro Vancouver recently.
They offer similar authentic lamian items, and the quality standard carries across all three.
The space has been reworked from its Grandjoy Hotpot days.
The big shelf of ingredients that used to dominate the room is gone, replaced by more tables and seating.
A dramatic starburst yellow LED light fixture stretches across the ceiling, and blue-and-white Chinese teapots sit on each table.
The overall feel is clean, modern, and welcoming.
We ordered the Set A combo, which comes with a bowl of beef noodle soup, a plate of sliced beef, and a tea egg for $19.99.
This set and pricing is what you’d also find at Quds (we’ve been there multiple times).
And like Quds, you get to choose the thickness of your noodles from eight different styles, ranging from Extra Thin at 1mm all the way up to Buckwheat Diamond at 35mm.
We went with the Thick noodles and asked for spice in the broth.
The bowl arrived loaded with hand-pulled noodles, fresh cilantro, scallions, and a generous layer of chili oil across the top.
One thing we love about Quds and is replicated here at Imran is that they do not skimp on the noodles.
You are getting a full, satisfying portion every time.
The trial opening menu also includes cold dishes like Spicy and Sour Shredded Potatoes, Spicy Cucumber, and Cold Mixed Wood Ear with Onion.
Imran is offering 15% off all items until February 13, and all drinks are $3.99 during the opening period.
Hours are daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Imran Beef Noodle joins a wave of new openings across Vancouver this month, including Angus T Bakery in River District, Cockney Kings on Main Street, and Nine Bar Coffee.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 1509 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC