At the table
Eat the celery and lily-bulb pieces together while warm, as a shared vegetable side. The white pieces are edible bulb scales, not flower petals.
Celery is a main ingredient; some versions add shrimp or cashews. Check additions and seasonings if you have allergies.
Shrimp or cashews may be added.
The lightly sweet vegetables and crisp texture can be shared as a side; cut celery into short pieces and check whether optional shrimp or cashews are included.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Shrimp or cashews may be added.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Fresh celery aroma and gentle lily sweetness.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Crisp lily scales and celery.
- How it’s made
- Stir-fry celery and lily bulb together.
Shrimp or cashews may be added.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Gansu.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有西芹百合吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Lanzhou’s sweet lily meets crisp celery
Lanzhou lily is an edible bulb prized for its mild sweetness, not a flower garnish. Its cultivation around Lanzhou appears in local records by 1778 and expanded into a small industry by the late Qing. Today, crisp western celery and sweet lily scales make a familiar Lanzhou stir-fry; the date this pairing began is not established.