As winter begins on the traditional Chinese calendar, Noodleholics invites Tucson to celebrate with warm noodles and friends. They hope locals adopt “my first noodles in the winter,” a simple, communal tradition.
What is Lìdōng
Lìdōng marks the seasonal shift to winter in China’s solar calendar. People gather for warming food that signals comfort and care. The practice emphasizes nourishment, connection, and the coming cold season. Noodles bring steam, aroma, and togetherness.
Tucson may not freeze often, but a hot bowl still hits on a cool night. Noodleholics co-owner Wang believes the ritual can boost local noodle shops and strengthen community ties.
“That simple gesture has strengthened community bonds,” she said, noting a similar milk tea trend that spread across China.
Where to start at Noodleholics
Start with Sizzling Garlic Noodles, a Tucson Foodie staff favorite for heat and bold garlic flavor.
More, try the Guilin Spicy & Sour, or the delicate clear-broth Guilin, both rooted in family recipes.
How to celebrate your first bowl
First, invite a friend. Then share a bowl at the table, or order two and swap bites. Finally, post a photo with your favorite detail, like the chew of wheat noodles or the pop of pickled greens. “Share a bowl of warm noodles with a friend,” Wang said. “Create a moment of connection and warmth across the community.”
Noodleholics has three locations: 3502 E. Grant Rd., 7850 N. Oracle Rd., and 6310 E. Tanque Verde Rd. For more information, visit noodleholics.com.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
