The Story of Qiaojiao Beef

Long before Qiaojiao Beef (跷脚牛肉)became one ofLeshan's most celebrated dishes, it was a simple meal prepared for labourers and travellers along the banks of the Emei River in Sichuan Province.

In the town of Suji (苏稽古镇), where cattle trading was once central to daily life, local cooks found a way to make use of every part of the animal. Beef bones, beef offal, herbs and fragrant spices were slowly simmered together over charcoal fires, creating a clear yet remarkably flavourful broth that provided warmth and nourishment after long days of physical work.

The earliest stalls were humble. A single clay stove supported a large iron pot of gently simmering broth, accompanied by a wooden table holding bowls of sliced beef and simple seasonings. With few seats available, diners often rested one foot on the crossbar beneath the table while eating, giving rise to the name "Qiaojiao" (跷脚), meaning "crossed leg" or "raised foot." Although several explanations exist for the origin of the name, this remains the story most closely associated with the dish throughout Leshan.

Over more than a century, Qiaojiao Beef evolved from a riverside street meal into one of the defining dishes of Sichuan cuisine. While preserving its traditional cooking methods, generations of chefs refined the broth by carefully balancing beef bones with aromatic herbs, spices and selected Chinese botanicals. The result is a soup celebrated for its delicate appearance, rich aroma and clean, comforting flavour.

Unlike many Sichuan dishes that are known primarily for intense heat, authentic Qiaojiao Beef is renowned for its balance. The broth is light yet deeply savoury, allowing the natural sweetness of premium beef and the fragrance of the herbs to shine through. Thinly sliced beef, tender offal and freshly prepared vegetables are gently cooked in the simmering broth, creating a meal that is both comforting and satisfying.

At Leshan Beef Noodle, we are proud to continue this tradition in Sydney. Since opening our first restaurant in Burwood Chinatown in 2024, followed by our second location in Chatswood, our mission has remained unchanged: to honour the history of Qiaojiao Beef while sharing the authentic flavours, craftsmanship and hospitality of Leshan with every guest who walks through our doors.

Every bowl reflects generations of culinary tradition, slowly simmered broth, carefully selected ingredients and the belief that great food has always brought people together.