Dan dan noodles are traditionally associated with a spicy Sichuan sauce containing chili oil and Sichuan pepper.
The dish usually combines wheat noodles with a sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan pepper, preserved vegetables, sesame paste or peanut paste, and often minced pork. Recipes vary, but the characteristic flavor balance is spicy, savory and aromatic. Sichuan pepper contributes a distinctive numbing sensation known as málà when combined with chili heat.
The name refers to the pole, or dan dan, that itinerant vendors traditionally used to carry their noodles and equipment. Dan dan noodles are sometimes confused with biangbiang noodles, another famous Chinese noodle dish, but biangbiang noodles are known especially for their broad, belt-like shape. Regional and restaurant recipes can differ considerably in toppings and sauce thickness.