Haidilaohuoguo 海底捞火锅 (Hotpot)

One of Beijing's most famous hotpot restaurants is 海底捞火锅 (Haidilao Hotpot). Their hot pot offerings are regular fair, like many hot pot places, but what sets this restaurant apart is its excellent service. Other hotpot restaurants tried to copy this, but have not become as popular as Haidilao, as Haidilao enjoys first-mover advantage.

While waiting, kids can play board games and puzzles in the kids corner just right beside the entrance.

本店特色 "Bendian Tese"

本店特色 literally translates to "root store characteristic." All translations here (and the rest of my blog) are my own, so if you think they are incorrect, they most likely are.

It was one of those evenings when I ran errands around Wangfujing and ate as locals do 入国问俗 - enter a random place with lots of people, order two dishes, eat quietly, pay and then leave. I picked my familiar favourites.

宫 爆 鸡丁 ("gong bao jiding") Palace Stir-Fried Chicken cubes for RMB 15

重庆好吃街 - Zhongqing Delicious Food Street

(Mandarin translations are mine so if it seems wrong, it most likely is.)

The first time I encountered this place was over dinner with debaters from BLCU. This restaurant is a small noisy one along the Wudaokou strip, and we chanced upon it when we heard our stomachs grumbling and searched for a place that did not serve fastfood. I felt we chose well, I bring some of my friends here for yummy eats.

宫爆鸡丁 ("gong bao jiding") - Palace Stir-Fried Chicken cubes for RMB 15

Baguo Buyi (Sichuan Food)

I've been craving for Sichuan food since my Aunt mentioned her trip to Sichuan province. My mother influenced me to love spicy food, thus my natural affinity to Sichuan dishes. This one, in particular, was a perfect match for a freezing Sunday evening. Thanks to my good friend Charles for the treat!

Stir fried beef strips for RMB 29