Sanlitun is chock-a-block with places to get your upscale foreign food on, whether it’s Americana-infused barbecue, paella, or sashimi and miso you crave. But if you look closely, you’ll discover some really solid Chinese faire as well. Whether this is a point of passion or just a whole lot easier on your bank account, here are our personal favorite Cangying guan (苍蝇馆子) in Sanlitun.

Xiaoxiang Ge (潇湘阁)

Xiaoxiang Ge
If you want to try some authentic Hunanese dishes, you won’t find a better spot than Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Hunanese cuisine (also known as Xiang cuisine) is known for being formidably spicy, aromatic and colorful. Along with the liberal application of chili peppers, shallots and garlic, Hunan’s cuisine is known for a special dry heat (干辣). Everyday, Xiaoxiang Pavilion is bustling with customers, many of them repeats, who will attest to the quality. Another benefit for both the uninitiated and the veteran Hunanese cuisine lover: the menu here is a virtual encyclopedia of regional dishes. The pepper fried meat, steamed fish head with red peppers, Lei pepper (擂辣椒) and JinQian egg (金钱蛋) are all classics and all exemplary here.

JinQian Egg (金钱蛋) (22 RMB)

JingQian Egg
JinQian egg is made by boiling eggs, peeling them and coating them in oil before slicing. The slices are then fried with pepper. This is delicious and classic Xiang food for just 22 RMB.

Lei Pepper (擂辣椒) (18 RMB)

Lei Pepper
Lei pepper is pretty hot. Fried eggplant and peppers are added to a bowl along with salt, MSG and garlic, and then pounded into a kind of delicious paste. The smell tells you everything you need to know.

Youxian Tofu (攸县香干) (22 RMB)

Youxian Tofu
Bamboo Shoots Stir-Fried with Bacon (烟笋炒腊肉) (22 RMB)

Bamboo Shoots Stir-Fried with Bacon
While these may sound obscure, if you go for the youxian tofu or bamboo shoots with bacon at Xiaoxiang Ge, you’ll get the true taste and smell of Hunan.

North No. 27 (北27号)

North No. 27
The atmosphere here almost evokes that of a school dining hall, with long tables that seat eight and frequently result in the comingling of different dinner parties. This is definitely part of the charm at North No. 27. Hidden away in a residential building behind Sanlitun proper, the spot is popular with twentysomethings. Bonus points for the large and beautiful map of Lanzhou in the back.

Lanzhou Niang Pi 兰州酿皮 (18 RMB)

Lanzhou Niang Pi
Niang pi, saozi noodle and gray beans are integral to Lanzhou cuisine, and they’re perfectly executed here. First timers are obligated to order niang pi, which is cold and fresh in the Lanzhou style. Niang pi rolled in hot oil is, in itself, one of the spiciest and most delicious foods available (here or anywhere). But no sweat, you won’t notice the heat too much once the peppercorn numbness sets in.

Grandmama’s Saozi Noodle 姥姥家臊子面 (26 RMB)

Grandmama's Saozi Noodle
Grandma’s saozi noodles aren’t as cheap, but you get a really big bowl if that helps. (And, oh yeah, it’s delicious.)

Gray Bean灰豆子 (12 RMB)

Gray Bean
At 12 RMB, the gray beans here are a great deal and a great opportunity for your palate. Local to Lanzhou, these are bigger and sweeter than red beans after soaking and cooking. This dish is a great follow up to niang pi. Also recommended: Lanzhou’s special brand of carrot juice. This can be had for 7 RMB and it’s kind of a trip- not for everyone, but sure to summon childhood memories in anyone from Lanzhou.

Address: Chaoyang District Sanlitun No. 27 North 1st floor (near North Pacific)
Phone: 010-84185849
Per capita: 30 RMB

Shi Jin Garden (十锦园)

You won’t find a better restaurant hidden in plain sight. In this case: right behind Sanlitun’s primary bar street. You’ll also be hard pressed to find a better Sichuan restaurant. Observant diners will also note some Beijing fusion going on, with popular Beijing dishes also on the menu. Service is attentive and kind, and there’s a 1990s-China vibe to the place that appeals. Business here is so good that it covers a who’s-who of central Beijing demographics: local youth, local youth catching lunch with aunts and uncles, foreigners, scenesters, hipsters and regulars. Shi Jin Garden has been around thirteen years, and in that time the head chef has only gotten better.

You may not find a lot of innovation happening here, but the classics on the menu are executed perfectly every time.

Striped bass 纸包鲈鱼 (58 RMB)

Striped bass
The bass here is encased in tin before cooking, and, yes, the tin is sheared away after. What remains is some of the tenderest fish you’ve ever tasted. You better believe they load that roasting chamber up with sauce, and with nowhere to evaporate to it infuses the meat during cooking.

Pickled Cabbage and Fried Egg 酸菜炒鸡蛋 (22 RMB)

Pickled Cabbage and Fried Egg
Sichuan sauerkraut is essentially what you’re looking at here, but served with pickles, crisps and plenty of eggs. It’s a really good ensemble plate for 22 RMB.

Address: No. 13 East Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (behind Moonlight Bar on the primary bar street)
Phone: 010-64156079
Per capita: 40 RMB

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