Experience Yunnan in Beijing: Dong He Ren Jia (Dongdan Branch)

You won't believe it, folks! I found authentic Yunnan flavors right here in Beijing. I even tricked my friend into thinking I went to Yunnan, all thanks to Dong He Ren Jia (Dongdan Branch). Let me tell you about the story behind Yunnan's signature dish, Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles. It originated in Mengzi, southern Yunnan. Legend says that a scholar studied on a small island in the middle of a lake, and his wife always found that the food was cold when she brought it to him. One day, she discovered that the thick layer of chicken oil on top of the chicken soup could keep it warm. Adding rice noodles and side dishes, she created the dish we now know as Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles, a testament to the wisdom of daily life. Let's take a look at how this dish is made. The ingredients are incredibly diverse, starting with a delicious broth. The restaurant simmers it for hours every morning using old hens, pork bones, and other ingredients. The result is a flavorful, nutritious soup. The side dishes include thinly sliced raw meats like pork tenderloin and ham, as well as fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, tofu skin, and chives, plus the essential smooth rice noodles. The preparation steps are simple: The server will first bring a bowl of steaming hot broth with a layer of golden chicken oil floating on top. Don't underestimate this layer of oil—it's key to keeping the soup hot. Next, the raw meat slices are added in order, using the heat of the broth to cook them. After about a minute, the meat will change color and be fully cooked. Then, the vegetables are added and stirred briefly, cooking for about 30 seconds in the hot broth. Finally, the rice noodles are added, along with the restaurant's special sauce for seasoning. There's also a special way to enjoy it. First, take a sip of the delicious soup to feel the rich broth spread across your taste buds. Then, pick up a chopstick full of rice noodles coated in the soup for a smooth, chewy bite. Next, try the tender meat slices and sweet vegetables for a rich, layered flavor. Eating this bowl of Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles at Dong He Ren Jia (Dongdan Branch) is not just about satisfying your taste buds, but also about experiencing Yunnan's food culture. It carries the memories of Yunnan people's lives, allowing those of us in Beijing to feel the warmth and passion from thousands of miles away. It's truly amazing, and I highly recommend everyone to try it!