Macau Chopsticks Hotpot Kuanzhai Alley
🕰️Business hours: 11:00-15:00/16:00-02:00
🗓️Itinerary: Take the bus to Kwai Fong Kei Green Garden
📍Address: Shop H, Kuanzhai Alley, No. 479, Luyang Garden (Block 1, Likang Court), Rua do Bijou, Macau
Recommended hotel: Ponte 16 Resort Macau
🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: Recently, I took advantage of a weekend trip to Macau to explore this small city where Chinese and Western cultures blend together. Speaking of Macau, the first thing that comes to mind may be casinos, Portuguese egg tarts or the Ruins of St. Paul’s. But this time, I was attracted by a unique hot pot restaurant - "Kuanzhai Alley" in Macau. This Sichuan-themed hotpot restaurant not only satisfied my appetite, but also brought me a dual experience of taste and culture. I can't help but want to share this food journey with everyone!
"Kuanzhai Alley" is located in a corner of Macau city. The name of the store is inspired by the famous Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu, and the decoration also has a strong Sichuan flavor. As soon as you enter the door, you will see wooden tables and chairs paired with red lanterns, and Sichuan folk-style decorative paintings hanging on the walls, as if you have instantly traveled back to the land of Bashu. Although Macau is an international city, it has a down-to-earth and warm atmosphere, which forms an interesting contrast with the luxurious casinos around it. The waiter warmly greeted us to take a seat and introduced the signature dishes on the menu, making it not feel unfamiliar to me as a first-time visitor.
When it comes to hot pot, soup base is of course indispensable. The spicy soup base of "Kuanzhai Alley" is the star of the store. It is said to be simmered over a slow fire with a variety of peppers and spices. I ordered a shabu-shabu hotpot, with spicy red soup on one side and refreshing mushroom soup on the other, which satisfied my conflicting desire to challenge the spiciness but fearing it would be too stimulating. When you take the first sip of the red soup, the spicy taste instantly explodes on your tongue. It is spicy enough but not choking, and paired with a slight aroma of peppercorns, it is really addictive. The clear soup is warm, fresh and sweet, warming the stomach and making you feel comfortable. The two soup bases have their own merits and do not taste monotonous at all.
In terms of ingredients, there are also many choices here. There is everything from fresh beef slices, lamb rolls, duck blood, tripe, to various meatballs and vegetables. I especially recommend their handmade shrimp balls, which are tender and chewy, and go perfectly with the spicy soup base. There are also Sichuan specialties that are rare in Macau, such as spicy strips, jelly and dandan noodles, which make the whole dining experience more enriched. The dipping sauce area is also very attentive, offering a variety of options such as sesame paste, peanut butter, mashed garlic, coriander, etc. You can mix a bowl of your own exclusive dipping sauce and eat it with a special sense of accomplishment.
💞Reason for recommendation: Eating hot pot and looking at the steam rolling in the pot, I can't help but sigh that Macau is such a magical place. A food corner full of local characteristics. Although "Kuanzhai Alley" is not the most famous attraction in Macau, its strong Sichuan flavor and warm service made me feel the warmth of travel. Next time if any friends come to Macau, I will definitely bring them here!
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