The old snack shop that has been passed down for generations, the taste is beyond words. You can try the braised fish, the taste is great
This ancient capital, spanning eight dynasties, embodies the prosperous dreams of the Northern Song Dynasty 💫 and the authentic urban life 🎆. This three-day guide will take you on a journey through millennia and experience its richness and warmth~ 🏯 Must-sees on a three-day trip to Kaifeng ✨ Highlights! · Immerse yourself in Song Dynasty culture 🏮: Watch a live performance at the 1:1 replica of the Qingming Riverside Park and be transported back in time! · Quick overview of the ancient capital's highlights 📸: Enjoy the Dragon Pavilion, Daxiangguo Temple, and Kaifeng Prefecture. · Night market foodie adventure 🤤: A local's hidden guide to tasting Kaifeng's authentic snacks! 🌞 DAY 1: A Dreamlike Journey Back to the Great Song Dynasty 📍Qingming Riverside Park (Address: No. 5, Longting North Road, Longting District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM) · Must-see live performance "Dream of the Great Song Dynasty" ✨Starting at 8 PM, be sure to reserve a seat in advance · Hongqiao check-in √ Shangshanmen check-in √ The park is absolutely stunning! Recommended Night Market: Gulou Night Market (Gulou Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM) 🍢Must-Try List: Fried Jelly (15 RMB) | Bucket Chicken (50 RMB) | Almond Tea (8 RMB) 🏯 Day 2: Ancient City Tour · Longting Park (Address: Longting Lake, Longting District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM) Climb up Longting Park for a breathtaking view of Pan and Yang Lakes. · Daxiangguo Temple (Address: 36 Ziyou Road, Gulou District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM) The Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue in the octagonal glazed hall was absolutely stunning! Kaifeng Mansion (Address: Baogonghu North Road, Longting District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM) Judge Bao's Office Tour 🤓 Late-night Snack Recommendation: Xisi Night Market (Address: Shengfu West Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City) Braised Fish (15r) | Stir-fried Sweet Potatoes (12r) 🖼 Day 3: Cultural and Leisure Day Kaifeng Museum (Address: No. 6 Zhengkai Avenue, Longting District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Closed Mondays) Free! Remember to bring your ID! Zhuxian Town New Year paintings are amazing! Lunch Must-Try: Xingjia Potstickers (Address: No. 21 Sihou Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City) All-You-Can-Eat (30 RMB per person)! Shuanglongxiang Cultural District (Address: Longting District, Kaifeng City): Any photo opportunity is a hit! 📸 💰 Budget Details ┌──────────┬─────┐ │Transportation (including city)│400 yuan│ │Accommodation (2 nights)│800 yuan│ │Food│600 yuan│ │Tickets and performances│350 yuan│ │Total│2150 yuan│ └──────────┴─────┘ 💡 Travel Tips · Best Season: April for Tomb-Sweeping Day/October for the Chrysanthemum Exhibition – the atmosphere is at its peak. · Transportation Guide: Shared trams are super convenient 🚲, starting at 7 yuan. · Warning: "Cheap Tours" at the entrance to the scenic area are just as good! 🙅 💖Come and discover Kaifeng's thousand-year-old Song Dynasty charm! #KaifengTourism #What's everyone doing during the National Day holiday? #QingmingShanghePark #KaifengFood #WeekendDeals
Friends~ Kaifeng is really delicious! I gained 6 pounds by eating and drinking with the locals! I handed over all the delicious food in the bottom of the box. Today I will take you to unlock the food map of this treasure city! 🐟 Lao Chen braised fish A local traditional snack that must be eaten in Kaifeng. This one is a traditional old flavor. The small fish is fried first and then stewed~ The fish bones are already crispy and the fish meat is still chewy. It’s okay to eat a whole bite! You must drink the soup. The soup base is salty and fresh. Add some chili oil and vinegar to make it more layered. 🥘 Tiequan Guokui (Tieji Guokui) There are 4 or 5 Guokui shops at this intersection, but the old Kaifeng people only recognize this one for Guokui. If they don’t sell out, other shops will have no business. Soak in mutton soup/mutton intestines, and it will soon be full of soup, but it won’t become powdery. 🍲 Ghost Market Lamb Sausage There are many lamb sausages in Kaifeng. The characteristics of this one are that the meat is very tender and cut more boldly, and the pieces are large; second, the soup is a little stronger. 🍵 Huasan Donkey Meat Soup Old Shop Donkey meat soup is also one of the favorite soups for Kaifeng people in the morning. The donkey meat in this shop is very tender and not dry. But I prefer to eat soaked pancake shreds. The crispy pancake shreds just out of the pot are mixed with soup. It’s so refreshing to take a bite! 🍗 Ma’s Braised Chicken Leg Pancake I would like to call the chicken leg pancake the best snack in Ximen Night Market! The chicken leg is very fragrant and tender, a little sweet, and the pancake is very chewy. If you like chicken skin, you can add one serving. This little taste is definitely worth queuing for! 🥨 Xuji Beef Fire This is the kind of crispy skin. There is not much beef inside, but the taste is very full. You can also add eggs, sausages, spicy strips and other ingredients. It is cost-effective. 🥮 Yuanji Red Bean Cake More than a dozen flavors to meet everyone's various taste needs, the key is that the ingredients are super rich! Red beans, cheese corn, Oreo, chocolate, cream flavors are all available, with rich taste, a whole crazy ~ 🍗 Technology Fried Chicken This always has a long queue every time I go, and locals are rushing to eat. The store is clean and the chicken is super tender. 🍲 Niu Xiaoqi Traditional Chicken Blood Soup If you can eat chicken offal, you can try it. The price is touching, and the various ingredients have different prices. 5 yuan for a full meal and 10 yuan for a good meal. The ingredients are really sufficient, and it is served with freshly baked sesame cakes. #Follow Smad to eat delicious food #Romantic dating restaurant #Kaifeng travel
#真香零食大集 #凯封美食 #凯封 #地方特色零食 Eddie Peng~, Liu Yifei~Kaifeng is really delicious! 🥳I gained 6 pounds by eating and drinking with the locals! I handed over all the delicious food in the bottom of the box 1️⃣Lao Chen braised fish A local traditional snack that you must eat in Kaifeng. This one is the traditional old flavor. The small fish is fried first and then stewed~The fish bones are already crispy and the fish meat is still chewy. It’s okay to eat a whole piece in one bite! You must drink the soup. The soup base is salty and fresh. Add some chili oil and vinegar to make it more layered. 2️⃣Tiequan Guokui (Tieji Guokui) There are 4 or 5 Guokui shops at this intersection, but the old Kaifeng people only recognize this one for Guokui. If they don’t sell out, other shops will have no business. Soak in mutton soup/mutton intestines, and it will soon be full of soup, but it won’t become powdery. 3️⃣Ghost Market Lamb Intestines There are many lamb intestines in Kaifeng. The characteristics of this restaurant are that the meat is very tender and the cuts are bold and large; second, the soup is stronger. Sheep loin, goat milk... If you can overcome the psychological barriers to these parts, it is recommended to try it! 4️⃣Hua San Donkey Meat Soup Old Shop Donkey meat soup is also one of the favorite soups for Kaifeng people in the morning. The donkey meat in this shop is very tender and not dry. But I prefer to eat soaked pancake shreds. The crispy pancake shreds just out of the pot are mixed with soup. It's so refreshing to take a bite! 5️⃣Five-spiced bean paste The best thing about this restaurant is the bean paste. You can also try the spicy soup, which is a more authentic taste. Egg rings and tar dough sticks are also recommended. There are not many traditional old-fashioned single-batch small dough sticks in Kaifeng now. 6️⃣Sansheng Street Tianji Rice Noodles The traditional Kaifeng chicken sauce rice noodles must be added with some pepper oil to taste good. The rice noodles are thin and very elastic. There are a lot of ingredients in it~chicken, thousand sheets, dried tofu, kelp shreds...My favorite is the quail egg, which is very flavorful! 7️⃣Ma's Braised Roasted Chicken Legs If you want to eat sesame cakes with chicken legs, you must look for Laohe Daximen Night Market! Basically, they are sold out at 10 o'clock in the evening. It is best to go early. I went there 3 times before I could eat it. Eating only chicken legs will be a bit dry, and it tastes better with the oily roasted chicken skin! 8️⃣Zhu Ji Baiji Mo "Zhu Qianjin Baiji Mo" in Yujie is made and baked on the spot~the steamed bun is baked crispy and delicious when it bounces. I like fat and lean ones, not woody, and add more soup to make it more flavorful. 9️⃣Shisan Shao. Fried sesame cakes Youthful memories at the school gate! Fried sesame cakes with fried skewers are very fragrant and not too oily. It is recommended to add more vegetable skewers and match them with southern-style sauce~sweet. 🔟Sunji Shaobing with Meat The price seems a bit expensive before buying, but it's worth it when you get it! There are about 5 or 6 skewers of mutton in it, sprinkle more ingredients~it's more fragrant! 🌟Maji Mutton Hot Pot A traditional snack in Kaifeng, it is full of mutton flavor with mutton oil, and the mouth is full of scallion, mutton and mutton oil. It is recommended to add an egg. The crispy pancake skin is sandwiched with soft and tender eggs, and the taste is more layered. 🌟Dongjiao Night Market • Erbao Mutton Kebab Dongjiao Night Market is a night market that Kaifeng locals like to go to. If you don't want to go to several major night markets, come here to order mutton skewers, grilled kidneys, a casserole, sheep's feet, and a cup of ice red beans and fried yogurt from Dongjiao No. 1, it's so exciting!
If you're looking for the most authentic and historic Kaifeng cuisine, then "Lao Chen Braised Fish" is a must-try. It's more than just a snack; it's a culinary culinary masterpiece of Kaifeng, passed down for centuries. I. Core Charm: Why is it so famous? 1. Century-old Heritage, Ingenious Craftsmanship: The title "Four Generations of Ancestral Hand" is well-deserved. From ingredient selection to cooking, the restaurant adheres to ancient recipes and techniques, a skill passed down from generation to generation that fast food chains cannot replicate. 2. Unique Flavor, Fresh Broth, and Tender Meat: The essence of authentic braised fish lies in the "braised" technique. Small crucian carp (or grass carp) are used, slowly simmered over low heat for a long time, leaving the bones soft and the meat tender, leaving it melt-in-your-mouth. The broth is rich and mellow, with a subtle aroma of herbs and soy sauce, and a salty, slightly spicy flavor that leaves a lasting aftertaste. 3. A representative snack of Kaifeng: It's as famous as baked carp noodles and barrel chicken, and is an integral part of Kaifeng's night market culture, carrying the culinary memories of generations of Kaifeng residents. II. Restaurant Guide: Where and How to Eat It? · Signature Old Shop: · Address: The most authentic and established one is located on Shudian Street (near the north entrance) in Kaifeng's Gulou District. It's small, but the sign is prominent, and there's often a long line. · Ambience: A classic "old-fashioned" establishment. Don't expect too much; enjoy the ambiance of downtown. · Tasting Tips: 1. Observe the Appearance: Authentic braised fish, with the meat intact but easily shattered with chopsticks, and the bones completely softened. 2. Taste the Broth: The broth is amber-colored, thick, and vibrant. Take a sip and savor the complex aroma of various spices, a rich, savory flavor without any fishy odor. 3. Eating the Meat: You can eat the fish whole, bones included, without worrying about getting stuck. The fish absorbs the rich broth, giving it a delicate texture and full of flavor. · Recommended Pairings: · Perfect Pairing: Pot stickers or xiaolongbao. Dipping the braised fish broth into pot stickers or dumplings is a classic local dish, and the savory and fragrant broth elevates the flavor of the noodles. · Refreshing: Vegetarian or cold dishes. Order a refreshing salad, like cucumber or preserved egg, to cleanse your palate. 3. The Story and Culture Behind the Food The braised fish snack originated with Kaifeng fishermen. In the past, fishermen would braise unsold small fish using their own traditional spices and cooking methods, ensuring a long-lasting shelf life and making it a delicious accompaniment to alcohol. Over time, this dish spread beyond the fishing villages and became a popular snack found on the streets of Kaifeng. The "Lao Chen" family represents a family that has preserved this craft for four generations. Savoring this dish not only allows you to savor its flavor but also to experience the rich history and folk wisdom of Kaifeng, the ancient capital. IV. Practical Tips 1. Best Time to Eat: As a snack, it's best enjoyed in the afternoon or evening. After strolling through Bookstore Street, a bowl of piping hot braised fish is especially satisfying in the evening. 2. Beware of Fish Bones: Although the fish bones have been braised to perfection, children and the elderly are advised to exercise caution the first time and allow time for acclimatization. 3. Taste Preference: If you prefer a lighter palate, ask the restaurant to make the broth slightly lighter. For stronger flavors, add a little chili oil for a unique flavor. 4. Finding Branches: Due to its popularity, there may be other shops in Kaifeng claiming to be "Lao Chen Braised Fish." For the authentic experience, look for the old shop at the north entrance of Bookstore Street. Summary: For visitors to Kaifeng, visiting Longting and Qingming Shanghe Park is about seeing the scenery, but savoring a bowl of Laochen Braised Fish is about savoring the city's soul. While it may not boast the sophistication of a high-end restaurant, its unique flavor and rich historical heritage will surely add unforgettable, down-to-earth culinary memories to your Kaifeng trip. Enjoy your dining experience in Kaifeng!
The old snack shop that has been passed down for generations, the taste is beyond words. You can try the braised fish, the taste is great
This ancient capital, spanning eight dynasties, embodies the prosperous dreams of the Northern Song Dynasty 💫 and the authentic urban life 🎆. This three-day guide will take you on a journey through millennia and experience its richness and warmth~ 🏯 Must-sees on a three-day trip to Kaifeng ✨ Highlights! · Immerse yourself in Song Dynasty culture 🏮: Watch a live performance at the 1:1 replica of the Qingming Riverside Park and be transported back in time! · Quick overview of the ancient capital's highlights 📸: Enjoy the Dragon Pavilion, Daxiangguo Temple, and Kaifeng Prefecture. · Night market foodie adventure 🤤: A local's hidden guide to tasting Kaifeng's authentic snacks! 🌞 DAY 1: A Dreamlike Journey Back to the Great Song Dynasty 📍Qingming Riverside Park (Address: No. 5, Longting North Road, Longting District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM) · Must-see live performance "Dream of the Great Song Dynasty" ✨Starting at 8 PM, be sure to reserve a seat in advance · Hongqiao check-in √ Shangshanmen check-in √ The park is absolutely stunning! Recommended Night Market: Gulou Night Market (Gulou Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM) 🍢Must-Try List: Fried Jelly (15 RMB) | Bucket Chicken (50 RMB) | Almond Tea (8 RMB) 🏯 Day 2: Ancient City Tour · Longting Park (Address: Longting Lake, Longting District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM) Climb up Longting Park for a breathtaking view of Pan and Yang Lakes. · Daxiangguo Temple (Address: 36 Ziyou Road, Gulou District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM) The Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue in the octagonal glazed hall was absolutely stunning! Kaifeng Mansion (Address: Baogonghu North Road, Longting District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM) Judge Bao's Office Tour 🤓 Late-night Snack Recommendation: Xisi Night Market (Address: Shengfu West Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City) Braised Fish (15r) | Stir-fried Sweet Potatoes (12r) 🖼 Day 3: Cultural and Leisure Day Kaifeng Museum (Address: No. 6 Zhengkai Avenue, Longting District, Kaifeng City | Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Closed Mondays) Free! Remember to bring your ID! Zhuxian Town New Year paintings are amazing! Lunch Must-Try: Xingjia Potstickers (Address: No. 21 Sihou Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City) All-You-Can-Eat (30 RMB per person)! Shuanglongxiang Cultural District (Address: Longting District, Kaifeng City): Any photo opportunity is a hit! 📸 💰 Budget Details ┌──────────┬─────┐ │Transportation (including city)│400 yuan│ │Accommodation (2 nights)│800 yuan│ │Food│600 yuan│ │Tickets and performances│350 yuan│ │Total│2150 yuan│ └──────────┴─────┘ 💡 Travel Tips · Best Season: April for Tomb-Sweeping Day/October for the Chrysanthemum Exhibition – the atmosphere is at its peak. · Transportation Guide: Shared trams are super convenient 🚲, starting at 7 yuan. · Warning: "Cheap Tours" at the entrance to the scenic area are just as good! 🙅 💖Come and discover Kaifeng's thousand-year-old Song Dynasty charm! #KaifengTourism #What's everyone doing during the National Day holiday? #QingmingShanghePark #KaifengFood #WeekendDeals
Friends~ Kaifeng is really delicious! I gained 6 pounds by eating and drinking with the locals! I handed over all the delicious food in the bottom of the box. Today I will take you to unlock the food map of this treasure city! 🐟 Lao Chen braised fish A local traditional snack that must be eaten in Kaifeng. This one is a traditional old flavor. The small fish is fried first and then stewed~ The fish bones are already crispy and the fish meat is still chewy. It’s okay to eat a whole bite! You must drink the soup. The soup base is salty and fresh. Add some chili oil and vinegar to make it more layered. 🥘 Tiequan Guokui (Tieji Guokui) There are 4 or 5 Guokui shops at this intersection, but the old Kaifeng people only recognize this one for Guokui. If they don’t sell out, other shops will have no business. Soak in mutton soup/mutton intestines, and it will soon be full of soup, but it won’t become powdery. 🍲 Ghost Market Lamb Sausage There are many lamb sausages in Kaifeng. The characteristics of this one are that the meat is very tender and cut more boldly, and the pieces are large; second, the soup is a little stronger. 🍵 Huasan Donkey Meat Soup Old Shop Donkey meat soup is also one of the favorite soups for Kaifeng people in the morning. The donkey meat in this shop is very tender and not dry. But I prefer to eat soaked pancake shreds. The crispy pancake shreds just out of the pot are mixed with soup. It’s so refreshing to take a bite! 🍗 Ma’s Braised Chicken Leg Pancake I would like to call the chicken leg pancake the best snack in Ximen Night Market! The chicken leg is very fragrant and tender, a little sweet, and the pancake is very chewy. If you like chicken skin, you can add one serving. This little taste is definitely worth queuing for! 🥨 Xuji Beef Fire This is the kind of crispy skin. There is not much beef inside, but the taste is very full. You can also add eggs, sausages, spicy strips and other ingredients. It is cost-effective. 🥮 Yuanji Red Bean Cake More than a dozen flavors to meet everyone's various taste needs, the key is that the ingredients are super rich! Red beans, cheese corn, Oreo, chocolate, cream flavors are all available, with rich taste, a whole crazy ~ 🍗 Technology Fried Chicken This always has a long queue every time I go, and locals are rushing to eat. The store is clean and the chicken is super tender. 🍲 Niu Xiaoqi Traditional Chicken Blood Soup If you can eat chicken offal, you can try it. The price is touching, and the various ingredients have different prices. 5 yuan for a full meal and 10 yuan for a good meal. The ingredients are really sufficient, and it is served with freshly baked sesame cakes. #Follow Smad to eat delicious food #Romantic dating restaurant #Kaifeng travel
#真香零食大集 #凯封美食 #凯封 #地方特色零食 Eddie Peng~, Liu Yifei~Kaifeng is really delicious! 🥳I gained 6 pounds by eating and drinking with the locals! I handed over all the delicious food in the bottom of the box 1️⃣Lao Chen braised fish A local traditional snack that you must eat in Kaifeng. This one is the traditional old flavor. The small fish is fried first and then stewed~The fish bones are already crispy and the fish meat is still chewy. It’s okay to eat a whole piece in one bite! You must drink the soup. The soup base is salty and fresh. Add some chili oil and vinegar to make it more layered. 2️⃣Tiequan Guokui (Tieji Guokui) There are 4 or 5 Guokui shops at this intersection, but the old Kaifeng people only recognize this one for Guokui. If they don’t sell out, other shops will have no business. Soak in mutton soup/mutton intestines, and it will soon be full of soup, but it won’t become powdery. 3️⃣Ghost Market Lamb Intestines There are many lamb intestines in Kaifeng. The characteristics of this restaurant are that the meat is very tender and the cuts are bold and large; second, the soup is stronger. Sheep loin, goat milk... If you can overcome the psychological barriers to these parts, it is recommended to try it! 4️⃣Hua San Donkey Meat Soup Old Shop Donkey meat soup is also one of the favorite soups for Kaifeng people in the morning. The donkey meat in this shop is very tender and not dry. But I prefer to eat soaked pancake shreds. The crispy pancake shreds just out of the pot are mixed with soup. It's so refreshing to take a bite! 5️⃣Five-spiced bean paste The best thing about this restaurant is the bean paste. You can also try the spicy soup, which is a more authentic taste. Egg rings and tar dough sticks are also recommended. There are not many traditional old-fashioned single-batch small dough sticks in Kaifeng now. 6️⃣Sansheng Street Tianji Rice Noodles The traditional Kaifeng chicken sauce rice noodles must be added with some pepper oil to taste good. The rice noodles are thin and very elastic. There are a lot of ingredients in it~chicken, thousand sheets, dried tofu, kelp shreds...My favorite is the quail egg, which is very flavorful! 7️⃣Ma's Braised Roasted Chicken Legs If you want to eat sesame cakes with chicken legs, you must look for Laohe Daximen Night Market! Basically, they are sold out at 10 o'clock in the evening. It is best to go early. I went there 3 times before I could eat it. Eating only chicken legs will be a bit dry, and it tastes better with the oily roasted chicken skin! 8️⃣Zhu Ji Baiji Mo "Zhu Qianjin Baiji Mo" in Yujie is made and baked on the spot~the steamed bun is baked crispy and delicious when it bounces. I like fat and lean ones, not woody, and add more soup to make it more flavorful. 9️⃣Shisan Shao. Fried sesame cakes Youthful memories at the school gate! Fried sesame cakes with fried skewers are very fragrant and not too oily. It is recommended to add more vegetable skewers and match them with southern-style sauce~sweet. 🔟Sunji Shaobing with Meat The price seems a bit expensive before buying, but it's worth it when you get it! There are about 5 or 6 skewers of mutton in it, sprinkle more ingredients~it's more fragrant! 🌟Maji Mutton Hot Pot A traditional snack in Kaifeng, it is full of mutton flavor with mutton oil, and the mouth is full of scallion, mutton and mutton oil. It is recommended to add an egg. The crispy pancake skin is sandwiched with soft and tender eggs, and the taste is more layered. 🌟Dongjiao Night Market • Erbao Mutton Kebab Dongjiao Night Market is a night market that Kaifeng locals like to go to. If you don't want to go to several major night markets, come here to order mutton skewers, grilled kidneys, a casserole, sheep's feet, and a cup of ice red beans and fried yogurt from Dongjiao No. 1, it's so exciting!
If you're looking for the most authentic and historic Kaifeng cuisine, then "Lao Chen Braised Fish" is a must-try. It's more than just a snack; it's a culinary culinary masterpiece of Kaifeng, passed down for centuries. I. Core Charm: Why is it so famous? 1. Century-old Heritage, Ingenious Craftsmanship: The title "Four Generations of Ancestral Hand" is well-deserved. From ingredient selection to cooking, the restaurant adheres to ancient recipes and techniques, a skill passed down from generation to generation that fast food chains cannot replicate. 2. Unique Flavor, Fresh Broth, and Tender Meat: The essence of authentic braised fish lies in the "braised" technique. Small crucian carp (or grass carp) are used, slowly simmered over low heat for a long time, leaving the bones soft and the meat tender, leaving it melt-in-your-mouth. The broth is rich and mellow, with a subtle aroma of herbs and soy sauce, and a salty, slightly spicy flavor that leaves a lasting aftertaste. 3. A representative snack of Kaifeng: It's as famous as baked carp noodles and barrel chicken, and is an integral part of Kaifeng's night market culture, carrying the culinary memories of generations of Kaifeng residents. II. Restaurant Guide: Where and How to Eat It? · Signature Old Shop: · Address: The most authentic and established one is located on Shudian Street (near the north entrance) in Kaifeng's Gulou District. It's small, but the sign is prominent, and there's often a long line. · Ambience: A classic "old-fashioned" establishment. Don't expect too much; enjoy the ambiance of downtown. · Tasting Tips: 1. Observe the Appearance: Authentic braised fish, with the meat intact but easily shattered with chopsticks, and the bones completely softened. 2. Taste the Broth: The broth is amber-colored, thick, and vibrant. Take a sip and savor the complex aroma of various spices, a rich, savory flavor without any fishy odor. 3. Eating the Meat: You can eat the fish whole, bones included, without worrying about getting stuck. The fish absorbs the rich broth, giving it a delicate texture and full of flavor. · Recommended Pairings: · Perfect Pairing: Pot stickers or xiaolongbao. Dipping the braised fish broth into pot stickers or dumplings is a classic local dish, and the savory and fragrant broth elevates the flavor of the noodles. · Refreshing: Vegetarian or cold dishes. Order a refreshing salad, like cucumber or preserved egg, to cleanse your palate. 3. The Story and Culture Behind the Food The braised fish snack originated with Kaifeng fishermen. In the past, fishermen would braise unsold small fish using their own traditional spices and cooking methods, ensuring a long-lasting shelf life and making it a delicious accompaniment to alcohol. Over time, this dish spread beyond the fishing villages and became a popular snack found on the streets of Kaifeng. The "Lao Chen" family represents a family that has preserved this craft for four generations. Savoring this dish not only allows you to savor its flavor but also to experience the rich history and folk wisdom of Kaifeng, the ancient capital. IV. Practical Tips 1. Best Time to Eat: As a snack, it's best enjoyed in the afternoon or evening. After strolling through Bookstore Street, a bowl of piping hot braised fish is especially satisfying in the evening. 2. Beware of Fish Bones: Although the fish bones have been braised to perfection, children and the elderly are advised to exercise caution the first time and allow time for acclimatization. 3. Taste Preference: If you prefer a lighter palate, ask the restaurant to make the broth slightly lighter. For stronger flavors, add a little chili oil for a unique flavor. 4. Finding Branches: Due to its popularity, there may be other shops in Kaifeng claiming to be "Lao Chen Braised Fish." For the authentic experience, look for the old shop at the north entrance of Bookstore Street. Summary: For visitors to Kaifeng, visiting Longting and Qingming Shanghe Park is about seeing the scenery, but savoring a bowl of Laochen Braised Fish is about savoring the city's soul. While it may not boast the sophistication of a high-end restaurant, its unique flavor and rich historical heritage will surely add unforgettable, down-to-earth culinary memories to your Kaifeng trip. Enjoy your dining experience in Kaifeng!