Tianjin

1. Hot Pot in Tianjin

Hot pot, or "huǒ guō" (火锅), is a communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a simmering pot of broth at the table. Tianjin offers a variety of hot pot styles, from the spicy Sichuan-style to the mild and nourishing northern-style hot pot.

Popular Hot Pot Restaurants in Tianjin

1. Haidilao Hot Pot (海底捞火锅)

   • Why Visit: Famous for its exceptional service, including free snacks, manicures, and entertainment while you wait for a table.
   • Location: Multiple branches across Tianjin, including one at Galaxy International Shopping Mall.
   • Specialties: Spicy Sichuan broth, handmade noodles, and a wide variety of fresh ingredients.
   • Cost: Around ¥150–¥200 per person.

2. Xiaolongkan Hot Pot (小龙坎老火锅)

   • Why Visit: Authentic Sichuan-style hot pot with a rich, spicy broth.
   • Location: Multiple locations, including one near Binjiang Dao shopping street.
   • Specialties: Spicy beef slices, duck blood tofu, and fresh vegetables.
   • Cost: Around ¥120–¥180 per person.

3. Donglaishun (东来顺)

   • Why Visit: A historic brand specializing in Beijing-style lamb hot pot, using copper pots and charcoal for a traditional experience.
   • Location: Near Ancient Culture Street (古文化街).
   • Specialties: Thinly sliced lamb, sesame dipping sauce, and mild broths.
   • Cost: Around ¥100–¥150 per person.

Dining Procedures for Hot Pot

1. Choose Your Broth: Most restaurants offer multiple broth options, such as spicy, mild, tomato, mushroom, or a "yuan yang" (鸳鸯) pot, which combines spicy and mild broths in a divided pot.
2. Select Ingredients: Order raw ingredients from the menu or buffet. Popular choices include thinly sliced meats (lamb, beef), seafood, tofu, mushrooms, and leafy greens.
3. Cook Your Food: Place the raw ingredients into the boiling broth and cook them to your desired doneness. Cooking times vary, so ask the staff if you're unsure.
4. Dipping Sauces: Create your own dipping sauce from a condiment station. Common ingredients include sesame paste, soy sauce, garlic, chili oil, and cilantro.
5. Enjoy Communally: Hot pot is a social meal, so share the ingredients and enjoy the experience with your dining companions.

Local Customs and Tips

• Spice Levels: Tianjin locals enjoy moderately spicy food, but Sichuan-style hot pot can be very spicy. If you're not used to spice, ask for a mild broth ("不辣" or "bù là").
• Hygiene: Many restaurants provide aprons and plastic covers for your phone to keep them clean.
• Reservations: Popular hot pot spots like Haidilao can have long waits during peak hours (6–8 PM). Make a reservation or arrive early.

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2. Barbecue in Tianjin

Barbecue, or "shāo kǎo" (烧烤), is another beloved dining experience in Tianjin. It typically involves skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables grilled over charcoal and seasoned with spices.

Popular Barbecue Restaurants in Tianjin

1. Zhangji Barbecue (张记烧烤)

   • Why Visit: A local favorite for authentic Tianjin-style barbecue.
   • Location: Near Nankai University.
   • Specialties: Lamb skewers, grilled eggplant, and cumin-seasoned chicken wings.
   • Cost: Around ¥50–¥80 per person.

2. Kuan Zhai Alley Barbecue (宽窄巷子烧烤)

   • Why Visit: Combines traditional barbecue with a modern dining atmosphere.
   • Location: Near Italian Style Town (意式风情区).
   • Specialties: Grilled seafood, spicy tofu skewers, and cold beer.
   • Cost: Around ¥80–¥120 per person.

3. Night Market Barbecue Stalls

   • Why Visit: For a more casual and authentic experience, visit one of Tianjin’s night markets, such as the Nanshi Food Street (南市食品街).
   • Specialties: Lamb skewers, grilled squid, and spicy potatoes.
   • Cost: Around ¥30–¥60 per person.

Dining Procedures for Barbecue

1. Order Skewers: Choose from a menu or display case. Popular options include lamb, beef, chicken wings, shrimp, squid, mushrooms, and vegetables.
2. Grilling: At most restaurants, the staff will grill the skewers for you. At some places, you can grill them yourself at the table.
3. Seasoning: Skewers are typically seasoned with a mix of cumin, chili powder, and salt. Let the staff know if you prefer less spice.
4. Pair with Drinks: Barbecue is often enjoyed with cold beer or Chinese spirits like baijiu (白酒).

Local Customs and Tips

• Sharing: Barbecue is a social meal, so order a variety of skewers to share with your group.
• Late-Night Dining: Barbecue is especially popular as a late-night snack. Many stalls and restaurants stay open until midnight or later.
• Cash or Mobile Payment: Smaller barbecue stalls may only accept cash or mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

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3. Average Costs

• Hot Pot: ¥100–¥200 per person, depending on the restaurant and ingredients.
• Barbecue: ¥50–¥120 per person, depending on the number of skewers and the type of restaurant.

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4. Unique Considerations for Tianjin

• Local Flavors: Tianjin cuisine is known for its balance of salty and sweet flavors. Some hot pot and barbecue spots may offer Tianjin-style marinades or dipping sauces.
• Seasonal Ingredients: In winter, hot pot is especially popular for its warming properties. In summer, barbecue is a favorite for outdoor dining.
• Language Barrier: While many restaurants have picture menus, not all staff speak English. Learn a few key phrases or use a translation app to help with ordering.
  • "I want this" (我要这个, wǒ yào zhè ge).
  • "Not spicy" (不要辣, bù yào là).

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5. Enhancing Your Experience

• Group Dining: Both hot pot and barbecue are best enjoyed with friends or family. The more people, the more variety you can try.
• Explore Night Markets: For a more casual and authentic experience, visit Tianjin’s night markets, where you can enjoy both barbecue and other local snacks like Jianbing (煎饼) and Goubuli Baozi (狗不理包子).
• Try Local Drinks: Pair your meal with Tianjin’s local beer, such as Tianjin Beer (天津啤酒), or traditional Chinese teas.

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the vibrant hot pot and barbecue culture in Tianjin. Whether you’re dining at a high-end restaurant or a bustling night market, these meals are sure to be a highlight of your visit!