Hutong Haven: Wutengzhai's Healing Soups

Wutengzhai’s specialty is zijiang ji (RMB 88), an appetizing medley of tender chicken, cabbage, fresh peppers and an impressive amount of julienned ginger. This fragrant soup will cure you of many ills – its fiery aroma alone is enough to clear sinuses – and it’ll leave your belly warm and feeling fine.

There’s even a fish version of the gingery stew. Be warned – this pot can easily feed six. Pair it with a refreshing and clean-tasting celery and lily bulb stir-fry (RMB 25), and a smoky eggplant salad (RMB 18).

Also charming are the teas. Patrons are instructed on proper tea-making, and encouraged to store leftover leaves on-site for their next visit.

Wutengzhai’s cozy hutong setting reflects the light warmth of their dishes. The service is attentive and the walls lined with Lonely Planets. If you are in need of some healing soup, quiet tea and armchair travels, there is no better haven.

Also try: Courtyard No. 28

Wutengzhai 无腾斋
Daily 11am-11pm. 6 Qilinbei Hutong (east of Kuan Jie), Dongcheng District (6407 3516)
东城区麒麟碑胡同6号(宽街路口东)

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