2012 Feb 19 It’s a Small, Snack World: Sample Regional Foods in Fengtai
Beijing is no stranger to odd and niche museums, though many don't grab (or warrant) much attention – the Museum of Tap Water for example – but when a snack museum opened up at of all places Snack World, the prospects sounded like Disneyland for our stomachs. Located in Fengtai district, well outside of the expat bubble, Wanfeng Snack compiles the whole range of China's regional restaurants in one spot.
The three-story building is divided into two floors of food stalls and a third-floor snack museum that showcases various tools used in cooking and food preparation. Some of the museum’s wares, like dirt-encrusted spoons, look like something you’d find amongst the dusty shelves at Dongjiao market, while molds, weighing baskets and alcohol casks seem more authentically old. Meanwhile, prints of old, marketplace photos give an interesting glimpse into how much Beijing has changed (and what hasn't). The small space requires no more than a leisurely twenty-minute stroll, but is worth poking your head in before or after eating.
Back down on the lower floors, do some recon work before committing to your dishes. If you come with a crowd you can be less selective. Stall offerings range from lao Beijing snacks, like sugar biscuits (tanghuoshao, 糖火烧) and fried dough (jiaoquan 焦圈), to sweet-savory pineapple rice (boluofan, 菠萝饭) from Hainan to hearty Xinjiang meats and breads.
Still not sure about Beijing snacks? Check out the Beijinger October 2010 issue on lao Beijing foods for inspiration or assistance on what to try. The majority of snacks featured are available at Wanfeng.
Getting there
Take Line 1 to Wanshoulu Station. Get off at the SW exit and walk south to the bus stop. Take either the 77 or 451 six stops to Yuzhuangzi (于庄子). The stop is directly in front of Snack World.
Wanfeng Snack 306 Wanfeng Street, Fengtai district (132 6969 7035) 北京丰台区万丰路306号中华万丰小吃城 www.wfsnack.com
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