Rising Young Chef Puts Xibei On the Menu at Revamped Favorite Salsa House

Under the influence of 24-year-old Xibei chef Yin Xijia, the recently revamped Beijing branch of Salsa House is thriving with a fresh mix of regional flavors while retaining all of the classics we've come to expect from this Tianjin transplant. 

Aside from delicious classics like jianbing (RMB 19) and fish in chili oil, we spotted some creative experiments on offer at the Xindong Lu location, such as foie gras (RMB 69) with apple filling stuffed in a chocolate shell shaped like a lemon. Their roast duck, meanwhile, is RMB 188 for a whole set, which is a bargain compared to many of Salsa's downtown competitors.

Having grown up in Xibei (northwest China), Yin Xijia has introduced popular dishes from that region to the current menu, such as liangpi (RMB 32). These noodles are thin with a yellowish tinge, freshly made twice a day from wheat flour, and topped with a generous amount of sesame paste. For extra Xibei authenticity, there's a big dose of sour and spicy sauce, to give them a tangy tartness and spicy burn.   

We are not generally big fans of sea cucumber. With their bland taste and gluey texture, we'd rather leave them at the bottom of the sea for us to appreciate when diving. If you feel the same way, then the braised sea cucumber with scallion (RMB 199) might just change your mind. Salsa House's rendition of the divisive Chinese delicacy was surprisingly flavorful with addictive umami tones, and we especially liked the blocks of Chinese yam on the side, which had a potato-like texture and an appealing sweetness from the soy sauce.

Our favorite dish, however, was the beef and gluten with pickled vegetables, which won chef Yin top spot in the 2017 Young Master Chef Ranking Tournament. Served in a steaming hot rustic clay pot, the beef was tender, the marinade of Shaanxi noodle sauce giving it intense acidity. Topped with crunchy deep-fried soybeans and chopped scallion, all it lacked was a bowl of noodles that we could stir in.

Providing affordable homestyle dishes for a regular night out, as well as roast duck and contemporary cuisine for special occasions, Salsa House has become a reliable dining option in the embassy area.

Want more Xibei? Authentic and Affordable Gansu Noodles on Offer at Xibei Yibei

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Photos: Tracy Wang, He Jing