The Delicious, Creamy Texture of Rabbit Brain at Shuang Liu Lao Ma Tu Tou

Bunnies are cute and cuddly. They are also delicious. Rabbit is part of old school French cuisine, especially rustic stews and terrines, but it’s also on the menu at plenty of Chinese restaurants. One thing you’re unlikely to find on the menu in French restaurants, however, is rabbit heads. But in Chengdu, it’s a popular snack.

Shuang Liu Lao Ma Rabbit Head (双流老妈兔头) is a famous Chengdu spot for this treat and has a local outpost to satisfy those looking for this unique dish in the capital. The Beijing restaurant isn’t far from Shuangjing’s subway station and packs in the locals all day long – so be ready to wait if you come during popular dining hours.

The main draw is the restaurant’s namesake, the rabbit heads, which go for RMB 8 and can be ordered spicy (香辣) or, for tamer diners, 5 spiced (五香).

The idea of eating rabbit head may turn many expats away, and those “brave” enough to order the dish may think twice when they actually see the heads, teeth and all, in front of them. It’s best just to dig in.

Instructions on the table show the best way to eat the dish, splitting the pieces into two and then going for the jaw meat and other goodies. The heads are braised for hours and the meat in and around the jaws, tongue, and eyes is unbelievably tender. While the expression is used far too much, its almost like chicken – delicious, falling off the bone chicken.

The brain is equally delicious, a creamy, rich texture that would match the best French pate.

If you’re the squeamish type and struggled to read the above, let alone imagine eating it, don’t write Shuang Liu off as a one dish wonder. It’s not just the rabbit’s heads that are loved in Chengdu, and its the same in Beijing, where the restaurant expertly pulls off a number of Sichuan favorites.

Shuang Liu’s mao xue wang (毛血旺) is a real crowd pleaser, as is their sour soup beef (suantang feiniu 酸汤肥牛) and bullfrog with pickled peppers (paojiao niuwa 泡椒牛蛙). Even simple, everyday dishes like mapo doufu or lazi ji are a step above the versions you’ll find elsewhere in the city.

The menu is broad and contains pictures and English. Prices are reasonable – in most cases the bill will come out to RMB 75 or less per person.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Chuan Ban without sacrificing authenticity, Shuang Liu is just the place, especially if you’re an adventurous eater looking to try something new.

Shuang Liu Lao Ma Rabbit Head, 48 Donsanhuan Nanlu (Exit C of Shuangjing subway stop, Line 10), Shuangjing, Chaoyang District 朝阳区朝阳区东三环南路48号(地铁双井站C口南) 10am-midnight (6540 5858)