Dongbei

Tucked away in the basement of The Place, Tang Strew is too immaculate to be a traditional Chinese restaurant, with its airy, coffee shop-esque atmosphere, modern decor, open kitchen, and diminutive decorative trees. Though the surroundings may not be so traditional, the menu does good on its promise of providing comforting Dongbei dishes at reasonable prices, including cold dishes (RMB 12-25), stews (RMB 32-49), several tyles of noodles (RMB 23), and dumplings (RMB 22-33).

In the hotel setting that is typical of provincial government restaurants, this one surprises with its solid dishes. Although the staff aren't used to having foreigners, they are friendly and attentive. The disanxian is delicious, not too sweet, with the aubergine and potato having been fried until the outside was slightly crunchy. Other good dishes include the traditional Heilongjiang guobaorou, which is crispy but not too heavy.

Mega popular restaurant on Guijie specializing in mala crayfish and other spicy dishes.

Country Kitchen presents an array of Northern Chinese specialties. With an open show kitchen and a wood-roasting oven, chefs demonstrate their skills with dishes such as hand-pulled Chinese noodles, Beijing duck and a variety of dumplings. A fine selection of local Beijing and Chinese drinks are also available. A modern tribute to traditional Chinese dining, Country Kitchen is set in a sophisticated, yet casual environment that includes an outdoor terrace.

Founded by Dongbei native and Chinese sketch comedian Zhao Benshan, Liulaogen serves Dongbei favorites in a refined theater-inspired setting. Be sure to try the sweet n' sour pork or shazhu huicai (RMB 69 each).

Slightly out-of-the-way, but the go-to for homesick Dongbeiren wanting their lapi fix.

Plump, steamed dumplings with healthy fillings. Green Bites use organic certified veggies from local farms. They specialize in delivery, but if you pop over, your reward will be that they taste infinitely better.

Chain restaurant from Northeast of China. Try dumplings with various stuffings and the sweet and sour pork loin (Guobaorou, RMB 28).

Dumplings, stews, fried ice cream and bananas in caramelized sugar are served at this Xinjiekou Dongbei-style restaurant.

Suzhou Qiao area restaurant serves authentic Dongbei cuisine (i.e. pork and vermicelli stew, pickled cabbage) and features retro-Revolutionary decor and performances of "errenzhuan' (a type of Dongbei folk burlesque).