Related stories

Hot on the Trail of Chinese Cowboys Decision on Amendments to the Law of Judges of the People's Republic of China Amendments to the Implementing Rules on the Registration of Enterprises Provisional Rules on the Administration of Foreign Enterprises Engaging in Design Activities for Construction Projects within the People's Republic of China (the "Rules") Call for Toilets in Business Venues to Open to Public

Pure Chinese Restaurant to Taste the Chinese Way

In a twist on an old saying, modern travellers often act in accord with: “When in Rome, do as you did at home.”

Of course, it may be easier for a frustrated traveller to drink at a Starbucks Coffee outlet than to risk a skewer of Beijing tanghulu in the Forbidden City, but where’s the fun in that?

The Dazhaimen (Big Family) Chinese Restaurant, which opened at the end of 2006 in Haidian District, intends to reframe this state of mind with its offering of authentic traditional Chinese cuisine in a beautiful “real Chinese” setting, featuring dishes made of secret recipes, classical furniture and special arts performances. It is a satisfying place to experience the real Chinese way.

Ancient Beijing’s siheyuan (courtyard) construction style, brick, wood and stone carvings and meals made of secret recipes make this restaurant as a risk-free new attraction for the foreigners who want to experience a taste of real China.

Collections of cultural relics, furniture and antiques from all over the country are found in the restaurant. The quality and quantity of more than 2,000 windows, doors and other structural and furniture pieces collected from the former residences of antiquity all rank at the top. Compared with other restaurants, modern cold, hard marble furnishings are replaced by soft and elegant bluestones and wood. Blue brick and grey tiles, tracery windows and doors, comfortable furniture and decorations, all these traditional Chinese architectural styles combine together to the rooms comfortable and independent. The rooms nearest the drama stage are all named with qupai (names of various qu (drama) tunes); posters and pictures of famed actors and actresses can be seen everywhere. Architecture and art are joined closely in the restaurant.

Dazhaimen Private Cuisine, as mysterious and attractive as its name implies, originated long ago. Dazhaimen cuisine is completely different from imperial and regional cuisines. It is derived from the governmental official and rich merchant classes, who employed the most respected cooks from all over the country to bring all their regional and famous cuisines to the employers’ private food menus. Dazhaimen Private Cuisine has its own features, which can be served to as many as 600 diners at time.

Guo Xinjun, Dazhaimen’s chief cook, is a fourth-generation successor of the famed Tanjia Cai (Tan Family Cuisine). He has conducted extensive research into the banquet menus and private cuisine of ancient governmental officials and big families, the best of which have been incorporated into Dazhaimen Private Cuisine. These sources include inspirations from the cuisines of Beijing, Hangzhou, Sichuan and Guangdong, which are suitable for commercial banquets and party dining. With everything from famous and precious foods to local snacks, Dazhaimen’s guests will fully enjoy a taste of Beijing in a satisfying cultural environment.

Watching performances during the dinner service is another joyful experience. The old-time stage on the second floor is a scene of traditional Chinese performances, from Sichuan Opera’s “face-changing” to acrobatics, roushu (a system of unarmed combat and physical training), kung fu, xiangsheng (cross-talk), drama, Peking Opera, Beijing drum and calligraphy performances, all of which make the 100 seats available for the performances a hot ticket.

Dazhaimen Restaurant’s opening was a big hit in Wanliu, Haidian District, where many of Beijing’s most talented intellectuals and thinkers reside. It marks another advance for the zhaimen (family) culture in Beijing.