Showing posts with label Dongmen. Show all posts

[FOOD] 20141220 Xinjiang Flat Bread @ Luohu, Shenzhen



Found this roadside stall selling some nice looking flat bread when I'm my way to Leyuan Road for seafood dinner. It's actually located just two streets away from Dongmen Pedestrian Street at Lixin Road 立新路.



It was manned by three gentlemen, which I believe originated from Xinjiang Province, China. One rolling the dough, another one on the oven and the last one taking care of the sales. The flat bread is actually Halal as most of the Xinjiang people are generally Muslims.

Lixin Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China
广东省深圳市罗湖区立新路
Nearest Metro Station: Shaibu Station, Exit D2
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: N/A

TO GO

Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Travelling in Shenzhen is not as convenient as Hong Kong, with destination distanced away from Metro stations. I would recommend taking cab or public buses if you somewhat able to communicate in Mandarin as it will be the most convenient way to commute. The cab and buses are fast and reliable in comparison to our lousy Malaysian buses.

You may opt to drop by if you are nearby Dongmen, which is just two streets away. Alternatively, you can also take the Metro using Longgang Line (Blue) and exit D2. It will just be a short distance away.





SPECIALITY


They actually have two variety to choose from which is onion flat bread and another is with bean paste fillings. The onion flat bread looks pretty similar to our local Indian Naan bread. Even the preparation is similar where the dough is rolled into flat pieces and then placed it at the wall of the stone oven with a round object wrapped with wet cloth.

Onion Flat Bread - RMB3 (RM1.80)

I was a bit sceptical to try roadside stalls in China at first. So I waited to see whether any locals will buy from them. After observing some time, I decided to give it a try after a few locals actually bought from them. 

The breads are actually priced at RMB3 (RM1.80) each, which I think it is overpriced for a place like China. Nevertheless, given the size of the bread and the curiosity to try, I took out 3 pieces of coins and passed to the guy.

I requested for a fresh piece for two reasons. The existing ones on the stall are cold due the cold weather, a warm bread will definitely be appetizing. Second reason is definitely for hygiene purposes as fresh from oven will minimize contamination as the stall is located just at the roadside.

The flat bread smells good, thanks to the sesame seeds and onion pieces, and of course, fresh from oven. The texture is hard and chewy, unlike our naan bread which is soft and gluten. Taste wise was a bit disappointing as it was quite plain but I kinda like the wheaty original taste.

SUMMARY

Taste
Not too bad for a snack
Value
pricey for a piece of flat bread in China!
Service 
N/A 
Cleanliness
Roadside stall, beware of fumes and dusts
Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A


GPS: 22.547526, 114.121209

[PLACE] 20141220 Dongmen 东门 @ Luohu, Shenzhen


Dongmen 东门 (East Gate), or also known as Laojie 老街 (Old Street) is a popular shopping area in Luohu District of Shenzhen. Established more than 300 years ago (hence the name old street), Dongmen encompasses a few pedestrian streets and is closed to traffic since 1999.

There are various merchandise for sale, from the cheap counterfeit products, to the luxurious fashion and jewellery. There's also a new shopping mall which offers a more comfortable environment. The blend between the old and the new have been keeping Dongmen alive along the years, where you are able to see people from different age and generations along the streets.

When there's people, then there's definitely street food! Dongmen offers a variety of street food, from the locals, to the chain franchises. There's definitely something to fill your stomach along the way. You may read about some of my street food posts like the Kiyomi outlet, Ba Ge Noodles and Chen Ji Noodles.

You will find some part of the area reassembles HK especially with the old shopping malls named after famous places in HK such as Kowloon and Mong Kok. However, as time goes by with trends evolved over the years, Dongmen is now moving towards Korean style with the opening of the some new shops that trying to mimic the Korean fashion.

Pedestrian Street, Dongmen, Luohu, Shenzhen
深圳罗湖区东门步行街二横路
Nearest MRT Stations: Laojie station, Exit A

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Travelling in Shenzhen is not as convenient as Hong Kong, with destination distanced away from Metro stations. I would recommend taking cab or public buses if you somewhat able to communicate in Mandarin as it will be the most convenient way to commute. The cab and buses are fast and reliable in comparison to our lousy Malaysian buses. If you are taking bus, just drop off at Dongmen 3 (东门3) stop or Dongmen Pedestrian Bridge (东门天桥) stop in front of MOI Department Store. Each bus ride is about RMB2 (RM1.20) or max RMB3 (RM1.80). 

However, if language is a barrier, then your only option will be taking the Metro. Take the Longgang Line (Blue) or Luobao Line (Green), and drop off at Laojie station, you may take Exit A or G, and then walk your way along the streets as there are much to offer.




ATTRACTION




Kowloon Sqaure and Mong Kok Shopping Centre situated just opposite of each other. Despite being a weekday afternoon, the pedestrian street is still filled with people.


There are many types of products available, but clothings and apparels consists of majority of the offerings here. You will find cheap shirts as low as RMB4 (RM2.40) and be sure you know how to negotiate for a better price.


With the clothings and apparels as the main business, then there will be supporting business such as alteration services for the clothes that you purchased. There's an alley full of small stores providing alteration services, with various prices and services. Mostly women are seen busy sewing at the side of their sewing machines.


There's a square somewhere in the middle of the Dongmen area, where you will see many people gathering around. There's also this bronze wall of a imaginary scene (as supposed by the name) of the old Dongmen street. 



There is also this huge bell in the middle of the square but I have no idea on the relevance or meaning of its presence.


Competition is stiff in China, every possible way of promoting your brand/product/shop will definitely help you to stand out among the rest.


Some of the old buildings are very unique in shape as it reassembles the Chinese Pagoda. 


Initially I thought it was a temple from afar (maybe it is?) but actually is just another shopping arena along the pedestrian street.


Street food are seen every where, from the local delicacies to the imported snacks from aboard.


The prices are really cheap in comparison to Malaysia. Imaging 5 scallops for only RM5! Oysters are as low as RMB20 (RM11.20) for 7!


The oysters looked really tempting but I'm somehow sceptical and don't want to end up in the toilet next day!


The better your location, the better your business!


The entrance from the other side if you are coming via Metro.


The three pillars of Dongmen at one of the entrances.

SUMMARY


Dongmen is a must visit if you are in Shenzhen. It has a lot to offer from shopping to street food that you will definitely find something.

Attraction
Crowded with variety of offerings
Cleanliness

Entrance Fee
N/A 
Opening Hours
Daily
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.545795, 114.117797

[FOOD] 20141220 Ba Ge Sour Spicy Noodles 八哥酸辣粉 @ Dongmen, Shenzhen



I came across this Sichuan Sour Spicy Noodle in Mong Kok, HK when I was buying the "ngau lai sou" at Hoi Keng Congee Shop. There was this small little stall next to it selling this tempting sour and spicy noodles. I gave it a pass when I was in HK because it was not the local speciality and it's a Chinese food.

After my snack at Kiyomi, I stumble across this noodle again and noticed that there are many other similar stalls in Shenzhen, each having their own variants.

The noodle is prepared with the sour and spicy soup base. The spiciness came from chillies and the kick came from that Sichuan peppers. Glass noodles, thin or thick, are commonly used. It is then garnished with coriander and ground nuts to add aroma and texture.


This particular stall in Dongmen seems popular among the locals as you may see many of them enjoying this bowl of noodles by the roadside, which creates quite a scene (this is just one side of the road). Ba Ge Sour Spicy Noodle shop has many outlets around Shenzhen and the one in Dongmen is their HQ.

Pedestrian Street, Dongmen, Luohu, Shenzhen
深圳罗湖区东门步行街二横路
Nearest Metro Station: Laojie Station, Exit A or G
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: N/A

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Travelling in Shenzhen is not as convenient as Hong Kong, with destination distanced away from Metro stations. I would recommend taking cab or public buses if you somewhat able to communicate in Mandarin as it will be the most convenient way to commute. The cab and buses are fast and reliable in comparison to our lousy Malaysian buses. If you are taking bus, just drop off at Dongmen 3 (东门3) stop or Dongmen Pedestrian Bridge (东门天桥) stop in front of MOI Department Store. Each bus ride is about RMB2 (RM1.20) or max RMB3 (RM1.80). 

However, if language is a barrier, then your only option will be taking the Metro. Take the Longgang Line (Blue) or Luobao Line (Green), and drop off at Laojie station, you may take Exit A or G, and then walk your way along the streets as there are much to offer.





SPECIALITY



Similar to Kiyomi, you may need to purchase a coupon from a guy sitting right in front of the stall. You then use the coupon to collect from the stall. Each bowl will cost you RMB8 (RM4.80).


Ba Ge Sour Spicy Noodles 八哥酸辣粉 - RMB8 (RM4.80)

The noodle seems very spicy (it is spicy!!) but the aroma and looks definitely is appealing. Generally I don't drink the soup as it will be seemed as suicidal. The noodles on the other hand will absorb the soup, along with the spices within.

Honestly, I didn't really enjoy the noodle until the end because of the spiciness. It was good for the first half; flavourful soup with tangy noodles, the spices and coriander add aroma to the soup and the sour prickled vege and ground nut adds texture. The ground nut in China tastes different from the ground nuts in Malaysia. It has a more earthy and nutty flavour in comparison.

SUMMARY


Taste
☆☆☆☆
Tasty noodle but too much to finish it.
Value
☆☆
considered expensive
Service
☆☆

Cleanliness
☆☆ 
You are eating at the roadside, what do you expect?
Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A


GPS: 22.546677, 114.121371

[FOOD] 20141220 Kiyomi 可优密 @ Dongmen, Shenzhen



There are many food stalls and shops along Dongmen, but the one shop that you cannot miss will definitely be Kiyomi 可优密. Kiyomi is a fairly new outlet here, as suggested by the hipster name "Kiyomi" (meaning cute in Korean) and the techno music played in the background. It may appear to be one fancy, hip outlet selling fruit tea/bubble tea and some street food, but do not let them fool you as the snacks sold here are better than my expectation.

When it comes to street food, you probably picture that a bike with a make shift stall at the side of the road selling their specialities similar to those we seen in Penang or Bangkok. However in Shenzhen, or at least at Dongmen, most of the street food are located at road frontage stores.

Kiyomi has a variety to offer which includes street food, hot food like noodles, as well as beverages. You will not miss the huge crowd holding long skewer sticks (satay sticks) in front of the store.

Pedestrian Street, Dongmen, Luohu, Shenzhen
深圳罗湖区东门步行街二横路
Nearest Metro Station: Laojie Station, Exit A or G
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: N/A

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Travelling in Shenzhen is not as convenient as Hong Kong, with destination distanced away from Metro stations. I would recommend taking cab or public buses if you somewhat able to communicate in Mandarin as it will be the most convenient way to commute. The cab and buses are fast and reliable in comparison to our lousy Malaysian buses. If you are taking bus, just drop off at Dongmen 3 (东门3) stop or Dongmen Pedestrian Bridge (东门天桥) stop in front of MOI Department Store. Each bus ride is about RMB2 (RM1.20) or max RMB3 (RM1.80). 

However, if language is a barrier, then your only option will be taking the Metro. Take the Longgang Line (Blue) or Luobao Line (Green), and drop off at Laojie station, you may take Exit A or G, and then walk your way along the streets as there are much to offer.




SPECIALITY



The stall employed many young men to man the grill in their uniform. The techno music in the background will just keep them going non stop, selling one stick after another. Don't be amazed on the number of sticks on the grill as they go out pretty quickly!


In order to cope with the volume, they have a staff selling coupons in front of the stall to save time at the counter. Just look for a uniformed gentlemen with a basket of coupons, usually haggling in front of the store to get more business.


I'm here for street food and the Xinjiang Lamb Skewers is just too much to resist! Besides the lamb skewer, they also have grill squids, BBQ pork neck meat, takoyaki and scallops to offer.

Xinjiang Lamb Skewer 新疆烤羊肉串 - RMB10 (RM5.70) for 2

Despite the portion, the Xinjiang Lamb Skewer is a steal at only RMB10 (RM5.70) for 2 sticks. Xinjiang is a place in North China, close to Mongolia where their special marinate method of using Sichuan pepper (花椒) which provides the kick for the meat. Despite the mass production, the skewer is well marinated, grilled to perfection and finished with sprinkle of spices. The juicy and tender meat will just keep you going and wanting for more.

Grilled Squid 火爆鱿鱼 - RMB10 (RM5.70) for 5

The Grilled Squid is also a steal for only RMB10 for 5 sticks!! Compared to HK's Gai Kei of HKD15 for 1, this definitely worth the penny and it also tastes better too!

Takoyaki (6 pcs) - RMB10 (RM5.70)

My tummy only permits me to taste one more and takoyaki it is! The generous serving of bonito flakes (dried fish flakes) and chicken flosses definitely make this an enjoyable snack. The takoyaki tastes good but will not be on the must try list.

SUMMARY


Dongmen is a must come if you are in Shenzhen, and while you are here, just drop by this new Kiyomi store at the end of the pedestrian street. I guarantee you that the lamb skewers will not disappoint as I have tried all other different stalls in SZ and GZ, still this is considered the better one!

Taste
☆☆☆☆
for the lamb skewer

for the rest
Value
☆☆☆☆
cheap food!
Service
☆☆☆
Not too bad!
Cleanliness
☆☆☆
Clean outlet (new stall), dirty surroundings 
Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A


GPS: 22.546677, 114.121371