Fengzeyuan: A Century-Old Tradition of Shandong Cuisine

Fengzeyuan Restaurant, founded in 1930, is one of Beijing’s renowned “Eight Great Halls” and a time-honored brand recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage site. Over the past century, Fengzeyuan has become synonymous with top-tier Shandong cuisine in Beijing, praised for its exceptional culinary skills, elegant environment, and excellent service, earning the title of the “Master of Shandong Cuisine.”

1. Historical Origins

Fengzeyuan was founded by Jinan native Luan Liting in partnership with Chen Huanzhang, a chef from one of the “Eight Great Halls,” “Xinfenglou.” The name “Fengzeyuan” is derived from the meanings of “abundant” and “nourishing.” From the very beginning, the restaurant became famous for its superb Shandong cooking techniques and quickly became the go-to place for government officials, intellectuals, and elites in Beijing. In 2008, Fengzeyuan’s Shandong culinary techniques were listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, solidifying its prestigious position in the culinary world.

2. Signature Dishes

• Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions: The signature dish of Fengzeyuan, made with premium sea cucumber and Chapterong scallions, cooked using a unique technique. The dish has a rich, fragrant, and savory flavor with a silky texture, demonstrating the pinnacle of Shandong cuisine.
• Stewed “Three Whites”: A traditional Shandong dish made with chicken breast, fish fillet, and bamboo shoots, stewed in a fragrant wine sauce. The dish is white in color, with a rich aroma and tender texture.

3. Specialty Dishes

Fengzeyuan’s menu offers a wide array of classic Shandong dishes:

• Stewed Fish Roe Soup: A famous dish served at state banquets, tangy and slightly spicy with delicate fish roe slices.
• Deep-fried Meatballs: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, served with a special seasoning that is flavorful but not greasy.
• Nine-turn Large Intestine: A complex dish with a red color, full of a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy flavors.
• Oil-braised Shrimp: Made with fresh shrimp from the Bohai Sea, this dish is savory and slightly sweet, with a bright red color.
• Shandong-style Grilled Bun: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this is one of Fengzeyuan’s signature staples.

4. Ingredient Selection

Fengzeyuan places great importance on its ingredient selection:

• Sea Cucumber: Premium quality sea cucumber is sourced from either Liaodong or Jiaodong.
• Seafood: Fresh seafood from the Bohai Sea, such as shrimp and fish, is used.
• Seasonings: Only traditional seasonings are used, such as authentic soy sauce and cooking wine from Shandong.
• Seasonal Ingredients: The restaurant follows the “seasonal ingredients” principle, selecting the best ingredients for each season.

5. Cooking Methods and Techniques

Fengzeyuan represents the essence of traditional Shandong cooking:

• Attention to Timing: Dishes are prepared with precise control over heat and timing, utilizing techniques such as stir-frying, braising, steaming, and deep-frying.
• Expert Soup-making: The restaurant specializes in making clear broths and creamy soups using ingredients like old hen, duck, and pork hock.
• Complex Craftsmanship: Many dishes require multiple preparation steps. For example, the “Nine-turn Large Intestine” involves boiling, deep-frying, and braising.
• Authentic Flavors: Shandong cuisine is known for its emphasis on salty and savory flavors that highlight the natural taste of the ingredients.

6. Average Cost and Dish Prices

• Average Spend: As a high-end Shandong restaurant, the average cost per person is approximately 250-400 RMB.
• Signature Dish Prices (for reference):
  • Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions: 328-698 RMB (price depends on the grade of sea cucumber)
  • Stewed “Three Whites”: 168 RMB per serving
  • Stewed Fish Roe Soup: 98 RMB per serving
  • Nine-turn Large Intestine: 108 RMB per serving
  • Oil-braised Shrimp: 228 RMB per serving
    (Note: Prices may vary according to seasons and market conditions; please check the actual price in the restaurant.)

7. Number of Locations

Fengzeyuan currently has 6 locations in Beijing, all situated in key commercial areas.

8. Specific Locations

• Zhu Shi Kou Flagship Store: 83 Zhu Shikou West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (the historic flagship store, the most representative)
• Other Locations:
  • 301 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
  • 1 Jianguomen Outer Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
  • 15 Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing
  • 16 Fangzhuang Fangcheng Garden, Fengtai District, Beijing
  • 17 Financial Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Friendly Reminder:

1. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially for private rooms at the flagship store, which require several days’ notice.
2. Follow Fengzeyuan’s official WeChat account to get the latest promotions and offers.
3. The flagship store retains a traditional style, while the branches are more modern in decor, but the food quality remains the same across all locations.
4. Fengzeyuan also offers takeout and gift boxes with special dishes.

Fengzeyuan is not only a great place to enjoy authentic Shandong cuisine but also an important venue to experience China’s traditional food culture. Dining here allows you to savor exquisite dishes while immersing yourself in nearly a century of history and heritage.