Menkuang Hutong Century-Old Lu Zhu: A Bowl of Authentic Beijing Flavor
When it comes to Beijing snacks, Lu Zhu Huo Shao (Stewed Offal with Fried Bread) definitely ranks high on the list. Menkuang Hutong Century-Old Lu Zhu is one of the best places to enjoy this traditional dish. Tucked away in an old Beijing alley, this restaurant has earned its fame for serving authentic and affordable dishes, attracting regular customers who crave the true taste of Beijing.
1. A Historic Restaurant
Located in Menkuang Hutong, this restaurant has reportedly been around for over a century. Originally a street stall, it gradually built a reputation for its authentic flavor, high-quality ingredients, and affordable prices. Despite the changes in Beijing over time, the traditional taste has remained unchanged, and many locals continue to visit for this classic dish.
2. Must-Try Dishes
- Lu Zhu Huo Shao: A hearty bowl of stewed offal with fried bread (a type of Chinese flatbread), pig intestines, pig lungs, and fried tofu, all drenched in a rich old broth and topped with cilantro and garlic paste. The fried bread absorbs the broth, and the pig intestines are cleaned well, leaving no off-putting smell. It’s a dish full of rich, savory flavors!
3. Great Side Dishes
- Deep-fried Intestines: A popular Beijing snack, served crispy and savory, best enjoyed with garlic sauce.
- Ma Doufu: A special tofu dish stir-fried with mutton fat, giving it a unique, aromatic flavor. It’s a favorite in old Beijing.
- Beibingyang Soda: Many Beijingers’ childhood memories include pairing Lu Zhu with Beibingyang soda, a refreshing soda popular in the city.
- Erguotou: This local Beijing liquor is a favorite among the regulars, often enjoyed alongside the rich flavors of Lu Zhu.
4. Special Ingredients
- Pig Intestines and Pig Lungs: Freshly sourced every day, thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any unpleasant smell.
- Fried Bread: Specially made, it doesn’t break down during cooking and absorbs the rich broth flavor.
- Old Broth: The base broth is made from a time-tested recipe, simmered daily to deepen the flavors.
- Deep-fried Tofu: The tofu is fried until the skin bubbles, allowing it to absorb the broth and enhance the taste.
5. Cooking Method
- All ingredients are simmered together in a large pot, and you can smell the aroma from a distance.
- Once you place an order, the chef quickly scoops the ingredients, cuts them up, and arranges them in a bowl.
- Hot broth is poured over the ingredients, followed by a sprinkle of cilantro and garlic paste. Everything is done swiftly and expertly.
- You can customize the dish by adding chili oil or vinegar, according to your taste.
6. How Much Does It Cost?
The prices are very affordable:
- Average Spend: Around 30-40 RMB per person for a filling meal.
- Price Breakdown:
- Lu Zhu Huo Shao: Approximately 35 RMB per large bowl.
- Deep-fried Intestines: About 15 RMB per serving.
- Ma Doufu: About 20 RMB per serving.
- Beibingyang Soda: 5 RMB per bottle.
(Note: Prices may slightly vary.)
7. How Many Locations?
There are now several branches of Menkuang Hutong Lu Zhu in Beijing. The oldest and most authentic one is still in Menkuang Hutong. The other branches are newer, but they maintain the same good flavor.
8. Where to Eat?
- Flagship Store: Menkuang Hutong (Langfang Second Alley), Xicheng District, Beijing
- Other Locations:
- Xinjiekou Branch: Zhaodengyu Road, Xicheng District, Beijing
- Liupukang Branch: Liupukang, Xicheng District, Beijing
- Wangjing Branch: Wangjing Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- How to Find It:
- Use your mobile map app to search for “Menkuang Hutong Lu Zhu.”
- Make sure to visit the original location in Menkuang Hutong for the most authentic taste.
- Expect long queues during peak hours, so it’s best to avoid busy times.
Tips for Enjoying Lu Zhu:
- If you’re a first-timer, try adding a little less garlic paste and chili to adjust to the strong flavors.
- It’s best to eat while it’s hot — the taste diminishes if it cools down.
- Pair it with Beibingyang soda for a refreshing balance.
- The ambiance is simple and unpretentious; the focus is on the taste, not the environment.
- Many locals like to come at night for a relaxing late-night snack.
Eating Lu Zhu at Menkuang Hutong is not just about having a meal, it’s about experiencing the flavors and nostalgia of old Beijing. Sitting in this quaint alley shop, surrounded by the Beijing dialect, eating hot Lu Zhu, you can almost feel the vibrant street life of old Beijing. Despite the modern skyscrapers in Beijing today, the taste of this bowl of Lu Zhu remains as authentic and nostalgic as ever.
