Lao Cheng Yi Guo: Beijing’s Lamb Spine Hotpot Legend for Winter

Want to survive a Beijing winter like a local? Then you can’t miss Lao Cheng Yi Guo, the city’s most beloved Lamb Spine Hotpot spot. For nearly 20 years, this bubbling pot of meaty lamb bones has warmed countless bellies and hearts.

1. From Street Stall to Hotpot Fame

It all began in southern Beijing as a humble little shop. The owner, a true Beijinger, cooked lamb spine so flavorful and affordable that customers kept coming back. Word spread fast, and today “Lao Cheng Yi Guo” signs can be spotted across the city.

2. Must-Try Signature Dishes

• Classic Lamb Spine Pot: Slow-braised with over 30 spices, the meat falls right off the bone, and the broth is rich enough to drink by the bowlful.
• Lamb Tail Pot: Tender, juicy, and perfectly marbled—a hidden gem you won’t forget.

3. Unmissable Sidekicks

• Scallion Pancakes: Crispy outside, fluffy inside—dip them in broth for extra flavor.
• Hand-Pulled Noodles: Made fresh at your table, soaking up every drop of the savory soup.
• Frozen Tofu: Spongy and broth-soaked, often more flavorful than the meat itself.
• Sweet Potato Glass Noodles: Soft, chewy, and a perfect match for the hearty broth.

4. Quality Ingredients Only

• Lamb is sourced from Inner Mongolia’s grasslands—tender and free of gaminess.
• 30+ handpicked spices, including cardamom, nutmeg, and clove.
• A perpetually simmering master broth, enriched daily.
• Fresh vegetables purchased every morning.

5. Cooking Secrets: Patience Pays Off

• Bones are soaked and blanched to remove impurities.
• Lamb is slow-cooked for hours in spiced broth.
• Served simmering at the table—the longer it bubbles, the richer it gets.
• Eating ritual: meat first → veggies next → noodles last, nothing wasted!

6. Prices: Flavor Without the Splurge

• Average cost: 80–100 RMB per person.
• Examples:
  • Small pot: ~98 RMB (2–3 people)
  • Medium pot: ~128 RMB (3–4 people)
  • Large pot: ~158 RMB (4–5 people)
  • Scallion Pancakes: 12 RMB
  • Hand-Pulled Noodles: 10 RMB

7. Branches Everywhere

With over 200 branches nationwide, Lao Cheng Yi Guo is never far away—Beijing alone has dozens.

• Flagship Store: East of Liujiaoyao Bridge, Fengtai District
• Popular Branches: Shuangjing, Huilongguan, Tongzhou, Shijingshan

8. Pro Tips: Eat Like a Local

1. Expect queues—avoid peak hours or call ahead.
2. Start with a sip of broth—it’s the soul of the pot.
3. Don’t be shy—grab gloves and gnaw the bones like a pro.
4. Add more broth before it reduces too much.
5. Aprons are usually free—no worries about splashes.

At Lao Cheng Yi Guo, lamb spine hotpot isn’t just food—it’s a winter ritual, a reason for friends to gather, and a taste of Beijing’s cozy, noisy, joyful dining culture.