Article By XIANEASE
As quarantines are finishing up and we are finally allowed a bit more freedom than in previous months, many of us are aching to get back out there with our friends and be amongst the people. While there a plenty of places that can cater to both small and large groups, there are certain meals that in all practical sense require a group to be done properly. So, when meeting up with your friends, consider one of these options that are not just improved but amplified by the presence of others.
01 The Big Plate of Chicken
Dapanji (大盘鸡)
Dapanji is exactly what it says on the label, a giant plate of chicken. Originating in the western part of China, this dish combines potatoes, onions, peppers, hand-pulled noodles, and (of course) chicken. While a ‘small’ dish of this will feed 2-4 people, a large dish can feed up to 8. The mildly spicy sauce and the strong flavors of cumin and chili are amplified throughout the dish. Through in a couple of cold beers or Bingfeng and you have a legendary evening.
尔奈斯大盘鸡 Ernaisi Dapanji
Address: Maixian Street #96, Hongbu Street Cross Southwest Corner.
麦苋街96号与红埠街十字交口西南角
Work Hour: 10:30-21:00 Phone: 155-2908-0087
02 Beijing Roast Duck
北京烤鸭
Beijing Roast duck is one of those iconic dishes. While there is a local variant which is quite tasty, the Beijing version is always a treat. One of the selling points of the whole experience is being able to sit an watch the chef carve the whole duck table side. Stacks of thin crepe-like pancakes and thin ribbons of cucumber and spring onion coated in sauce are shared among the table. While you may be able to tackle one of these yourself if you were particularly hungry, it is an experience that is best paired with a few friends.
羲和雅苑 Xi He Ya Yuan
Address: A1203, 12F of SKP shopping Mall, Chang’an North Road NO.261.
长安北路261号SKP12层A1203
Work Hour: 11:00-18:00 Phone: (029) 8369 8599
03 Barbeque
烧烤
As the weather beings to thaw and nights become warmer, people will be lining the streets digging into round upon round of various things on skewers. Meat, vegetables, tofu. If it fits on the stick it goes on the grill. Heading to a barbeque with only one or two people is at best, a limited experience your options being restricted by the size of your stomach. When you start adding more people to the mix, not only do your culinary options begin to open up, but the environment will vastly improve. Whether it’s a street-side stand or a full blown restaurant, barbeque improves as you add more people to the mix.
福苗小骆驼烧烤(莲湖路老店)
Fumiao Xiaoluotuo Barbeque
Address: Lianhu Road NO.55.
莲湖路55号
Work Hour: 11:00-24:00 Phone: 136-5928-8384
04 Hot Pot
火锅
Of course this was going to make it onto the list. While it is technically possible to do hotpot for two, doing so will limit your options, and often makes for a more expensive meal, as the pot costs the same regardless. So, not only is it more cost effective to do hotpot in groups, but it also creates a communal experience, as it is a meal designed to be shared. While there are hot pots that can accommodate many more people, typical places can host groups of 4-10, depending on the types of hot pot.
重庆渝味晓宇火锅
Chongqing Yuwei Xiaoyu Hotpot
Address: A8-A9,Gudao Chacheng 2F, Nanyuanmen.
南院门食尚南苑古道茶城2楼A8-A9
Work Hour: 10:00-22:30 Phone: (029) 8962 2688
05 Whole Roasted Lamb
烤全羊
While the previous meals might have been able to accommodate a smaller group of people, this meal absolutely requires a large group to happen. Whole roasted lamb is exactly what it says, where the restaurant in question will roast the whole animal, often over a low fire for several hours. Due to the lengthy process, this type of meal often requires advanced booking, and you’ll want to bring along 12-20 people to share in the feast. There are many different locations around the city to partake in this particular meal, often Xinjiang Restaurants, though there are a few places that specialize in just thins meal. This is not an everyday meal, as it can cost anywhere from 1600-2000RMB, excluding any extra food or drinks that you order. However, if you are able to gather the people and make the arrangements, this is a meal you won’t soon forget.
二道木烤羊腿
Erdaomu Roasted Lamb
Address: North 20 meters of Dianzi 4th Road and Dianzi West Street cross.
电子四路与电子西街十字路口向北20米
Work Hour: 11:00-22:00 Phone: 186-2907-6868
We hope you get a chance to try some of these places with your friends in the coming months, and enjoy the time that you get to spend together. If you know any other great group meals, or you would like to tell us about your experience, email us at editor@xianease.com or by sending us a message through our official WeChat account XIANEASE发现西安.