Tang Stew House Brings Family-Style Dongbei Dining to Hopson One

Our feelings toward the Hopson One shopping mall are a little complex. Its location toward the south side of Beijing isn't ideal, but at the same time, the mall is fairly easy to navigate and generally isn't as irritating, as say, Joy City Chaoyang. Regardless, on this particular visit to Hopson One, there were no complaints following a hearty fill at Tang Stew House.  

A Dongbei (northeastern) restaurant that combines traditional home-style dishes with a modern café-esque decor, upon arriving at Tang Stew House diners are greeted enthusiastically by the staff and then escorted to one of their modern-cut wooden tables where you're invited to pore over the wide variety of stews and dishes they have to offer. 

If you happen to be brave enough to try the smoked intestines (RMB 42), you will be rewarded for your courage. A fairly typical Dongbei dish, Tang Stew House's rendition has a strong smoked flavor, a hint of tea, as well as touches of aniseed, fennel, and star anise to balance out the rich flavor of the fatty intestines.

As for lovers of spicy food, we recommend the stir-fried clams (RMB 25), which comes both doused in a layer of chili oil as well as sprinkled with a generous helping of chili peppers.

Of the stews, we tried the chestnut with pork ribs (RMB 45). The pork ribs were rendered extremely soft thanks to the extended cooking time, and the carrots and chestnuts provided the dish with a good dose of sweetness. Given its successful melding of savory and sweet, this hearty stew can easily be enjoyed year-round.

The steamed sauerkraut and pork dumplings weren't the best we've ever had in Beijing but at RMB 25 a tray of over a dozen dumplings, they're difficult to refuse. 

To finish, try the signature liusha bao (RMB 15 for three), the baozi version of lava cake most commonly found in Guangdong and Hong Kong. Despite not being particularly Dongbei, we're never going to turn down a hot, soft bun oozing with cream and salted egg yolk.

Overall, Tang Stew House's comforting home-style dishes, neat and casual atmosphere, and exceptional service make it a great option if you find yourself (once again) stranded in the hub of capitalist stress that is Hopson One.

Tang Stew House
Daily 10.30am-10pm. B1-25A, Hopson One, Xidawang Lu, Chaoyang District (6779 5677)
唐炖小馆：朝阳区西大望路合生汇B1-25A

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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Tracy Wang