三只羊(展览路店)

This little restaurant is tucked away in an old alley. As soon as you push open the door, you're greeted by the delicate fragrance of osmanthus. I ordered their signature braised pork with preserved mustard greens, which was stewed until tender and served with steaming rice. Before I knew it, the plate was empty. From the window seat, you can see the crooked tree in the courtyard; the evening light streams in at an angle, making you feel relaxed and at peace.

I've tried quite a few hot pot restaurants before, but this one with its traditional copper pot is truly different. The lamb slices are thick enough that they stay tender even after a few quick dips in the pot, and the meat is incredibly flavorful. The broth is just water with scallions and ginger, but the longer it simmers, the more authentic the old Beijing flavor becomes. I recommend ordering the hand-cut fresh lamb; don't order the frozen kind, as the texture is significantly different.

This old Beijing-style hot pot restaurant has really good lamb! The meat is fresh and incredibly tender when cooked directly in the broth, allowing you to fully appreciate its natural flavor. The soup base is also quite rich and doesn't become bland even after cooking for a while. I recommend ordering a plate of hand-cut fresh lamb when you go. Remember to go early, as there might be a queue during peak hours.