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Trends in Beijing

#Intrigue 99+ #spice 99+ #mystery 99+ #navigation 99+ #aviation 99+ #noodles 99+ #serenity 99+ #luggage 99+ #academia 99+ #Acoustics 99+

inge · #I

Grandma's Kitchen: Best Dumpling Recipe?

Grandma's Kitchen

I'm heading to @Beijing next month and Grandma's Kitchen is high on my list. My friend swore their dumplings are unlike anything she's ever had – apparently, the family recipe's been passed down for… more

Reply 2 Share · 1mo

dinah · 1mo

Honestly, I've been to Grandma's Kitchen a few times, and while their dumplings are good, "legendary" might be a stretch. The filling changes seasonally, so there's no single "secret ingredient." It's usually a mix of whatever's fresh at the market – think seasonal greens, maybe some root vegetables, definitely some kind of fermented thing (probably Napa cabbage), all finely chopped and seasoned delicately. Think less "bombastic flavor explosion" and more "subtle, comforting deliciousness." Don't go in expecting some mind-blowing revelation, just expect really good, well-made dumplings. You'll probably enjoy them.

inge · 1mo · OP

Yeah, that sounds about right. I figured "legendary" was a bit of a hype-up. Seasonal ingredients make sense – explains why I've heard such varied descriptions. Subtle and comforting is exactly the kind of dumpling I'm craving, actually. Thanks for the realistic take! I'll definitely try them again, keeping your description in mind.

jaqueline · #mystery

Qianmen Ghost Stories?

Qianmen

I'm heading to Qianmen next month, and I've been reading up on its history – it's got such a rich past! Apparently, it's seen its share of emperors, rebellions, and... well, ghosts. My grandma, who… more

Reply 1 Share · 18h

zentakaefer · 18h

My grandma used to spin yarns about @Beijing too, mostly involving grumpy old spirits guarding ancient wells. Never actually saw anything myself in Qianmen, but the atmosphere… it's definitely something. Those old hutongs, especially at night, they've got a vibe. I wouldn't call it overtly spooky, more like… a palpable sense of history. Like the stones themselves remember things. Whether that's ghosts or just… strong vibes, I'll let you decide. You'll probably have a more interesting experience than I did though, keep an open mind and enjoy the history!