李记五香豆沫

Although I just visited Xisi Night Market yesterday, I wandered around and came here during the day. Fortunately, I came here, otherwise I would regret it. How can you not eat "fried dough sticks stuffed with eggs" when you come to Kaifeng? The fried dough sticks are full of eggs🥚, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It tastes like happiness in one bite. Paired with a bowl of spicy soup, it is so addictive! "Bean Mo" Bean Mo was also ordered, but the taste... Foreigners can only say that it is a bit interesting, but they can't get used to it. I don't know what the locals think...

This shop is located on Dingjiao Street. It sells snacks such as bean curd, spicy soup, fried dough sticks, and egg rings. The five-spice bean curd is made from millet noodles mixed with various seasonings, plus tofu shreds, peanuts, spinach, and vermicelli. Finally, it is topped with sesame sauce. It tastes very good.

The quantity here is really good and the price is reasonable. A big and crispy fried dough stick costs only one yuan. It was the first time I had fried dough sticks stuffed with eggs and egg rings. The fried dough sticks were almost cooked, cut in the middle, and the prepared egg liquid was poured in and fried again. The crispy fried dough sticks were mixed with glutinous eggs, which was a unique flavor.

When traveling to Kaifeng, besides visiting Longting Park and Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, sampling authentic Kaifeng snacks is an indispensable experience. And when it comes to the "king" of Kaifeng's breakfast tables, Li Ji's Five-Spice Bean Paste definitely holds a place. It's more than just a bowl of porridge; it's a culinary culture deeply ingrained in the city's character. I. What is Bean Paste? What's its Charm? Those hearing "Bean Paste" for the first time might mistakenly think it's a bean product, but it's not. Bean Paste originated in Anyang, Henan, but it was popularized and developed in Kaifeng. • Essence: It's a savory porridge made primarily with millet flour, along with peanuts, soybeans, vermicelli, sesame seeds, and dried vegetables (sometimes sesame leaves or spinach), simmered with various spices. • Texture: It has a smooth and creamy texture, with the rich aroma of millet, the crunchy fragrance of nuts, and the smooth, chewy texture of vermicelli intertwined, creating a very rich and layered flavor. • Flavor: The core flavor lies in the "five-spice" aroma, a complex fragrance created by blending spices such as Sichuan peppercorns and star anise. It's savory and delicious, warming both the stomach and the heart. • Status: For Kaifeng locals, a bowl of steaming hot doumo (fermented mung bean porridge) paired with a fried dough stick or a plate of pan-fried buns is the perfect ritual to start the day. II. Li Ji Five-Spice Doumo Restaurant Guide There are several "Li Ji" doumo shops in Kaifeng, but the one generally considered the most authentic and oldest by older Kaifeng residents is the original shop near the Drum Tower. • Signature Shop: Li Ji Five-Spice Doumo (Drum Tower Square Branch) • Approximate Address: Near Drum Tower Square, Drum Tower District, Kaifeng City (The exact address may vary, but you can easily find it by asking around at Drum Tower Square). • Opening Hours: Approximately 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Please note that doumo is a typical breakfast item, and it's sold out quickly, so be sure to go early if you want to try it! Environment Tips: As a traditional, long-established restaurant, don't expect too much from the dining environment. The shop is usually small, even somewhat simple, but bustling with people and full of lively atmosphere. This noise and liveliness are precisely part of experiencing Kaifeng's local culture. III. Perfect Ordering Guide At Li Ji, simply ordering a bowl of doumo (fermented mung bean porridge) is "incomplete." The correct way to enjoy it is as follows: 1. Main Dish: Spiced Doumo · Order a bowl of hot doumo. When it arrives at the table, you might see a layer of tempting sesame paste and crushed peanuts floating on top, with an irresistible aroma. Remember to stir it well before drinking. 2. Perfect Partner (Must-Order): · Egg-Stuffed Fried Dough Sticks/Fried Buns: This is the "king of breakfast" in Kaifeng. Freshly fried, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside fried dough sticks or small fried buns are soaked in the doumo. The fried dough sticks absorb the savory broth, becoming soft on the outside and chewy on the inside, with an excellent texture. • Pan-fried Buns: Usually filled with chives and vermicelli or meat, pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Enjoy them with fermented soybean paste for an incredibly satisfying meal. 3. Upgraded Combinations (Optional): • Potstickers: If you still have an appetite, try a couple of freshly cooked potstickers, crispy and fragrant. • Side Dishes: Some restaurants offer free or paid side dishes, such as pickled radish shreds, which can be used to cleanse the palate. Ordering Process Suggestion: After entering the restaurant, find a seat (you may need to wait or share a table during peak hours), then go to the counter to order and pay. Take your receipt to the corresponding window to collect your food. The whole process evokes a nostalgic feeling of an old-fashioned canteen. IV. The Correct Way to Enjoy Fermented Soybean Paste 1. First, savor the original flavor: Take a sip or two of the original fermented soybean paste to experience the rich, natural flavor of millet and spices. 2. Then, "soak": Break fried dough sticks or fried bread into small pieces and soak them in the fermented soybean paste. Soaking time determines texture: Soak briefly for a crispier texture; soak longer for a more succulent, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. 3. Alternate flavors: Enjoy a few sips of the bean curd soup, then a bite of a pan-fried bun or potsticker, allowing different flavors to alternate in your mouth to avoid monotony. V. Helpful Tips (Avoiding Pitfalls) • Time is everything: Go early! If you go late, the bean curd soup might be sold out, or the fried dough sticks might not be crispy anymore. The best experience is in the morning. • Relax: The service is self-service, and the environment is noisy. Don't act like a customer is always right; immerse yourself in the atmosphere as a local diner. • Prepare cash: Although mobile payments are widespread, it's always safer to have some small change on hand. • Pair with drinks: Bean curd soup is a savory porridge. If you prefer something sweet, you can buy a cup of soy milk or milk nearby to go with it. In conclusion A bowl of Li Ji's spiced bean curd soup is more than just a filling breakfast; it's a culinary key to unlocking the flavors of Kaifeng, this ancient capital with a thousand-year history. It embodies the simple and warm-hearted lifestyle of the people of Kaifeng. When you sit in this slightly worn-out little shop, listening to the local Bianliang dialect, and sipping the comforting bean curd soup, you are tasting the most authentic and heartwarming soul of this city. Enjoy your meal in Kaifeng!

Kaifeng In-Depth Travel Guide: Journey Through the Millennia of Song Dynasty Charm, Enjoy the Ancient City Starting from 500 RMB per person Kaifeng, a city steeped in the glorious history of the "Ancient Capital of Eight Dynasties," attracts countless visitors with the bustling splendor of the Qingming Riverside Park, the court judges of Kaifeng Prefecture, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Drum Tower Night Market. Starting from 500 RMB per person, enjoy a 3-day, 2-night trip to deeply experience the Song Dynasty charm of "Dream of the Capital." The following guide includes must-see attractions, authentic cuisine, affordable accommodations, and practical transportation to help you explore the ancient and modern "Bianjing." I. Must-See Attractions: An Immersive Experience of History and Culture 1. Qingming Riverside Park (Tickets Starting from 120 RMB) This 5A-rated scenic spot is a Song Dynasty theme park recreated based on Zhang Zeduan's "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." The park presents over 60 live performances daily, including "Bao Gong Welcoming Guests" and "Yue Fei Challenges the Young Prince of Liang." The "Dream of the Capital of the Great Song Dynasty" water show (from 249 yuan) before closing at 6:00 PM features over 800 actors recreating the glorious era of the Song Dynasty, a truly spectacular visual feast. It's recommended to visit in the morning to avoid peak crowds, and wearing Hanfu (Chinese traditional costume) is especially effective for photo opportunities. 2. Wansuishan Wuxia City (from 97 yuan) This 4A-rated scenic spot is a martial arts theme park based on the novel "Water Margin." Over 30 live martial arts performances are presented daily, including "The Three Attacks on Zhujiazhuang" and "Wu Song Drunkenly Defeats Jiang Menshen." The "City Tower Attack and Defense" performance features authentic artillery special effects, creating a truly thrilling experience. The "Song Dynasty Wuxia Road" within the park offers opportunities for family-friendly experiences, including archery and pot-throwing, a Song Dynasty-era game. 3. Kaifeng Prefecture (from 59 yuan) This 4A-rated scenic spot was the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. Daily at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM, the "Bao Gong Judgment" performance recreates classic scenes such as "The Case of the Chopping of the Beauty" and "The Substitute Prince." Costumes and dialogue are based on Song Dynasty historical materials. Boating is available on Mingjing Lake within the scenic area, and the Qingxin Tower offers panoramic views of the entire Kaifeng complex. 4. Kaifeng Museum (Free) This national first-class museum houses 130,000 artifacts, including the Northern Song Dynasty "Kaifeng Prefecture Inscription" stele and the Ming Dynasty "Jinmingchi Competition Map." The "Northern Song Dynasty Dongjing City" exhibition hall is recommended, featuring a 1:100 scale replica of scenes from the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," including the canal docks and Rainbow Bridge. This is a must-see for history buffs. 5. Daxiangguo Temple (Tickets from 37 RMB) This was an imperial temple during the Northern Song Dynasty, with remaining structures such as the Mountain Gate, Heavenly King Hall, and Main Hall. Daily chanting ceremonies at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 3:00 PM offer a glimpse into Zen. The statue of Lu Zhishen uprooting a weeping willow in the temple recreates a classic scene from "Water Margin." II. Authentic Cuisine: A Taste of Bianjing 1. Breakfast Must-Try (5-15 RMB per person) Zhangji Xiaoyao Spicy Hot and Spicy Soup: Spicy and thick, served with fried dough sticks or egg sachet (crispy on the outside and tender on the inside). 10 RMB per person. Liji Five-Spice Bean Paste: Millet batter with peanuts and shredded tofu, served with fried dough sticks and egg. 9 RMB per person. Zhaojia Famous Four-Flavor Stew: A combination of beef, meatballs, gluten, and dried bean curd sheets, served with a guokui (a flatbread). 19 RMB per person. 2. Classic Henan Cuisine (40-65 RMB per person) Diyilou Soup Dumplings: Thin skin, generous filling, and delicious broth, served with Sanhen Soup (a spicy and sour appetizer). 65 RMB per person. Huang's Traditional Flavor: Sweet and Sour Carp, Crispy on the Outside and Tender on the Inside; Golden and Crispy Pot-Stickered Tofu, 60 RMB per person. Xing's Pot-Stickers: Fresh Pork and Chive Pot-Stickers with Almond Tea, 58 RMB per person. 3. Late-Night Snacks (15-25 RMB per person) Zhouqiao Day and Night Lamb Pan-Fried Buns: Crispy Lamb Pan-Fried Buns with Spicy Lamb Soup, 20 RMB per person. Huasan Donkey Meat Soup: Delicious and Nourishing Donkey Meat Soup with Shredded Pancakes, 35 RMB per person (Can be used as dinner). III. Accommodation Guide: From Budget to Luxury 1. Budget (150-300 RMB/night) Fubai B&B (Wansuishan Branch): Near Wuxia City, offers free parking, is pet-friendly, and offers a family room from 280 RMB/night. Vienna International Hotel (Qingming Riverside Park Branch): European-style, includes a buffet breakfast, and offers a family room from 300 RMB/night. 2. Mid- to High-End (400-800 RMB/night) Kaifeng Qingming Riverside Atour Hotel: Wooden building, landscaped restaurant with garden views, family rooms 680 RMB/night. Kaifeng New Century Grand Hotel: Lakeside garden hotel with pool and kids' club, deluxe rooms 780 RMB/night. IV. Itinerary Suggestions Three-Day Highlights Tour Day 1: Song Dynasty Cultural Tour Morning: Kaifeng Museum (free), visit the Northern Song Dynasty exhibition hall. Afternoon: Qingming Riverside Atour (120 RMB), watch "Bao Gong Welcoming Guests" and "Yue Fei Challenges the Young Prince of Liang." Evening: Perform "Dream of the Capital of the Great Song Dynasty" in the park (249 RMB), or visit the Drum Tower Night Market for snacks. Day 2: Martial Arts and History Tour Morning: Wansui Mountain Martial Arts City (97 RMB), watch "Three Strikes on Zhujiazhuang" and "Wu Song's Drunken Fight with Jiang Menshen." Afternoon: Kaifeng Mansion (59 RMB), watch "Bao Gong's Judgment." Evening: Experience late-night snack culture with mutton fried buns (20 yuan) at Zhouqiao Day and Night. Day 3: Zen and Market Journey Morning: Daxiangguo Temple (37 yuan) and participate in a chanting ceremony. Afternoon: Kaifeng City Wall (36.9 yuan) for a bike or walking tour. Evening: Huasan Donkey Meat Soup (35 yuan), concluding the tour. V. Practical Information Transportation: Airport to City: Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport shuttle bus 50 yuan/person (2 hours), taxi approximately 200 yuan (1.5 hours). Intra-city transportation: Bus 1-2 yuan, taxi 7 yuan starting price (1.6 yuan/km). Direct bus to the scenic area: Free shuttle bus available from Qingming Shanghe Park to Wansuishan Wuxia City. Best season: April-May (Qingming Cultural Festival), September-October (Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival). Avoidance Tips: Be cautious of promotions such as "free flowers" around scenic areas. For spicy hot soup, choose an established local favorite to avoid the high prices at scenic spots. For cycling along the Kaifeng City Wall, cycle counterclockwise to avoid the uphill sections. Kaifeng's charm lies in the bustling urban life of the Qingming Riverside Park, the heroic spirit of Wansui Mountain, and the exquisite flavors of the Drum Tower Night Market. Starting at 500 yuan per person, for a three-day, two-night tour, journey through the millennia-old charm of the Song Dynasty and experience the splendor of Bianjing, the unparalleled splendor of the world!