Craving authentic Chinese food near Weihai's Huoge 8th Street? Discover a local favorite serving up delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes like giant seafood dumplings and refreshing cold noodles. A perfect post-photo op meal!
은수수 | eunsusu
5 min read
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Hey there, fellow travelers!
After a fun photo session at Weihai's vibrant Huoge 8th Street, my stomach started rumbling. Luckily, I stumbled upon a fantastic local eatery nearby. I'm excited to share my quick review of this hidden gem with you!
If you're exploring the scenic photo spots around Huoge 8th Street and International Beach and looking for a delicious, authentic meal, this spot is definitely worth considering.
The restaurant is called Zanma Jia Haicai Baozi (咱妈家海菜包子, 火炬八街中心店). It's conveniently located right off the main road of Huoge 8th Street, making it super easy to walk to after you've finished snapping photos.
When I visited, I was seated immediately. The vibe is distinctly local, and while the seating area is quite small and cozy, it adds to the authentic experience. You can even catch glimpses of staff making fresh dumplings in the back!
Large photos of their signature dishes adorn the walls, which made ordering a breeze. I've highlighted the dishes I ordered for you!
2. The Menu & How to Order
The menu offers a variety of dumplings, including Haicaipaozi (seaweed), Haixianpaozi (seafood), Sujinpaozi (vegetarian), and Roubaozi (meat). They're typically sold by the plate (6 pieces) and range from 26 to 29 Chinese Yuan (CNY). They also have a 'Quanjiafu Baozi' (全家福包子), a set of 6 dumplings with different flavors, for 29 CNY. This is a great option if you want to sample a bit of everything!
I opted for the legendary 'Baxian Guo Hai Baozi' (八仙过海包子), a giant dumpling, for 48 CNY, along with 'Bayu Huntun' (鲅鱼馄饨), mackerel wontons, for 22 CNY, and a bowl of 'Naengmyeon' (冷面), cold noodles, for 25 CNY. To quench my thirst, I also grabbed a Maidong (脉动) sports drink for 7 CNY.
3. My Take on the Cold Noodles (冷面)
The Naengmyeon arrived with a deliciously tangy broth and a hint of spice from the kimchi. It's quite similar to Korean mul-naengmyeon, so it felt familiar and comforting. The umami flavor was exceptional, even better than some cold noodles I've had at Korean restaurants, and the noodles themselves were perfectly springy, not tough at all.
While the sweet and sour balance was spot on, I did find myself wishing for a colder temperature. If you're looking for an icy-cold dish on a hot day, keep this in mind when ordering.
4. Diving into the Mackerel Wontons (鲅鱼馄饨)
The Bayu Huntun features mackerel-filled wontons in a soup that reminded me a bit of a light udon broth. The dumpling filling was incredibly moist with a subtle hint of spice, and I was pleasantly surprised that there was no fishy taste whatsoever.
These wontons are perfectly sized for slurping down, making them a satisfying and easy meal. The broth had a savory, almost anchovy-like base with a seasoning that brought out the seafood flavors without being overpowering. Even if you're usually wary of seafood, I think you'll enjoy these without any hesitation.
5. The Legendary Giant Dumpling (八仙过海)
The Baxian Guo Hai, literally "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea," is truly a legendary dish. It's a massive dumpling packed with an array of fresh seafood, including abalone, shrimp, sea urchin roe, and sea cucumber.
Can you imagine the size? To give you a reference, I placed a 20-fluid ounce (600ml) drink next to it, and the dumpling still looked enormous!
It's less like a traditional dumpling and more like a savory pie you scoop out. The flavor was surprisingly reminiscent of a rich, savory seafood sauce, almost like a water jajangmyeon without the black bean paste. The filling was perfectly cooked and juicy, with each piece of seafood offering a delightful chewiness. It was incredibly satisfying to take a big bite!
There were no overwhelming spices, making it a universally appealing dish. If you're a seafood lover, this giant dumpling alone makes this restaurant a must-visit and will leave you thoroughly satisfied.
6. Final Bill & Overall Verdict
Our total bill came to 102 Chinese Yuan (CNY) for the Baxian Guo Hai (48 CNY), Bayu Huntun (22 CNY), Naengmyeon (25 CNY), and the Maidong drink (7 CNY). The portions were perfectly adequate for two people. I definitely consider this a fantastic find!
I highly recommend this spot if you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal right after exploring Huoge 8th Street and International Beach. We were seated without any wait, which made planning our itinerary super easy, and both the cold noodles and the giant dumpling were delightful.
Just remember that the cold noodles aren't served icy, so manage your expectations if you're seeking a super chilled dish. For those who love hearty seafood dumplings, this place is an absolute winner!
How can I get to 'Zhanmajia Haicai Baozi' near Huage 8th Street in Weihai?
'Zhanmajia Haicai Baozi' is located right next to the main road of Huage 8th Street. It's within easy walking distance, making it a good place to visit after taking photos at Huage 8th Street.
Is there a menu at 'Zhanmajia Haicai Baozi' where I can try various dumpling flavors at once?
Yes, there is the 'Quanjiafu Baozi (全家福包子)' set, where you can enjoy 6 different flavors of dumplings for 29 yuan. Additionally, individual dumplings like Haicai Baozi and Haixian Baozi are priced at 26-29 yuan per plate (6 pieces).
What ingredients are used in 'Zhanmajia Haicai Baozi's 'Baxian Guohai (八仙过海)' giant dumpling, and what does it taste like?
The 'Baxian Guohai' giant dumpling contains various seafood ingredients such as abalone, shrimp, sea urchin roe, and sea cucumber. Surprisingly, its taste is similar to mul-jjajang (a Korean-style stir-fried noodle dish with a watery black bean sauce), and since no specific spices are added, it can be enjoyed by everyone without strong preferences.
What are the characteristics of 'Zhanmajia Haicai Baozi's Naengmyeon (cold noodles) compared to Korean Naengmyeon?
The Naengmyeon at this restaurant has a sour broth and a spicy kick from kimchi, making it similar in style to Korean Mul Naengmyeon (cold noodle soup). However, it is said to lack a refreshing coolness, so it's good to keep this in mind if you're looking for something to cool you down on a hot day.
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