This article details a day trip to Harbin, China, exploring the city's unique food scene and cultural attractions with family.
Introduction
Embark on a culinary and cultural journey to Harbin, China, a city known for its winter Ice and Snow Festival. Discover what Harbin has to offer beyond the winter months, focusing on local cuisine and experiences. The goal is to show the beauty and charm of Harbin with family, beyond what the average tourist would see.
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Exploring Harbin in Spring
Harbin, usually a winter destination, reveals a different side in warmer weather. It's significantly less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the city's culinary delights.
Lunch at a Local Gem
The first stop is a local restaurant specializing in Dongbei cuisine. The restaurant was chosen based on online research, specifically seeking out family-run businesses.
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The restaurant's unassuming exterior is part of its charm.
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It features a small, intimate dining space with a menu of local specialties.
Sampling Dongbei Cuisine
The first dish to arrive is Suan Cai Fen, or sauerkraut noodles.
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Sauerkraut is a staple in Dongbei cuisine due to the region's long, cold winters.
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The noodles are firm and stretchy, creating a comforting dish.
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Chili sauce is added for an extra kick and smokiness.
Next up is Guobaorou, a sweet and sour crispy pork dish and a family favorite.
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It's made fresh, so it typically arrives later in the meal.
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The flavor is balanced, less sweet compared to some other versions.
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The batter is light and crunchy.
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Home-cooked food tastes more special, unlike really big places that are pumping out customers every two minutes
Songhua River
After lunch, the next stop is the Songhua River. Despite being well into April, parts of the river are still frozen, a testament to Harbin's cold climate. In winter, the river transforms into a massive fair with ice activities.
Zhong Yang Da Jie (Russian Street)
Zhong Yang Da Jie, also known as Russian Street, showcases European architecture and stores selling Russian products.
- The street creates a surreal atmosphere, making one feel as though they are in Europe rather than China.
Tanghulu
On Russian street, there is Tanghulu. Tanghulu is a candied fruit snack. Harbin is known for having next-level Tanghulu
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Traditional hawthorn Tanghulu is selected.
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It's tart and sweet, similar to a toffee apple.
Saint Sophia's Church and Princess Photoshoot
A visit to Saint Sophia's Church, a former Russian Orthodox church, is followed by an impromptu photoshoot.
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Inside the church complex is a basement area full of dress-up photography stores.
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Costumes and makeup are provided for a princess-themed photoshoot.
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The experience is a fun and memorable way to capture the spirit of Harbin.
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The photographer has a variety of poses to do, however, they are a bit dramatic.
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The photos are edited with snow effects, making everyone look as though they are glowing.
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The band-aid on her neck was not photoshopped out of the picture
Mala Chuan: A Spicy Finale
The final food stop is Mala Chuan, a communal hotpot with skewers.
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Ingredients are selected and cooked in a spicy broth.
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The spice levels range from mild to extra spicy.
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A sesame-based dipping sauce enhances the flavors.
Spiciness isn't usually something Dongbei is known for, so it is kind of funny that Mala Chuan is so popular in Harbin. What makes this place great is that, unlike other hot pot places where they bring you a new base, the hot pot base is communal. So as more and more people come and more and more ingredients are cooked, it actually gets more and more flavorful throughout the day.
Hua sheng lu, a peanut drink, is recommended to combat the spice.
The skewer cost adds up to a very cheap meal.
Conclusion
The day trip to Harbin is deemed a success, filled with delicious food, cultural exploration, and fun experiences. From the local cuisine to the princess photoshoot, Harbin offers a unique and memorable adventure. The best guo bao rou in the world was had at this restaurant. Next week is off to Beijing, and a challenge awaits.
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