Two special guests have arrived to visit in China! This video shares some favorite Dongbei experiences. Get ready for a taste of Changchun!
The Arrival of Special Guests
My parents are visiting me in China! They haven't been here in eight years, and China has changed so much since their last visit. Their initial shock upon landing in Shenzhen was triggered by the technological advancements, from automated baggage claim screens to ubiquitous phone charging stations. Now, we're far from Shenzhen, deep in Dongbei.
Exploring a Dongbei Morning Market
One of my favorite things to do in Dongbei is to visit the local morning markets. These markets are lively, colorful, and offer a glimpse into everyday life.
Tofu Brains and Youtiao
We started with tofu brains, a local specialty. It is extra-soft tofu served with mushroom gravy, coriander, leek flower (jiucai hua), garlic, and chili oil. Contrary to the name, it does not contain any brains! This is paired with youtiao, a fried dough stick. The Dongbei version of youtiao is massive and airy. The flavor of the tofu brains is enhanced by the jiucai hua, which gives it a chive-like taste.
Breakfast Reactions
My parents thoroughly enjoyed the tofu brains and youtiao. My mom, not usually a tofu fan, loved the texture and warmth of the dish. Breakfast cost a grand total of 75 cents. Gotta love Dongbei prices!
Translator Gadget
My dad bought a translator gadget in Shenzhen. He's determined to make it work, but my accent seems to confuse it. It reinforces the importance of actually learning the language rather than relying on shortcuts. Rosetta Stone is a great tool for learning a language through immersion. It teaches you essential vocabulary and phrases to thrive in a new environment. You can get 60% off the lifetime subscription which gives you access to all the languages Rosetta Stone offers for life.
Shao Kao (Barbecue Skewers)
We then sampled shao kao (barbecue skewers) straight off the grill. They are hot, salty, and delicious. It's the ultimate fast food. The best skewers have a bit of fat for a juicy flavor.
Rou Dan Bao (Meat and Egg Burger)
Next up was rou dan bao (meat and egg burger), an egg hamburger only found in Dongbei markets. It contains an egg, minced meat, and batter, all cooked together. A spicy sauce and shao kao spices are added for extra flavor. It only cost 60 cents! It's a great breakfast option because it's a savory and portable combination of egg and meat.
Relaxation and Pampering
Our market visit ended, but the eating continued!
Massage Cinema
First up was a massage at a massage cinema! This private room allows you to watch a movie while getting a massage. A major perk is the free, all-you-can-eat food. Options included Chongqing noodles, spicy wontons, tangyuan, and sour spicy noodles.
Ginger Massage
We opted for a ginger massage, where layers of sliced ginger are applied to the body. This is believed to dispel cold and dampness in the body according to traditional Chinese medicine. The massage chairs are fully adjustable, with a foot spa and a head hole.
Scalp Massage
After the massage cinema, we went for a scalp massage. This is the ultimate treat-yourself activity! The process involves scalp examination, massaging instruments, shampoos, conditioners, and neck massages. After, we saw the before and after results of the scalp.
Exploring Malls
In the afternoon, we visited some of my favorite malls, including The Hill, which is designed to mimic a city built on a hill. As you go up the steps, you see boutiques and stores and food halls.
Dongbei Style Malatang
For dinner, we went to a local spot for Dongbei style malatang.
What is Malatang?
Malatang is a dish where you select your ingredients, which are then weighed and cooked in a flavorful broth. The key to Dongbei malatang is the generous amount of sesame sauce, which makes the broth thick. This is added at the end after you pick a ratio of sauces and toppings.
The Experience
We chose our ingredients, a mix of vegetables and noodles, and then had them cooked in our preferred broth. The total cost for four bowls of malatang was $9 USD. We then customized our bowls with sauces and spices. A key ingredient for me is the Sichuan peppercorn powder and oil. My dad enjoyed the dish and my mom added more Sichuan peppercorn oil for extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Malatang is the perfect mix of nutty and sour. It combines mouth numbing flavors, spice and an assortment of fresh ingredients. It's a great way to share a bit of my life in Changchun with my parents. The food here is amazing!
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