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A little preparation. A much better adventure.Independent travel advice · Made for China
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A taste of Harbin

Lao Du Yi Chu

老都一处

A dumpling house trading since 1923 on Zhongguo Shisandao Street, a short walk off Central Avenue, and the better of the two famous Harbin dumpling institutions if you want something closer to a neighbourhood restaurant than a chain. Dumplings here are the northeastern kind: thick-skinned, boiled, eaten with vinegar and raw garlic.

¥50–70 per person≈ US$7.45Daoli District, Zhongguo Shisandao Street (中国十三道街) 54
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Why come here

A place worth making time for

A recognised Harbin time-honoured dumpling house dating from 1923; no graded award.

The house favourites

What to order

Point at the Chinese. Staff will understand it even where the menu has no English at all.

  • Pork and cabbage boiled dumplings (猪肉白菜水饺)
  • Three-delicacy dumplings (三鲜饺子)
  • Guobaorou (锅包肉)
  • Cold shredded potato with vinegar (醋拌土豆丝)

What it actually tastes like

Raw garlic cloves are put on the table and are genuinely meant to be eaten between dumplings. The dipping vinegar is sharp and unsweetened.

Allergens in this kitchen

gluten/wheatsoyeggshellfish

This is the kitchen, not one dish. Woks, fryers, blanching water and utensils are shared in almost every Chinese restaurant, so for a serious allergy treat the whole premises as the unit rather than ordering around it.

Get to know the menu

Local specialities to try here

Sweet and Sour Battered Pork 锅包肉Crisp, golden and tender inside, with a bright sweet-sour glaze — think a far better version of sweet and sour pork, less gloopy and more acidic.