Beijing: Sanyuanli Market (三源里市场)
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This excellent market is where many western restaurants and international grocery stores buy wholesale; it is also a dear friend to many amateur chefs. Many of the items available at Sanyuanli are difficult to find elsewhere in Beijing. There are exotic fruits and vegetables like mangoes, star fruit, lemongrass, brussel sprouts and porcini; fresh seafood; cheeses; fresh herbs and imported condiments like herbs, thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley and fish sauce; frozen goods like burritos, pies and berries; and dry goods like coffee, beans, spices and pasta, bulk chocolate. The prices can be very wholesale-like, but these vendors know they are popular with foreigners and quote their prices accordingly. A half kilo of mint only costs RMB 7, and RMB 30 can get you a good-sized bag of basil. Daily 5am-7pmhttp://www.thebeijinger.com/directory/Sanyuanli-Market
You House: Too Tiny
One might find it hard to visit this mini sushi bar after it actually opens (which is in most cases after 5pm—no matter what opening hours are listed on the door) and before its seating capacity—10 people—is filled. You House only has three tables, a waiter who doubles as the chef, and a blackboard-only menu.
Regardless of its humble size, this Japanese eatery is decorated with taste, with a display resembling a tiny Japanese garden in the front window, and soothing music in the background. Plates and bowls are made from beautifully decorated porcelain, and pretty ceramic fish hang on the walls.
The miso soup (¥10) was a little bland. We preferred the complimentary octopus appetizer (tako wasabi), which had a very distinctive flavor and pleasant texture. The salmon sushi (¥20)—two pieces of salmon with rice and plenty of ginger and wasabi—was nice but not outstanding. We liked the shrimp tempura (¥20 for one piece). It comes with plenty of mayo, the flavor of which mixes surprisingly well with the rest of the ingredients.
Sushi rolls range in price from ¥20-60 and comprise most of the menu. The specialty You House roll(¥55) wraps up crab meat, salmon, shredded cucumber, fried eel and sweet sauce together. Though a bit salty, it’srich in flavor and was the highlight of the meal.
You House has no drinks menu, but they serve sake (¥60 for a small carafe), and a range of soft drinks. The service is friendly, but mediocre. Given the ambiguous opening hours and almost instant lack of space, we’re not likely to go back to You House anytime soon.
Our rating: 2.5/5 stars
DETAILS
What: You House
Where: 27 Wudaoying Hutong, 五道营胡同27号
Tel: 156-0138-3087
Chinese Food
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