After all the carcinogens I consumed from writing Pit Stops: Beijing’s Best Barbecue, you’d think I’d had my fill. While the weather is hot, I’ll flock with the lot towards open flame grills charring flesh. Chances are, you’re no different.
Just around the corner from Qingdao’s old Catholic church on the hill, locals crowd around a stall waving bills and calling out orders of roast squid, pork belly or lamb on skewers. Behind a roaster, a man wipes sweat of his brow on his sleeve while emptying and refilling sleds with sticks of brochettes. There is no receipt to claim your purchase so keep an eye out for the next batch of ready eats.
Squid on a stick (鱿鱼串; 10RMB) slathered in a spicy cumin sauce cooks quickly, thus best to buy and eat while waiting for the lamb (羊肉串; 3.5RMB) and pork belly (五花肉; 3RMB) to finish. While snacking around town, carry a pack of wet wipes as you’ll find more finger foods than places to wash your hands.
Wáng Jie Shāokǎo 王姐烧烤(劈柴院店) 16 Hebei Lu, Shinan District (0532-85159288). 市南区河北路16号劈柴院内
