Laorenyi Restaurant

Harbin's famous Muslim halal restaurant, Laorenyi, has a history of nearly 100 years. Famous for its popular beef dumplings, the small shop of just 230 square meters averages daily production of more than 300 drawers (over 50 kilograms) of dumplings, yet that still doesn’t meet demand. Laorenyi was founded in Hebei province in 1912 by Tong Yuxin, a Hui man. Current shopkeeper, Zhang Mantang, began as a store worker nearly 30 years ago and now carries on the restaurant’s fine traditions. After restructuring the business in 2003, Zhang led the restaurant through a period of rejuvenation. Today, Lao Renyi still serves traditional beef dumplings, fried beef belly, jiang niuwogu (cow knee with soy sauce), flavored lamb chops and house-made lamb spine hot pot as specialty dishes, just some of the more than 130 dishes available in eight distinct categories.

Address: No 243 Taikoo Street, Daowai district

Opening hours: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Cost per person: $6.30

Tel: 0451-88977949

Parking lot: Yes

Last century’s Western-style architecture and a traditional Chinese-style sign show the integration of Chinese and Western influences.

Lao Renyi Restaurant’s featured specialty dish, jiang niuwogu (cow knee with soy sauce).