Can This Sanlitun Shop Revolutionize the Humble Roujiamo?
“What’s next? Foie gras jianbing? Sous-vide stinky tofu?” These are the questions I ask myself after stumbling into Xibei Super Chinese Hamburger, a new Gongti establishment specializing in fancy takes on the once dirt cheap way-of-Shaanxi roujiamo.
Xibei Super Chinese Hamburger is unabashed in its pimping of the beloved street snack by swapping in conventional stewed pork with some more offbeat fillings. Among the highlights: the RMB 25 "super stir-fried pepper chicken" roujiamo (as opposed to regular stir-fried, I guess), as well as the equally eye-catching spicy veal (RMB 32); egg, tomato, and bacon (RMB 16); lamb (RMB 33); and Xi'an cured meat (RMB 26) options.
Behold, the fast foodification of the roujiamo
It’s the latest in a string of corporate newbies attempting to put a new spin on traditional foods. Other recent examples include the snazzy donkey bao Xiexie Tea café in the basement of Taikoo Li and the since-closed Bite By Callus sweet potato pop-up on what was formerly Dirty Bar Street. Culinary gentrification? Big time. But luckily this new fast food roujiamo spot is superior to its hautier donkey sandwich and sweet potato-slinging counterparts.
The spicy veal roujiamo hit the spot with its fresh and chunks of juicy meat and a sprinkling of mild peppers. Better still, the bread was delightfully firm and all went towards helping justify the need for a sandwich two and a half times the price of the real deal.
The restaurant is just around the corner from Gung Ho in Sanlitun
Overall Xibei Super's take on the classic is tasty, reasonably portioned, and decently priced. The convenient location and speediness of the service don't hurt either, and while we miss our favorite bricked-up mom and pop operations that served homier renditions of roujiamo, it's tough to hold that against Xibei Super Chinese Hamburger. If you’re going to put new twists on old Chinese favorites, this is the way to do it.
Daily 10.30am-9.30pm
4 China Red Street, Workers' Stadium East Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体东路中国红街4号（6号线东大桥A口出）
137 1896 5251
Photos: Kyle Mullin
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