Wanghai Seafood Snack Booth (望海海鲜小吃档)

Wanghai Seafood Snack Booth (望海海鲜小吃档) is a casual seafood snack stall at 235 Xigang Road in Haigang District, Qinhuangdao, near the port area of the Hebei coast. Qinhuangdao is a port city on the Bohai Sea, and its harbour district has long supplied cheap seafood to workers and locals. The stall is nautical in theme and is popular for inexpensive grilled and fried seafood bites rather than a formal sit-down meal. The signature dishes are grilled squid skewers (烤鱿鱼串), at about 15 to 25 yuan, cooked over heat and brushed with a savoury or spicy seasoning, and fried small fish (炸小鱼), at about 20 to 35 yuan, which are eaten whole, bones included, as a crunchy snack. The food is quick to prepare and suits visitors who want a taste of the local catch without a long restaurant meal. The setting is informal, with simple tables or counter space, a lively and somewhat noisy atmosphere, and a casual dress code; it appeals to those wandering the harbour area in the afternoon or early evening. The beverage side is basic, usually beer, soft drinks and tea. The stall is open from about 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Reservations are not taken and are not needed, since the stall operates on a walk-in basis and food is cooked to order within minutes. Prices are low, so a few skewers and a plate of fried fish cost a few US dollars. Visitors can use the stall as a casual evening stop after exploring the port area, or as a lighter alternative to the more expensive seafood restaurants at Beidaihe.