Laoduyichu (老都一处)

Laoduyichu (Old Duyichu) is a Dongbei restaurant at 25 Xi 13 dao Street, off Central Street, in Harbin's Daoli District, Heilongjiang province. It is a long-established Harbin brand serving Northeast Chinese staples, with a particular focus on shaomai, the open-topped steamed dumplings, alongside boiled and fried dumplings and stir-fried dishes. The name echoes a well-known old-brand tradition in Chinese dining, and the restaurant is a short walk from the busiest part of Zhongyang Street.

Shaomai is the emblematic item, served hot from the steamer with a savoury meat filling. The menu also offers Dongbei stir-fries, built on pork, potato, cabbage and sauerkraut, and dumplings in several fillings. Dishes are hearty and made for sharing, and the restaurant suits diners who want an unfussy introduction to the food of the Northeast rather than a Russian-style meal.

The dining room is a traditional, plain Chinese restaurant with a practical layout. The atmosphere is casual and family-oriented, with a moderate noise level and steady local trade in addition to tourists. No dress code applies. Beverages are typical Chinese restaurant fare: tea, soft drinks and beer.

Prices are moderate, in the mid-price bracket for the Central Street area. Reservations are generally unnecessary, since the restaurant takes walk-ins, but groups can telephone 0451-84615895 to arrange a table. Opening hours are roughly 10:00 to 21:00 daily, and visitors should confirm by phone, as the hours are not firmly published. Lunch and early dinner are the busiest periods, and during the winter festival season and public holidays, larger parties benefit from calling ahead.