Breakfast chain serving hulatang, a peppery, thickened soup with beef or lamb, kelp and wheat gluten, eaten with fried dough sticks (youtiao) or pan-fried buns (shengjianbao). Open early.
Fang Zhongshan Hulatang (方中山胡辣汤) is a breakfast chain in Zhengzhou built around hulatang, the peppery, thickened soup that is one of Henan's best-loved morning dishes. The soup is made with beef or lamb, kelp and wheat gluten in a broth thickened and seasoned with black pepper and spices, and it is eaten with fried dough sticks (youtiao) or pan-fried buns (shengjianbao). The result is a hot, savoury, mildly spicy start to the day that locals treat as a daily ritual.
The signature order is a bowl of hulatang (胡辣汤), priced at about ¥8 to ¥14. Customers usually add a side of pan-fried buns (生煎包), four pieces for roughly ¥8 to ¥12, or a fried dough stick to dunk in the soup. The pepper heat builds gradually, so the dish is warming rather than fiery, and many diners add extra chilli or vinegar at the table. Because the soup is thick and rich, a bowl with two sides forms a substantial breakfast for less than ¥25.
The venue is a quick breakfast counter. Diners order, pay, collect and sit at simple tables, and turnover is rapid. The atmosphere is practical and busy in the morning, with no dress code and moderate noise. There is no beverage programme beyond soy milk, tea and soft drinks, which suit the meal well. The focus is speed and consistency rather than ambience.
No reservation is needed. The shop is walk-in only. Opening hours are approximately 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM daily, although some branches stay open into the late afternoon, so visitors who want the freshest bowl should arrive early. The business is a chain rather than a single location, so the practical way to find a branch is to search 方中山胡辣汤 in Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图). For visitors staying in Zhengzhou, it offers an inexpensive, authentic first meal of the day and a good introduction to Henan's savoury breakfast culture. Payment is normally by Alipay or WeChat Pay.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 6:00 AM-10:30 AM (some branches to late afternoon) |
| Reservations | Walk-ins only; no reservation needed. Find the branch by typing the Chinese name into Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps (百度地图). |
| Address | Zhengzhou, Henan (search 方中山胡辣汤 in Amap for the nearest branch) |
Signature dishes
- Hulatang (胡辣汤) — ¥8-14 (~$1.2-2.1)
- Pan-fried buns (生煎包), 4 pcs — ¥8-12 (~$1.2-1.8)
Good to know
- Known for
- Peppery breakfast hulatang
Location
Zhengzhou, Henan (search 方中山胡辣汤 in Amap for the nearest branch)
34.7520, 113.6640 View on map
Highlights
- Peppery hulatang with beef or lamb, kelp and wheat gluten
- Pan-fried buns and fried dough sticks as classic sides
- Bowls priced from about ¥8
- Open from around 6:00 AM for an early start
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9:00 AM; many branches wind down by mid-morning.
- Dunk fried dough sticks into the soup as locals do.
- Add vinegar or chilli at the table to adjust the heat.
- Order pan-fried buns as a side; four pieces cost about ¥8-12.
- Search 方中山胡辣汤 in Amap to find the nearest branch.
When to visit
Early morning between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM gives the freshest soup; the shop is quieter after 9:30 AM but may have run low.
Accessibility
Quick-service breakfast counter with simple tables. Wheelchair access is not confirmed and depends on the branch.
Frequently asked questions
What is hulatang?
Hulatang is a thick, peppery Henan soup made with beef or lamb, kelp and wheat gluten. It is a traditional breakfast dish.
How much does breakfast cost?
A bowl costs about ¥8-14, and pan-fried buns add roughly ¥8-12.
Is it open all day?
Most branches serve mainly in the morning, from about 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM, though some stay open to late afternoon.
Do visitors need a reservation?
No. It is a walk-in counter.