Qingong Li Family Meatballs (Xiangyu Avenue)

Qingong Li Family Meatballs is a snack shop near No. 638 Xiangyu Avenue in the Huai'an District of Huai'an, Jiangsu province, China. The shop is dedicated to the Qingong meatball (Qingong rou yuan), a snack that has been recognised as provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in Jiangsu and is regarded as one of the characteristic street foods of Huai'an. The meatball is typically a large, round dumpling-like ball made with minced pork and other ingredients, steamed or fried and served hot, and it differs in size and texture from the lion's-head meatballs of other Jiangsu cities. As a heritage snack, it is tied closely to the old Huai'an city and is often sought out by visitors who want a local specialty rather than a sit-down meal. The shop is a cheap stop near Hexia Ancient Town, a short distance along Xiangyu Avenue, so it can easily be combined with a walk through the ancient town's lanes and the Wenlou restaurant for a fuller picture of local food. The atmosphere is informal, with quick service and little seating; noise is low to moderate and dress is casual. Listed opening hours are 10:30 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 21:00, with a break in the afternoon, so visitors should plan around the closed period between 14:00 and 16:30. No reservation line is published and reservations are not customary; guests walk in, and those who want to check queues can search the Chinese name, 钦工李家肉圆, in the Dianping or Meituan apps. Drinks are limited to bottled soft drinks or water. Prices are low, in the range of a few yuan per meatball, and a portion makes a light snack or small meal.