Auckland’s Must-Try Xi’an Cuisine: Regret Missing Out, Savor Every Bite! 🥹
I can’t believe I didn’t come here sooner for a meal!
No exaggeration, as a northerner, I find the food absolutely delightful [CuteR]
[Restaurant ExplorationR]: Thirteen Dynasties Shi San Chao
📍: Unit 10/8 Oracle Drive, Albany
[StarR][StarR][StarR] Four Small Bowls🥣
The steamed meat with rice flour is the star of the show! Even if you skip the four small bowls, make sure to try the steamed meat with rice flour on its own! The rice flour soaks up the meat’s fat, making it silky and slightly spicy 🌶️. Braised pork has always been a favorite of mine!
The meat is tender yet chewy, with a rich, savory sauce that lingers on your palate. The eight treasure rice is sweet and perfectly balances out the saltiness. Don’t be fooled by the size; these small bowls are deceptively deep! Just the braised pork alone is enough to fill 3-4 lotus leaf buns [CuteR]
[StarR][StarR][StarR] Old Shaanxi Hand-held Lamb 🐏
The meat is incredibly fresh and tender, with no gamey flavor at all! Even the fatty parts are not greasy, making it a delight to savor. Dipping it in the dry seasoning takes the taste to another level. If you’re a fan of hot and steaming lamb, this is a must-try!
[StarR][StarR][StarR] Rou Jia Mo 🥙—Fatty and Lean Version
Despite its palm-sized appearance for $6, it’s packed full of meat. I first tried the lean version, which, while good, didn’t quite match the deliciousness of the fatty and lean mix. After all, a bit of fat makes the meat more flavorful! If you can handle some heat, adding a dash of chili oil makes it absolutely perfect 👍
[StarR][StarR][StarR] Raw Pickled Milk Cabbage 🥬
This dish retains the crispness and natural sweetness of the cabbage, with leaves that look fresh and vibrant. Dressed with white vinegar, it has a tangy, refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of the other dishes, making it a light and non-greasy option!
Before visiting, I was a bit apprehensive because many people said this place is pricey. Is the North Shore too competitive? But friends from the central area who came over found it reasonable. My friend and I each spent about $50, enjoyed a hearty meal, and even had leftovers to take home. With a larger group, the cost per person would be even more affordable, right?
It feels like the price of a few main dishes at any restaurant nowadays. The portions are generous, and the ingredients are top-notch. Many items are made in-house, like the bread for the rou jia mo and the chili oil on the table.
However, they also offer more budget-friendly options, such as zha jiang mian and lamb soup, where you can get a satisfying meal for under $20 [ObservingR][Sideways GlanceR].
It really depends on your choice!
