With no sign but two red lanterns hung on a red door indicating the entrance, it's not easy to locate this cool courtyard fried chicken wing eatery if you're a new comer. Specialties at Chiku Kaoshuanfang are fried chicken wings (RMB 3 per shashlik of two middle wings) of various flavors, such as original flavor, delicately hot, sided hot, double-sided hot and super hot. Diners always have to wait for at least a half hour for their wings, but it's worthwhile. Marinated in special sauce for hours before cooking, every bite has the sweet of honey followed by the spicy kick of Chinese red pepper. As one diner eloquently wrote in a note he left on the table "If you lover her, bring her to try the original flavor. If you hate her, bring her for the double hot!"

The original and delicate hot flavors are nice, yet the sided hot is strong enough to numb your tongue. A friendly warning comes from the wait staff; For diners used to ordinary chilli, leave the super hot alone. The fried buns are also delicious and are served much faster than the chicken wings. Cost per person averages RMB 30-40. Reservations are necessary two weeks in advance.

Location: No. 15, Zhongsheng Hutong, Xidan (next to Aviation Mansion), Xicheng District

Chaozhou Niurouwan Huoguo (Chaozhou Beef Meatball Hotpot)

Stepping into this restaurant reconstructed from a dining hall, diners' noses are greeted with a mellow freshness different from the spiciness of Sichaun or the strong herbal medicine smell of nourishing medicinal hot-pots. Here, one pot of broth is enough for two, including a plate of beef meatballs (RMB 15).. A plate of fried fuzhu (dried beancurd sticks) works well as a side dish.

Location: No. 11, Nongzhanguan Nanli (100 meters east of Changhongqiao), Chaoyang District

Tel: 010-64191567