Eating My Way Through China No. 7 // Fodder Factory
Our favorite place in Caochangdi [and Beijing] is easily Fodder Factory. Started by Jason Zhao, a friend of BASE and all around nice guy, the cuisine is traditional Chinese, taken mostly from Jason’s family recipes. Jason has made efforts to add Western touches to the restaurant, including a few fusion dishes, Erdinger Beer, Iced Coffee, trendy décor, and a menu for each patron—a rarity in China. This attracts a packed house of international guests every evening. While upscale for CCD, a meal is still extremely affordable, and you can eat very well for 40 kuai [$6.5]. After going to FF on one of the first nights here, we made a commitment to make sure to come back at least once a week. We have kept to this goal and in the process have managed to eat through much of the menu. Some of my favorite dishes are:
Cucumbers in Special House Sauce [Soy/Spice Mix]
1/2 Fish [Carp] in Chili Sauce
Fried Pork with Carrots / Celery + Sichuan Peppercorns [which make your mouth tingle]
Fried Beef with Peppers / Onions / Carrots in Black Pepper Sauce
Eggplant with Potatoes / Peppers in Brown Sauce
Eggplant with Minced Chicken in Brown Sauce
Curry Chicken [a Chinese version of the Indian Classic]
Lemon Chicken – Tempura Fried Chicken with Lemon Sauce]
and always good drinks… Erdinger White Beer
