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Cai Huo Che

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Dongcheng, Andingmen

Hip restaurant and lounge with nice patio area, cheap, flavorful dishes from Southwest China, and occasional film screenings

Modern Chinese

The entertainment and arts development known as 46 Fangjia Hutong has some interesting venues in it, chief among them is Cai Huo Che. The restaurant has a great setup with two distinct sections: an interior bar, restaurant, and lounge area and a lovely enclosed patio section with floor to ceiling windows looking out on a grassy courtyard. The restaurant area has a projector for screening classics of the silver screen and arthouse flicks on Sunday afternoons.

The menu might prove a bit of a challenge for anyone that isn't entirely comfortable reading Chinese characters. Our waiter was able to give us some helpful suggestions, pointing us to the restaurant's specialties that turned out to be pretty much on target. The first dish served was a Qingyan tofu and pepper dish (26RMB) that was well executed with satisfying, light flavors. Next came our plate of fried wild mushrooms (38RMB) that were absolutely fantastic. They had a very firm, chewy texture, a delicious batter, and the accompanying peppers and onions made for an excellent medley of flavors. I was really floored by this dish. Having initially forgotten our order of Southwest mashed potatoes (18RMB), the kitchen made good on our waiter's misstep, quickly whipping up our final dish after a gentle reminder. While I was a bit surprised to see potato chips garnishing our mashed potatoes, there was nothing to be faulted with the rich, creamy taste.

All in all it was an excellent meal and, given the setting and the quality of the dishes, a great value. I'm sure to be back to try more delectable southwestern Chinese cuisine soon. (Aug '09)

Cai Huo Che
Area: Andingmen (Inner N 2nd Ring Rd)
100007 Dongcheng, 46 Fangjia Hutong

Between Andingmen Inner St. & Yonghegong St; south of Guozijian St