益禾堂(人民中路店)

This old shop, tucked away in an alley, serves tofu pudding with a warm, fragrant soybean aroma. A bowl costs 15 yuan; the pudding trembles at the slightest touch of a spoon, and each bite is like sipping a cloud. What touched me most was watching the auntie sit on a bamboo stool making taro dumplings. Her fingers deftly moved, the glutinous rice skin glistening, encasing chilled mung bean paste filling. The moment I bit into one, the cool sweetness and the gentle texture of the glutinous rice melted on my tongue, bringing a sense of tranquility.

This shop has a thoughtfully designed, semi-open layout. The large wooden table with the greenery behind it makes for particularly beautiful photos; it has a touch of old-fashioned teahouse charm, yet it's very tranquil. If you want to take pictures, I recommend choosing a spot by the window for better lighting.

This restaurant is a real gem! For less than 100 yuan per person, you can enjoy such meticulously prepared dishes. I especially loved the slow-cooked beef short ribs; the meat was tender and flavorful, and the sauce had a subtle red wine aroma. It was absolutely delicious with a small bowl of rice. The window seats offered a view of the rooftops of the old town, and the light was particularly gentle in the evening, making me feel completely relaxed.