Recently, a 5 yuan self-service restaurant located in a small alley in Tianqiao District, Jinan, became popular due to a negative review about “less quantity of dishes,” causing many netizens to rally support for it humorously. On May 23, a visit was made to this fast food restaurant.
The small restaurant, which is filled with three customers
Turning from Lishan Road and passing through several winding paths, one enters one of the few remaining urban villages in Jinan—Liuxing, which is just a street away from Daming Lake. The 5 yuan self-service fast food restaurant owned by a young man born in the 90s is located here.
At 4 PM on the 23rd, while preparing for the evening business, the owner was seen busily stir-frying shredded potatoes. The restaurant, about ten square meters in size, has half of its space occupied by the kitchen and the other half by the serving area, with two folding tables filling the entire dining area.
“We focus on takeaways but also offer dining in. The place is a bit small, accommodating three people means it’s fully packed,” he said half-jokingly. He fries 6-8 dishes each night, all common
About: Tianqiao District
Tianqiao District is an area located in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province in China, historically known for its vibrant folk culture and as a hub for traditional performance arts such as acrobatics, storytelling, and opera. Its name, meaning “Sky Bridge,” originates from an ancient bridge in the district. Over the years, Tianqiao has evolved but still retains its cultural heritage, highlighted by various modern developments alongside preservation efforts to maintain its historical significance and to continue celebrating its rich traditions in performing arts.
About: Jinan
Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province in Eastern China, is renowned for its natural springs, with the most famous being Baotu Spring. Historically significant, the city dates back over 4,000 years and served as an important administrative center during the Spring and Autumn period (approximately 771 to 476 BC). Today, Jinan blends its rich heritage with modernity, boasting numerous cultural landmarks, including centuries-old temples and beautiful parks, alongside thriving industries and urban developments.
About: Liuxing
Liuxing, often translated as “shooting stars,” is not a specific place or cultural site but rather a term that might be used in various contexts in Chinese culture. It can refer to the natural phenomenon of meteors streaking across the night sky, which has been observed and revered in Chinese astronomy and folklore for centuries. In historical and cultural contexts, shooting stars have been seen as omens or celestial messages, integrated into the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology and astrology.
About: Daming Lake
Daming Lake, located in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, is a natural lake renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Formed from numerous springs, the lake has been a celebrated spot since ancient times and features prominently in Chinese literature and folklore. Historical sites around the lake, such as pavilions and gardens, date back to various Chinese dynasties, making it not only a natural but also a historical landmark.
